by Melissa Haag
* * * *
My patience paid off when the snow started to fall the week before Thanksgiving. The wind howled, and despite having the heat on, it was still chilly inside.
I lay at the end of the bed in my usual spot. Gabby had just crawled under the covers. Even with her feet under me, she shivered. I didn't see how. She wore two or three layers.
"Screw this," she said, sitting up. Then, she pulled off her sweatshirt and tossed it toward the closet.
I lifted my head, watching her and wondering what she was up to. She lay back down but started wriggling under the covers. A minute later, her sleep pants sailed across the room.
"Clay, will you keep me warm tonight?"
What? Hell, yes!
I shifted as I jumped off the bed and grabbed a pair of shorts to yank on. A second later, I pulled back the covers and slid in next to her where I belonged. Hopefully she couldn't see my toothy grin in the dark. I just couldn't help it. She wasn't sick and she wanted me in bed with her. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close. She snuggled in. I grunted when the ice cube she called a nose pressed against my bare chest, but I didn't let go.
"No more fur at night. Deal?"
My heart felt like it had exploded in my chest. She was telling me I should sleep with her every night. As a man. Sure, I knew she only wanted me for my body heat. But I didn't care. She could have me in whatever way she wanted me.
She fell asleep quickly while I stayed up most the night enjoying the feel of her wrapped around me. It was different from when I'd slept next to her when she was sick. Her hands moved often, finding a new spot on my chest or waist to warm themselves. I didn't want to miss a moment of it.
When her cell rang early, I wanted to groan. It was Sunday, the day Gabby usually slept in. Bonus snuggle time. Hiding my disappointment, I quickly reached over her, grabbed the phone, and handed it to her.
She glanced at the display and frowned.
"Hello?" she said.
"Gabby, I found her, but..."
"Luke?"
I scowled. Why was he calling her?
"Yes. I understand you think she's important, but she's not even eighteen. How am I supposed to get her to come with me?"
Gabby pulled away from me and sat up. I grunted, annoyed with Luke.
"I can't believe you actually found her. I need to talk to her. If she's like me, which I think she is, you had better bring her to the Compound. I hate to admit it, but the Elders need to know."
"Fine. You better be there when we get there," he said, sounding annoyed.
Good. At least I wasn't the only annoyed one. He'd ruined what could have been the best morning of my life. I refrained from sighing as Gabby got out of bed. At least there was tonight.