His hand cupped my cheek. “Yes, I know.”
“Does it bother you that I’m…”
“Vocal, passionate, uninhibited?” His eyes twinkled as he teased me.
“I was just going to say loud.”
“I don’t think I could explain how much I enjoy the sounds you make.”
“That’s a relief. I don’t think I could restrain myself.”
“I’d never want you to.” His arms were tight around me and he sighed. I closed my eyes, enjoying the soothing strokes up and down my back, his heartbeat against my cheek. If I stayed this way much longer, I’d fall back to sleep. It wasn’t a bad idea, since we’d spent the night talking. But I felt that each minute I had with him was something to cherish. I could sleep later.
He was humming softly. I recognized the song he’d played that first night, on the beach in California. “I like this song,” I murmured.
“It’s one of my favorites.”
I looked up at him. “If I stay here I’ll go back to sleep.”
“Is that a bad thing?” His crooked smile threatened my barely restored heart rate. “There’s no place I’d rather be.”
“You mean we could stay in bed all day?” My smile echoed his.
“Yes. I suppose we could have another bath if you like?” He laughed softly. “Find some food?”
“Can we sleep first?”
He nodded. “Thank you for sharing your bed with me,” he whispered in my ear.
“I like sharing my bed with you.” I slipped down, burrowing under the duvet with a sigh. He burrowed down beside me, throwing an arm over my side. I wriggled back, pressing against him. “You can come a little closer if you want.”
He slid up behind me, molding against my back and sliding his arms around me. “Much better,” he whispered against my neck.
***
We made it into Stratford that evening, starving. It was a brisk walk into the village, the chill in the air keeping us moving swiftly. We talked the whole time, laughing at each other’s stories and holding hands.
The White Stag was a grand old-world pub. It, like most of the buildings on the village square, was done in the Tudor style with white walls and dark wood bracing. All in all, I was in awe of how enchanting Stratford was, but I was too hungry to explore now.
The White Stag’s menu was posted in front. Fish and chips, their specialty, sounded divine so we pushed the door open and stepped inside. I felt a moment’s concern over Josh being recognized, but no one looked up as we came in. It was crowded enough to make blending in a possibility. I hoped so. I was enjoying being completely caught up in each other for the time being.
I stood, holding his hand, as we surveyed the crowded pub. He pointed. “Come on, then. There’s a table in the back.”
We moved quickly, making our way to the table. “It’s really crowded.”
“Saturday afternoon,” Josh said in explanation. “Lots of tourists and families having an evening out.”
“So it’s not that the food is fantastic?” I asked. “Not that it matters if the food’s fantastic or not. I’m starving.”
He smiled a self-satisfied smile. “You should be. I am as well.” He touched my cheek. “Shall I order dinner?”
I nodded. “Oh, yes, please.”
A cheer went up from the bar. The rather rambunctious group sang something loudly before cheering again. I laughed.
“Rugby. Want a pint?” He raised his voice to be heard over the noise.
“Sure.”