Fat Cat Liar

“I thought it was a dream, you sleeping beside me, feeling you in my arms again. When I woke up to go running, the bed was empty but my mind couldn’t let it go. Then I saw the strands of hair on the pillow and smelled the faint scent of your shampoo. It wasn’t a dream, was it?”

I shake my head, slightly embarrassed. “I came to tell you goodnight, make sure you were okay. Your computer had slid off your lap, and your glasses were still on. It didn’t look comfortable, so I tried to tuck you in. Somehow, we ended up tangled together until I woke up and went back to my own bed.”

“Next time, you should wake me so I can enjoy the full experience.”

Another memory slams into my chest. The first night he slept in my bed and I woke up angry that I’d missed it.

“Thank you for taking care of me,” he says softly, kissing the tip of my nose again.

I cuddle into him, laying my head on his bicep and running my hand along his jawline. We stay like this for a few minutes until I remember what I came to ask.

“Do you have plans today?”

“I was going to run a few errands.”

“What kind of errands?”

He doesn’t answer, instead grinning in a way that answers my question.

“You don’t need to keep showering me with gifts, Lawson. It’s unnecessary.”

His grin grows wider.

“Really, you don’t.”

“Mmmhmm…”

“Lawson!”

“Do you want to go into town with me?”

Yes! I want to scream but know it’s not possible. “Actually, I came to ask you a favor. A huge favor. The kind of favor that could end up in disaster, but hopefully won’t.”

His eyes grow alert and his jaw tenses under my palm.

“We need you. The Nerd Herd has hit a slight glitch in our project, and I think you could be insightful. With your expertise in structural redesign, we may be able to wrap this up and give Dad the final suggestions tonight when he returns.”

“You’re inviting me into the Nerd Herd coven?”

“Yes, we need you.”

“Baby, your degree and knowledge are slightly superior to mine. Not sure I can add useful information.”

I purse my lips and narrow my eyes at him. I’m about tell him exactly how I feel about his comment when he places a finger against my lips.

“You want my help, it’s yours.”

“Thank you,” I murmur against his finger.

“What do you need from me?” He removes his finger from my mouth and slides his hand under my neck.

“There’s a car coming to pick everyone up late this afternoon. Dad gave his helicopter pilot the holidays off, so we have about seven hours to finish our recommendations.”

“We better get started then. What can I do?”

“I’ll fill you in on the basics and show you the specs we’ve come up with. You tell me if you think they will work.”

“Give me ten minutes to get dressed and make a few calls then I’m yours. But I think I may require a little favor of my own.” His eyes sparkle with mischief.