Let It Beatle

Love, Love Me Dude-8

A few hours later, Maury was fast asleep in my arms where we lay on the couch. It had been gradual, his eyes falling closed, then his head landing on my shoulder. He’d looked so peaceful I didn’t want to wake him.

I adjusted our bodies carefully and lay back on the couch while he snuggled up to me, still fast asleep. I texted Sheila so she’d know where he was and that he’d likely not be back until morning. She replied with a smiley face.

We lay there for the rest of the night, and he felt so good in my arms, like he belonged there. I dozed a little, but I really didn’t sleep much. I was too keyed up, too amazed at the way he fit me just right, this hardworking, brave and forthright man who would do anything for his family, and was strong enough to admit to his true feelings, no matter what it cost him.

I could love a man like this, and maybe I already did, a little. But how to pursue that without ruining everything?

By five o’clock in the morning, my bladder was full to bursting, so I had to get up. I moved as slowly as I could, and Maury shifted in his sleep, frowning a little at the movement, but I rubbed lightly at the furrowed skin, and his brow cleared. I went to find a blanket and covered his body, brushing the hair from his forehead and pressing a kiss to his cheek. He smiled a little and murmured something softly.

I hustled to the bathroom and drained my bladder, ever so thankful for release. I looked at myself in the mirror. I needed a shave and a shower. Might as well get it over with, then. I took my time, and when I was done, it was five-thirty.

I went back to the living room and sat in the easy chair, content to watch Maury as he dreamed peacefully on my couch. He belonged there. He fit.

We remained that way for another hour or so, and then Maury suddenly bolted upright. He stared at me with wide eyes. “s**t! Did I fall asleep here?”

“You did, but it’s fine. Sheila knows. I texted her,” I replied.

Maury slumped back against the cushions. “God, that was—” A wide yawn interrupted his speech, and then he scratched the overnight beard growth on his face. “What time is it?”

“Going on seven. You don’t have to work today, do you?” I asked.

“Nah. Mr. Murray has it covered with a few part-timers. I need to be there on Saturday, though.”

“Want to spend the day with me?” I offered, hoping he’d say yes.

“You…want to?” he asked cautiously, and I understood.

“Absolutely. It’s likely that Leonard and Sheila will make plans, right? Your sister and the kids can do without you for a day. But I can’t. I’ve missed you, Maury,” I admitted.

His mouth dropped open. “Where’s this coming from?”

“Me. I want to get to know you. Is that so bad?”

He still looked wary. “But you’ve never…Why, Tory?”

“Because I’ve been an i***t, and I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to catch a clue.”

When he still looked suspicious, I smiled. “All I’m asking for is a day together, maybe part of the evening, and then you’ll go home tonight, go to work tomorrow, and we’ll spend even more time together after that. I want to see more of you, Maury.”

Maury opened his mouth, then closed it again. “This is what you want? This isn’t out of pity or something?”

“No,” I said as firmly as I could. “I think we could fit together, and I want to try. Do you want to try, too?”

Apparently I’d said the right thing, because Maury gave me his brightest smile. “Would I? Are you kidding me?”