“Come snuggle.”
He pats the void between us—the one very recently occupied by a wild-haired
toddler. I slide over, taking my place inside his warm arm.
“How come she never wakes up when you
carry her back to bed?” I ask.
“Well, I’m a ninja, so ...”
I smile at his silliness. I smile at the sensation of his words
reverberating from his chest to my cheek. I smile because I know what his
snuggle invitations mean. After nine years, I’m onto his schemes. And I’m a
willing accomplice. We are thieves, stealing little moments between potty
accidents, toy battles and nightmares featuring vague monsters.
As usual, my feet are ice. But he doesn’t flinch when my frigid toes breach
his soft leg hairs. His hand is on my ass. It’ll end up there several
more times today. (A quick slap if we pass each other in the kitchen preparing
tonight’s kid-friendly cuisine. A little squeeze while we retreat down the
hall, having tucked each child under a Disney-themed bedspread.)
I’m covered neck to ankle in flannel pajamas older than our oldest
offspring, yet I shiver when his lips sweep my forehead. As I stretch to nuzzle
his neck, I feel him growing against my hip.
“The door?”
“Already locked,” he declares.
I love that he assumed we’d have sex this morning. I love that he’s in the
mood although he spent the greater part of last night with tiny feet in his
back.
Once upon a time, we had sex like freshly paroled ex-cons. Nowadays we take it
whenever, wherever and however we can get it—which occasionally amounts
to quickies in obscure parking lots before relieving the sitter. Sometimes
we’re too damn exhausted for anything beyond snuggling.
But not this morning.
But not this morning.
#
This week's Trifecta Writing Challenge: The entry must be 33-333 words and include the word "whatever" as defined below:
WHATEVER
(adverb) Used to show that something is not important
Word count: 333
I relate to every word of this, whatever.
ReplyDeleteHaha! It's universal, isn't it? Thanks for stopping by, Lance! :)
DeleteSo sweet!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Draug! :)
DeleteI like the moment you portrayed. Thieves stealing moments is about what it amounts to sometimes :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth? Thanks, Janna! :)
DeleteYou know what I adore about the way you write Ivy? That you take something ordinary and make it extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteit's sweet, sexy and made every one of us jealous for a moment, that's relatable and wonderful writing.
I just enjoy your writing, every time, my friend.
xo
Kir, your words really touched my heart. I love creating stories inspired by ordinary life moments. So, knowing that you think I do that well is sublime.
DeleteOnce again, you wrote the right thing to put a smile on my face. Thank you, sweetie!
XOXO
So sexy! I get this...exactly. And the schemes. And the never too tired. And sometimes it's only snuggles and that's perfect! Just had vacation with my 20 & 23 year olds. We snuck around just the same (they're awake much later too but there's mornings!). Love your stories! Off to write about nipple rings or BJs (both related innocently to my vacation ;-))
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gina!
DeleteI love the idea of you sneaking around your adult children. There's a certain excitement and fun in getting away with such naughtiness, isn't there?
And, um ... I can't for the life of me imagine how nipple rings and BJs can be innocent. Lol! You've definitely piqued my interest. Can't wait to read your entry. :)
Ivy, this is a wonderfully sexy story. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love your wonderful comment. Thanks, Lisa! :)
DeleteAwwe that was sweet romantic and 'Blushing" already :P Loved the things he does to you ;) Love you both together ! Amazing Love story .
ReplyDeleteAwww! Thank you for such a lovely comment. :)
DeleteIn the interest of full disclosure--while this is inspired by my 15-year marriage--our babies are well past Disney bedspreads. And Daughter still winds up in our bed from time to time, but her feet are almost as big as mine.
But I agree: Ours is an amazing love story, and I love us together, too. :)
Such a sweet, sexy story, Ivy - really enjoying drifting and dwelling in your words. Great job, my friend.
ReplyDelete"drifting and dwelling in your words"
DeleteGoodness, TIZ. You even write feedback beautifully. :) Thanks for the sweet comment, my dear! XO
Your writing is always, always, always a delight to read! Now, I'm going to leave these two alone;) Great work, dear girl!
ReplyDeleteAnd I always, always, always look forward to your wonderfully supportive comments. Thank you, sweetheart! XO
DeleteThis feels so familiar, and comfortable.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tara. Love hearing that! :)
DeleteI love their banter and the obvious love and attraction between them. And this line is just perfect: I smile at the sensation of his words reverberating from his chest to my cheek. You captured that so well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Momo! I wanted to show the strength of their love and desire for each other despite daily duties and distractions. (Holy unplanned alliteration!) And I love stories that illustrate heat can still be present in long-term relationships.
DeleteIntimate and real. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I was aiming for, so your comment means a lot to me. Thank you so much Darcy!
DeleteYou've written a really "hot" and heart felt story at the same time. I always enjoy how you "speak" in such a matter of fact and compelling way. Very well done.
ReplyDeleteSweetness and light, Ivy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous window on family life and love, Ivy. Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDelete