Chapter 3
Steve had never been someone to sleep long but the long hours of work and the stress the case had brought upon them all had led to an exhaustion he hadn't felt for a long time. He needed that sleep more than anything and thanks to Catherine he could do that.
It had always been easier to relax or to calm himself when she was around.
He still had nightmares but much less than usual when she was by his side. He also knew that she prevented a lot of them to get worse just because her touch and her voice were getting through to him - even if he was "in hell".
After everything he had done and seen, he wasn't exactly someone who believed or prayed but every morning he woke up and saw her right next to him he thanked "whoever was responsible" for it.
He not only loved her, he needed her. She was making him whole.
It was rare that Steve slept longer than Catherine but although he already had slept long, she was still in dreamland.
He loved watching her sleep, he loved watching her in general – no matter what she was doing. She just looked awesome to him in every aspect.
But sleeping that was the real deal for him. He often asked himself why he deserved a love like Catherine and a friend like Danny.
'Usually the bad guys are getting all of this. I've never considered me as one despite everything I've done. And if I'd really be that bad neither of the two would put up with me for sure. So, I can't be that bad after all.'
He was thinking about it once more when Catherine stirred in his arms and opened her eyes.
"Hey sailor. You like watching me sleep?"
"…actually, yes," he smiled a little embarrassed because she had caught him doing it.
"Good because I love watching you too." She smiled back.
"Great." He kissed her.
"So you love kissing me too?" she asked.
"Yes," another smile – a bright one this time.
"More than watching me sleep?"
"I don't know. I think I have to try again, so I can compare."
"Do it." She waited for it eyes closed.
She didn't have to wait long.
It was one of the most passionate kisses she had ever gotten – even from Steve.
"Wow," she breathed out, barely able to speak. "What was that for?"
"So you love kissing me to?" he asked mischievously.
"Absolutely."
"More than watching me sleep?"
"I don't know. I think I have to try again so I can compare."
Another deep and passionate kiss followed then another and another.
"For being in my life and loving me." Steve said when he could breathe again.
"What?" Catherine asked confused.
"You've asked me what this had been for a few minutes ago. That is my answer."
"I love being in your life. Even when I wasn't in Hawaii, I knew what had been going on. I just couldn't stand away. I have always loved you, you know?"
"Yeah, I know." Steve answered his voice and look full of love.
Catherine's were full of sadness when she said "I am sorry, Steve."
"We've been over this Cath. You had to do what you had to do."
"I just hadn't known how much this would really hurt you. I found out later because I've felt the same but I couldn't leave just like that. The work had been too important and I was also too embarrassed to call and apologize.
That is what I am still sorry for."
"I know. You've already told me. Just promise you'll never leave again."
"I've already done that too. But I promise again. I'd do it every day if it calms you and takes away you worries."
"No need. You've shown me the past year that you are serious about this.
Just give me another one of those kisses and I'll be good."
There was no need for Catherine to hear this twice.
For the second time in as many days both ex-soldiers had breakfast around noon.
And just like the day before it didn't bother them. They just enjoyed.
They spent the day at the beach in and out the water. After an hour of dozing in the sun loungers, they made a quick dinner, watched a game and went to bed early.
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