Context: The day after the wedding.
The Calm After the Storm
They hadn't really left the bed all day.
Cathy found it a bit odd, spending the entire day literally doing nothing. She had wanted to at least grab her knickers and bra, but Jamie's body heat was so warm and inviting she couldn't bring herself to leave his side. (There was also the fact that he refused to withdraw his strong, protective hold from around her, no matter how many times she asked him to.)
If she were honest with herself, she didn't mind spending the day like this. As exciting as the previous day had been, they were both exhausted and had come to the unspoken decision to relax in bed. They'd ordered room service twice now, Cathy awkwardly tying the knot on her dressing gown to open the door.
Jamie groaned, his thumb making gentle strokes on her waist. "What time is it?"
"A little after six."
He ran his fingers through her hair, pushing it back and trailing a finger over her cheek. "You alright?"
"Mmhmm. You?"
"Fantastic."
Cathy moved her head to his chest, snuggling closer to his side. His fingers moved from her waist to her stomach, and slowly made their way lower. She tensed, a dull ache rising between her legs.
"You still sore from last night?"
She nodded. "Sorry."
"Don't be." He brought his hand to her back, lightly stroking her soft skin. "Not your fault. If anything, it's…it's mine."
She frowned. "How is it yours?"
"I made you bleed, didn't I? I wasn't gentle with you and -"
"Jamie." She raised her head, a stern look crossing her face. "It was bound to happen. It's not your fault. Mum said it would hurt the day after."
"You talked to your mum about having sex with me?"
She felt heat rise to her face, unable to look at him. "She…she may have mentioned in passing…"
He chuckled, kissing her forehead. "I really am sorry."
"I'll be fine." She pressed her lips to his shoulder. "Just need to rest." She sighed. "As much as I wish I did't have to."
"It'll make next time that much more special." He nuzzled his nose into her hair, inhaling her scent.
"You sure you'll be fine?"
"Yes." He laughed, quietly. "Do you need me to convince you?"
"No, I just wish that…"
He pulled her closer, their lips centimeters apart. "I'm fine just being here with you. That's enough for me."
She met his gaze and felt warmth in her chest, smiling and giggling. "I love you, Jamie."
He closed the distance between them. "Mmmm. I love you, Catherine Bradley."