I Need You

Upon their arrival at the penthouse, Carly did her best to remain awake, but she was utterly exhausted. She couldn't help but yawn as Jason talked about what they'd do to get everything prepared for Michael's homecoming. "First we'll start by taking down the Christmas tree and all of the decorations, then we'll put the finishing touches on the nursery," Jason said. "Once Michael's ready to come home, everything will be ready for his arrival."

"That sounds nice, Jase," Carly agreed as she tried to stifle yet another yawn but she was not successful.

"You're tired, Carly. You need your rest," Jason said gently. "Let me help you upstairs to bed."

"I can walk up the stairs. I am not that fragile," Carly protested, but Jason insisted he take her arm and help her up the staircase.

"You just had a C-section. You need to take care of yourself."

He lead her down the hallway to her room. Suddenly Carly stopped in her tracks, making eye contact with Jason. "I can't sleep in there," she blurted out.

"Why not? What's wrong?"

"Michael's in the hospital and we are here. I'll be thinking of him all night. I might not be able to sleep. Jase, I need you," she said softly.

"You want to sleep in my bed tonight?"

Carly slowly nodded. "I was kind of thinking I could sleep in your bed from now on. I miss you. I miss you holding me close."

"I- I don't know."

"Please don't push me away, Jason. Not now. I honestly can't bear it," she said with sadness in her gaze.

"Alright. You can sleep with me tonight," he gruffly agreed. "But I am not sure about every night."

Happiness lit up her face as she smirked. "What's the matter? Are you afraid I'll put the moves on you?"

"You just had a kid. You're in no condition."

"I'm healing. And it's been a long time. It's been a hell of a long time."

His eyes flashed fire. "Don't go there, Carly. I don't think either one of us is ready."

"I haven't had sex since the night our son was conceived."

He sucked in his breath. "Are you sure about that?"

"To tell you the truth - no. I don't know what night Michael was conceived, but I hope it was with you," she said as she lightly lay her hands on his chest, feeling the warmth of his flesh through his clothing.

"Let's go to bed," he said with a sigh as he slowly disengaged her hands from his shirt, holding them in his.

"I thought you'd never ask."

Xxxooo

They lay there in the darkness as Carly tried to get comfortable, her arm across Jason's chest. He was breathing deeply, his head against the pillow as Carly curled up against his side.

"Jason?" she whispered. "Are you asleep yet?"

"How could I sleep with you moving all over the bed?"

"I am not moving all over the bed, just trying to get comfortable."

"Go to sleep, Carly," he said. Once again, his voice was gruff.

"I just wanted to say something. It's important."

"Okay."

"Thank you for letting me sleep here... with you. Sometimes I think... well, that Michael's better off without me."

Every muscle in Jason's body suddenly became tense. "What are you saying?"

"I want to be a good mommy to him, the very best Mommy - the one he deserves. But our boy's in the hospital and I haven't even held him yet. I feel like I am letting him down and that I've let you down, too. It makes me want to... run away, take off to Florida for awhile - just so I can clear my head. I know you'll take great care of Michael if I go. You're always holding him, feeding him. You're the best daddy ever."

"Carly, you can't leave. I need you. And Michael needs you, too. We're in this together," he said as he softly kissed her lips.

Carly melted at his tender words and his touch. "Promise you won't go?" Jason whispered after he had pulled back from her lips.

"I'll stay," Carly promised. "For you and our son. I love you, Jase."

"I love you, too. Now get some rest," he urged.