Grateful Hearts (Home for the Holidays)

Chapter Five

Chantel awoke slowly, her senses gradually coming to life as the rising sun’s early morning light filtered into the room. She felt warm, comfortable, and oddly at peace.

It took her a moment to realize why. Her eyes fluttered open, and she found herself snuggled up against Zach. Her head was resting on his shoulder, and her arm draped over his torso. She blinked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat as the reality of the situation sank in.

Oh shit! I ventured into his heart! She thought to herself and wanted to laugh at first at how that sounded.

A mix of embarrassment and unexpected contentment washed over her. It had been so long since she’d woken up feeling safe and warm in someone’s arms. Mario had always fallen asleep next to her, but he had always made it a point to leave the bed before she woke up, never giving her a chance to experience this kind of closeness.

It was wrong, and she knew it. But for a few moments, Chantel simply lay there, savoring the feeling. There was something comforting about Zach’s presence, the way his arm seemed to hold her protectively. It was strange to feel this way with someone she’d just met, but it felt nice. She let out a small sigh, content in the moment.

Just then, Zach stirred beside her. His voice, still husky with sleep, broke the silence. “Good morning,” he murmured, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “I hate to break it to you, but I might need my arm back.”

Chantel’s eyes flew open wide, and she jerked away, mortified. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed, moving so quickly that she lost her balance and tumbled off the side of the bed. She hit the floor with a soft thud, pulling the blanket they were sharing with her in the process. She had no clue when she got rid of her blanket.

She lay there for a moment, staring up at the ceiling, her face flushed with embarrassment. This was not how she had imagined starting her day. Above her, Zach peered over the edge of the bed, concern and amusement mingling in his eyes.

“You okay down there?” he asked, clearly trying to stifle a laugh.

Chantel groaned, covering her face with her hands. “I’m fine. Just a bit embarrassed.” As she moved to get up, she realized that in her tumble, she’d pulled the blanket off Zach, leaving him exposed. Her eyes inadvertently flicked down, and she froze, her cheeks burning. There, visible through his tight black boxer briefs, was the telltale sign of a morning erection.

“Oh god,” she muttered, quickly averting her gaze. “I am so, so sorry.” She scrambled to cover him with the blanket, but her hands were shaking from mortification. Wait! When we fell asleep, he was wearing sweatpants. When did he take them off? Oh, my God! Does it even matter?

Zach, to his credit, took it all in stride. He chuckled, reaching down to help her up. “It’s okay, really. Happens to the best of us.” His tone was light and teasing, clearly not bothered by the situation.

Chantel finally managed to stand, her face still beet red.

Zach stared at her for a moment before he cleared his throat and pointed toward her rear.

“Uhm…you’re…shirt. It’s sort of stuck…” he stammered, and Chantel wasn’t sure what he was talking about.

“Huh?” she asked. But then she glanced behind her, and she felt all the blood drain from her face when she saw one side of the T-shirt tucked into the waistband of her panties. Her left butt cheek was full on display, though covered by her teal panties.

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me! She wished the floor would open up and swallow her.

She groaned as she fixed herself, then reached for the other blanket and wrapped it around herself just in case there were any other wardrobe malfunctions. She wished she could disappear, or at least turn back time and avoid this whole embarrassing morning.

“I cannot believe this happened,” she mumbled, unable to meet his eyes.

Zach gently lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. His expression was soft, his eyes kind. “Hey, it’s not a big deal,” he reassured her. “If anything, it’s a good story, right? Something to laugh about later.”

Chantel couldn’t help but smile at that despite her embarrassment. She then gestured toward his lower half, which was covered by the blanket.

“Uhm…when did you change?” She wasn’t sure why she asked him that, though she was curious.

Zach chuckled softly, rubbing his eyes. “I got hot. You’re like a little heater.” He teased lightly.

So, he knew I was snuggled against him, and he let me stay there?

Chantel couldn’t help but laugh despite her embarrassment. “Great, I’m a human heater. Just what every girl wants to hear.”

Zach gave her a sexy grin. “Well, it was kind of nice, actually. Better than waking up alone.”

She glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. Her initial embarrassment began to fade, replaced by a warm, fuzzy feeling. “Still, I didn’t mean to... you know.”

“Hey, it’s fine,” Zach reassured her. “Honestly, it’s kind of funny.” He raised an eyebrow, and there was a playful glint in his eye. “Should I be offended that you didn’t stay on your side of the bed like we promised?”

Chantel covered her face with her hands, laughing softly. “Oh my god, this is so embarrassing. I’m never going to live this down, am I?”

Zach chuckled, shaking his head. “Nope, probably not.” He winked. His tone was light and teasing.

She peeked at him through her fingers, grateful for his sense of humor. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Maybe a little,” he admitted, his smile widening. “But in all seriousness, it’s really no big deal.”

Chantel nodded, finally starting to relax. “If you say so.” She took a deep breath, letting the last of her embarrassment fade away.

Zach shrugged, his expression softening. “Of course. I mean, it’s not every day I wake up to find a beautiful woman snuggled up next to me. Could be worse, right?”

Her heart fluttered at his words, and she felt a blush creeping up her cheeks again, but this time for a different reason. She smiled a little shyly. “I guess you’re right.”

Zach stretched, looking around the room. “So, how about we get ready and then get some breakfast? I think we could both use some food after that wake-up call.”

Chantel laughed. “That sounds perfect. I’m starving.”