by T. R. Graves
* * *
Hours later, I woke and saw Jayden sitting in the door of the tent. I sat up.
"How long did I sleep? Why didn't you wake me so you could get some more rest?" I asked, stretching and moving toward Jayden.
The closer I got to him, the stiffer his back became and the more his muscles rolled. Everything about his demeanor made me feel like I was approaching an injured animal, one that had never been shown the first ounce of kindness.
"Jayden… do you want to try to get a little more rest before we take off today?" I asked, tenderly.
I reached over and put my hand on his shoulder, deciding a gentle touch might be the best remedy for a lifetime of emotional neglect. If Jayden's back wasn't already as rigid as it could be, he would have tensed more.
"I'm assuming I was the reason we were cuddled together yesterday morning?" Jayden said incredulously.
"It doesn't matter. When you pulled me close, it kept you from dreaming. It was the least I could do for you since you are helping us so much," I said after resting my chin on his shoulder.
"I don't want you… I don't want anyone to be with me like that because she feels sorry for me. That's the last thing I want, Carlie," Jayden replied.
"Good, because I don't feel sorry for you. You are a godlike Surrogate Soldier. You have talents the rest of us mere mortals can only imagine," I chided.
Jayden didn't say anything. Finally, I gave him what he wanted. "Why can't you believe what I'm saying? Nothing you did last night or tonight offended me." I stopped before taking a loud gulp and closing my eyes. "And if you must know… I found it…"
Jayden's stare jerked my way while he waited for my last words.
"I found it… exciting," I said, burying my burning face in my hands while resting my forehead against his bicep.
He palmed the back of my head and squeezed me into him. "Yeah… that's what it was for me, too. Exciting," he murmured wistfully. "I wish I could remember more of it."
I laughed quietly.
