Arranged •{ONC 2020}•

《 Chapter Ten 》

"Are you saying you want to snuggle with me?"

He turned out the light, but not fast enough to hide the red that dusted his ears. "No. I'm just stating the obvious."

"Good, because I really don't want to snuggle with you."

"You already have, moron," is what he wanted to say. Instead, he mumbled, "Goodnight, Ash."

"Goodnight, Wes."

This time, there was no pillow to separate them. The bed was large, but they naturally gravitated toward the middle, and Ashlynn could feel his warmth from a foot away.

Wesley sensed the same. On the one hand, it was strangely comforting. On the other, it was insanely distracting. Jamison's words popped up in his head and he immediately batted them away. Rolling onto his back to stare at the darkened ceiling, he let out a sigh.

They had a lot of acting to do tomorrow. At least he'd get some good food out of it, if nothing else.

He said a silent prayer that it would all go according to plan and Ashlynn wouldn't smack him silly. And with that, he rolled over on his side and fell asleep.

《♡》

For the third time that week, Ashlynn woke up to find herself strangely warmer than usual. She was getting used to the room and wasn't as disoriented when she cracked open her eyes. Sighing, she readied herself to gently scoot away from Wesley. Again.

Although this time it wouldn't be easy.

This time she wasn't the one clinging.

Wesley's arm was slung around her waist, tugging her back towards him. His warm breath tickled the nape of her neck. She could feel his heart beating steadily against her back.

Well how the gingersnap am I supposed to get out of this? Gingerly, she tried lifting his arm so she could wiggle out. He didn't budge. She tried again, but this time he tightened his grip and pulled her closer.

"Stop it," he whispered in her ear, making her stiffen. "You great aunt just came and said they were going to try and have María surprise us with breakfast in bed. They'll be here soon."

"Why?" She squirmed uncomfortably.

"It's a test. Quit moving."

"If you're lying—"

"Ash," he growled, exasperated.

That made even harder to steady her breathing, and she could barely breathe as it was. Her shirt and ridden up in the front and she felt his hand brush her exposed skin. She hissed a warning, "Watch it."

"Sorry," he murmured, not sounding very sorry.

Ashlynn's discomfort levels were rising exponentially. There was only so much contact she could stand with Wesley. She may have started to forgive, but she certainly hadn't started to forget.

Just when she couldn't take it anymore, someone kicked open the door with a bang. They both tensed, but Wesley recovered quick enough to retighten his hold on her waist.

"Good morning, lovebirds!" Jamison said enthusiastically. He was way too energetic for this early in the morning. "Luce and I whipped you up a nice breakfast as thanks for having us! It's light, though—wouldn't want you to run out of room for the feast, would we?"

He tugged open the curtains, bathing the room in light. Wesley groaned and buried his face in the pillow. Ashlynn had nowhere to hide and hissed at her cousin in annoyance. "Shut the curtains, you animal! What time is it?"