Free Tangled Dreams by Jennifer Anderson

feels so safe here with you.”
    A knife tearing away at his heart he knew right then and there he better be protecting it. Thinking how very easily he could fall in love with her. With no plans of giving his heart away in the near future, the last thing he wanted was for either one of them to get hurt. I can’t turn her away tonight. She obviously needs someone. Knowing they wouldn’t get caught from his mom leaving so early in the morning he made his decision. Leaning up he slipped his t-shirt up over his head and settled in. Not willing to move away from her, scared she would change her mind.
    I could feel him settling in and I was to tired and comfortable to move wrapping my arms back around his bare stomach. He felt so warm and inviting. 
    After a while, listening to her shallow breathing felt almost hypnotic and eventually put me into a deep sleep holding her tightly.
    I woke up in the morning as the sunrise danced through the windows and across my face. Confused a bit about where I was. Opening my eyes slowly I was gazing directly into Gavin’s face. We were tangled up in each other’s arms and that made me remember. Not wanting to wake him, I laid here with my eyes closed knowing as soon as he woke up this moment would end forever. Unfortunately, it had to end. This is my aunt and uncles house and I am a guest in their home. I knew they would not be happy with this situation. Having nowhere else to go I didn’t want to test my luck. But, also knowing my aunt and uncle was gone for the day and wondered if I could just be myself. Holding him closely and staring at him I wondered if there was ever a moment when he didn’t look so handsome.
    Laying here for another hour in his arms was pure bliss. Unfortunately, he was starting to stir a bit and I knew he was waking up.
    He opened his eyes to find surprisingly that she was not only still here in his bed but, still wrapped up in his arms tightly. He expected to wake up to find her gone. Just when he was thinking that she still had to be asleep, she said good morning. Surprised, but very pleased that she not only chose to stay but kept her arms locked tightly around him with absolutely no space between them.
    “Morning babe. Did you sleep well?”
    “The best I’ve slept since well, since dad died.” I said without looking up at him. My nightmares were actually at a minimum last night. I was so afraid he would push me away. I wasn’t about to tell him about my nightmares.
    “Well, is that a compliment? My ego might start getting big if you keep talking like that.” Teasing her giving her a squeeze.
    “Well, your ego is already big. But, I was just telling you the truth.”
    “First you compliment me, then you insult me. You are a complicated person. So, I guess we’ll have to do this more often.”
    “I wish we could.” I said sadly.
    “Well, why can’t we?” He knew the answer already. Or many of the reasons for that matter.
    “You know why Gavin. We talked about it last night.”
    “Well, if I’m so disgusting and you don’t want this then why aren’t you pushing me away?”
    “Because I’m weak.”
    “What kind of answer is that? Are you saying I forced this?”
    “No Gavin. Not at all. Calm down and let me finish.” Saying sternly. “I’m weak because right or wrong I am getting strong feelings for you. I respect you. I admire you. Your gorgeous on the inside as well as the outside. I find it harder and harder as the days go by to keep myself away from you. I’ve never had anyone besides dad who has understood me, and been there for me, acting like they cared. Okay I’m done.” Now really embarrassed.
    Gavin couldn’t believe his ears. He thought he was the only one having to be strong and hold back. “Well it’s not act. I do care about you very much. The truth is I don’t want to let you go either.”
    “I know your parents would not like this Gavin. I can’t afford to piss them off. I have nowhere to go.”
    “Madison I