Chapter 76 Right Where I Belong

Chapter 76 Right Where I Belong
Jasmine

Lying in Cody’s arms with my head on his chest feels good. It feels right. It is exactly where I am supposed to be. I’ve missed his strong arms wrapped around me, especially on the colder nights. I could stay here for hours, for the rest of the night. 

“I’ve missed this, snuggling with you, my love,” I whisper, kissing over his chest before I nuzzle my face against his neck. 

Cody kisses the top of my head. “I have missed it too, angel. I have hated sleeping without you. Please don’t leave me for that long again. I am happy that everyone is okay, and you are back here with me.” 

“I promise I won’t.” 

Obviously, the situation couldn’t be helped, but unless I have to, I won’t be apart from him for that long again. 

“Good. Are you looking forward to going back to classes?” 

“Yes. I am hoping it will help my focus better being in a class again.” 

I did all the work I needed to do, but my focus wasn’t as on point as I would have liked. The work took longer to do than it should have. A lot was going on. 

Cody caresses the small of my back. “I am sure it will be fine, beautiful.” 

It will take some time for me to get back into a routine. 

“As much as I would love to stay here for the rest of the night, we should clean up. I need to finish dinner. Our friends will be home soon, well, if they aren’t already.” 

I have been too occupied making up for lost time and being with my man to pay attention. 

Cody groans at my suggestion. “They are adults. They can feed themselves.” 

I laugh and reach up to kiss him softly. “Don’t be mean. We are all having dinner together. It has been a while. Late, it can be just us again.” 

I swear he rolls his eyes. He has seen them all every day. I haven’t seen them in a while. He can pout all he wants. Of course, I would love to stay in bed with him, but I want to see my friends too. Life has been lonely not only without Cody, but also without them. With one last kiss, I wriggle from his hold and climb out of bed before he finds a way to keep me in there. It probably wouldn’t take much. 

Sitting up, he runs his fingers through his hair and huffs. “Where are you going?” 

I wrap my dressing gown around me. “To shower and then finish dinner. If I don’t move now, then I won’t move at all. Are you coming to join me in the shower?” 

Cody nods and quickly gets out of bed. He pulls some boxers on. If he is lucky, he may get a little more in the shower. I take his hand in mine and lead him to the shower. We can’t stay in it too long. 


It has been a great night spending time with our friends, catching up and having a meal together. I have missed them all so much. As great as the night is going, I am exhausted. I haven’t been at peace or had a full night’s sleep while I have been gone. It is catching up on me. I’ll force myself to stay away for a bit longer. It isn’t even ten. No matter what time I go to bed, I will have a good sleep and a long lie because I have nothing to do or anywhere to be tomorrow. I am eager for a full night's sleep with Cody next to me. 

I rest my head on Cody’s shoulder and smile as I watch everyone around me talking and laughing. It is good to be back. My eyes begin to close. My body is trying to force sleep on me, but I shake myself awake. 

“Jasmine, I think it is time for bed, angel. You can barely keep your eyes open.” 

I sit up, acting like I am wide awake. “I am fine.” I protest. 

Cody chuckles and shakes his head at my attempt. “No, you aren’t. You look exhausted. You’ve had a lot going on. You need a good night of rest without a million worries running around in your head.” 

I am ready to argue with him, but soon realize I am too tired and nod. “Fine!” 

Cody jumps to his feet and offers his hand to me. Sighing, I take it and apologize to everyone for going to bed so early and say goodnight. I feel bad leaving so soon, but I really won’t be able to stay awake much longer. 

Cody keeps hold of my hand and leads me straight to the bedroom. We don’t need to change since we are already in our sleepwear. It is just a case of crawling into bed. Tomorrow, I should feel more energetic. He lifts the covers, letting me slip in first. I make myself comfortable, feeling myself drifting as soon as I place my head on the pillow. 

Cody excuses himself to use the bathroom before he climbs in next to me. The second he is close enough, I move to cuddle into him, not like he will have any complaints about it. Instantly, he wraps his arms around me and holds me tightly to him. 

He switches the lamp off and finds my lips in the dark, kissing me goodnight. It is short and sweet. He knows I need to rest, so he isn’t expecting anything. If I weren’t as tired, I would happily have another round or two. We have the remainder of the weekend to make up for it. 

“Get some sleep, angel. I love you, and I am so glad to have you back in my arms.” 

“I love you too. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. My safe place.” I whisper. 

He kisses the top of my head. “I will always be your safe place, Jasmine.” 

It is the last words I hear before my eyes close, and sleep finally takes over. I want to make the most of the weekend because when Monday comes around, we need to get back to reality, back to our busy lives.