You’ve been trying to keep it quiet, but each little movement of yours seems to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the room. The bed creaks with every turn of your body, your legs tangled in the sheets, your thoughts racing in your head and it’s only a matter of time before Joel stirs.

“You gonna be still, or what?” Joel’s voice is rough, low, his accent thicker with sleep but still sharp as ever.

You roll over, muttering a soft apology, but he’s already pulling you back toward him. “You’re not sorry. If you were, you’d quit moving.”

“I can’t sleep,” you admit, trying to keep your voice quiet, but the frustration in it is clear. “Something’s… keeping me awake.”

He chuckles softly, the sound vibrating in his chest. His fingers curl into your side, gently but insistently, pulling you closer until there’s no space left between the two of you.

Your body goes still for a moment, the heat of his breath sending a shiver down your spine. You’re both wide awake now. You feel his lips against your neck, soft, slow kisses that make your heart race.

“Joel…” you breathe, trying to hold onto some kind of control, but it’s slipping fast.

He presses his body against yours, the warmth of his chest flush against your back. “Let me help you, baby,” he says, his hand sliding lower, fingers tracing along your hip. “I can make sure you sleep… if you let me’.”

You hesitate, feeling his fingers trace the curve of your waist, the electricity in every touch. “You think that’ll work?” you ask, voice low, teasing.

“We’ll just have to find out.” His other hand grips your thigh, urging your legs to move apart, his body fitting perfectly against yours.

The bed creaks as he shifts, his lips pressing against your ear. “Now, how about you let me take care of you, and we’ll both get some damn sleep.”