Chapter 31

JESS EASED THE front door closed. Home at last.

Despite her exhaustion after her twenty-four hour shift, Jess's spirit was light. Kim's declaration of love had filled a place in Jess's soul she had not even known was empty.

She glanced into the living room when Thor did not make an immediate appearance. The light from a fire created flickering shadows that danced around the room. The Christmas tree was a shimmering beacon of light.

Jess kicked off her shoes and made her way into the living room.

Kim was asleep on the couch. Thor was stretched out in front of it. One of Kim's arms hung over the side of the couch, her hand resting on his chest.

She found the domestic scene unexpectedly soothing. Smiling, Jess approached the pair.

Thor lifted his head.

Jess quickly gave him the hand signals for quiet and stay. That didn't stop the thumping of his tail against the couch.

Kim blinked. Sleepy blue eyes opened, and she smiled. "You're home."

Jess moved to the side of the couch, leaned down, and kissed Kim softly. "Merry Christmas."

Thor took that as an invitation and jumped up to offer his own greeting.

Fending him off, Jess laughed. "Merry Christmas to you too, my boy."

Kim sat up and patted the spot next to her.

A big yawn escaped before Jess could stop it. She flopped down on the couch next to Kim.

Kim scooted closer. She slid her hand along the nape of Jess's neck and began a light massage.

Jess relaxed into the gentle, loving touch. "Feels good," she murmured. Her eyelids drooped.

She jerked, startling Kim. Great. Falling asleep on Christmas. Jess scrubbed her hands over her face. She was sinking fast but determined to fight it. "Sorry about that."

"You just got off of a twenty-four hour shift. Don't worry about it." Kim leaned close and kissed her. "Are you hungry?"

Jess's stomach growled right on cue.

Kim chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes." She stood and offered Jess a hand. "Come sit at the table. I've got plates in the oven already made."

Kim disappeared into the kitchen.

Jess headed for the table. She was too tired to protest; besides, if she was honest, it felt good to know Kim wanted to take care of her after a long shift.

Kim watched as Jess chased the last bit of gravy around her plate.

"That was excellent. Thank you. Two home-cooked meals in one day." Jess smiled. "You're spoiling me."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Taking Jess breakfast had been one thing, but she had surprised herself when the urge to have a meal prepared and waiting for Jess had struck. You're getting very domestic these days. Normally, Kim avoided anything that even hinted at domesticity with her girlfriends. Then again, none of her previous relationships had prepared her for Jess.

When Jess had returned her spontaneous declaration of love without hesitation, another fragile piece of her heart had mended.

Jess stood and began to stack the plates.

"Go sit down. I'll get this," Kim said.

"You cooked. I should clean up."

Kim stood and pointed toward the living room. "Go." She had seen Jess trying to stifle a yawn several times during dinner. She knew she had to be nearing the end of her endurance.

Jess followed her instructions without protest, proving how tired she really was.

Having cleaned up everything else earlier, Kim made quick work of the plates and then returned to the living room. She softened her steps when she realized Jess's eyes were closed. Bypassing the couch, she sat down in the Morris chair, not wanting to take the chance of waking Jess.

Jess roused. "I'm awake."

"I should get going and let you get some rest," Kim said.

Jess sat up straight and rubbed her face. "No. It's Christmas day. Time to open presents."

Kim moved over to the couch and sat next to Jess. She stroked Jess's hair. "We can open them tomorrow."

"No. Don't want to." Jess's lower lip stuck out and she knuckled her eyes like an overly tired child.

The juxtaposition of that image with the one of the usually stoic ER Chief was endearing to say the least.

Kim turned sideways and ran her fingers into Jess's thick black hair. Using just the pads of her fingers, she gently massaged her scalp.

Jess's blink rate got slower, and even though she was obviously fighting it, her eyes slid shut.

"Sleep tonight. Presents tomorrow," Kim said, her voice soft and low.

Jess sighed. Her eyes slowly opened. "Stay with me?"

Kim's heart clenched at the open, love-filled look on Jess's face.

"Always," Kim said.