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It was after dark when George returned inside after a day of gardening.
Olivia glanced over at him while she fixed herself a bowl of fruit. “You coming in for the night?”
“I'm afraid so,” George sighed. “It's dreadfully cold out there, you know.”
“I know that,” Olivia said. “That's why I said no when you invited me out there.”
While she liked being out in the garden, perhaps not to the same extent her husband did, there was no way she was going to go out there when it was that chilly out.
“Yes but I missed you out there,” a smile was forming on George’s face, sending off alarm bells in her.
She knew that smile.
That was his distinctive smile before he wound her up. Olivia narrowed her eyes. “What's going on in your head?”
“Nothing in particular,” he responded nonchalantly. “I was just thinking about how terribly long it's been since I've gotten a hug.”
Olivia immediately took a step back. George hadn't worn any gloves out there so his hands would be freezing.
And he knew it too.
“You better stay back, George.”
“Now why would I do that?” He looked mischievous just now. As much as he exasperated her on a daily basis, she did love how genuinely happy he'd be at these moments. His eyes tended to sparkle, lips curved in a grin that still made her heart skip a beat.
“I'm serious,” she warned when he started to advance towards her. “George, I mean it- I'll sic Winston on you.”
It was a poor threat. Winston was hardly a guard dog in any sense of the word. He'd just roll over for a stomach rub if anything.
George laughed. “Is that so? I think I'll take my chances.”
She took a few more quick steps back but George was at her side at an instant. She was yanked into his strong arms, struggling to free herself.
Although, it wasn't all bad. Once she realized there was no escape - and that George didn't have any ulterior motives besides embracing her - Olivia relaxed into the hug.
He really did give the best ones. Warm, tight. It was hard not to melt right then and there.
“I love you,” he murmured.
“I love you too,” Olivia said against his shoulder. “What do you think about watching a movie for a while?”
“I think that sounds lovely,” George kissed her on the head.
And then he had to ruin the moment by sliding his ice cold hands up her shirt.
Olivia shrieked while he laughed, wiggling out of his arms to swat at him.
“You're awful, honestly!”
“Apologies, darling,” he said cheekily.