Fortunately for him, she'd all but drifted off as soon as her head hit the pillows, so it would've taken far, far too much energy to snark at him for calling her cutie of all things. Besides, if she was totally honest, it was kind of sweet. Annoying, and if he did it in public she'd bite his face off, but in bed when she was this tired, it was sweet.

Instead of complaining, she elbowed him gently in the ribs and then snuggled down into her bed. For good measure, she drew his hand up to her mouth to kiss it, then tucked it beneath her cheek. She wasn't usually one to want holding in her sleep, but tonight, she'd take it, his heat would soothe stiff and sore muscles from twisting and falling. And his presence, his nearness, would ward her dreams.