That's my spot

Lately every time I get up Steve takes my spot and that's fine! Completely understandable behavior for a cat, the spot's warm, I totally get it. But for the past week or so he won't move when I get back and whines so much when I pick him up. A while ago he didn't take my spot and I thanked him for not taking it and then felt dumb for expressing gratitude to a cat, but then he didn't take my spot the next time I got up. So maybe it worked? Crap, I should have thanked him again.