Well, there's nothing wrong with acting a bit like children in our adult relationships. It sounds to me like he was more capable of being close to you (intertwining in bed) after he found out WHY you wanted him to call. He is making the switch from seeing you as merely controlling OR seeing you as mean mommy to seeing your request as what it really is: you would like him to be home in bed with you, you need him there to sleep better, he's important to you even when he's asleep. What a powerful message of love that had to be, to him, and obviously, he needs those expressions and pulled closer to you when he got one. I think that's a really positive step forward.
I'd also be wondering if this isn't a man who really wants to be needed (a lot) by someone (you). It's very brave of you to admit your need of him, we're often being taught that sounds too "codependent."
If I may ask, what was he doing out until 11:45? I'm asking because my relationship is no where near the point where one of us would spend an evening away from the other, except for a specific event like a friend's birthday or a work-related deal. However, my home life is currently so unsatisfying on so many levels, I've been fantasizing about where I might go in the evenings to get some relief. I was thinking Barnes and Noble. And I realized that if I started doing that - even once a week, it might be opening a major can of worms. So is there a can of worms already open at your house? Anyway, it's great he was only 45 minutes late. If I were going to act out, I'd make sure it was at least two hours (I do have a tendency to do that kind of thing when I'm really mad - and at the time think I'm really justified in doing it, but I'm rethinking it because of your post, maybe being childish isn't the best approach for me right now).
