Page 17 of Grateful Hearts

As she lay there, her mind wandered. Zach was kind, considerate, and respectful. They were qualities she realized she had been missing in her previous relationship. She felt a pang of longing, wishing she could find someone like him. The way hehandled the situation, from the spilled coffee to offering his T-shirt, showed a level of thoughtfulness she deeply appreciated.

Chantel sighed softly, trying to shake off the melancholy thoughts. It was silly to wish for something that couldn’t happen, especially under these circumstances. But still, she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope, wondering if maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for something real and meaningful in the future for her.

“Everything okay?” Zach’s voice broke the silence, concerned.

Chantel blinked, realizing she had been lost in her thoughts. “Yeah, why?”

“I heard you sigh.”

I did?She didn’t even realize she had done that. “Sorry, just thinking about stuff.”

“Want to talk about it?” he offered, his tone gentle and genuine.

She hesitated for a moment, then smiled. “Maybe another time. Right now, I think we both need some rest.”

“Fair enough,” Zach agreed, a smile in his voice. “Goodnight, Chantel.”

“Goodnight, Zach,” she replied, feeling a warmth in her chest at the sound of her name on his lips.

As she finally closed her eyes, Chantel felt a strange sense of peace. Despite the chaos of the day, she felt grateful for Zach’s presence and kindness. And as she drifted off to sleep, she couldn’t help but wonder what the next day would bring.

Chapter Five

Chantel awoke slowly, her senses gradually coming to life as the rising sun’s early morning light filtered into the room. She felt warm, comfortable, and oddly at peace.

It took her a moment to realize why. Her eyes fluttered open, and she found herself snuggled up against Zach. Her head was resting on his shoulder, and her arm draped over his torso. She blinked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat as the reality of the situation sank in.

Oh shit! I ventured into his heart!She thought to herself and wanted to laugh at first at how that sounded.

A mix of embarrassment and unexpected contentment washed over her. It had been so long since she’d woken up feeling safe and warm in someone’s arms. Mario had always fallen asleep next to her, but he had always made it a point to leave the bed before she woke up, never giving her a chance to experience this kind of closeness.

It was wrong, and she knew it. But for a few moments, Chantel simply lay there, savoring the feeling. There was something comforting about Zach’s presence, the way his arm seemed to hold her protectively. It was strange to feel this way with someone she’d just met, but it felt nice. She let out a small sigh, content in the moment.

Just then, Zach stirred beside her. His voice, still husky with sleep, broke the silence. “Good morning,” he murmured, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “I hate to break it to you, but I might need my arm back.”

Chantel’s eyes flew open wide, and she jerked away, mortified. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed, moving soquickly that she lost her balance and tumbled off the side of the bed. She hit the floor with a soft thud, pulling the blanket they were sharing with her in the process. She had no clue when she got rid of her blanket.

She lay there for a moment, staring up at the ceiling, her face flushed with embarrassment. This was not how she had imagined starting her day. Above her, Zach peered over the edge of the bed, concern and amusement mingling in his eyes.

“You okay down there?” he asked, clearly trying to stifle a laugh.

Chantel groaned, covering her face with her hands. “I’m fine. Just a bit embarrassed.” As she moved to get up, she realized that in her tumble, she’d pulled the blanket off Zach, leaving him exposed. Her eyes inadvertently flicked down, and she froze, her cheeks burning. There, visible through his tight black boxer briefs, was the telltale sign of a morning erection.

“Oh god,” she muttered, quickly averting her gaze. “I am so, so sorry.” She scrambled to cover him with the blanket, but her hands were shaking from mortification.Wait! When we fell asleep, he was wearing sweatpants. When did he take them off?Oh, my God! Does it even matter?

Zach, to his credit, took it all in stride. He chuckled, reaching down to help her up. “It’s okay, really. Happens to the best of us.” His tone was light and teasing, clearly not bothered by the situation.

Chantel finally managed to stand, her face still beet red.

Zach stared at her for a moment before he cleared his throat and pointed toward her rear.

“Uhm…you’re…shirt. It’s sort of stuck…” he stammered, and Chantel wasn’t sure what he was talking about.

“Huh?” she asked. But then she glanced behind her, and she felt all the blood drain from her face when she saw one side ofthe T-shirt tucked into the waistband of her panties. Her left butt cheek was full on display, though covered by her teal panties.

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!She wished the floor would open up and swallow her.

She groaned as she fixed herself, then reached for the other blanket and wrapped it around herself just in case there were any other wardrobe malfunctions. She wished she could disappear, or at least turn back time and avoid this whole embarrassing morning.

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