Page 44 of Chasing Sunrise

“Thought so.” She yawned. “Thank you for inviting me.”

“Thank you for coming.” Kasey sat forward an inch and snagged the plaid blanket thrown over the back of the chair. He spread it over them. “Now sleep. I won’t let any raccoons eat your face off.”

She nervously laughed as she slapped his chest. “Don’t joke about that.”

He chuckled.

Edward jumped up and settled at the foot of the chair, his head on her shins.

Being this close to Kasey, her body against his, she could feel his every breath. She concentrated on matching her breathing to his. Her mind hushed. Peace descended as his breathing turned deep and steady. In no time, he quietly snored.

Edward raised his head one last time before he lowered it and closed his eyes.

She wanted to lift her head and watch Kasey, see him relaxed. But she didn’t, afraid she’d wake him. She remained motionless and relished the comfort of being next to him. Their hearts synced.

“One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value.” ~ Jim Rohn

Chapter Ten

Kasey and Dre spentthe morning working out, and Dre mentioned going to the school to see Quinn, so Kasey went along. He wanted to see Amanda again. The night they’d spent sleeping on the chair, he’d slept deeply and rested like never before.

He went to her office, but it was locked, so he dialed her number.

“Hello,” Amanda answered the phone. At least, he thought it was her. She didn’t sound like herself, her voice way deeper than normal.

“I’m at Goodson. Dre brought Quinn lunch, and I brought you some too, but your office is locked.”

“How kind of you, but I’m not there. I’m at the doctor.”

“What’s wrong?” He quickly added, “If that’s not too personal a question.” He didn’t want to invade her privacy, yet he was concerned.

“Sore throat, cough, runny nose, itchy eyes.”

“Did this happen because you went camping?”

“Who knows? People get sick. Why does it matter?”

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