Page 13 of Whimsical Ink

When I re-enter the bedroom, she’s lying down with the quilt barely covering her chest, her eyes following me as I walk closer and closer. Until I’m under the covers with her, at the edge of the bed, to remind myself this isn’t real.

She rolls to her side. Closer to me. “Another question. Why is all my skincare new bottles? You could have grabbed whatI’m currently using.” She figures it out before I can answer. “Oh, but I would have figured out your plan. I hope Ella didn’t buy them?”

I clear the nerves from my throat and lock eyes with her. I say softly, “I bought them. Didn’t want you using weird stuff.”

Her eyes soften. She reaches her hand out and her thumb brushes across my cheek fleetingly before returning to her side.

“Thank you. My eczema would come back if I used your weird shit.” She smirks and then giggles when I shoot her a ferocious frown.

“Just because my skin doesn’t demand to be treated like royalty doesn’t mean it’s weird.”

She fake gasps. “Daniel can use the harsh products to save his youthful skin but uses three-in-one instead.”

“Wash your mouth. I’m more sophisticated than that.”

“Indeed. With your heavily fragranced products that suck the soul from your skin.” She settles on the pillow and tucks a hand under her head. There’s a faint smile on her face and I want to keep it there.

“How do you know my products have fragrance?” Red tinges her cheeks, and I can’t keep the glee from my voice. “Did you smell my products?”

“Maybe. But only to make sure you’re looking after your skin.”

I laugh and roll closer to her. “Shall I let you overhaul my skincare routine for your birthday present?”

She shrugs. “Your products would destroy my skin, but that doesn’t mean it’s ruining yours. Your three-in-one is doing all right.” Blue eyes scan my face. “Good night,” she says, and rolls over.

“Good night.” I flick the lights off.

Does she mean I don’t need to change my routine because she likes the way I look? Am I reading too deeply into this?Warmth spreads through my chest as I face her back, watching it rise and fall. The rhythm soothing.

Who cares? I’m taking it as a compliment.

4

MADDY

December 24th:The birthday.

The pillow is hard but warm and I nuzzle my nose deeper into the warmth. The pillow moves and a laugh above me ruffles my hair. Strange. I ignore the sound, and enjoy that it’s early enough the heat isn’t causing sweat to prickle across my neck.

“If you snuggle any deeper, you’ll suffocate yourself.”

Why’s the pillow talking? I ignore it and rub my face on soft fabric. Hair is shifted out of my face carefully and tucked behind my ear. A finger brushes down the bridge of my nose.

Pillows don’t have fingers.

My eyes blink open in the dim light and squint at the person I’m lying across. “Am I lying on top of you?”

“Yes.” He sounds amused. “I went to get you coffee, and when I came back, you decided to climb on me.”

I tilt my head to look at him, brushing my cheek on his chest in the process. The feeling addictive. “Sorry.”

“Are you gonna drink coffee lying down?” Daniel’s eyes crinkle.

“I’m getting up. Why are you so comfy?” I reluctantly drag myself off him and sit against the headboard. But I don’t go far. Our shoulders press together and he hands me a mug full of coffee.

“Because you’re tired. And once you’ve had coffee, you’ll regret everything you just said.”

I sip the hot liquid and rub my eyes until I see stars. “Probably.”

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