Page 21 of Undone, Love Times Three

Tonight has been fun. We’ve shared a lot and the events of the first date are put behind us. I’m happy about that. I don’t like the thought of her being upset about that. What I did like, was her getting flirty tonight. The attraction is going both ways, for sure.

There are a few photographs in the sitting room, all of women who I assume are her mom, sister and grandma. When we had our date, I remember thinking she hadn’t mentioned any men being in her life which is evidenced here.

Sylvie calls that she wants to freshen up and she’ll be through shortly.

The couch is a three-seater, dark green with black decorative cushions. Settling into it, I lean back and get comfortable.

I’m glad I ran in to her today. I’d spent so long thinking about her and not knowing how to pick things back up. It’s fate that I ran into her the way I did. If I believed in things like that.

The meal was delicious, and the beer is a good brand. I set it on the table beside a paperback and lean back a little further.

Despite the good fortune bumping into Sylvie, it’s been a long day. The accident this morning took a lot out of me, mentallyand physically. I’m coming off a three day shift too. Usually I take things easy after I get off.

My stomach is happy, I’ve had a nice time with her, and this house is giving off calming vibes.

I close my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. This couch is comfortable. My head lolls and I jolt, shifting in the seat. Shit, I’m tired. I should get going. It’s at least a twenty-minute drive across town to get home.

My lids droop again. I’ll just rest until Sylvie comes back. Then I will ask her out to a proper dinner, while I’m still off shift. Also, I don’t want to lose any momentum with her. She’s really sweet.

Without realizing, my head drops forward and my chin hits my chest. I lose the battle with sleep.

Nine

Sylvie

My feet come to a sudden halt when I see Ryan on the couch. He’s in a seated position, his head on the back of the couch. Fast asleep.

Oh. Wow, I guess my company is riveting. Although… He told me about that accident this morning and he’s been on a long shift. Oh no. I’ve kept him awake when he is exhausted. I should have let him go home earlier.

Ryan is the kind of guy who would have said if he wanted to leave. This is his body catching up with him. And feeling comfortable maybe. I could never fall asleep in a stranger’s house. Funny how he doesn’t feel like a stranger.

What do I do? Let him sleep, wake him up. Stand here like a creeper and watch him? I’m doing number three. Greedily, and without having to worry, I take in the perfection of his face. His expression is softer when he sleeps, his forehead smooth and the lines around his eyes are relaxed.

I’ve heard people say men look younger when they’re sleeping but Ryan doesn’t. He just looks… Perfect. One of his hands is resting on his stomach, the other is on the arm of the couch. His limbs are loose, his legs spread.

Should I get him a blanket? He must be exhausted to have fallen asleep so easily. I should let him rest.

The book I’m reading is on the table beside his beer glass. I can sit and read while he rests. Just for a little while, then I’ll wake him before it gets too late.

Mind made up, I slip out of my shoes and walk around Ryan’s outstretched legs. Leaning across him, I almost have my hand on the book when Ryan moves one of his legs. It knocks me off balance and I stumble forward with a yelp.

Ryan’s eyes pop open and he puts his hands up as I fall towards him. He grabs my arms and sits forward to stop my momentum but the way he jolted, and how he moved sends us the wrong way and I fall backwards. We go down in a heap on the carpet.

I let out an oof sound and Ryan grunts as he lands on top of me. Fortunately, I have a very plush carpet but my ass and back take that hit.

“Shit, Sylvie, are you alright?”

“I’m so sorry,” I blurt out. “That was my fault.”

“What happened?” Ryan still sounds confused.

“I was getting my book and, you moved and I…”

“Shit, I’m crushing you,” he shifts onto his elbows, shaking his head like he is brushing off the sleep. “Are you hurt?”

Maybe I’ll have a few bruises tomorrow, but I don’t want him to feel bad about that, so I shake my head. We both become aware he is lying on top of me. Our faces are inches apart.

“I fell asleep?”

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