Page 42 of Afterglow
We leave our plates on the coffee table once empty. My knees fold to my chest, and every few minutes, I shift a bit, feet getting closer and closer to Fletcher.
He inches not-so-subtly to me, too, and by the time Zaara leaves Veer at the train platform, my toes tuck under his warm thighs. Soon enough, I get the courage to position his arm around my knees. The weight of his bicep soothes me. His hand sweeps up and down my shin, easy and measured, further relaxing me into the plush sofa cushions. My eyelids get heavy during a conversation between Veer and his lawyer.
When they reopen, it’s morning. The early rays fill the space through the floor-to-ceiling windows. I stretch my arms overhead and point my toes with a whine, escaping the chunky knit blanket covering me. Damn it, I fell asleep. And Fletcher didn’t stay.
I check my phone for the time and see a reminder to go into work today. Shit. I told Theresa Giachetti I’d take care of scheduling before the office opens on Monday. A quick peek down the hallway tells me Fletcher’s either not there or asleep. His bedroom door is closed. If I leave without showering, I can walk there, finish up, and come back in time to study.
Within thirty minutes, I’m at Giachetti & Associates, unlocking the glass front door.
Dreamboat
Where’d you go?
Me
The office
Me
I have to work for a couple hours
Dreamboat
Without me?
Me
Didn’t wanna wake you, sleepyhead
Me
I can walk sometimes, you know
Dreamboat
What if someone kidnaps you?
I chuckle.
Me
I can take care of myself
Dreamboat
And what if I wanna take care of you?
Warmth pools in my chest. My face singes with a rush of blood to the surface of its skin.
Dreamboat
Text me when you’re done, I’ll come pick you up
And I’m supposed to survive this?
Chapter 17
So, Wanking Off 24/7 Doesn’t Kill You
