Page 63 of The Perfect Spiral
“Yeah, Sam! We can strip down to our underwear, have pillow fights, and play truth or dare! Maddie, Lena, get in here! We’re having a slumber party!”
Excited squeals echoed from the hallway, followed by the sound of rapid footsteps. Maddie and Lena burst into the room, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“No way! Yes!!!” The sound of little feet racing upstairs and the sight of the little ones trying to climb onto the bed made me giggle.
“I’m sleeping with Alex!” Adam declared, causing a debate to erupt in the room.
“No way, little bud! You can sleep next to her on one side, but I get the other side!” Knox countered, crawling across the bodies to get to me.
Wes smacked him on the back, and they exchanged a glare. Laughter erupted from the doorway, where all the parents stood, snapping pictures of us.
I loved this. I felt so safe.
“Alright, alright, let Alex sleep now! Before my bed collapses and I have to sleep somewhere else! So, goodbye everyone! I’ll see you all tomorrow... afternoon! No way I’ll be up in the morning,” I joked.
One by one, they left the room, leaving only Adam and Knox on either side of me. “I know you’re both awake! I’m the queen of pretending to sleep! Please! Both of you out! Now!” I tickled Adam and slapped Knox’s chest.
Adam giggled and kissed my forehead. “Night, Alex! See you tomorrow!” He climbed down from the bed and rummaged through my wardrobe and drawers, pretending to scare off the monsters.
“Hang on there, bud! Aren’t you missing a monster?” I pointed at Knox, who was grinning at first, then frowned at my comment.
Adam chuckled and waved goodnight before running out the door.
“He’s too cute!” I sighed.
“Come on, little monster, out! I need my beauty sleep,” I teased Knox, sitting up and releasing his hand.
“You don’t need it, baby doll,” he said, causing me to widen myeyes in surprise. He laughed at my reaction, and I pushed him away, though he grabbed my hand again and pulled me closer.
He kissed my forehead. “Night, baby doll! Sleep well. Don’t dream about me too much. See you tomorrow!” He winked at me before leaving the room.
What the hell? He was super flirty... It wasn’t just me, right?
They were all going to the Christmas fair tomorrow, but I decided to sleep in. I’d go with Hannah another day. I’d been to so many already.
I rolled my eyes at Knox’s comment, slipped into my jersey, and slid into bed. It wasn’t long before sleep claimed me.
Chapter 23
I woke to sunlight streaming through the slits in my curtains. I laughed to myself, imagining the outfits I could have made the boys from the curtain fabric.
I rolled over, stretching out on the cool sheets. This was what I’d missed most about my room. Fresh sheets, nothing better than that after a long flight.
Actually, fresh sheets, pajamas, and a nice long shower. That was the recipe for a great sleep. The house was silent; they’d all gone to the fair.
I toss the covers off my legs, landing lightly on the cool floor. I wiggle my toes, tapping the floor lightly, and make my way down the stairs into the foyer. Boomer’s absence is noticeable.
He must be out with them. I glance at the time on my phone—12:17 pm. They’ll be back soon.
I navigate the hallway, heading towards the kitchen to whip up some food. As I open the door, I find Knox perched on a stool at the counter, engrossed in his phone. Shirtless.
His head swivels towards me, a lopsided smirk playing on hislips.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, lingering at the kitchen entrance. “Why aren’t you at the fair?”
He leans back on his stool, placing his phone face down on the marble counter. Crossing his arms over his bare chest, his muscles flex, drawing my gaze.
Look away, Alex, look away!
