Responsible Jack is still very much here.
I nod.
“Set your alarm for four.”
He glances at me. “Four?”
I nod, suddenly very aware of how bold this sounds and absolutely unwilling to take it back.
“Yes.”
“Why four?”
I hesitate for half a second. Then decide apparently tonight is the night I say things I normally wouldn’t.
“Because,” I say carefully, “I’m fairly certain I’m going to want some cuddle time before you go.”
The words just… sit there.
Did I just say that?
Jack doesn’t laugh. Doesn’t tease. Doesn’t make it awkward.
His expression just softens in that dangerous way he has.
“Four it is,” he says quietly, setting the alarm.
I stare at the ceiling for a second.
His breathing evens out again. His hand still warm against my back. Outside somewhere London continues being loud and sleepless.
In here it feels very quiet.
Very safe.
For once my brain doesn’t immediately start catastrophising what this means tomorrow.
For once I just let myself stay exactly where I am.
Tangled up with a man I absolutely did not plan for.
And very much not regretting it.
Chapter 15
Jack
Iwake before thealarm.
For a few seconds I don’t move because I don’t immediately remember where I am. Then I feel her.
Warm against my side. One hand resting lightly on my chest like she fell asleep there without meaning to. Her hair is a mess across the pillow. Her glasses folded neatly on the bedside table.
The room is quiet. Early-morning London quiet. The kind that only exists for about twenty minutes before the city remembers itself.
I check the time.
03:58.
