Claiming space around me like it belonged to him.
Mine.
The dangerous little thought flashed through me again before I shoved it down immediately.
Nope.
Not touching that.
Definitely not unpacking why that made me want to climb him like a tree.
My face warmed instantly.
Shit.
I was pathetic.
And exhausted.
The insomnia was getting worse.
Much worse.
Even after last night.
Especially after last night.
Which also wasn’t helping my emotional stability.
Because apparently once Sten kissed me, my entire nervous system collectively decided sleep was optional now.
Instead, every night became endless hours of replaying his mouth on mine and wondering what exactly was happening between us.
Between us.
The phrase alone made my pulse jump.
I sighed heavily and pulled my phone from my satchel again, checking the reminder I’d finally entered earlier that morning.
Dr. Margot Childs—Spring Equinox Festival—2:30 PM.
Relief softened something tight in my chest at the sight of it.
Dr. Childs had known me since I was fourteen years old and I sat crying in an exam room because my sisters convinced me I was broken for getting my period later than everyone else.
I still remembered her handing me tissues while explaining gently that bodies developed differently and that nothing about me was wrong.
She’d been one of the only adults in my life who never treated me like a disappointment.
Which probably explained why I trusted her enough to admit lately something felt off.
Not bad exactly.
Just different.
My emotions felt too intense lately.
My body hypersensitive.
