I need to have a conversation with Maggie.
I need to rebook my flight.
I need to work on the pitch for Natalie.
At some point, I probably need to talk with my dad.
And Jacob—
He’s taken off his sweater, and he’s pulling his arms through his undershirt. His face disappears for a moment, and then his skin is revealed. Warm and golden from the lamp on the nightstand, the expanse of his chest wide and inviting.
All I want is to curl up there. To close my eyes. To rest.
“We don’t need to do anything until dinner,” I say. “Right?”
I stretch my arms over my head, pulling one of the pillows toward me, and he nods. He pulls the comforter back farther, allowing me to climb under it, and he slides in.
“I’ll set an alarm,” he says, his words a faint mumble.
I’m lying down, already falling asleep, when I hear the click of the light turning off, when I feel his arm come around my waist. When I hear his breathing even out and allow myself to sleep.
There will be things to figure out when I wake up, but right now it’s nice to not think about it. To not feel alone.
—
I jolt awake to the sound of a familiar ringtone playing. I reach to switch it off out of instinct, but instead of an alarm, it’s an incoming phone call.
I almost swipe my thumb across the screen to answer before I see the name.
Ajit Uncle.
I sit up, shaking Jacob’s shoulder.
He blinks, his eyes bleary. “What?”
“My dad. He’s calling.”
“Okay…”
“On your phone.”
“Oh.” He takes the phone from my hand, lifting it to his ear. “Uncle, hi.”
He reaches for the lamp with his other hand, switching it on, and I blink at the sudden light.
“Yes,” he says. He’s quiet for a little bit. “An hour?” he asks. He lifts an eyebrow at me. “For dinner?”
I nod.
“Yes, that sounds good.” He props the pillow behind him, sitting up straight. “We can meet you at the restaurant downstairs.” He pauses, then smiles at me. “Yes. I can tell her.” A beat. “All right. We’ll see you both in a bit.”
He hangs up, tossing the phone on the bed, and then he reaches for me.
I laugh, surprised, as he pulls me toward him.
“Good morning,” he says, planting a soft kiss on my mouth.
“Pretty sure it’s evening.”
