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“Thanks for coming to check on me,” I whisper against her hair.
“Always.” She returns the hug then pulls away. “I don’t have to go on my trip to the city this weekend,” she says, her eyes focused on the comforter.
“No way.” I reach down and squeeze her hand. “You’ve been looking forward to this trip since September.”
“True.” She shrugs. “But I don’t want to leave you all alone.”
“I won’t beall alone. Geez. I’ll be fine.”
“Oh, realllly.” She drags out the word, teasing me. “Is Dex gonna come over?” she sings.
“Maybe. We’ll see. That’s none of your business, young lady.”
She giggles. “Oh, he’ssocoming over to keep you company.”
“Ugh.” I flop back against the pillows.
She stands. “You need more sleep.”
“So do you.”
She searches my room. “Do you want me to leave a light on?”
“No, it’s okay.” I yawn.
“All right. Night, Em.” She shuts off the light and quietly closes the door.
I turn over and close my eyes.
The horrible images return immediately. The dread, the horror. All of it.
This is what I hate about nightmares the most. Sometimes, they never let go of you.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
Emily
The drive homeFriday night is a blur. A rush to get home. As I pull into my driveway, I spot something colorful on the front steps. I park and hurry to the front door.
A short but full bouquet of flowers sits in a square, orange glass vase. Protective see-through wrapping is pulled up over the arrangement, but inside, I make out hot-pink roses, orange Gerbera daisies, and other bright, happy blossoms I don’t know the names of. I pick up the flowers and bring them inside, setting them on the entry table.
Carefully, I peel off a small card taped to the wrapping.
Emily.
Looking forward to seeing you tonight.
Dex.
The words are printed in black ink. Something he probably typed online when he ordered the flowers. I clutch the note to my chest and smile. How sweet.
I invited Dex over for dinner and to watch another movie. But it’s a cover story. After last weekend, and now the flowers before he even gets here—my need to jump this man is sharper than any desire I’ve ever felt before.
Still, I plan to make dinner. I’m not a complete hussy. Something quick and light.
I rush into the kitchen and peel the wrapping off the flowers and place them in the middle of the table. Nah, I’d rather have them in my bedroom so I can see them first thing in the morning. I poke my head in the fridge to make sure I have everything I need, then carry the flowers upstairs. In my bedroom, I set the vase on my desk, then hurry to shower and change.
Twenty minutes later, I’m searching my underwear drawer for something sexy and flattering. My hand brushes over a hot-pink satin bra. It’s a bit snug. I only break it out for special occasions. It makes my boobs look amazing. There’s a matching pair of panties here somewhere. I rummage through my drawer until I find them tucked into the bottom corner.
