I’d waken with a startled breath. As the former day crept back into my mind, I recognized the familiar scent and soft bed. Val had taken me to his pad. Relief washed over me. Going back to my house gave me a dreadful sense that I wasn’t ready to confront. Sooner or later, I had to go back. For now, I only wanted to be with Val just for a little while. I heard light footsteps and glanced up. I couldn’t help but smile.
“Hello, sleeping beauty!” Val grinned as he came into the dim room and sat on the edge of the bed next to me. “I thought you might like some soup or something to eat.” His soft eyes glanced over me. I noticed he had put one of his T-shirts on me and got rid of the drenched black dress I’d worn earlier. The T-shirt felt soft against my skin, and it smelled of citrus, like Val.
