I wake slowly, drifting up from sleep like I’m floating. The first thing I notice is warmth. The second is weight, a steady arm wrapped around my waist, holding me close. Evan. For a moment, I just lie there, listening to his breathing, feeling the rise and fall of his chest against my back. It’s peaceful. Safe. Something I didn’t realize I’d been craving until now. Then the memories of last night hit me. The candles. The pizza. The quiet talking. Me… being bold. Me choosing him. Me not hiding anymore.
My face heats. I can’t believe how forward I was. I’m not usually like that, I’m careful, cautious, always afraid of saying too much or wanting too much. But last night? I was tired of hiding. I did that once before. I hid how I felt. I pretended it didn’t matter. And he walked away. Not be
