And then Michelle barging in like she owned the place.
I groaned and scrubbed harder.
By the time I got out, steam had fogged the mirror and the whole room smelled faintly of vanilla. I wrapped myself in a soft robe and wandered back out into the bedroom. A small stack of new books sat waiting on the dresser. I picked the top one—a fantasy romance with a ridiculous title and a dragon on the cover—and brought it to the bed.
I curled up, flicked on the small lamp, and sank into the silence.
Except it wasn’t heavy anymore.
It was peaceful.
I traced the edges of the book cover with my thumb, letting the moment stretch.
And then, just before opening the book, I got up again and went over to the door.
Turned the lock with a click.
Just in case.
I told myself I’d read one chapter.
Just
