Robert.
Morning arrived too quickly.
I woke to sunlight spilling across the bed and the unfamiliar weight of peace beside me. Tessa was still asleep, her hair fanned across the pillow, her face relaxed in a way that made her look younger. Softer.
For a moment, I just watched her.
This, this quiet, uncomplicated closeness, was dangerous. Because it made me forget why I'd built walls in the first place. Made me want things I wasn't sure I deserved.
I slipped out of bed carefully and dressed quickly, then paused at the door. She shifted, murmuring something unintelligible, and I found myself stepping back to tuck the blanket around her shoulders.
"Good morning," she whispered suddenly, eyes fluttering open.
I smiled despite myself. "Morning."
She pushed herself up on one elbow. "You're leaving already?"
"Not yet," I said. "I'll wait. We'll go together."
Her smile was immediate. Bright. Like she hadn't expected that answer but hoped for it anyway.
