Nora's POV
"Good morning, sweetheart."
My eyes snap open and I bolt upright in bed. "What the hell is happening?"
"Nora? Are you still dreaming? Having another nightmare?"
"I'm beginning to wonder if this entire thing is one big nightmare."
"What are you talking about?" Brent laughs softly. "Are you sleep-talking again?"
"Possibly." I turn to face him, studying his features carefully. "I can't tell if you're actually here with me or not."
"Of course I'm here." Brent reaches for my hand, interlacing our fingers. "You're starting to worry me, sweetheart."
"I despise that pet name," I tell him firmly. "You know that from when we were together that summer I came home from the Academy."
"We've been together for many summers."
