Page 53 of The Hotel Room

Had chosen to step outside of everything they’d built.

The brush dragged again, this time harder, a deep black stroke slicing through the middle of the canvas.

The sound felt louder than it should have been, the bristles scraping against the weave.

She hated that she still wanted him here. Hated the part of herself that had softened at his tenderness tonight.

How could love and rage live in the same breath?

How could she feelboth?

The brush slipped from her hand, hitting the drop cloth, a smear of black paint streaking across her fingers.

Kate pressed her palm to her chest, the ache behind her ribs expanding, pressing tighter.

This isn’t helping.

But still, she stayed.

Stayed with the mess, the unfinished canvas.

Because even if she didn’t understand what she was trying to say yet—

At least she wasfeelingsomething.

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The light filtering through the blinds was pale, soft, but it still felt like too much.

Kate lay in the guest bed, her body aching with exhaustion that seemed to weigh heavier than usual. She felt hollow, drained, as though every muscle had been wrung out overnight.

The sound of footsteps approached—soft but distinct—then a gentle knock at the door.

She barely had the strength to call out, but the door opened anyway.

James.

His gaze swept over her, lingering on her face, the way her hand rested protectively over her stomach. He didn’t say anything right away, just quietly took in the sight of her curled beneath the blanket.

“You okay?” His voice was softer than usual, careful.

She managed a nod, though it felt like a lie. “Just tired. I’ll get up in a minute.”

James frowned, stepping closer, brows drawing together.

“Stay in bed.”

She blinked, surprised by his firmness.

“I’ll handle everything this morning,” he added before she could protest. His gaze was steady, leaving no room for argument. “Noah’s already up. He said he’s riding his bike today. I’ll drop Lily off.” His eyes softened, voice lowering further. “You need rest, Kate. Just stay here. Please.”

She didn’t fight it. Her body was too heavy. The fog of fatigue too thick.

She nodded, closing her eyes as James pulled the blanket a little higher over her shoulder, his touch lingering for just a beat longer than necessary.

The door clicked shut quietly behind him.

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