Page 97 of Axe-identally Married
Around two, we crashed, sprawled across the couches under mountains of blankets and sleeping bags.
But I couldn’t sleep. I missed Cole. I’d become so accustomed to snuggling with him that sleeping alone felt wrong. It was late, and I should be exhausted, but my brain would not stop spinning.
So I dug out my phone and shot off a text.
Willa
I can’t sleep without you.
Cole
neither can I. I’m just staring at the ceiling and sniffing your pillow because it smells like you.
I swooned a little.The girls were right. I was in deep. And while I knew I should think all this through and prepare myself for the possibility that this wasn’t sustainable, my heart didn’t care in the least.
There was no way I’d sleep a wink without him, and after the intensity of the night, all the tears and laughter I’d shared with my friends, I needed him to ground me. That’s what he did. He helped me make sense of my life and brought me back to myself every time.
Willa
I’m gonna sneak out and come home
Cole
Miss me that much?
Willa
Yes
Cole
I don’t want you walking over here alone. Give me ten min. I’ll come get you.
My heart expanded.The thought of sneaking out to see him filled me with a wild thrill. Like I was back in high school. Except I’d never snuck out with cute boys back then.
I got off the couch, folded the blankets, and tiptoed toward the kitchen where I’d left my bag, wide awake and buzzing with excitement. I’d seen Cole this morning—he’d done pushups while I rode my stationary bike, and then he’d given me an X-rated kiss goodbye—but it still felt like too long.
I was putting my coat on in the mudroom area when Magnolia appeared, hair mussed and arms crossed. “Are you seriously sneaking out right now?”
I nodded sheepishly.
“Willa.” She let out a resigned sigh. “I’m worried about you.”
I looked at her. “I’m sorry. I owe you a full explanation, and I promise you’ll get it. I just need him right now.”
Her shoulders dropped. “Fine. Do you want a ride?”
“He’s walking over now,” I said.
I swore her lips quirked just a little. “Good man. You’re totally in love with him, aren’t you?”
There was no way I could answer that question. I’d never been in love and never thought I would be. My life had changed so dramatically in such a short time. It was impossible to verbalize any of this, especially in the middle of the night.
Lips pressed together, I shrugged.
“I’m bummed you’re leaving. You’re gonna miss the mimosa bar tomorrow morning. But I guess you can go home with your man.”
I rushed forward and pulled her into a hug.
