Page 45 of Don't Remind Me
Through the crack, I spotted Dani sound asleep, dark hair peeking up over my gray comforter, one hand resting beside her face on the pillow. Nestled in the crook of her arm was Baxter. He had his head resting below her chin, body splayed along hers, blissed out like it was the only place he wanted to be.
Careful not to make a sound, I took my phone from the pocket of my sweats and snapped a picture.
I wasn’t sure what made me do it. Just that I wanted to be able to look back on this moment and remember this feeling. Like a molten lava cake had split open in my chest, its warmth oozing everywhere. To wake up to this every morning and have the same peace settle over me at the sight.
Only there wouldn’t be an every morning.
Not with her. Not like this.
Just whatever could be captured in a single photo on my phone and the knowledge that it would have to be enough.
By the timeDani emerged from the bedroom, I had banana pancakes keeping warm in the oven, fresh fruit sliced and set out on the island, and eggs cooking in the pan. Mornings were the only time I consistently cooked at home, so while my fridge wasn’t stocked with much else, I had plenty of breakfast foods on hand.
“Smells so good,” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
I fought back a smile. “Coffee?”
“God, yes.” She slid onto a stool as I set up the French press.
“You sleep okay?”
Her eyes were puffy, but she gave a nod. “Mmm, yeah. Baxter’s better than a weighted blanket.”
As if summoned, his furry highness strolled out of the bedroom. He stopped in front of his food bowl and gave a stretch before leveling me with a stare and letting out a demanding meow.
I leaned against the counter and crossed my arms over my chest. “Don’t look at me. You chose her,” I said, nodding at Dani. “As far as I’m concerned, she can feed you.”
He let out another yowl, apparently not happy with that suggestion.
“Oh yeah? Well, how do you think I feel?”
His next meow was short and definitive.
“Do I at least get morning cuddles?” I scooped him up and butted his forehead with mine. He rubbed his whiskers against my face, a purr rippling through him, and I pressed a kiss to his soft cheek.
Dani’s eyes were bright with amusement as she watched us.
“I can’t let him win too easily,” I said in defense, lowering Baxter to the ground and giving him a scoop of food. “He’s spoiled enough as it is, aren’t you?” He was too busy eating to reply.
She focused on him a moment longer, then glanced at me, our gazes locking. Her hair was in a loose ponytail, pieces falling out around her face. She had no makeup on. Her sleep shirt was big and baggy.
She’d never looked more beautiful.
A faint blush rose to her cheeks, and I shifted my gaze, turning to get her coffee and a plate of pancakes.
“Thanks,” she said as I placed both in front of her. She picked up her fork, but instead of eating, she spun the fork between her fingers. “Look?—”
“If the next words out of your mouth are going to be ‘I’m sorry,’ I don’t want to hear it,” I said.
Her mouth snapped shut, surprise and a little hurt flashing across her face.
I swallowed. “I’m the one who owes you an apology. I shouldn’t have avoided you the way I did last week.”
She studied her fork. “Why did you?”
I exhaled through my nose, dropping to my forearms on the island. “It was nothing you did. That night at the gallery and then dinner afterward—it was amazing. The best night I’ve had in a long time. But all the stuff with you and Alec…” An invisible hand wrapped around my throat and squeezed.
She watched me, waiting.
