Page 123 of The Perfect Spiral
“No, it’s fine. I can manage. I don’t want to inconvenience you by having you carry me to bed. But thank you.”
“It’s no trouble at all. You’re as light as a feather. I’d be happy to carry you up.” He steps out of the car, taking my hand in his, and leads me toward the doors.
He turns his back to me, arms extended, waiting for me to climb onto him. I slide out of the car and clamber onto his back. His arms secure my legs, lifting me higher to prevent any chance of slipping.
I rest my chin on his shoulder, my arms wrapped around his neck for support. My eyelids feel heavy.
As he carries me across the driveway and into the house, the cool night breeze brushes against my skin, causing goosebumps to rise.
“Thank you, Knox. You didn’t have to,” I whisper, not because I’m trying to keep our conversation private, but because I’m too drained to speak any louder. I’m surprised I can even form a coherent sentence.
“Anything for you, baby doll,” he replies, turning his head so I can see his profile. I lean in to kiss his cheek, and I feel him tense slightly, his breath hitching.
But that’s just because of the awkward position he’s holding me in, and my movement doesn’t help.
“For you, carrying me. When you didn’t have to.”
“Thanks, baby doll. And I wanted to. You look exhausted.” He carries me into my room and squats down so I can reach the bed without any sudden movements. My vision is blurry, my eyes keep closing, but I hear him chuckle above me.
“What?” I ask, not bothering to open my eyes. “Nothing. Here, let’s get you tucked in. I know I can’t do it like Annie does, but I’ll have to do for now.”
I slide under the covers, pulling them up to my chin, and tuck one hand under the cool side of my pillow. I snuggle into myself, seeking warmth, and feel his lips press against mine.
They linger, a soft and warm kiss that instantly fills me with warmth. Then, a kiss on my forehead. Am I dreaming?
“Goodnight, beautiful. Sleep well.” After that, I lose the battle to stay awake. I slip into a deep slumber, so deep that I don’t remember dreaming.
I wake to stillness around me. It’s still dark outside, but I’m wide awake. I toss and turn, trying to fall back asleep. Well, that’s what you get for falling asleep so early, Alex.
I roll over to check the time on my phone. It’s 3:56 a.m. Great. I groan and decide to head downstairs to make myself some hot chocolate. That usually helps me sleep.
After changing out of my dinner clothes and into a jersey, I reach the kitchen and pour some milk into a pot to bring to a boil.
I search for some cocoa powder and find some. Themarshmallows are already out from the kids’ activities earlier. They won’t mind if I borrow some.
Cupping a steaming mug of hot chocolate, I grab a blanket and head outside onto the deck. I can faintly hear the voices of teenagers on the beach, having fun.
Sipping from the mug to keep warm, I pull the blanket around me and draw my knees to my chest, settling comfortably on the outdoor corner sofa.
The sliding door from the kitchen opens, and I’m greeted by a shirtless back and a pair of red boxer shorts. He turns around and faces me.
“I knew it was you,” Knox beams at me, sitting next to me and pulling the blanket over his own legs. He places his arm around the back of the seat.
“How’d you know it was me?” I ask.
“Because I can smell that from upstairs,” he says, pointing at my hot chocolate with a grin. I can feel his skin brushing against mine intermittently.
I hold out the mug to him. “Want some? I made too much for just me.” He takes the mug from my hand after I warn him it’s hot.
He winks. “Of course I want some. This is hands down the best recipe there is!” His smile makes him look like a five-year-old.
He sets the mug on his lap, holding it with one hand, while the other arm wraps itself around me. He starts to pull me closer, and I let him.
Pulling the blanket up further for both of us, he adjusts it and rests his arm across my shoulder.
We sit in silence for a while until I spot a couple holding hands, kissing, and fooling around, making the girl scream every sooften. I smile to myself, remembering a time when Drew and I were just like that couple.
I shake my head to clear the thoughts and take a sip from the mug on Knox’s knee.
