Chapter 77
ASHLEY
The warm rays of sunlight slant across my face, stirring me awake. I rub my aching head and prop myself up on the bed with a small yawn. A little frown creases my forehead at the sight of the brightness of the sun. Despite being my own boss, I still hate going late to work.
I barely have time to register my annoyance when a small, purring sound comes from my bed. I rub my eyes in shock at the sight of Demi sleeping soundly in my bed. When did she come into my room? What happened between us? Was she really here the entire night?
Something warm blooms in my chest as I watch her sleep. It reminds me of the first night we shared together in her room months back.
Flashes of my night start clouding my memory; the nightmare and the gibberish I can’t recall saying. Bile fills me as my eyes droop in embarrassment. I never wanted anyone to see me like that, after the throes of an intense nightmare, least of all Demi. I feel the tug of shame now. What must she have thought seeing my cry like a wimp?
Her eyes flutter open, startling me. While I slide off the bed and pull on my robe, she merely sits up and yawns softly.
"Am I dreaming? This can’t be real."
My utterance makes her chuckle a bit. How can someone look so cute at the crack of dawn? I think to myself. She comes around the bed to feel the temperature of my neck and stroke my face.
"You gave me a fright last night. I’m glad you’re all better."
So, that’s all it was? She was only being sweet and nice because of the nightmare I had? I close a hand over hers on my cheek and let my eyes linger on her pretty face.
"I’m sorry about that. I didn’t mean to scare you like that."