I’m sick. I deserve this.
I am dangerously used to this level of closeness with Reed.
The cat jumps onto the couch, situating himself in front of my chest. He curls up, and even though he’s not touching me, this is the closest to cuddling we’ve ever been.
“What do I do?” I whisper.
“Just let him figure it out.”
I don’t move. The cat swishes his tail, leaving it laying across my arm.
I’m counting it.
We watch the movie, laughing as Jack and Lucy grow closer but refuse to admit how they feel about each other. Reed gently draws his fingertips across my scalp, massaging at my hairline before sweeping down my braid. Soothing me over and over until I’m drifting to the edge of sleep.
“I might rest my eyes for a minute, too.”
He chuckles at my warning. “You take whatever you need, firefly.”
Staying awake, protecting my heart—I never stood a chance.
text thread
Rose: Should I order two pizzas?
Rose: How much can you eat?
Reed: Don’t underestimate how much I can eat
Reed: But I’ve got that covered
Reed: You’re doing enough by inviting a chaos machine into your house
Rose: And a little girl
Reed: I see how it is
Rose: I’ll get candy and popcorn
Rose: Is Luke going to hate us for this tomorrow?
Reed: He’s used to it
Reed: Getting Jovie sugared up is part of the deal
Rose: Do we know which games are on the agenda?
Reed: She’s keeping it a surprise
Rose: Should I be worried?
Reed: Very
Reed: But I’ll be there to hold your hand
Rose: I’m counting on it
25