I blinked groggily. The room was grey-blue with early morning light. My hand was intertwined with Theo’s, the way it had been before I fell asleep.
And speaking of Theo…
He was awake and looking at me.
I caught my breath, any remnants of sleep dissolving instantly.
Theo lay on his side, his head propped on one arm, his eyes softer than I’d had ever seen them, gazing at me with an intensity that stole the air right out of my lungs.
Theo didn’t look away.
“Morning.” My voice sounded scratchy.
Theo’s lips curved, and it was warmer than a smile, the kind of expression you only gave someone when you didn’t have your defences up.
“Morning.”
I stilled. Theo was studying me, every blink, every breath, every inch of bare skin not hidden beneath the duvet.
I returned his gaze. “How long have you been awake?”
Theo hesitated. “A while.”
My stomach flipped. “You were watching me?”
Theo looked away, his face flushed. “I was checking on you.”
“How do you feel?”
Theo closed his eyes for a moment, then let out a sigh. “I feel… settled.”
I blinked. “Settled is good.”
“It’s confusing,” Theo corrected gently.
I squeezed his hand. “We can be confused together.”
Theo stared at me again, his gaze direct and unguarded. “Last night, I needed someone. And you were here.”
“Not just here.” I let go of his hand and stroked his cheek. “With you.” I smiled. “Is this going to become a thing, me waking up to find you studying me? Because I have to say, it’s a little bit?—”
“Creepy?”
I chuckled. “I was going to say unnerving.” I didn’t want to talk.
I wanted him to touch me, kiss me…
If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
It was one of Gary’s favourite sayings when I was little.
Maybe he has a point.
“Theo…”
His gaze met mine, those blue eyes as beautiful as the day I realised what I really wanted.
So dreamscancome true.