“So we just keep pretending we’re not on a cliff?”
“We’re not pretending,” he says. “We just haven’t looked down yet.”
I let out a slow breath, nestling closer. “Tell me it’s worth it.”
“It is,” he says instantly. “Even if we fall.”
I don’t answer. I just reach for his hand and hold it tight.
He presses a kiss to my hair.
“You’re worth every risk,” he whispers. “And if we’re lucky… we build wings on the way down.”
I don’t say anything. I just lean into him, savoring the beauty of this moment, the safety I feel with his arms around me.
He hands me the remote. “Pick a movie.”
But as I’m scrolling through HBO, he says, “You know, I’ve never seen Game of Thrones.”
I gasp, turning my face to his. “What the actual hell? First Sleep Token, now this?”
“Okay, now…” he says, voice gravelly. “I don’t really watch TV. I typically read. Or drink.”
“That’s… healthy,” I deadpan, rolling my eyes. “We are starting this. Now.”
I queue up episode one, knowing it’ll take us months to get through all eight seasons. And I hope it does. The more time with him, the better.
Around noon, Sal texts to check in. I send back a quick reply, letting her know I’m good, and I need her to keep covering for me today. Maybe even tonight.
27
SOPHIE
Hours pass before we finally rise from the couch and stretch out our limbs. We’d been tangled up in each other all day, binge watching episode after episode, only moving when Winnie needed to go out. Otherwise, we’d stayed wrapped up in each other under cozy blankets, our bodies practically molding into one. Pretending like the rest of the world doesn’t exist.
I’d tried my best to keep my commentary on the show to a minimum, but it was astruggle.I’m a talker when watching TV, but Theo… definitely is not.
He shushed me a few times, playfully of course, especially when I’d come dangerously close to spoiling a major plot twist. I’d just given him a little shrug, adding in some puppy dog eyes, and he’d forgiven me instantly.
And then he invited me to stay the night again. I almost squealed with excitement.
Cue the internal fireworks. Absolutely, yes.
I text my parents, giving a quick excuse for why I’d be staying at Sal’s again, and got an instantokay.They didn’t ask questions. Honestly, I think they are happy to have me out of thehouse. Maybe they’re as relieved by my absence as I am to be gone.
The thought stings more than I’d like to admit.
“I need a shower,” I say, my eyes meeting Theo’s.
“So do I.” He says with a smirk. “Want some company?”
Oh my god. My heart slams in my chest. “Yes.” I say, a little too eagerly.
I’ve never done that before. Showered with someone intimately. Stood completely bare in front of someone in the bright light. With Cole, it was always in dark rooms or the back seat of a car… we’d never been afforded such privacy as this.
But the thought of doing it with Theo? It feels exciting and thrilling. And also terrifying.
He takes my hand in his, leading me upstairs and flicking the bathroom light on. He pulls off his shirt with casual ease, and suddenly the nerves hit like a punch to the gut. The reality of peeling off my clothes, standing here in the harsh light, naked and vulnerable… It makes my stomach twist.
