The entire time I’ve been away, there hasn’t been a day I haven't thought about him. I wonder if he’s thought about me as much as I’ve thought about him. His hand in mine. The way he holds me and listens to me…there’s no one else in the entire world that understands me. When I’m with him, it’s like I’m the only person in his world.
I flip my phone over to the screen, unlock it, and tap his text message.
Kai:
My smile hasn’t left my face since I talked to you last night.
As I stare at my phone. I shake my head and run my palms over my forearms, goosebumps rough under my fingers. “Why is he such a nice guy?” I whisper.
“Because that’s what you need in your life.” Lia rubs my shoulders and squeezes them.
I didn’t hear from him all day, so I was second-guessing if it had been a good idea to have texted and called him last night in the first place. Now, I’m ecstatic. I walk back to my bed with Lia following as I type out a text to him.
Ava:
We started a habit of my being in bed when we talk and text. I’m so tired…and kinda missing my sister tonight.
Kai:
And I always seem to be in the hot tub. I’m a creature of habit. I’m virtually hugging you. Can you feel it? I’m sorry you’re missing her.
I giggle when I imagine him saying this, shrugging his broad shoulders.
“Head. Over. Heels,” Lia says as she puckers her lips and kisses the air.
When I side-eye her, she blows me a kiss.
“We’d better get some sleep. It’s an early morning tomorrow,” I say, pushing her off my bed. “Goodnight.”
My phone rings. It’s Kai.
“Hello,” I say abruptly.
“Hey, I figured a call was warranted. You sounded sad in your last text message.” I hear him sigh on the other end.
I wish I were in the hot tub with him, always in that hot tub. I’m jealous; my body could use it right about now.
Clearing my throat, as tears well in my eyes, I say, “I can’t remember the last time I missed her this much.”
“Aw, I’m sure she misses you, too.” His soothing voice coats me from the outside in.
“It’s too late to call her now. She’s been so tired with this pregnancy. I wish I were there to help her, too. Maybe that’s weighing on me.” I throw myself back on my pillow, staring hopelessly up at the ceiling while I stare into it like it holds the answers to my struggles.
“You’ll be back soon. Right? For the baby shower?” he asks with hope and a smidge of excitement in his voice.
“Yeah, you’re right, I will be.” Slinging my arm over my eyes, I take a deep breath and let it out. When I roll over, I tuck my knees close to me as I listen to Kai’s soothing voice purring into my ear.
“One day at a time, and then you’ll be back hugging her and your niece,” he says with compassion, and I can feel it deep in my bones.
The excitement of being home only flourishes within me. And the days I’m counting down until I see them…and Kai. And I wonder if some of my sadness comes from missing him and the short time we shared.
“Tell me all about what’s going on with you. I’ve talked enough.” I sigh, questioning all these feelings.
“You can talk as long as you want with me. I’m here for you.” Okay, maybe the tears aren’t dried up as one slides down my cheek and straight into my mouth. It’s like he’s hugging me from afar, and I don’t want him to stop.
“Please…” I whisper into the phone. “Distract me for a little bit.”
He talks about the case he has at work and updates me on the renovation projects he’s working on in the house. His smooth voice shares his life with me, and soon, my eyes are heavy and I fall asleep.
