Exactly where I’m supposed to be.
38
Jess
Something warm touches my shoulder. A gentle shake.
“Jess.” Marco’s voice, soft and close. “Wake up for a second.”
I blink awake. The great room floor. The dying embers. My cheek against the rug. Oh right. We fell asleep here after... everything.
“What time is it?” I mumble.
“Early. Four thirty.” He’s already sitting up, reaching for his jeans. “We should get dressed and move to the couch before Ben wakes up.”
Right. Because explaining why we’re naked on the floor would be a conversation I’m absolutely not ready to have with a five-year-old.
I glance at the hallway door. Still locked, thankfully.
I fumble for my clothes in the dim light. Everything’s wrinkled and scattered. My bra’s somehow ended up near the fireplace. Very classy, Jess.
Marco helps me up. I clasp my bracelet back onto my wrist while he gathers the blanket we used.
We move to the couch. He pulls me against his chest, tucking the blanket around us.
“Sleep,” he murmurs into my hair.
And somehow, impossibly, I do.
When I wake again, it’s to the sound of a small, serious voice coming from somewhere close nearby.
“Two whistle blows, look at Daddy. Three blows, freeze. And if I get separated, I blow my whistle three times and stay put.”
Ben. Already awake. Reciting the rules to Frederick.
I realize Marco’s not beside me. When did he get up?
And how did I not notice?
I know exactly how. It’s because of all that...extra-curricularactivity last night. Must have really tired me out.
My face grows molten hot just thinking about it.
I get up, and see Ben sitting at the kitchen island with Frederick propped beside her. Marco’s at the solar-powered stove making breakfast. Eggs and toast because apparently even in the wilderness this man can’t help but feed people properly. He catches my eye and smiles that devastating smile.
“Morning,” he says.
“Morning.” My voice comes out rougher than intended. Probably from all the moaning I did last night.
Stop it, brain.
Ben turns to look at me. “Jess! Frederick wants to know if you’re ready for our adventure.”
I actually almost forgot where we are.
Almost.
I force my best game face. “Absolutely ready. Frederick’s very wise to check.”
