I purposefully came to bed, wearing warm clothes so I could sleep on top of the blankets to prevent any accidental touching.
But apparently, Miles moves in his sleep, because we’re snuggled together like we’ve done this a hundred times.
And it’s comfortable. I should move his arm off of me, but…I don’t want to. Instead, I close my eyes and pretend like I’m still asleep and just enjoy the fact that Miles is holding me.
I know it’s dangerous. I know I’m already falling for him. When we get divorced, I’m going to be a walking shell of a human. The way he looked at me last night and told me exactly what I needed to hear. The way he supports me—the way he seesme…I’m afraid it’s making me fall head over heels in love with him.
I bite my lip to keep from laughing as I remember him saying “our children,” as if we would have future children together in this fake marriage.
I would not abandon my children.
Alexander.
I have to get Alexander here. I feel like I did abandon him. I will not be my mother, even if it’s with a dog. He needs me.
That has me snapping my eyes open.
I gasp when I see Miles staring at me.
“You were smiling in your sleep,” he mumbles as he rolls away and glances down. “How did I get on top of the covers?”
“I lifted you.”
He snorts. “Now,thatI’d like to see. Sorry. Didn’t realize I was a snuggler.”
He stands up from the bed and stretches, and I get to appreciate the view of a man with back muscles. Andwhata view.
With a jolt, I roll over and grab my phone from the nightstand. My alarm hasn’t gone off yet, so thankfully, I’m not late for work.
I leap out of bed and rip my sweatpants off.
“Whoa.” Miles’s voice still sounds like a moan. Safe to say he doesn’t wake up with a happy attitude.
“Relax. I have shorts on,” I explain. “But I figured Goldie would think it was strange if I walked out there, all bundled up.”
Miles nods and runs a hand through his hair, sending it standing up in all directions.
“Want me to go see if she’s up yet?” Miles offers.
“It’s okay. I’ll make us some breakfast.”
“I don’t want you to be late for work.”
“Nah, it’s all good. I don’t have to be there until eight thirty this morning. Besides, I grabbed the ingredients for eggs Benedict this week.”
Miles’s face lights up for the first time this morning. “Forget I said anything. I love your breakfasts.”
I hurry out of the room and down the hall to the kitchen. Goldie is nowhere to be seen yet, which I’m grateful for. I need a chance to recalibrate after last night.
I need a minute to reel my feelings back in and remember that Miles is being a good friend—not a good husband.
Thankfully, making breakfast keeps me busy, and Miles and Goldie walk into the kitchen at the same time.
“What smells so delicious?” Goldie asks as she comes to stand next to me at the stove. She’s already dressed in a blue pantsuit with her makeup done and her hair curled. I look like an absolute frump standing next to her.
“I should have asked what you like to eat for breakfast, but I’m making eggs Benedict,” I tell her.
“Oh, honey, I like all food. You didn’t have to go to all this trouble for me.” She loops an arm around my shoulders and pulls me into a hug. She’s a few inches taller than me, and I wonder if it’s her side of the family that Miles gets his height from.
