Chapter Nineteen—Riley
Iease out from under his arm carefully. He doesn't stir.
Our clothes lie on the floor where they fell. For a moment I stand there looking at him, jaw slack, brow relaxed, one hand open on the pillow where I was. I've been living alongside this man for months. I didn't know he could look this unguarded, mouth soft in a way I've never seen.
The door clicks shut behind me with barely a sound as I slip back to my own room.
I feel good. That's the part I don't know what to do with.
I almost texted Jules. She’d be equal parts thrilled and horrified. The same way she was when I first told her Andrew was back in my life. But I couldn’t bring myself to type the words yet.
My thighs are still a little sore. A low ache lingers, tender and undeniable. Then my stomach gives its familiar warning roll, the same one that's ruled my mornings for weeks. Pleasure and nausea tangled together in the same body. Nothing about this is simple anymore.
Liam will be easier to tell first. Less history.
Plus, it sounds like he's suspected for some time but didn't force it out of me. He’s been patient and exactly right. But he doesn't know about this morning. And I'm not sure how that changes things yet either.
I sit on the edge of the bed and press my palms against my knees.
I have to walk out of this room and deal with what comes next.
Outside my door, a cabinet opens and closes. Someone's already up.
My hand settles on the knob.