Chapter 85

He's nothing but a silhouette framed inside his window. Sitting at his desk, Jace remains still. Unmoving. From my sitting position in my bed, I've watched him for a good five minutes now. I wonder if he can see me too.

It's three a.m.

I'd gotten up to use the bathroom and looked out my window out of habit.

After the visit with his grandpa today, it took me a long time to stop thinking about it. It took even longer to find enough peace in my mind, and my heart, to finally sleep.

It's no wonder Jace is incapable of it.

With more hesitation than what feels right, I reach for my phone and send him a text.

Harlow

Can't sleep?

His silhouette moves for the first time since I first noticed him, and seconds later, my phone alerts me to his response.

Jace

No.

Harlow

Want to come over and talk?

His reply takes longer this time.

Jace

Can I come over and not talk?

Harlow

Use your key.

Minutes later, my bedroom door opens, and I shift to one side of the bed while Jace removes his shoes, then his shirt. Without a word, he gets under the covers with me, his eyes meeting mine for only a heartbeat. He settles in, shifting his head on the pillow, and then…

Then he offers me his arm, and I nestle in close, my entire body warming with this touch alone. I settle my head on his chest, listening to his pulse while he releases one long, continuous exhale.

Within minutes, he's fast asleep.

And not long after, so am I.

By the time I wake up, Jace is already gone—the only sign he was ever here is the indent of his head on his pillow and the text message waiting for me.

Jace

Please don't take my absence for anything more than me needing time alone to get my head straight. I have love in my heart for you too (meaning whatever you want it to mean). If your bedroom door opens in the middle of the night again, don't panic. It'll just be me.