Chapter 67

MELANIE The bed is empty when I wake. I run a hand over the cool cotton sheets and, noting the absence of warmth on Nate’s side of the bed, swallow down the deep ball of sadness that wells in my throat. After last night, I thought … The dull ache between my thighs reminds me that it wasn’t a dream. It was all real. The things he said. The way he kissed me. Made love to me. Because what we did last night was not fucking. I brush a tear from my eye and take a deep breath, ready to throw back the covers and climb out of bed, but the door opens before I can. Nate walks in carrying a tray and wearing nothing but those damn gray sweatpants, and I push myself up into a sitting position and switch on the bedside lamp. As he draws nearer, the smell of fresh pancakes fills my nostrils, making my mouth water. Nathan sits on the bed beside me and places the breakfast tray, filled with pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee, over my lap. A smile spreads across my face. “You made me breakfast in bed?” H