Against the Law

Chapter 7: Feelings

James' POV:

I slowly opened my eyes, the morning sunlight streaming through the curtains. As my vision adjusted, I realized I was not in my own bed, but I was in bed with Emily. I glanced to my side to see Emily peacefully sleeping next to me.

Confusion washed over my face as memories of last night flooded back. I had come into her room because I heard her crying in her sleep, when I woke her up, she was trembling and terrified after some sort of nightmare that she had. Without hesitation, I had taken her into my arms, offering comfort and reassurance until she fell asleep again. I meant to leave after she fell asleep again, but I guess I fell asleep again. And now, here we are, intertwined in a gentle embrace.

As I watched her peaceful expression, I couldn't help but feel a warmth in my heart. Our friendship is seeming to grow more and more every day, but this moment felt different somehow.

I carefully detangled myself from Emily's embrace, not wanting to wake her. I quietly got out of bed, tiptoeing across the room to give her some space. As I made my way to the kitchen, I couldn't help but reflect on the unexpected closeness we had experienced together.

I prepared a cup of coffee, the aroma filling the air, and settled down at the kitchen table. Thoughts swirled through my mind, contemplating the significance of what had happened. Was it just one friend helping out another or something more?

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Emily's presence until she was at the other end of the table rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Startled, I looked up, my heart skipping a beat.

She smiled at me; her voice filled with gratitude as she spoke to me. "Thank you for being there for me last night, James." she said softly. "You brought me so much comfort. I don't know what I would have done if you didn't show up."

I returned her smile, my eyes filled with warmth. "You know I'll always be here for you, Emily." I replied, sincerely. "I cherish our friendship so much."

As we sat at the table, sipping our coffee, we talked about anything and everything. Our dreams, our fears, and aspirations. Our conversation flowed effortlessly. There was a newfound depth in our conversation, we understood each other better now.

In this moment, I realized that sometimes the line between friendship and something more can easily blur. And it has for me. Maybe our experiences, trust, and the tender moments we shared were the foundation for something beyond mere friendship. But I also knew that rushing into anything could risk losing anything we had currently. I can't believe I have feelings for Emily. Fuck...

Well, for now, I decided to let our friendship continue to blossom and evolve naturally. I would continue to cherish the special bond that we shared, embracing the comfort and support we found in each other's presence.

___

As I arrived at work, I was greeted by my best friend and coworker, Mark. He held a mischievous grin on his face and wasted no time approaching me.

"Hey, James! Guess what? There's this amazing club opening tonight, and I've got VIP passes. You have to come with me, man!" Mark exclaimed; his enthusiasm was infectious.

I chuckle, knowing Mark's love for nightlife and parties was a well-known fact. "That sounds tempting, Mark, but you know I'm not much of a clubbing person. I prefer quiet evenings."