A BRIGHT RAY OF SUNSHINE peeked through the window curtains, drawing lines of light in the room. What time is it? I sat up in the bed, forgetting for a second where I was. Ow! My head was throbbing, my mouth was dry, and I felt a faint nauseating sensation in my stomach. It was similar to how I felt the day after Midsummer, but more intense—a real hangover. Both physical and moral.
The guilt about having kissed William the night before was unforgiving. I knew I had broken up with Thomas, but it almost felt too fast—too planned. I wasn't aware William would show up. And being drunk and feeling hurt didn't do much to help my case.
Trying not to think back on all that kissing was probably the most challenging part. It'd been perfect. And not just that, but our conversation too. I could've stayed up all night talking to William if he hadn't left.
Walking into the bathroom, I saw my clothes neatly folded on a small bench beside my purse. They had been washed and dried. I was sure Lily did it. She was the sweetest. I wondered how my things got in here because I didn't notice anyone coming in while I was asleep.
My reflection in the mirror wearing William's t-shirt made me smile. I pulled it over my head and changed into my clean clothes. Then, I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and brushed back my hair into a ponytail. I didn't have any makeup but a single lipstick, so I dabbed my lips and cheeks with it to look less like a person about to faint.
The curtains opened once I clicked the small remote William left me on his nightstand to admire the breathtaking view. I would spend as much time as I could in this place if I were him.
But not me. I needed to leave.
When I made my way downstairs, I saw William, Lily, and Joel sitting outside on the terrace table. It seemed like they'd just finished eating breakfast and were just talking and drinking coffee.
The bright light of day was painfully blinding and made my head throb when I stepped outside. I pulled my sunglasses out of my purse and put them on. The polarized shades instantly relieved my temporarily sensitive eyes.
The sight of the black SUV parked in the driveway made me snap back to reality. The three of them were standing in the distance, waiting for me. I was sure I would get scolded for spending the night and losing my phone, and I wasn't in the mood for any of it. I could see Caleb staring at me from the corner of my eye.
"Good morning," I said to everyone. William smiled at me, and I smiled back as the events of last night came flashing back all at once. Seeing him sitting there in front of me felt surreal but also special.
"Don't you mean, good afternoon?" Joel teased with a chuckle. William stood up, kissed my cheeks, and went inside the house.
Where are you going?
"What time is it?" I asked. Since my phone was dead, I was clueless. I hadn't brought my watch.
"It's just a bit past noon," Lily replied. What? I was impressed Caleb hadn't gone inside the house looking for me earlier, trying to make sure I was still alive.
William came out a couple of minutes later with a plate in one hand and a small white box in the other. "Food. Phone. Coffee?" he asked, placing the hot plate with eggs and pancakes and a brand-new iPhone on the table in front of me.
I widened my eyes at the phone. Is that for me?
"Um—yes, please." I needed coffee. Urgently. I wasn't planning on eating. All I wanted was to leave after having my cup of coffee, of course. William disappeared inside the house again.
He had managed to keep throwing hooks at me to prolong my stay.
Call Aaron after taking a warm shower in my cozy guest bedroom— you're freezing!
YOU ARE READING
Moonstruck at Midnight
RomanceMoonstruck at Midnight, the first of 5 books in the Moonstruck Series, was published independently on May 2021. It was later picked up by a major publisher (Grupo Planeta) and is currently being translated to Spanish. My books are available for purc...
