Lost in madness

Chapter 21

I drift into consciousness, enveloped in warmth. As my eyes flutter open, I realize I'm draped in Andrew Williams, his body wrapped around me like a protective cocoon. He's fast asleep, his head resting on my chest, one arm slung possessively across my waist. The morning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow on his peaceful face.

For a moment, I simply absorb the reality of his presence. Andrew Williams, in my bed, having spent the entire night here. A thrill runs through me, but it's tinged with a hint of worry. I know there must be a reason he showed up last night, seeking solace. Was it his troubled marriage? His domineering father? Both? I push the questions aside, not wanting to shatter this fragile moment of contentment.

Hesitantly, I lift my hand and trace my fingertips down the lean muscles of his back. A faint, distressed groan rumbles deep in his throat as he begins to stir.

Andrew nuzzles closer, inhaling deeply as consciousness returns. His eyes, still heavy with sleep, meet mine. A slow, devastatingly sexy smile spreads across his face.

"Good morning," he mumbles, his voice deliciously rough.

"Morning," I whisper back, suddenly shy under his intense gaze.

He props himself up on one elbow, looking down at me with a mixture of amusement and something deeper, more primal. Leaning in, he plants a tender kiss on my lips that leaves me breathless.

"Sleep well?" he asks, his fingers absently tracing patterns on my arm.

I nod, unable to look away from him. "Surprisingly well," I admit. "Though I might have been a bit too warm for the last half hour or so."

He chuckles softly. "So did I, surprisingly." A frown creases his brow as he glances towards the window. Confusion, then alarm flashes across his face. "What time is it?"

I turn to check my alarm clock. "It's 8:30."

"8:30? Shit!" Andrew scrambles out of bed, nearly tripping as he drags on his jeans. I can't help but be amused by this flustered version of his usually unflappable self.

"You're such a bad influence on me," he grumbles, but there's no real heat in his words. "I have a meeting at eight."

I stretch languidly, making no move to get up. "I don't see the problem."

He grins, pausing in his frantic dressing to admire me. "I'm late. I don't do late."

"There's a first time for everything, love." I teased.

He smiles as he pulls on his jacket, then bends down, cradling my face in his hands. His eyes burn with intensity. "I want to see you again."

My heart skips a beat. "We could do dinner later tonight," I suggest, trying to keep my voice steady, "I could stop by the house...."

His lips quirk into a mischievous smile. "Or... you could come to France with me this Sunday."

I bolt upright, sure I must have misheard. "France? Did I hear that right?"

Andrew nods, looking both excited and slightly nervous. "I have to be there for a summit. It's a rare opportunity, and I'd love for you to join me."

"Just the two of us?" I ask, hardly daring to hope.

"Preferably," he confirms. "Think it over."

A giddy laugh escapes me. "What's there to think about? You and I, alone in France for a couple of days? It sounds incredible. I can't wait."

"Sunday," he says, and the word is heavy with promise. A delicious shiver runs through me, anticipation coiling deep in my core.

Andrew leans in for another quick kiss and then gathers his shoes and remaining belongings. "I'll call you later," he promises, stealing one last kiss before disappearing like a whirlwind.

I flop back onto the bed, grinning like an idiot. The future suddenly seems brighter than it has in years.

Eventually, I drag myself out of bed and head to the kitchen, desperately in need of tea. I find Chima already there, munching on a sandwich and scrolling through her phone. The tension is palpable; she's clearly upset about Andrew's sleepover.

I busy myself making tea, hyper-aware of her pointed silence. Finally, I can't take it anymore. "We didn't have sex," I blurt out. It's technically true, even if it doesn't help my case.

Chima doesn't even look up. "I didn't ask."

I wince at her cold tone. "I know, I just... thought you should know." The words trail off lamely, and the silence stretches between us, thick and uncomfortable.

As I sip my tea, I find myself seriously considering Andrew's offer. A few days away might be exactly what I need – not just to explore this thing with Andrew, but to give Chima and me some space. Maybe when I return, we can talk about me moving out.

For now, though, I allow myself to get lost in daydreams about cobblestone streets, croissants, and stolen moments with the man I happen to head over heels for, even if it's for a moment.