Balancing Protective Love

Vacayyy

Since Linda didn't sleep well, her body was sluggish, and her mind was foggy as they made their way through the crowded airport, collected their bags, and piled into a shuttle bus headed toward their beachfront resort.

The others seemed to be handling the time change better than Linda. Harper and Michael were already cracking jokes, while Atlas and Leo were deep into a conversation about the best snorkeling spots on the island. Alex, noticing Linda's exhaustion, slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close as they walked. "You hanging in there, love?"

Linda nodded, but her eyes were half-closed. "Barely. I feel like I'm walking through water. Everything's heavy." She leaned her head against his shoulder, sighing.

The resort was a stunning escape—palm trees lined the sandy paths, and their private villas looked out over the sparkling turquoise ocean. But Linda could barely take it all in. The second they dropped their bags in the villa, she threw herself onto the large, soft bed. "I need a nap," she mumbled, not even bothering to change out of her travel clothes.

Alex chuckled, sitting on the edge of the bed beside her. "We have the whole week, babe. Take your time."

The others, however, weren't so keen on wasting any time. Harper knocked on the door a few minutes later, his head poking into their room. "We're hitting the beach in an hour. You guys joining?"

Alex looked at Linda, who had already drifted off, curled up in the center of the bed, looking completely wiped out. He shook his head. "Maybe later. Linda's dead to the world right now."

"No worries. We'll see you guys out there whenever you're ready," Harper said before heading out.

Linda slept deeply, completely unaware of the warm afternoon sun setting over the ocean. By the time she stirred, the room was dark, the only light coming from the soft glow of the bedside lamp that Alex had turned on. She blinked, rubbing her eyes, and slowly sat up.

"What time is it?" she mumbled, disoriented.

Alex, who had been reading on the couch, smiled softly. "It's about 7 PM. You've been out for a while."

Linda groaned, stretching her arms over her head. "I feel like I could sleep for another twelve hours."

"Jet lag's hitting you hard, huh?"

"Like a truck."

He stood up and crossed the room to sit beside her. "Want to grab some dinner with everyone? We were planning to hit one of the seafood spots on the beach. Might help to get out for a bit."

Linda nodded, though she still felt sluggish. "Yeah, I think I need food. And some fresh air." She stood up, wobbling slightly as she adjusted to being awake. Alex steadied her with a hand on her waist. "Take it slow. We've got time."

***

The group was already seated at a large table on the beach when Linda and Alex arrived. The restaurant was beautiful—torches lit the sandy paths, and the sound of the waves crashing just a few feet away added to the laid-back atmosphere. The air was warm and breezy, the perfect temperature for an outdoor dinner.

"Look who finally woke up!" Atlas called out with a grin, waving them over.

Linda gave a sleepy smile. "I swear, I've never felt jet lag like this."

Michael laughed. "You'll adjust by tomorrow. It's the first day that hits the hardest."

Alex pulled out a chair for Linda, and she sank into it gratefully. "I sure hope so," she said. "I feel like a zombie."

They ordered drinks—Linda sticking with water and Alex opting for a local beer—and everyone began chatting about the plans for the rest of the week. The group had a full itinerary lined up: snorkeling, a day trip to the island's famous waterfalls, a boat tour, and a few nights out at the best beach bars.

Linda tried to focus on the conversation, but she found herself zoning out, her body still fighting the jet lag. Alex noticed her fading, and he reached under the table, resting his hand on her knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You alright?" he asked quietly.

She nodded. "Just tired. But I'm okay."

Dinner was filled with laughter, stories, and delicious seafood. Linda picked at her grilled fish, enjoying the flavors but too tired to eat much. The others noticed her quieter demeanor and didn't push her too hard to join in the conversation.

After dinner, the group decided to take a short walk along the beach to help digest their meal. The moon was full, casting a silvery glow over the ocean. Alex kept a protective arm around Linda as they walked, her head resting on his shoulder. She was still half-asleep, but the fresh air was helping her shake off some of the fatigue.

When they returned to the resort, most of their friends headed to the bar for a nightcap, but Alex and Linda made their way back to their villa. The moment they stepped inside, Linda collapsed onto the bed again, this time not even bothering to change into pajamas.

"You're really done for today, huh?" Alex teased, sitting down beside her.

Linda nodded, her eyes already closing. "I just need one good night of sleep," she murmured. "Then I'll be back to normal."

Alex leaned down and kissed her forehead, pulling the blanket over her. "Get some rest, love. Tomorrow's a new day."

As Linda drifted off, the sound of the ocean waves lulled her into a deep, peaceful sleep. Tomorrow would bring new adventures, but for now, she was content to rest, knowing Alex was by her side.

As Linda lay half-asleep on the bed, Alex gently nudged her. "Come on, sweetheart, we can't go to bed without brushing your teeth first," he murmured, his voice soft but firm. She groaned, too exhausted to argue, but slowly sat up.

Alex had already grabbed her toothbrush and applied the toothpaste, waiting patiently by the sink. "I'll help you this time. You're too tired to fight it," he said with a small smile.

Linda shuffled over to the bathroom, her eyes barely open. Alex guided the toothbrush into her mouth and began brushing her teeth with care, making sure not to rush. His movements were gentle, but firm enough to get the job done, while she leaned into him for support.

"Good girl, just a little longer," he murmured as he finished brushing her teeth and handed her some water to rinse. Once done, Linda smiled weakly and stumbled back toward the bed, ready to fall asleep.

But Alex wasn't done just yet. "Alright, I'm going to hang out with the boys for a few drinks," he told her, brushing a lock of hair out of her face as she crawled under the covers.

She pouted a little, still half-asleep. "Stay here..." she mumbled, reaching for him.

"I'll only be gone for a bit, promise." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "You get some rest. I'll be right back before you know it."

Linda groaned softly in protest but nodded sleepily. She knew he needed a little time to unwind, especially after a long day of travel and settling in. Still, she couldn't help but want him close, her exhaustion making her clingy.

Alex smiled, sensing her reluctance. "Don't worry. I'll check on you before I head to bed. You'll be alright, okay?" His voice was comforting, and she gave a small nod, already drifting back into sleep as he left the room, ready to join the guys for a bit of fun.

He walked out, glancing back at her one last time, making sure she was tucked in securely. With a smile, he closed the door quietly and made his way to meet the boys, knowing she'd be fast asleep when he returned.