Fatima's POV
The night with Zac was exactly what I needed. Wrapped in his arms, with nothing between us but laughter, kisses, and soft touches, and good sex. It felt like all the noise from the last few months finally quieted. No drama. No lies. Just us.
When I woke up the next morning, the sunlight was slipping through the hotel curtains, casting soft, golden streaks across the room. Zac was already awake, propped up on one elbow, watching me like I was the only thing in the world that mattered.
"Morning," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from my face. His touch was light, warm, and familiar in the best way.
"Morning." I stretched beneath the sheets, a lazy smile creeping across my lips. "How long you been awake, creep?"
Zac grinned, that deep, lazy grin that always made my heart skip a beat. "Long enough."
I laughed softly, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. "You should've woke me."
"Nah," he said, leaning down to press a kiss to my forehead. "You needed the rest."
For a few minutes, we just stayed there in bed, tangled up in each other, exchanging soft kisses and easy smiles. I wanted to stay in that moment forever just us, no interruptions, no worries. But eventually, Zac shifted, sighing as he sat up on the edge of the bed.
"I gotta leave soon," he said, rubbing his hands over his face.
I sat up too, the sheets pooling around my waist as reality started to creep back in. "What time do you have to be on set?"
"An hour." He glanced over his shoulder at me, guilt flickering in his eyes. "I hate leaving you here."
I reached out and squeezed his arm, offering him a small smile. "It's okay. I knew you had to film today."
He sighed, running a hand through his short curls. "Still feels wrong, though. I just got you back, and now I gotta leave."
"It's fine," I assured him. "I'll be right here when you get back. I'll probably sleep half the day anyway, knowing me."
Zac chuckled, leaning down to kiss me again, slow and lingering, like he was trying to make up for the hours he'd be gone. "I'll make it up to you tonight," he whispered against my lips.
I smiled into the kiss, my heart swelling with how much I loved this man. "You better."
He kissed me once more, then reluctantly stood and started getting dressed. I watched him, savoring the sight of him pulling on his clothes, his movements easy and unhurried despite his schedule.
Before he left, Zac sat back on the edge of the bed, his hand resting on my thigh under the sheets. "You sure you're good?" he asked, his gaze searching mine.
"I'm good," I promised. "I'll be even better when you get back."
He smiled, brushing his thumb over my skin. "Okay. I'll text you when I'm on a break."
I nodded, leaning in to steal one last kiss. "Go. Don't be late because of me."
Zac grinned, his forehead resting against mine for a moment. "You're always worth being late for."
My heart fluttered at that, but I gave him a little push. "Go, dummy."
He finally stood, grabbing his keys and phone off the nightstand. As he opened the door to leave, he glanced back at me one last time, a look of longing in his eyes. " I Love you," he said softly.
" I Love you more," I whispered, watching him walk out the door.
When it clicked shut behind him, I sighed, flopping back against the pillows. The room already felt too quiet without him, and I knew the hours would stretch longer than I wanted them to. But I reminded myself that this was temporary. We had tonight, and tomorrow, and however many tomorrows we decided to create together.
