Chapter 35

Instead, he resets the alarm for six. Kisses Jeremy’s cheek. Whispers, “I love you.” Slips out of the room and downstairs. Scribbles a note on the refrigerator message board, signed with a heart and a big B

He has ten minutes to swing by Krispy Kreme before he hits the studio. At least it’s still early enough he’ll beat most of the morning traffic.

But God, his whole body aches with the desire to be upstairs in bed beside the man he loves, curled together in sleep.

* * * *

When the alarm rings a second time, Jeremy wakes with a start. He sits up in bed and runs his hands down his face, pulling his cheeks into a long frown. Then he smooths them back into place and slides his hands over the top of his scalp. The bristles of his hair stand beneath his palms.

“I’m up,” he mutters to no one in particular.

When it’s obvious Blake isn’t going to turn off the alarm, Jeremy reaches over and slaps at the clock.