Chapter 4

“When?” he asks.

“As soon as I’m in the clear and you have a day off. Even if it’s a workday, I’ll use one of my PTO days. We’ll spend the entire day in bed. You can sleep and I’ll hold you. When you’re hungry, I’ll cook for you.”

“Or we can order pizza so you don’t have to get out of bed.”

I nod. “Deal.”

“Sounds like heaven.”

“Yeah.”

Julian’s eyelids fall closed. “You need to start working now.”

“I do. Sleep well, my love, and text me when you wake up.”

“Sure. Can you call me at three if I’m not up? So I won’t be late?”

“I will. I’ll set an alarm.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’m hanging up now. Bye.”

“Night.”

I watch him for a few more moments before I end the call and get started on my to-do list.

* * * *

Later that afternoon, before three o’clock, as I’m in the middle of writing an email, Julian calls.

“Hey, you,” I say, taking the opportunity to get up from the chair to stretch my muscles that are aching after being hunched over the laptop for too long.