Page 42 of Only You

“You might as well leave it out so you can use it next time,” Jack suggested.

It reminded her that this was only the beginning of her stay, and there were several weeks to go. She draped the blanket over the back of the couch. “Sleep well.”

“Yeah, you too.”

Kayla gave him a brief smile and went upstairs. On the landing, she heard him turn on a football game. Without looking back, she went into the bedroom and closed the door. Worn out after her emotional outburst, she dozed off after reading only a few pages. Two hours later, she awakened in the dark to rain pelting against the bedroom window.

Kayla got out of bed, padded to the door, and pressed her ear against it. It was quiet, so Jack must have gone to bed. She decided to pop downstairs, pour a bowl of cereal, and bring it back to her room. It was dark in the living room, but Jack had left the kitchen light on for her.

In the kitchen, Kayla made a bowl of cereal and poured a glass of water. She preferred ice, but she didn’t want the noise of the ice dispenser to wake Jack. Taking the food and drink, she tiptoed out of the kitchen. While passing through the living room, Jack’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Oh, Kayla,” he moaned.

She peered down the hallway. Was he calling her? Was he sick?

“Kayla,” he repeated, only louder that time.

She set the bowl and glass on the end table and went down the hall. Pausing outside Jack’s bedroom, she heard him rustling around, but it was dark inside.

“Kayla!” Jack groaned.

Kayla opened the door and peered inside. Jack was lying in bed outside of the covers. He wore only boxer/briefs, and his right hand was tucked inside them.

“Yes. Just like that,” Jack said, his hand moving inside his underwear.

Kayla was riveted to the floor, unable to look away. He was having an erotic dream, and it was about her—unless he knew someone else named Kayla. I should leave. Just back out quietly, and he’ll never even know I was here. Part of her wanted to stay for the finale, or the climax as it were, but she didn’t want to get caught. This was Jack’s private space, and what he did it in was none of her business, even if he’d called out her name.

“So good,” Jack murmured.

At least I’m good in his dream. She clamped her hand over her mouth to prevent herself from giggling. Leave now. Kayla stepped back, and the floor creaked loudly. Jack bolted upright and stared at her like he was seeing a ghost. She almost ran out, but maybe if she stayed perfectly still, he’d think he was still dreaming and go back to sleep.

“Kayla? Is that you?”

So much for that theory.

Jack whipped his hand out of his boxer briefs. “Oh God!”

Kayla raised her hands in the air. “It’s okay. I didn’t see anything. Just go back to sleep.”

“What are you doing in here?” He sounded more curious than angry.

“I was getting something to eat, and I heard you talking,” she explained.

Jack threaded his hands into his disheveled hair. “What did you hear … exactly?”

She hesitated. “You said my name.”

Jack glanced down at his erection. “What else did I say?”

Kayla shifted uncomfortably. “Do you really want to know?”

He nodded, pinning her with his gaze.

She took a deep breath. “You said yes, just like that, and so good. Maybe I was giving you a massage?”

“Jesus,” Jack muttered.

“It’s no big deal. It was just a dream.” Was she convincing him or herself?