Sunlight filtered into Jayden's room through the curtains, painting stripes of gold across the duvet. Jessica stirred awake, her hand reaching out instinctively across the mattress to find the warmth she had fallen asleep against.
But her fingers found only empty sheets. The space beside her where Jayden should've been was empty.
Her eyes snapped open, clarity cutting through the fog of sleep. She sat up, pushing hair out of her face, the hangover a dull throb behind her eyes.
Jayden was really not there.
Panic fluttered in her chest. Had he left? Had last night been a mistake he couldn't face? Was he regretting it?
Then, the bedroom door suddenly swung open.
Jessica flinched, instinctively pulling the blanket up to cover herself, her heart hammering.
But it was Jayden who walked in, balancing a wooden tray carefully in his hands. He kicked the door shut behind him with practiced ease, then turned toward the bed.
