Chapter 19

The first thing I became aware of when I woke up was that the warmth beside me had faded. I stirred, my lashes fluttering open, and my hand instinctively reached out across the bed. The sheets were cool, and I frowned in confusion. Scott wasn’t there. 

I lay there for a moment, staring at the vast emptiness of the other side of the bed, still tangled in the pale sheets. A sigh slipped past my lips, frustration mixing with a dull ache of disappointment. I had fallen asleep with his body beside mine. And now, he was gone. 

I sat up halfway, pushing strands of messy hair out of my face, and blinked toward the nightstand where the old-fashioned clock rested. My eyes widened. It was almost noon. 

A gasp broke out of me, and I clapped a hand over my mouth. Almost noon? I had slept half the day away. I was about to throw the sheets off my body and spring to my feet when a knock came at the door. 

“Sabrina?” Mary’s gentle voice drifted from the other side. “Are you awake now?” 

“Yes,” I called back quickly. “I’m awake.” 

The door opened, and Mary’s kind face peeked in. She stepped inside, her apron neat as ever, and her eyes softened when they landed on me sitting in bed, hair tousled and still wearing yesterday’s nightgown. 

“I just came to check on you,” she said. “It’s nearly noon, dear. Would you like me to ask the chef to prepare something for you?” 

My stomach growled on cue, loud enough to make me wince. I placed a hand over it and gave her a sheepish smile. “Yes, please. I’m really hungry.” 

“What shall I tell him?” Mary asked, already poised to commit my words to memory. 

I thought about it for a second, then replied. “Maybe some grilled chicken with roasted vegetables. And... can he add a fruit salad too? Something refreshing.” 

Mary’s lips curved. “Of course. I’ll see to it right away.” 

“Thank you, Mary,” I said sincerely, watching as she dipped her head in acknowledgement before turning and disappearing back into the hallway. 

When the door clicked shut, I stretched, letting the sheets slide down my legs. I rolled my shoulders, then swung my feet to the floor. My bare toes touched the cool, polished floor, and a shiver ran up my body. 

I went into the bathroom. Inside, I brushed my teeth, then steam greeted me the moment I turned on the shower. The rush of water filled the space, the scent of lavender soap wafting through the air as I lathered up. The heat loosened the tightness in my muscles, washing away both sleep and the tension of waking to an empty bed. My mind, however, remained restless. 

I shut my eyes under the spray, letting the water run down my face. Maybe he went for a meeting or something, but there was no use guessing. 

After a while, I stepped out, wrapping myself in a towel. I dried my hair with another towel, combing through the damp strands with my fingers before slipping into fresh clothes. Satisfied with my clothes, I walked downstairs toward the dining room. 

I chose a seat halfway down. My fingers drummed idly on the surface of the table as I waited, my stomach tightening with anticipation of the promised meal. 

Then I heard footsteps from behind me. I turned my head, and it was Ace. He strode into the dining room, his shirt clinging to his torso with sweat, his hair damp and slightly messy from exertion. His gym bag hung loosely from his shoulder, and a towel was draped around his neck. 

He caught sight of me and grinned, his eyes lighting up. “Well, well,” he drawled, dropping his bag onto a chair with careless motion. “Look who’s finally awake.” 

I lifted a brow. “And look who’s only just coming back from the gym.” 

He smirked, tugging the towel across his face before letting it hang again. “What can I say? I love the gym. It’s my second home.” 

“Your second home?” I echoed, amused despite myself. 

“Of course.” He leaned casually against the edge of the table, far too close for comfort. “Where else can I work on these?” He flexed his arm, muscles tightening as to make a point. 

I rolled my eyes, refusing to let him drag me into his theatrics. “I see you’re very proud of yourself.” 

“Wouldn’t you be?” His grin widened, and his gaze flicked over me. “You’re looking fresh today, Sabrina. Must be the long beauty sleep.” 

I shifted in my chair. “Or maybe I just take better care of myself than you do. All that gym time can’t be healthy if you’re still dripping with sweat at noon.” 

His laugh was rich. “Touché.” 

I busied myself by straightening the napkin in front of me, refusing to glance his way. But Ace, persistent as always, leaned closer. 

“You know,” he said as his voice dropped slightly, “you could come with me sometime. To the gym. I’d make a great trainer.” 

I looked up at him, meeting his eyes. “I don’t think so.” 

“Why not?” he teased. “I’d make it fun. Promise.” 

Ignoring him was easier said than done, but I tried. I crossed my legs, stared at the table, and will Mary to hurry back with my food. As if on cue, the door opened, and Mary appeared, balancing a tray laden with dishes. I was so relieved. 

“Here we are,” she said warmly, setting the plates in front of me. The smell of roasted chicken and fresh fruit filled the air, and my stomach gave another impatient growl. 

“Thank you, Mary,” I said, grateful. 

Before Ace could throw another quip, he straightened, grabbing his gym bag. He caught my eye and winked. 

“Enjoy your meal,” he murmured, flashing a grin before turning and strolling out of the dining room. 

I exhaled slowly, my shoulders sagging once he was gone. Finally, peace. I picked up my fork and knife, digging into the meal as though I’ve never eaten in my life. The sex from last night drained me, and I needed more than food to recover.