16

Eliza

That’s cute,” Lev says as I walk out of the bathroom in one of his oversized white t-shirts.

“I look like a ghost,” I say, hurrying toward the bed. He grins. “Very spooky.”

“Boo!” I exclaim as I jump into the bed.

I land on his chest, and he grabs me, rolling me over and pinning me down. “I caught a ghost. Now what?”

“If you catch a ghost, you’re supposed to snuggle it. Those are the rules,” I say, hoping he won’t kick me out of his bed for being too goofy. He seems to like it, though, even if he’s a little unsure of how to respond.

I figure he needs a break from being so serious all the time. The stress I rubbed out of his shoulders this evening was very telling.

“If I snuggle you, I might squish you,” Lev says, even as he pulls me close.

I melt into the warmth and power of his chest. I can hear his heart beating faster than it usually does, reminding me that he’s just as ne