Page 60 of Drop Pass

I gently moved his arm so it rested on the couch and hurried quietly to the bathroom. I flipped on the light and let of a sigh of relief when it turned on. At least we had power again. I checked my reflection and cringed. My hair was matted on one side and yesterday’s mascara flaked under my eyes. I washed my face and pulled my hair up into a messy bun.

When I went back to the living room I checked on Nikolay, but it didn’t look like he’d moved at all. I tip toed over to him and put my hand on his shoulder, gently guiding him to lean over. I tossed a pillow to the end just before his head hit the couch then moved to his legs. They were rock solid! He was built like a boulder, but I managed to get him completely onto the couch. I watched for a moment to make sure he stayed asleep then I grabbed my coat and purse and let myself out as quietly as I could.

As soon as I was in the hall I fell back against the wall. A mix of panic and confusion washed over me. I hadn’t meant to stay the night. We’d been kissing. Then we cuddled and I only meant to rest my eyes…

I didn’t want to be there when he woke up. Whatever his reaction was, I didn’t think I could handle it. Things had been so perfect last night. It felt like we’d finally broke past barriers and let each other in. But Nikolay moved slowly. Sleeping over, no matter how innocent it was, felt like something that could push him away.

What if he was angry? What if he kicked me out? What if he regretted last night? I shook my head. No, I wouldn’t be able to keep it together if he told me it was a mistake.

But what if? What if he didn’t? What if he enjoyed it as much as I did? My heart held onto that. I had to believe it, otherwise I’d lose my mind.

I took the elevator down and went to the cafe a few stores down. The snow was higher than I expected. It was at least eight or nine inches, but luckily someone had already cleared the sidewalk.

Minutes later I was back in our building with my hands full of warm drinks and pastries. The second the doors opened on our floor my heart raced. I had to face him. I had to know what he was thinking.

While awkwardly balancing the cups and paper bag, I opened the door and set everything down on the kitchen island. I glanced across the room to where he was still sleeping. I slid off my coat and crossed the space to him. I sat next to him and stroked his shoulder.

“Nikolay.” I used a gentle voice, not wanting to startle him.

He groaned and slowly lifted his head. “Elena?”

I smiled. “Hey, it’s still early. Do you want to move to your bed?”

He looked around before answering. “No.” He cleared his throat and rubbed a hand over his face a few times. “What time is it?”

“Five.”

He nodded once. “I should get ready for practice.”

His eyes shut again and I went back to the kitchen to pick up our drinks. “This might help.”

I held out his coffee and he took it from me with tired eyes. “You already went out?”

I sat next to him, curling up in the corner. “Yeah, I thought you might need help waking up after sleeping like that.”

He grunted and took a long drink. “Thank you.” He rolled his shoulders as he rocked his head back and forth, stretching his neck.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have fallen asleep last night. I should have gone home when I got tired. You’re going to be sore now.”

He grabbed my hand and squeeze it. “I would have sent you home if I wanted to. I liked having you here.”

My heart pounded against my chest, threatening to burst. “Yeah?”

My voice was tiny. I hated being insecure but it was hard to tell with Nikolay. He didn’t give much away.

“Yes. I would have worried about you in your apartment without power. I felt better knowing you were here.”

I smiled and took a sip to hide my smile. My phone vibrated in my pocket and I pulled it out. The station needed me to come in. Wonderful. “I’ve got to go.”

He nodded. “Go get ready and I’ll walk over with you.”

“Really? It’s pretty early.”

“Yeah, I’ll work out before practice.”

“Okay, give me twenty.” I moved to stand, but he caught my hand and pulled me toward him. He kissed me gently before letting go. I couldn’t hide my grin this time. He leaned back with a smile of his own.

“See you soon.”