Sadie woke up slowly, her entire body aching as if she'd run a marathon. The memories of the night before flooded back to her—Jake’s anger, the kiss that turned into something deeper, and the overwhelming mix of emotions that followed. As she turned slightly, she caught sight of Jake sleeping beside her, his face peaceful in slumber.
Unable to hold back the tears, Sadie wept softly, the weight of guilt and regret pressing heavily on her heart. She leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Jake’s forehead, hoping to convey her remorse and love in that simple gesture. Surprisingly, the warmth of her lips stirred him from sleep. As his eyes fluttered open, their faces were inches apart, and for a brief moment, time stood still.
Jake’s memory of the previous night lingered vividly in his min
