Chapter 41 Chapter 14.2
When the clock struck nine that evening, everyone went to their rooms. I didn’t know why I was feeling nervous—maybe because Desmond was staying with me. I prepared the bed for him so he could sleep comfortably.
“You can sleep down here, I’ll take the top bunk,” I said. He looked at the bunk bed, then at me.
“Don’t you want to sleep beside me? And I’m not letting you sleep on the top bunk—you’re pregnant. What if something happens to you? Let’s just share the bed down here.”
My eyes widened. Was he serious? I knew he preferred a spacious bed, yet now he wanted to share this small one with me? And without air-conditioning, he’d definitely feel hot.
“No, I’ll just sleep on the floor if you don’t want me on the top bunk. The bed’s too small for you if I sleep beside you.”
He walked toward me and gently pulled me to sit on the bed.
“We’ll sleep together. I’m not letting you sleep on the top bunk or the floor—it’s cold. Lie down here, stay on the side so you won’t fall. I’ll just take a shower.”
“Do you have clothes to change into?” I asked.
“I’ll just wear these again,” he replied.
I handed him one of my oversized shirts and a pair of garter shorts that would fit him.
“Here, wear these instead so you don’t have to repeat your clothes. Sorry, I didn’t know we’d be staying overnight,” I said. He took them with a small smile.
“This is fine. Next time, we’ll make sure to bring a change of clothes,” he replied before leaving the room to shower in the bathroom near the living room.
I took a deep breath and stared at the bed we’d be sharing. If we slept beside each other, our bodies would definitely be touching. I swallowed hard. We had slept beside each other once before, but it still made me feel shy.
I set up the electric fan and lay down on the far edge of the bed, scrolling through my newsfeed since I wasn’t sleepy yet.
The door opened, and Desmond came in. I looked at what he was wearing—the shirt I gave him was already big, but it still looked tight on him. I bit my lip when I noticed how the shorts looked almost like sexy shorts on him.
“Are you comfortable in what you’re wearing?” I asked. He glanced down at himself.
“It’s okay, but isn’t it embarrassing to face your parents like this tomorrow? Especially since you still have a younger sister at home,” he said.
“Just wear your own clothes again tomorrow morning,” I replied. He nodded, towel-drying his hair. I quickly looked away when I noticed his hairy thighs.
I placed my phone on the table and turned to face the wall. I felt the bed move as he sat down. My heartbeat quickened like it was pounding in my chest.
“Are you comfortable over there? The bed’s big enough, you don’t have to squeeze yourself against the wall,” he said softly.
“I’m fine. I prefer this position,” I answered without facing him. I closed my eyes as he lay down beside me. He didn’t say anything else after that, and eventually, I drifted off to sleep.
When I woke up the next morning, I found Desmond’s arm wrapped around me—and my arm around him. I swallowed hard. How did we end up like this? I didn’t even realize I had turned toward him or hugged him in my sleep.
I tried to gently move his arm away, but before I could, he hugged me tighter.
“It’s still early. Can we sleep a little longer?” he mumbled sleepily.
We went to bed early last night, yet he sounded so tired.
“Didn’t you sleep well?” I asked.
“It was hot. I couldn’t fall asleep right away,” he murmured, eyes still closed.
I felt embarrassed, but he was right—it had been warm since we didn’t have air-conditioning. Maybe I should have one installed for the next time we visit.
I let him rest, and before I knew it, I fell back asleep too.
When I woke up again, the room felt even warmer. Desmond was already sitting on a monoblock chair, wearing the clothes he had on yesterday, fanning himself with a small piece of cardboard. The electric fan was still pointed toward me.
“Have you been up for long? You should’ve woken me so we could go out,” I said as I got up.
“I didn’t want to disturb your sleep, so I let you rest,” he replied.
“Let’s go out now so you can eat. Haven’t you gone out yet?” I asked. It was already nine in the morning—too late for breakfast.
“I was waiting for you so we could go out together,” he said.
I opened the door and stepped into the living room—it was quiet, and no one was there. Where was everyone?
“Mom?” I called out, heading to the kitchen, but it was empty. When I stepped outside, I saw Mom watering her plants.
“Mom,” I called. She turned to me.
“Oh, you’re awake. There’s food ready in the kitchen. You and Desmond are the only ones who haven’t eaten yet,” she said.
“Where’s Dad?” I asked.
“He went to work. Your siblings went to school,” she replied.
I had completely forgotten they had classes today. I went back inside so Desmond and I could eat.
Desmond usually eats breakfast early, so he was probably starving by now.
“Is it just the two of us eating?” he asked when we sat down.
“Yes. Dad’s at work, my siblings are in school, and Mom already ate—she’s outside watering her plants. After we eat, we should get going too. I know you’re dying to change clothes,” I teased. Desmond doesn’t like wearing the same outfit twice—even if he doesn’t say it, I can tell.
After we finished eating, we went out and said goodbye to Mom.
Our neighbors couldn’t help but stare at us as we walked by—most of them complimented Desmond and told me how lucky I was. That’s all I ever seemed to hear these days.