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I'm going to spend the entire ride home thinking about him. Which is dangerous because Ash Grant is starting to feel less like an escape. And more like something I don't want to lose.

The taxi ride home feels unreal. The city drifts past the window in a blur of traffic lights, coffee shops, and people going about their mornings. A woman walks a golden retriever across an intersection. A man balances two cardboard drink carriers while talking on his phone. A couple stands outside a grocery store having what looks like a serious argument.

For once, I don't feel completely separated from them.

Most days it feels like there is a sheet of glass between me and the rest of the world. Life keeps moving forward while I watch from somewhere far away, disconnected from all of it. Today that distance feels smaller. The feeling follows me all the way into my apartment building.

I smile at Mrs. Donnelly when I pass her checking her mailbox in the lobby. She smiles back and asks how hockey is going. I answer without forcing it. The elevator ride to my floor is short. By the time I unlock my apartment door, I still feel strangely light.

I step inside and let the familiar quiet settle around me. Usually the silence feels heavy. Today it doesn't. I kick off my shoes and head for my bedroom. My clothes from last night end up in a pile on the floor while I change into a pair of sweatpants and an old Wizards hoodie. The silver hoop earrings stay where they are.

I catch sight of myself in the mirror while pulling the sweatshirt over my head.

For a moment, I just stare.

The earrings still look unfamiliar. Not since before— I immediately look away. My phone vibrates on the nightstand. I already know who it is.

I grab the phone.

Ash: Home?

A laugh escapes before I can stop it.

Kai: Just got inside.

The typing bubble appears immediately.

Ash: Good.

Kai: You survived.

Ash: Barely.

Kai: Dramatic.

Ash: My bed is lonely.

Heat immediately climbs into my face. I stare at the screen. Ash somehow manages to be ridiculous even through text messages.

Kai: Why are you back in bed?

His answer comes almost instantly.

Ash: We have the day off.

Also I was the one doing all the work last night.

We can't all be pillow princes.

My entire face catches fire. “Oh my God.”

The words come out loud. I toss the phone onto the couch like it's personally offended me. The worst part is that he isn't even here. He's miles away and somehow still making me blush. I drop onto the couch and bury my face in my hands.

Pillow prince.

I hate him. Who does he think made me like that?

My phone vibrates again. I refuse to look at it. Ash can wait for at least a few minutes. I head into the kitchen and open the refrigerator.