Chapter 337
**Sara**
The kiss deepened, and I felt myself melting against him. His hands were everywhere – in my hair, trailing down my back, gripping my hips to pull me flush against him. I couldn't tell where I ended, and he began, but I didn't care. All that mattered was this moment, this man, and the way he made me feel like I was simultaneously falling and flying.
When we finally broke apart, both breathless, he rested his forehead against mine. "I should let you rest," he said, but his hands still held me close, contradicting his words.
"Probably," I agreed, making no move to step away. "But I'm not tired anymore."
His eyes darkened. "No?"
I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips. "Jet lag is weird like that. I was exhausted five minutes ago, but now I'm wide awake."
"What a coincidence," Tom said, his voice low and teasing. "I'm wide awake, too. We could watch a movie," he suggested, his eyes never leaving mine. "Or order room service. Or..."
"Or?" I prompted, knowing exactly what the 'or' entailed but wanting to hear him say it.
Instead of answering with words, he kissed me again, deeper this time, more urgent.
His hands slid under my shirt, warm against my skin, and I arched into his touch. It felt like coming home after a long journey, familiar yet thrilling all at once.
When we finally broke apart, both breathing hard, I pressed my forehead against his chest.
"I really should shower," I murmured. "Fifteen hours on a plane isn't exactly my idea of fresh."
Tom laughed. "Fine. But only because I want you comfortable." He kissed the top of my head. "The bathroom's through there. Towels are on the rack."
I reluctantly pulled away from his warmth and made my way to the bathroom. The shower was as luxurious as the rest of the suite, with multiple shower heads and what looked like enough settings to launch a rocket.
"This shower has more buttons than NASA," I called out, examining the control panel.
"The second button from the left turns it on," Tom's voice came through the door. "The rest is just... extras."
"Extras like what? A built-in espresso machine?"
His laugh echoed from the other room. "No, but now I'm disappointed it doesn't have one."
The water pressure was perfect, and I stood under the spray longer than necessary, letting the hot water wash away the travel fatigue. By the time I stepped out, wrapped in a fluffy hotel towel, I felt human again.
I rummaged through my bag for a simple cotton tank top and shorts. Nothing fancy, but comfortable. As I slipped them on, I caught my reflection in the mirror and had a moment of self-doubt. Maybe I should have packed something nicer? Something silky or lacy?
But then I remembered it was Tom waiting for me out there. Tom, who had seen me in old T-shirts. Tom, who looked at me like I was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen, regardless of what I was wearing.
I ran a brush through my damp hair and decided against makeup. It was nearly 5 AM, and we'd be sleeping soon anyway.
When I emerged from the bathroom, Tom was sitting on the edge of the bed, scrolling through his phone. He looked up when he heard me, and his face broke into a smile that made my heart skip.
"Hey, beautiful," he said, setting his phone aside.
"Hey yourself," I replied, suddenly feeling a bit shy despite everything we'd shared. "What are you looking at?"
"Just checking some emails." He patted the spot next to him. "Come here."
I padded across the plush carpet and sat beside him, the mattress dipping slightly under our combined weight. "Anything interesting?"
"Just work stuff. Nothing that can't wait until morning." He reached out to tuck a strand of damp hair behind my ear. "You look tired."
"Gee, thanks," I said with a mock frown. "Just what every girl wants to hear."
"I meant it as a compliment," Tom insisted, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You look soft and sleepy and absolutely perfect."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "You're ridiculous."
"Ridiculously in love with you," he countered, kissing me softly.
When we parted, I stifled a yawn. "Sorry. Jet lag is hitting me hard now."
"Let's get some sleep," Tom suggested, standing up to pull back the covers. "We have plenty of time to explore Sydney later."
I crawled into the bed, sinking into what felt like a cloud. "This bed is amazing," I mumbled, already feeling sleep tugging at me.
Tom disappeared into the bathroom and emerged a few minutes later wearing just pajama pants. He slid under the covers beside me, and I immediately curled into his side, my head finding its familiar spot on his chest.
His arm wrapped around me, pulling me closer, and I felt his lips press against the top of my head. "Comfortable?"
"Mmm," I hummed in agreement, too tired for words. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat under my ear was better than any lullaby.
"Good," he murmured, his voice thickened with approaching sleep. "I'm glad you're here, Sara."
"Me too," I whispered, my eyes growing heavier by the second.
As sleep began to claim me, I felt Tom's arms tighten around me just slightly, as if making sure I was really there. In response, I snuggled closer, breathing in his familiar scent.
The last thing I remember before drifting off was the gentle rise and fall of his chest beneath my cheek and the thought that there was nowhere else in the world I'd rather be than right here, at this moment, with him.
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