Chapter 1

I woke suddenly, late at night, and realised Rebecca wasn't there. I knew she'd had some problems sleeping lately, and I was a little worried about her. I didn't really want to interfere though, as she got touchy about being awake, and that just made it worse.

After a few minutes of lying there, though, I realised that I couldn't go back to sleep without at least checking. I hauled myself from the blankets, and stood shakily on the floor. Undies and a t-shirt were enough. It was hot.

I walked out of the bedroom and saw her across the floor, her body silhouetted by the light from the computer monitor. I paused and realised for the millionth time how gorgeous she was, and how lucky I was. She hadn't seen or heard me, and I thought it might be nice to keep it that way, at least for a minute. She was also dressed in a shirt and not much more. The evenings had been stifling of late. Perhaps that was the reason she couldn't sleep.

I walked slowly up behind her, padding soundlessly on the carpet. She was reading, as usual. I could see the shape of the text from here, though I didn't have a hope of reading it. The white screen flickered a little as she scrolled down, deep in concentration. I sneaked closer.

I'd reached the point where I could reach out and touch her, and I took the opportunity, sliding my fingers down the sides of her neck, expecting her to jump. She just sighed, and carried on reading. I took a chance, and assumed it was a 'keep doing that' sigh, rather than a 'don't touch me again or you won't see sunrise' one. I must have been right, because she continued to take no notice as I gently caressed the sides of her head, and down her neck again until I'd reached the point where her shirt covered her skin.