Chapter 17: A Productive Week - Jane I .4 - Monday

In the morning we woke about seven. Rachel was lying on her back; I was on my side with an arm across her chest, just below her breasts. Her warmth was comforting—I didn’t want to move. When I moved my arm slightly, Rachel opened her eyes slowly. I got the impression she was getting her bearings. I gave her a moment before saying, “Good morning. Someone had a long day yesterday.”

She immediately realized I meant her falling asleep during—or maybe after—sex. I thought perspective might be important here. She blushed, saying, “I’m so sorry. It was a long day and the wine?” I patted her stomach and kissed her shoulder, saying, “I’m not complaining. I fell asleep quite relaxed.” Then, deciding to tease her, I said, “Thank you,” with a smile in my voice. She pressed her head into the pillow, closed her eyes, turned a little red, and said, “You’re welcome.” Then she let out a little sigh of embarrassment.

I chuckled at her embarrassment and kissed her cheek. Pulling the covers off both of us, I told her we needed to shower. I said she could go first—I needed to call the precinct to let them know I’d be a little late. She said she could just dress and leave. I told her no and insisted she shower.

I quickly made the call. I knew it took a bit for the water to warm, so Rachel was just entering the shower when I followed right behind her. She was surprised to see me and seemed a little shy—maybe even embarrassed. About last night, I wondered. Admittedly, my own actions surprised me, but there was no embarrassment or shame. Needing to know her feelings—even though she might give an answer I did not want to hear—I came straight out and asked, “Do you regret last evening? Because I don’t. If you want to call it one of those one-off things that will never happen again, I can live with it. We’ll go on as good friends and never mention it.” When she didn’t immediately reply, I added, “If you need time to think, that’s fine too. This is all new to me too. I’ve never done this either. If it was one night, I have a great memory. If it lasts one night and one shower, I’m happy. If it lasts a week, a month, a year—I’m happy.”