Page 44 of Curious Hearts (The Healing Hearts #2)

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

The sound of muffled purring woke Jessica, a warm weight curled against her side.

She blinked slowly into consciousness, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar ceiling.

Then images of the previous night flooded back.

Their mutual confessions of love, falling asleep wrapped in each other’s arms. She turned her head to find Ali still asleep beside her, dark hair strewn across the pillow, one arm flung above her head.

There was something peaceful and innocent about her expression that made Jessica’s chest so tight with emotion it was almost frightening.

Chairman Meow nestled against Jessica’s hip, his one good eye closed in apparent contentment.

Now, as the morning light filtered through Ali’s sheer curtains, Jessica took in the stacks of books, clothes draped everywhere (including her own) and framed photos crowding the dresser.

Every single inch of space was crowded with Ali, as though this was the same jam-packed way she filled every space in Jessica’s heart.

Chairman Meow stretched and migrated to Jessica’s other side. His movement stirred Ali, who mumbled something indistinct before her eyes fluttered open.

“Morning,” she said, voice thick with sleep. “You’re still here.”

“Did you think I’d sneak out before dawn?” Jessica asked, smiling.

“No.” Ali reached over to trace Jessica’s cheek with gentle fingers. “But part of me was afraid I’d dreamed last night. That I’d wake up and find out you were halfway to London.”

“Not a dream,” Jessica assured her, catching Ali’s hand and pressing a kiss to her palm. “Though I do need to go into work today and face the music. The board meets Thursday to decide on my alternative proposal. I’ll know then whether I still have a job.”

Ali winced sympathetically. “I hope it works out. I’m happy to offer to keep you in the style of luxury you’re unaccustomed to...” She gestured around her cluttered bedroom with its mismatched furniture and secondhand bookshelf.

Jessica laughed. “I appreciate the offer.”

“As it happens,” Ali said, propping herself up on one elbow, “I’m with Fenna on Thursday for the final presentation to the board about the grant. Maybe we’ll both have something to celebrate afterward?”

“Or commiserate,” Jessica said, her smile dimming slightly.

“We should meet up afterward either way. You, me, Fenna, Kristi. Celebrate success or drown our sorrows. Possibly both.”

“It’s a date,” Jessica agreed, leaning over to kiss Ali lightly. “But right now, I need to head home to change before going to the office.”

“Hmm,” Ali murmured against her lips. “Or you could just stay here all day. We could build a pillow fort and refuse to acknowledge the outside world exists.”

“Tempting,” Jessica admitted, “but I doubt that would help my professional standing.”

Ali sighed dramatically. “Fine. Be a responsible adult. See if I care.”