Page 59 of Origins of Eternity

“How long have you been up?”

“Oh. Maybe twenty minutes. I normally don’t sleep in this late. I guess I really was exhausted.”

Arwen checked the clock on her table and said, “It’s six-thirty. You normally don’t sleep inthislate?”

“I tend to be up before the sun most days. It depends on what I need to do. If I want to work out and get into the office on time, I need to be up early.”

Iro kissed the back of her neck again.

“You’re not working out this morning?”

“No. I’m still somewhat tired. I just couldn’t get back to sleep with you lying there next to me, looking so lonely and in need of my arms.”

“I was definitely in need of your arms.” She smiled and placed her own arm over Iro’s, around her middle. “And I really like waking up next to you. Your voice sounds a little sleepy, but still you. It’s adorable. I want to hear more of it.”

“Done,” Iro replied.

“Just done, huh?” Arwen asked and rolled over to face her. “Hey, you don’t look so good, babe.”

She cupped Iro’s cheek.

“I feel run down. I think I’ve been working too hard.”

“Anddating me?”

“You’re not the man I had to have the longest, most frustrating dinner and drinks with the other night just to finally lock in a deal. Then, I had a whole event at work yesterday where I had to socialize, and I’m not a big socializer at work. It just took a lot out of me, but I’ll be fine. Ishouldbe going, though.”

“What? No, it’s still early. You’re not working out. Let me make you coffee. Or, should it be tea if you’re not feeling well? I don’t usually drink it, but I think I have it somewhere. Want to take another shower while I make it for you? It will help you wake up a bit.”

“No, I’m okay. I’ll get through the day and take it easy tonight.”

“So, I won’t get to see you tonight, then?”

“You can if you want to stop by my place,” Iro replied. “I’m thinking I can cook for you, and we can have a quiet night in.”

Arwen thought about how perfect that sounded, and she had to sigh.

“I’ll have to get back to you. I want to see if Zara needs some friend time. I think she’s felt a little left out since you and I met. She hasn’t had the best luck in relationships, either, and honestly, hasn’t been on a date in the longest time, so it might be hard for her to see you and me together, or for me to not have as much time for her as I used to.”

“No problem,” Iro replied and kissed her on the forehead. “Just let me know. If there’s anything I can do to help, tell me. I’ll be happy for the three of us to spend some time together whenever you’d like.”

“I don’t thinkZarahas ever been on a helicopter tour of the city,” Arwen teased.

“No?”

Iro smiled and rubbed Arwen’s back.

“No. She didn’t have the best upbringing. It’s a longer story, but she doesn’t really have anyone else, so I think it’s extra hard whenever I’m dating someone.”

“Why doesn’t she have anyone?” Iro asked.

“Because her mom wasn’t very nice to her growing up, and then she left. Zara’s dad was never in the picture. She has other family, technically, but most of them don’t talk to each otherorher. She’s been on her own for most of her life.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Iro said before she leaned in. “Will you tell me more another time? I really do have to run.”

“Yeah. But what about your tea? Shower?”

“I wish I could, but I think I should get moving so I can go home. I have no clothes here, and I can’t exactly wear the suit two days in a row without people assuming they understand what I got up to last night.”