Chapter 140. Steam and Skin

Elizabeth’s POV

The steady patter of water woke me before my eyes could open fully. The shower was running. I reached out, tracing my fingertips across the rumpled duvet, hoping to find Wayne beside me. But the cool sheets yielded nothing. He wasn’t here. He was in the shower. I drew in a deep breath, letting the humid warmth of the morning settle into my lungs. Then, with a gentle tug, I slid the covers away from my body and sat up, my bare feet touching the chill of the hardwood floor. The water continued to drip from the bathroom, each drop punctuating the silence of the bedroom. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and sat upright, waiting for him to emerge.

Minutes passed. The steady drip-drip-drip continued without interruption. Why was he taking so long? I rubbed my temples, feeling the remnants of sleep evaporate under the growing light that seeped in around the edges of the curtains. Groaning softly, I pushed myself to my feet and shuffled toward the window.