She stirs beside me and I instinctively pull her closer, I cling to these fleeting moments because I know it’s all I have. Her breathing changes slightly and I know she’s awake. She slowly and very carefully removes my arm from around her waist. I know what she’s doing, she’s making her escape and I’m watching her do it. She sits up and runs a shaky hand through her tousled hair, she sighs and proceeds to get off the bed, getting dressed while making the least amount of noise possible. She pulls the last garment, her shirt, over her head. When she finally turns to look my way, she’s surprised to see me staring at her, I know she wasn’t expecting to find me awake. She stands there quietly, glancing between me and the floor. I send her a strained smile because it’s all I can force myself to do, I know that these next few minutes will make or break us.

“Don’t go.” The words are soft as they leave my lips, they’re fragile and desperate, my eyes pleading with just a hint of pathetic mixed in. She just looks at me, guilt taking her over completely. She doesn’t say a word but she doesn’t make a move to leave either, which I take as a good sign. “Please don’t go.” I quickly get off the bed and pull her into a hug, holding on a little tightly.

“Ash…” She whispers against my chest as she slowly removes herself from my grip. She begins playing with her fingers as her eyes land on anything that isn’t me.

I move my hand just under her chin and bring her eyes up to meet mine as I take a step closer to her. “Just stay…please?”

“I can’t, okay. Stacey‘s probably worried and I-” I cut her off by bringing our lips together. The kiss starts off slow but grows desperate and needy as she deepens it. My hands are on her waist as hers tangle themselves up in my hair. I don’t know how long we’ve been kissing, but when we part we’re panting. My eyes are still closed as I lean my forehead to rest against hers. I hear her take a deep breath “I should go.” She takes a step away from me.