Abbie and Jake reconnect, and the night ends

Without any drama or awkward nerves, they shared the sagas of their respective evenings. They were each completely open and honest, asked and answered questions, even got into the dirtiest of details.

Jake was a little cautious, and perhaps a little wary of how Abbie might respond. Ever since they'd first opened up to one another, really ever since that day at the office, he hadn't really ventured out into much of anything besides spending time with her. And despite the extensive adventures of their day together, it was their first night together on this mini vacation. In fact, it was their first actual night sleeping together.

Abbie, verbalizing almost exactly what Jake was thinking, brought up the subject. "You know, Jake, I was thinking -- you and I have never actually just gone to sleep together." She smiled, her tone turning more playful. "Are we going to fight over blankets and pillows? Boy, I hope you don't snore!"

Jake scoffed, though it was unclear whether he was admitting to snoring or disputing it.

"Oh my god, I don't actually care if you snore! I'm a pretty sound sleeper, so it wouldn't bother me, I'm sure."

"I was wondering things like, does she read at night, does she play games on her phone? What kind of pajamas does she wear?"

Abbie giggled. "These are such normal questions and normal topics. It's so wild to think of what we do know about each other compared to what we don't."

Jake nodded. "Mm-hm. Really, not trying to push 'relationship' language on you, but it's like the first time you have a girlfriend sleep over at your place."

"Is it different from just having a lover spend the night? I mean, someone who's not like a significant other?"

Jake sighed. "I don't know, Abbie. But it feels different. It's like our conversation from earlier. This is more serious than a hookup with a fuck buddy. But I don't know the words to use for it."

"With a one night hookup, no one cares which side of the bed you take. And you don't read before bed because you fall asleep after sex."

As they talked, Abbie brushed her teeth. She was a bit self-conscious in that Jake was sort of watching her in the mirror, plus the fact that she was still naked. As she finished, rinsed off her toothbrush, and took a small drink of water, Jake couldn't stop looking at her body.

"Do you sleep naked?" he asked.

"Sometimes," Abbie said with a nod. "Sometimes a tank top, or maybe just panties."

"I saw the ones you put out on the bed."

Abbie had a sense of Jake's opinion, but needed to ask. "Did you like those?"

"Mm-hm."

"Would you like me to wear them?"

"Mm-hm."

Jake grinned at her. They walked out of the bathroom, Abbie first, Jake following. She pulled on the tank top and lavender panties and sat on the far side of the bed. Jake climbed back onto his side, and got under the blankets, with Abbie following suit. Abbie lay on her back, looking at the ceiling. Jake angled slightly to his side, looking at Abbie.

"There are a couple day-before-the-wedding events tomorrow," Jake said sleepily. "We can talk about them in the morning, decide what you want to do."

"You know me, Jake," said Abbie. "I'm up for anything."

Jake yawned. He stretched an arm out toward Abbie. "You're going to think I sound stupid, but -- can I kiss you good night?"

Abbie rolled over to face him. "That's not stupid. It's sweet. And of course you can." She leaned in, closed her eyes, and kissed him tenderly. She slid her body closer to his, snuggling with him. She wrapped her arms around his chest, and rested her head on his shoulder. "Good night, Jake."

"Good night, Abbie." Jake hit the button that turned off the overhead light. He stayed awake long enough to feel Abbie's breathing change as she drifted off to sleep. He rested one arm on her upper body, and felt her breath go in and out. He pulled the covers up over them, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.