Chapter Sixty-Seven – I Am Right Here

Wyatt’s whimpers and squirms abruptly woke me from my sleep. I quickly sat up. He was crying out for his mom. My heart shattered as I listened to him. I couldn’t even fathom how he must be feeling. I wished I could do something to help, to take some of his pain away or make it a little easier for him. I let out a sigh and stayed near, keeping a watchful eye on him.

It lasted for a couple of minutes before he shot up. He was gasping for air and fighting to regain his breath.

“Wyatt, are you okay? I am right here,” I whispered, taking his hand in mine.

He switched on the lamp next to the bed and turned to face me. His eyes showed fear, and sweat trickled down his forehead.

“I’m sorry I woke you up,” he sighed, breaking eye contact with me.

“Wyatt, look at me,” I said softly.

He shook his head in refusal. I shifted my stance to kneel directly in front of him. He let out a loud sigh before making eye contact with me once more.

I stroked his hair. “You don’t need to apologize to me. You should try to get back to sleep. I’ll find something else to do elsewhere.”

He moved to get off the bed, but I quickly stopped him. “Wyatt, please don’t pull away from me. You don’t need to go anywhere. How about we watch a movie or something along those lines? I can make us some tea.” I suggested.

The nightmares have haunted him for years. Maybe I could help distract him from them.

“Alyssa, you don’t—”

“I’m aware that I don’t have to. I want to. You choose the movie; I’ll prepare the tea.” I smiled and pecked his lips before I climbed out of bed.

A forced smile was what he gave in return. Perhaps a cup of tea and a movie would help him drift off again. It wasn’t too late; it was close to one. We came to bed quite early tonight. Tonight had been overwhelming for him. Even if we could get another few hours before we have to get up to head back for work.

I headed to the kitchen and prepared peppermint tea for both of us. Leaning on the counter, I drifted away into my thoughts. How did his parents handle his childhood nightmares? Is he still seeing someone? He doesn’t seem to be, as he mentioned that nothing worked.

The whistle of the kettle on the stove interrupted my thoughts. I prepared the tea, then returned to the bedroom with Wyatt.

“Did you find something?” I asked.

“Yes. Don’t worry, it isn’t a horror movie. It’s an action comedy.” He chuckled.

“Thank you. I appreciate you not picking a scary movie.”

I gave him a mug of tea and joined him in bed. I moved closer and snuggled up against his side.

“I appreciate the tea,” he said and kissed the top of my head.

I glanced up at him. “Are you okay?”

“I will be.”

I nodded and kissed his cheek. “I am right here for you.”

Choosing not to say anything more, he started the movie. He had finished discussing it, and I wouldn’t pressure him. I could be here for him without saying a word.

Wyatt finally managed to sleep for more than ten minutes. Whenever he dozed off, the nightmares quickly returned. He did so by lying between my legs with his head on my stomach and me stroking his hair. He hesitated before he moved into this position. He said he was being pathetic and needy, but I reassured him. I am glad I did because he is finally asleep.

Unfortunately, I doubt I’ll be able to fall back asleep. I prefer to stay awake in case he wakes up once more. Wyatt doesn’t need to know this. If he found out I didn’t get any sleep, he wouldn’t be happy with me.

As he began to talk in his sleep, I initially thought it was another nightmare, but that wasn’t the case. He was mumbling, but he had a smile on his face. He seemed to be having a good dream for a change. I wondered what he was dreaming of. What was causing him to smile and laugh?

In his sleep, he flipped over and snuggled into my stomach, his hands resting on my hip. I gently ran my fingers through his hair and shut my eyes. Now that he appeared more settled, I might be able to catch some sleep. He muttered my name. I couldn’t understand the rest of it. Is it me who’s making him smile like that? He fell silent after that and started to stir slightly, his fingers circling my hips. His touch made me tremble. Even in his sleep, that damn man could affect me.

Although it was an emotional day, we still found moments to enjoy ourselves. Let’s hope tomorrow brings a better day. I’m not excited about Saturday. There’s a chance that people at the business event will see me with Wyatt, and I’d prefer it if they didn’t. I really don’t want our relationship to become public. It won’t go well for me in the office. I regret not being more assertive and telling him no. I suppose I’ll have to handle the situation.

The idea makes me sigh.

“Alyssa, are you okay?”

The sound of his voice made me jump. I was completely unaware that he had woken up.

“Yes, I am fine, handsome. Go back to sleep.”

“Do you want me to move?”

“You are good right where you are, babe.”

“Hmm, okay. I want a goodnight kiss.”

I found his lips in the dark, kissing him softly. He smiled into it. It lasted only a moment before he parted from it and lay his head back on my stomach. He quickly fell back asleep.

It is my turn now. Tiredness is starting to take over. We have to be up for work in a few hours. If not for today, tomorrow would have been the perfect day to take off. It would be suspicious if we both missed two days together. People might already be suspicious. Wyatt isn’t exactly discreet at the office. Some people must know. And if they do, I appreciate them not saying anything.