Author: Me.
Giving a frustrated sigh, Connie rolled from her side onto her back to stare at the ceiling. It was almost 2 am and sleep still evaded her despite the fact she was tired. She knew why, as well, and that frustrated her even more. Jacob had stayed at her house every night for the last month and she was used to his presence. A sound sleeper, whenever she couldn't sleep she would listen to his even breathing or rest her head on his chest to listen to his strong, steady heartbeat, but now he wasn't there and it was her fault.
Giving another sigh, Connie rolled back onto her side and stared at the illuminated numbers on the clock. Jacob had asked for her backing that day and she hadn't given it. Worried people would think she was only siding with him because of their relationship, Connie had backed the other person despite knowing Jacob was in the right.
Jacob had even understood her stance and had come to her office after his shift. An apology and he would forget about it. But Connie couldn't back down. She didn't want to show weakness, and agreeing that she had been worried about what people would think would have shown it. So she had yelled at him, told him that she had agreed with the other person because they were correct. Now she lay alone in bed and unable to sleep, and it was her fault.
…
2am and Jacob was unable to sleep. Despite the fact Connie had sided against him, despite the fact she had yelled at him and refused to apologise, Jacob had forgiven her. He'd forgiven her in an instant because he knew she yelled because she felt guilty. Yet his stupid male pride would not let him go to her even though he found himself unable to sleep without her presence. She was a light sleeper who tossed and turned, and without that movement, the cool hands pressing every so often to his chest as she nestled into him, Jacob found himself unable to sleep.
With a sigh, Jacob rolled onto his side and stared at the illuminated numbers on the clock, willing them to change, because he knew he had to get up in four hours and he knew he wouldn't sleep.
…
The phone ringing made Connie unreasonably angry. She wasn't asleep and she wanted to go into work for something to focus on, but them calling her brought a scowl to her face. "Connie Beauchamp," She snapped.
"I miss you."
Connie frowned and pulled the phone from her ear to check the caller ID. "Jacob?"
On the other end of the line there was a cough and then a sniff before a croaking voice repeated, "I miss you."
I miss you, too. I'm sorry, and I want you here beside me so much. "You sound terrible," Was all she actually offered.
Jacob gave a soft laugh that turned into a cough. "Thanks."
I want to hold you and make you feel better, because I feel every ache you have as though it's my own. I've never felt like that about anyone before. "Is there something you wanted?"
Jacob sighed then, for he knew Connie Beauchamp would never give and say she missed him too, or apologise for what happened at work. When they were together, the walls occasionally came down, but when they were apart it was as though the together had never existed. "I want to come over."
Connie nibbled her lip. She wanted him to come over, she wanted to make him feel better, she wanted to wake up next to him. "To share your cold?"
Jacob gave another sigh. This soft approach was not working, his head ached and he wanted nothing more than to be in bed with his favourite person. "I'm coming over. Unlock the front door and I'll be there soon." With that, the line went dead.
…
When her alarm went off the next morning, Connie groaned. It was entirely too early for it to be going off. Another groan came from her lips when her eyes flickered open and she found a strong ray of sunshine burning into her eyes.
But a smile also came to her lips, for she found herself in an unusual position. Usually, she would curl up to Jacob's side in her sleep, but today it was Jacob who was curled up to her, effectively pinning her to the bed. His slightly warm cheek rested on her shoulder, an arm fell across her middle and one strong leg rested between her own. The quiet absurdity brought giggles tumbling from her lips and before she could stop it she whispered to him, "I missed you too, muscles."
"Can I get that in writing?" Came a croak.
"How about I just show you?"
As she felt Jacob smile against her skin, Connie added, "By making you a honey and lemon for your throat and by getting you some paracetamol."
"I knew there was a reason I loved you, Connie from Peckham." Jacob rolled away from her and onto his back, immediately beginning to cough. "I forgive you, by the way."
"For?" Connie pulled her dressing gown on, her back to Jacob.
"For being stubborn."
"I'm not stubborn."
"you are."
"I'm not!" Connie turned with her hands on her hips and favoured the man in bed with a glare, which forced laughter mixed with a cough to fall from his lips.
"You are, mum." Came a voice from down the hall as Grace walked to the bathroom.
Giving a huff, Connie stomped down the stairs, but once alone in the kitchen, she allowed herself to smile. Jacob was back in her bed, and that meant she would sleep well tonight.