EIGHT
Sydney awoke the next morning in Will's arms. After talking for well over two hours, they both decided it was in their best interest to get some sleep. Will had insisted on lending Sydney a pair of his pajamas so he could toss her wet clothes into the dryer.
She grinned as she thought of the previous night.
So uh, we should probably get to bed, it's kind of late, Will pointed out, glancing at his watch and finding that it was well after three in the morning.
Yeah, I guess so, Sydney agreed, standing up from the couch.
Will stood up as well and they caught each other's gaze. I'm so glad we finally get to do this, Will said with a smile.
Me too, Sydney agreed, grinning. She ran her hands through his hair and pulled him close to kiss him.
When it had ended, Will bit his lip.
What's wrong? Sydney asked, her hands still in Will's hair.
I forgot about the dryer, he said solemnly. Your clothes are probably all wrinkled.
Sydney laughed. You're joking, right? You're actually worried about the stuff being wrinkled?
Well, I mean, I'll have to run the dryer again to get the wrinkles out, Will informed her.
Sydney said, shaking her head.
Will started laughing. This is pathetic. I'm fussing over wrinkled crap.
Sydney laughed along with him then said softly, I think it's sweet, though.
Will asked dubiously.
She kissed him again and they walked to his bedroom.
Will stirred and tightened his hold around Sydney who felt herself drifting back into slumber. Just then, the phone rang. Sydney yawned and sleepily asked Will if she should answer it. He mumbled an affirmative response and Sydney snatched up the phone on the fourth ring.
Sydney asked lazily.
It was Francie.
Sydney felt her breath catch in her throat and she clasped a hand over the mouthpiece. It's Francie, she whispered to Will.
Noticing Sydney's discomfort, he whispered back, Do you want me to talk to her?
No, I think I can come up with something, Sydney replied in a less than convincing tone.
Will replied with a yawn and brushed Sydney's hair back so he could kiss her neck.
A soft moan escaped Sydney's lips and she almost forgot about leaving Francie hanging on the other end. She turned her attention back to the phone. Yeah, uh, I'm sorry I didn't call last night to tell you, but when I was coming back from my drive, I almost fell asleep at the wheel. I guess I didn't realize how—
Francie interrupted, a little irritated.
—tired I was, Sydney said, finishing her sentence. So, I just stopped at Will's place and decided to ask him if I could stay for the night.
Why didn't you just ask him to drive you home? Francie inquired.
Sydney started, I—I guess I didn't even think about that. I think I was kind of out of it, with this flu thing and all.
Will tapped Sydney gently on the shoulder. What flu thing?
Sydney panicked and clamped a hand over the mouthpiece. I'll explain later, she whispered. She directed her attention back to the phone. So, I'm going to get ready and leave soon, probably, she said quietly.
Will's lips on the back of her neck made her rethink her response.
Or, I might take a shower before I leave—if it's all right with Will, of course.
All right, Francie agreed.
Sydney suddenly felt the urge to make up more excuses. And then my clothes have to be dried, and then I'll be able to come home.
Are you wearing those wet clothes now? Francie questioned.
Oh, well, no, I borrowed some pajamas from Will, Sydney explained.
Okay, so let me get this straight, Francie began, you took off the wet clothes last night, but you weren't planning on drying them until this morning?
Sydney covered the mouthpiece. Jesus Christ, she muttered. Francie's practically conducting a fucking interrogation over the phone.
You need to end it, Will insisted. Or it's going to get worse. Just tell her you have to go.
Sydney nodded. Listen, Francie, I have to go, okay? I'll talk to you when I get back.
Yeah, sure, Francie said flatly.
Sydney said softly and hung up. She sighed then emitted a low growl of frustration.
Are you okay? Will asked, planting another kiss on her neck.
Sydney sighed again and sat up. I think I'm going to go take that shower.
Will nodded. Oh wait, what's this flu thing'?
Oh, I uh—I had to lie to Francie so I could get out of lunch with her yesterday and meet with Vaughn.
Will said with a nod.
Sydney rolled onto her back and kissed Will before getting up from the bed.
Will sat up and leaned against the headboard. I suppose it would be insensitive of me to ask if I could join you, he said with a mischievous grin.
Sydney licked her lips and stretched out a hand for him. Will threw off the covers and walked over to take Sydney's hand.
A short while later, Sydney and Will were standing in front of the bathroom mirror towel-drying their hair. Will let Sydney wear his robe so he was sporting a towel around his waist.
Hey uh— Sydney began, running a hand through her slightly tangled mop, Do you have an extra comb or something?
Yeah, I think so, Will answered, rapidly searching through drawers. he said triumphantly, holding up a small black comb.
Sydney said, taking it from him. She pulled it through her hair a few times then stopped.
Will noticed and looked over at her. Something wrong?
Sydney shook her head. Will nodded and turned back to the mirror. He spread some shaving cream on his face and picked up a razor. Sydney watched him with a kind of admiration. A smile played on her lips and she giggled suddenly.
Will laughed a little and put down his razor. What's with you? he asked, his blue eyes sparkling.
Sydney's expression turned serious as she looked far into Will's eyes. She blinked back tears of happiness and hoped Will hadn't noticed. She smiled again and stepped closer to him. Sucking in a breath, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She started to choke up a little and put her mouth close to his ear. she whispered.
he asked, his arms wrapped around her.
I love you.
Will hugged her tighter and whispered back, I love you too, Sydney.