?<strong>Chapter 1055:</strong>


    Jake sighed, feeling both amused and resigned. It waste, after all, and he couldn’t deny the pull of sleep that was so rare for him.


    Jake was about to step out when a deafening p of thunder shook the house, splitting the quiet as though tearing the sky in half.


    The storm was unusual for this time of year, nearing winter. But in a coastal city, such erratic weather wasn’t entirely out of the ordinary.


    Jake told himself he had no obligation to stay with Kallie. He believed she was more than capable of handling her fear of thunderstorms on her own.


    And yet, he paused. Turning back, his eyes settled on Kallie, curled up tightly under the covers. She was wrapped sopletely that it was as if she were shielding herself from the world.


    But the asional tremble betrayed her. Every time the thunder rolled, her body quaked beneath the nket. If the storm raged on through the night, he doubted she would find any rest. Jake exhaled quietly, the sound barely audible over the storm outside.


    Kallie couldn’t help but chastise herself for her fear. It seemed irrational to her. She was over thirty, after all. Such a strong reaction felt unjustified.


    Yet, the sight of lightning streaking across the sky like silver serpents still sent shivers through Kallie. And each p of thunder made her tremble, the fear creeping steadily to its peak. Perhaps she’d always been afraid of thunderstorms.


    As Kallie tried to calm herself, her breathing shallow, she heard the faint creak of the door, assuming Jake was leaving. She doubted he would linger to keep herpany. Still, disappointment settled over her like a heavy weight.


    Then, to her surprise, the bed dipped slightly beside her. The familiar scent of his cologne reached her, followed by a soft sigh. Taking advantage of a lull in the lightning, Kallie turned her head, her expression confused as she nced at Jake.


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    “Mr. Reeves, aren’t you going to sleep?”


    Jake had stretched out beside her, though he kept some space between them. Closing his eyes, he spoke quietly.


    “I’m exhausted. I n to rest here. If this makes you ufortable, I’ll leave.”


    In the dim light, his profile was faintly visible. His sharp features appeared calm but resolute.


    Kallie hesitated only for a moment before shaking her head quickly.


    “I don’t mind,” she said, her words spilling out in haste. She feared that if she hesitated a little longer, he might change his mind and leave. Having him here eased her fear, even if only slightly.


    Still, Kallie covered her ears in an attempt to block out the thunder, her sleep restless and uneasy. As she shifted under the covers, she became aware of aforting warmth.


    Jake reached over and gently ced his hand over her ears.


    “This is easier. If you keep covering your ears yourself, won’t your arms get tired by morning?”


    Kallie’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Even so, she couldn’t deny that it felt much better this way. As she leaned slightly against him, the fear that had gripped her began to ease. Her heart, which had been racing moments before, started to calm.


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