I move over a bit to give him some space and lie back down so I won’t disturb his sleep, but the tremors get worse until I’m not sure if I should wake him up or shut my eyes and try to sleep. I turn on my back and inch closer to the edge in case my nearness is keeping him from falling back asleep.

When his forearm connects with my forehead, I wince and then laugh. “Owww, Nathan,” I start, my voice laced with laughter that he’s hogging the bed and ready to fight me for space. I turn to him and fling his arm back.

“No,” he growls. “Stop.” At the last word, he jumps from the bed and stares down at it with blind fury and torment.

“Nathan,” I try again, gently this time as I sit up in bed.

He rips the blanket off and then the pillow. His eyes don’t seem to register anything as he tears apart the bed. I scramble across the mattress on all fours and stand on my knees to reach his face.

“Nathan, hey, wake up.”

He groans again and his chest lifts and falls quickly. I’m panicked and have no idea how to wake him or even if I should, but I’m desperate to take away the pained look on his beautiful face.

I reach for him, place both hands on his face. “Honey, look at me.”

He does, but his beautiful blue eyes are glossy, and I’m not sure he really sees me. I’m so scared my own fingers tremble. Without removing my hands, I move from the bed to stand beside him. “You’re okay. You’re just dreaming.”

Words fail me so I step flush against him and press my lips to his. His hands go to my chest, and I think he might push me away. Slowly, his rigid body relaxes. When he wakes up, his eyes widen, and he steps back out of reach so fast I stumble back onto the bed.

He looks around the room and then back to me, running a hand through his hair as he catches his breath. “Oh, my God, Chloe. Are you okay?” He takes a step toward me and then retreats. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

I shake my head. “Of course not.”

My words don’t seem to comfort him. He stands rooted in place, body coiled so tightly I’m not sure what to say or do. Since it worked to wake him, I hope going to him is the right move, and I throw myself into his chest and wrap my arms around him tightly. He crumbles, taking me with him to the floor. I climb into his lap and he squeezes me against his heaving torso.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” The choked words spoken over the top of my head don’t feel like they’re meant for me.