CHAPTER 36

ZAYN CARTER

The sun was barely up when I unzipped the tent and stepped out, stretching my arms with a lazy yawn. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and burnt-out firewood.

Everyone was already up—Mom and Michelle were by the portable stove, making coffee while Jenni was brushing her hair near the car. Lily was running around dad, still bursting with energy even after last night.

I frowned slightly, scanning the area.

No sign of Ari.

That was odd. She usually wasn't the type to sleep in, especially with all the noise around.

"Where's Ari?" I asked, rubbing the back of my neck as I walked over to Mom and Michelle.

Michelle sighed, stirring her coffee. "Didn't sleep much."

"Lily was all over her," Mom added, shaking her head. "Poor girl couldn't even move all night. She must've been exhausted."

I glanced toward the tents again. "She's still sleeping?"

Michelle nodded. "Let her rest a little longer."

Yeah, right.

I didn't know why, but something about the idea of Ari lying in there, probably twisted in some uncomfortable position, didn't sit right with me.

"Gonna check if she's awake," I muttered, already walking toward the tent before anyone could question me.

I crouched down, slowly unzipping the entrance, and peeked inside.

Ari was still curled up in the corner, her back against the tent wall. Her long shirt had ridden up slightly, exposing a sliver of her waist, and her joggers were bunched up at her calves. Her hair was a mess, strands falling over her face.

She looked wrecked.

I smirked slightly. "You alive in there?"

She groaned in response, voice muffled against the fabric of her makeshift pillow. "No."

I chuckled, crawling in slightly to get closer. "Come on, Sleeping Beauty. The sun's up."

Ari peeked at me through tired, half-lidded eyes, her glare weak. "I hate children."

I snorted. "Lily's not that bad."

She groaned again, rolling onto her back. "She used me as a mattress, Zayn. My entire body is numb."

I raised an eyebrow. "Want me to carry you out?"

Her eyes opened fully at that, shooting me a sharp look. "Don't you dare."

I grinned. "Then get up."

She huffed, attempting to push herself up, but immediately winced. Her arms shook slightly, her muscles clearly stiff from being trapped under Lily all night.

I shook my head. "Alright, that's it."

Before she could protest, I reached forward, grabbing her wrist and pulling her up in one swift motion. She gasped as she stumbled forward, practically falling into me.

For a second, neither of us moved.

She was really close—her scent, something faintly floral, mixed with the warmth of sleep, lingered between us. My grip tightened slightly around her wrist, and I felt the subtle hitch in her breath as she steadied herself.

Her long shirt had slipped off one shoulder, exposing the smooth curve of her collarbone.

I swallowed, jaw tensing.

"Zayn," she said, her voice quieter than before.

I exhaled through my nose, forcing myself to release her wrist. "You're up now. Move."

She blinked, then rolled her eyes as if the last few seconds hadn't just happened. "Whatever."

She shoved past me, crawling toward the exit of the tent. I watched as she stretched again, her back arching slightly as she adjusted her shirt.

Yeah.

I was definitely awake now.