Waking Up With You Read Online Free PDF

a long, hot shower.
    When I go to sleep, I dream I’m trapped in a glass cage. Its crystalline structure reflects a spectrum of colors, but everywhere around me are steel bars that make escape impossible. I’m running back and forth, looking for a non-existent opening. I see Jake outside the cage and call out to him, but he doesn’t seem to hear or see me. I pound on the glass, hoping to smash it, but it’s unbreakable and I remain a captive.
    My eyes dart open and I awaken from the nightmare. Unable to sleep again, I rise to my feet and trudge to the bookcase. I sort through the books for a title that will interest me. They’re mostly hard-bound classics, and I select one of my favorites – Pride and Prejudice . A Jane Austen fan since middle school, I’ve read this particular book at least ten times. I bring the book back to bed and bundle up under the comforter, leaning against the padded headboard. Once again, I rekindle my friendship with the arrogant Fitzwilliam Darcy and the quick-witted Elizabeth Bennet.
    I finally doze off again after reading a third of the novel. I’m hazily aware that Jake arrives close to midnight. He knocks softly on my door, but I don’t bother to respond. He tiptoes into my room. I have a vague recollection of him picking up the book that’s fallen on the floor and putting it somewhere. Seeing that I’m only half-awake, he tucks me securely under the blankets and turns off the night lamp.
    “Sweet dreams, Emma,” he whispers into my ear.
    I give a muffled response and he leaves the room.
    The next morning, I feel oddly famished so, after a quick shower, I rush to the kitchen and proceed to make a heavy breakfast for the two of us. I scramble some eggs, bake a few strips of bacon, and put some whole wheat bread slices into the bread toaster. I pour some orange juice into the small glasses and set the table with a runner, placemats, and napkins.
    Jake walks in, dressed in t-shirt and shorts, obviously sweaty after a workout at the gym on the side of the house. “Good morning. I trust you slept well? You were snoring loudly when I checked in on you.” He laughs.
    “I do not snore!” I say emphatically. “I know you checked in on me, but I was too sleepy to get up and talk. So, is your project on course?” I ask.
    “Actually, we had a few issues last night and that’s why I couldn’t leave.”
    “Well, today’s Saturday. Are you going to work?”
    “I’m afraid I have to,” he says in a contrite tone.
    I keep my face impassive. “Oh, that’s too bad. I hope you solve the problem.”
    We both say nothing while we dig into our hearty meal. I devour the bacon on my plate while he barely touches his toast.
    “I'm really sorry that I have to leave you again, but this is a huge project and the reputation of the firm is on the line.” He sounds so remorseful that I want to make things easier for him.
    “Jake, don't worry about it. It's not like we're on a honeymoon or something,” I say. Immediately, I realize that that’s the wrong thing to say. “I mean…” I don't know how to correct my mistake.
    “Em, do you have to rub it in?”
    “God, no, I just don't think first before I say things,” I say truthfully.
    “I promise I'll make it up to you,” he says sincerely.
    “Now I feel awful. I really don't mind you going to work. I know you love your work, and you didn't get to be a highly-respected architect and business owner by just slacking around. So, of course, you have to go.”
    “Yeah, but I feel terrible that we just got married and I haven’t spent any time with you.”
    “You shouldn't. This is not a marriage in the true sense of the word. You don't need to spend time here when you can be working on something worthwhile.”
    “Please stop talking. You’re not making me feel any better,” he says with a rueful smile. I have the decency to look abashed.
    “Jake, if it’s any consolation, I did plan on having lunch with Paige. So, we’ll probably