Foggy noise surrounded me, soft and distant, like sound heard through water.
I woke with my cheek pressed against someone's shoulder.
My vision swam before settling, lashes blinking open to a bright color of violet.
Long eyelashes curved downward, impossibly soft, catching the light in pale strands.
Below them are eyes the color of polished jade.
Her hair fell loose around her face.
A few strands of sweat clung to her cheek, framing skin that still carried the faint flush of exertion.
My gaze drifted lower before I caught myself.
Her blazer and tie were gone, folded somewhere out of sight, probably tossed aside to cool off. Underneath, layers of white bandages wrapped tightly across her chest.
I straightened too quickly and hit my forehead against her collarbone.
"Ak! That hurt," she groaned while rubbing her chin.
Oh, Matt, you're awake."
She laughed softly, one hand coming up to steady me.
"Professor Heather was just about to announce the score."
