Overview

Unable to sleep, Hallie calls Rio to her hotel room in the middle of the night. They share intimate conversation and heavy making out, confronting their past hurt and present desire. Rio asks for another chance at a relationship, but Hallie cannot commit yet. They stop short of sex due to Rio’s boundary about commitment, and fall asleep cuddling with an understanding to proceed carefully.

Full Summary

At 1:48 a.m., Hallie lies awake in her hotel room, thinking about Rio. Impulsively, she calls his room and invites him to sleep in her bed. Rio arrives quietly; they exchange a soft greeting and settle into bed, initially keeping distance while trading light banter about boundaries and temptation.

The mood deepens when Rio admits he wants to kiss Hallie. Hallie confesses that wanting him feels dangerous because for six years she coped by believing he was terrible and that she was better off without him. She accuses Rio of forgetting her, and Rio refutes it, saying he tried and failed to forget her and asking for time to show how he has held on to her. They inch closer, touch, and acknowledge the need to talk if they are to move forward.

Rio shares that his friends have had their partners join them on the road and that he wanted his turn, implying he wants Hallie with him. Hallie protests that she is not his person, though it feels like a lie to her. They admit mutual desire and kiss. Their making out intensifies, with Hallie on her back and Rio over her, both aroused and exchanging confessions such as Hallie whispering that she missed him.

Rio pauses to ask directly whether Hallie could see them trying again without secrecy or family interference. Hallie cannot give the yes he wants; she explains he left when she needed him, that they both made mistakes, and that there is still much he does not know. Rio urges her to tell him, but Hallie is not ready to share that part of her life. He accepts this with a kiss to her wrist.

Hallie suggests they at least keep things physical, but Rio declines, saying he cannot have sex without commitment. Surprised he still holds that boundary, Hallie accepts it. Rio thanks her for visiting, kisses her gently, and moves to lie at her side. As they try to sleep, Rio pulls Hallie back to cuddle, insisting that while he will not have sex without being together, he does want closeness.

Before they drift off, Rio tells Hallie he understands her hesitance and will not push her, but he will be there waiting if she decides to try again and that he is not going anywhere this time. They fall asleep with renewed intimacy, unresolved questions, and a clear boundary: commitment must precede sex for Rio.

Who Appears

• Hallie — protagonist; initiates a late-night invitation, confronts past hurt, admits she missed Rio, cannot yet commit, suggests a physical-only arrangement which she retracts when Rio sets boundaries, ends the night cuddling with him.
• Rio — love interest; comes to Hallie’s room, expresses he could not forget her, wants to try again openly, stops sex due to his commitment boundary, promises patience and to stay, cuddles Hallie to sleep.