The next morning, I drifted slowly out of sleep, my thoughts still heavy and soft, like fog that didn't want to lift. A calm, familiar voice reached me, steady and low.
"Riley… wake up."
Lewis.
Even hearing him wasn't enough to pull me fully awake. I was too comfortable. Too warm.
When I didn't move, something gentle tapped my cheek. Without thinking, I leaned into his palm, my face pressing closer as I mumbled, "Five more minutes…"
A quiet laugh left him. I felt him lean nearer, his breath brushing my ear. "The Hudsons will arrive soon. You sure you want to miss what happens next?"
That did it.
My eyes flew open. Right. Today wasn't going to be peaceful at all.
I sat up too fast and felt my lips brush against his cheek.
I froze.
He froze.
Heat rushed straight to my face. "S-sorry," I blurted out. "I didn't realize you were that close."
He smiled, unbothered. "You wouldn't wake up otherwise."
