Juliette:
The alarm buzzed at 5:30 a.m., but this time I wasn’t groaning or dragging my feet. I sat up with a smile, warmth still lingering from last night—Maddox’s arms around me, the soft way he looked at me when he said I was beautiful, the way our fingers had laced together like they belonged there.
And the kiss…
God. That kiss.
It hadn’t been fiery or rushed. It had been patient and perfect, like he wanted me to feel every second of it. And I had.
Still smiling to myself, I threw on my usual leggings and tank, tugging a cropped hoodie over it. As I tied up my shoes, I caught my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks were a little flushed, hair slightly wild, but I didn’t care. I looked happy. Confident. Like someone who finally knew who she was becoming.
I stepped into the brisk m
