Lucas lay sprawled on the bed, his long legs bent at an awkward angle, as if the small bed couldn't contain him. With a mechanical motion, he raised his arm, resting it lightly above Chloe's head.
Suddenly, Chloe shifted in her sleep, rolling over—straight into Lucas's arms.
Her soft, fragrant body nestled against him, her unique scent flooding his senses and jolting him into awareness. Lucas froze, his entire body stiffening as he tried not to move, afraid he'd wake her up.
Time seemed to pass in slow motion. Eventually, Lucas cautiously lifted his arm and let his warm hand rest gently on Chloe's shoulder. He didn't dare move any further. The more he cared, the more carefully he approached her.
Just holding her like this—he felt at peace.
As the first rays of sunlight strea
