The soft glow of morning light came in through Lily's curtains,showing the room in pale gold and all was still—warm sheets, tangled limbs, and the silence that only Sunday brought.
Lily blinked slowly, waking up from sleep, her cheek pressed against something firm and steady.
Aaron.
He was still asleep, his chest rising and falling beneath her head. One of his arms was wrapped around her waist, the other positioned gently over the pillow beside her. His face looked softer in the morning light. A few strands of hair fell over his brow.
She didn't want to move.
Last night came back in her mind—his kiss, his hands in her hair, the way he paused the second he sensed her hesitation. The way he had carried her, with care. And the way they talked until they fell asleep.
She smiled to herself and closed her eyes again, just breathing him in.
"You're staring," he mumbled, voice filled with sleep.
Her eyes snapped open. "Am not."
"You are," he said, eyes still shut. But there was a lazy smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"I was just... thinking," she whispered.
Aaron cracked one eye open. "About?"
"You. Last night." Her fingers gently traced a line on his shirt. "How kind you were.how you...didn't push"
His eyes met hers, completely awake now. "Of course I didn't. Lily, I want all of you but only when you're ready. I'm here for you. Always"
Her breath hitched, but it was the good kind—the kind that made your chest warm and your throat tight.
"Can I kiss you?" he asked, voice low.
She nodded.
He leaned in slowly, brushing his lips over hers in the softest kiss. Not urgent. Just present.
When they pulled apart, Lily giggled. "You have morning breath."
Aaron groaned and rolled onto his back. "Great. I was trying to be romantic."
"You were," she said, curling up against his side again. "You're just gross and romantic."
He laughed, rubbing a hand through her messy hair. "Guess I'll take that as a win."
Downstairs, the sound of someone clinking a mug against the counter echoed faintly—probably her mom or dad already making breakfast.
But in that room, in that bed, nothing else existed for the moment except the love between them.