If You Only Knew

Chapter 18

I wake up to the warmth of Louis's embrace, my head nestled against his chest, the sound of his steady breathing lulling me back into a sleepy haze. The sunlight filters softly through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room, and I feel so safe in this moment, wrapped in his arms.

Louis's fingers run through my hair, gently massaging my scalp, and I can't help but let out a contented sigh. He leans down, his breath warm against my ear, and whispers in the softest, sweetest voice, "Hey, baby, time to wake up."

"Mmm, Lou," I mumble, my voice thick with sleep, "I'm comfy. Can we cancel on the boys?" I pout, burying my face deeper into the pillow, not wanting this moment to end.

Louis laughs softly, the sound like music to my ears. "Haz, we need to go so we can plan this party," he teases, his voice light and full of amusement.

"Fine... if we must go," I whine again, rolling over in bed to face him, my arms still wrapped around him like I'm clinging to something precious. "But can we get coffee on the way, LouLou? Please."

Louis's smile is soft but filled with so much fondness that it makes my heart skip a beat. "Of course, baby. Come on, let's get up and get moving," he says, helping me out of bed. His hands are gentle but firm, guiding me to the bathroom. The floor is cool beneath my feet, but his warmth keeps me grounded as we move together.

I sit on the toilet, leaning my head back against the wall, closing my eyes in an attempt to hold onto the sleepiness that still clings to me. I hear Louis turn on the shower, the water running with a comforting hiss, and before I know it, he's there beside me, picking me up effortlessly.

"Lou, what are you doing?" I squeal, startled but not at all unhappy to be swept off my feet.

"Babe, you need to shower, but you're a sleepy boy today, so I'm just helping you," Louis grins mischievously, his voice full of that playful energy I adore.

"Will you wash my hair?" I ask, feeling a little silly, but I can't help the way I crave his touch, the simple intimacy of him caring for me in these little ways.

"It would be my pleasure, princess," Louis teases, his grin widening as he gently pulls me into the warm spray of the shower. The moment his fingers touch my scalp, I melt. His hands move through my hair with such tenderness, massaging in the shampoo and making sure to care for me like I'm something delicate.

"Baby, don't fall asleep on me," Louis whispers, his voice soft, the way he always speaks to me when he's concerned.

"It feels nice, Lou," I murmur, my voice sleepy and filled with contentment. I want to stay like this forever, lost in the warmth of the water and his gentle touch.

"I know, sweetheart, but we have to get going," he says softly, his fingers still working through my hair as the water runs over us both. "I promise tonight we can cuddle, and I'll give you a nice massage."

"Okay, LouLou," I reply with a sleepy smile, feeling utterly loved and cared for in a way that makes everything else seem far away.

When we finally step out of the shower, the cool air of the bathroom meets my skin, and I shiver slightly. Louis wraps a towel around my shoulders before leading me back into his room, where I immediately spot one of his sweaters lying on the bed.

"Lou, can I wear one of your sweaters?" I ask hesitantly, but Louis just laughs.

"Haz, how many times do I have to tell you? You don't need to ask," he says, shaking his head with a fond smile.

"Sorry, sorry," I giggle, a little embarrassed, but I make my way over to his bag and pull out the baggiest sweater I can find. I slip it on, inhaling the familiar scent of him—warm, comforting, and entirely his. It's my favorite scent in the world, the one I associate with safety, love, and home.