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Theodora couldn't imagine anything more perfect than waking up in Boone's arms.
The warmth of his body against her own, the steady rise and fall of his chest, and the peaceful quiet of the morning wrapped them in a cocoon that felt like the only place in the world she wanted to be.
She took a quiet moment to gaze down at him, drinking in the sight of him so close. His arm was draped protectively around her waist, his hand resting lightly on her hip, his head nestled perfectly in the crook of her neck. His lips were parted just slightly, his breath soft and steady against her skin. In the gentle glow of the early morning light streaming through the half-open window, his skin seemed to glow, the sun casting delicate shadows across his features. He looked so peaceful, so beautiful, that her heart tightened in her chest. She found herself smiling, unable to look away.
Theodora's fingers itched to trace the line of his jaw, to brush over the faint stubble that graced his sharp facial figure, but she held herself still, not wanting to disturb the moment. There was something magical in it—the quiet intimacy, the way his presence made everything feel calm and right. She sighed softly, content, simply watching him sleep.
Then, without warning, his voice broke through the silence, low and raspy with sleep. "Can feel you starin', baby." Boone mumbled, his words muffled against her skin, his lips brushing lightly over the sensitive spot on her neck as he spoke.
The brief touch sent a shiver coursing down her spine, and she bit her lip to keep from gasping. His breath, warm against her neck, made her heart flutter all over again. She felt his grip around her waist tighten slightly, pulling her even closer, and her body responded instantly, melting into him.
"I didn't mean to wake you." she whispered softly, her voice barely above a murmur as she ran her fingers gently through his tousled hair. "You looked so peaceful."
Boone chuckled quietly, the sound rumbling deep in his chest as he nuzzled further into her neck, placing a lazy kiss just below her ear. "Can't sleep with you lookin' at me like that." He teased, his voice still heavy with sleep, but laced with affection.
Theodora smiled, her heart swelling with love as she ran her thumb softly over his cheek. "I can't help it." She whispered, gaining a new-found confidence. "You look so pretty."
Boone lifted his head slightly, his sleepy eyes meeting hers, a slow smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You're trouble, you know that?"
She laughed softly, her fingers still playing in his hair.
"Say it again, please." Boone murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes were filled with something soft and unguarded as he arched a brow, a small, shy smile playing on his lips. There was a vulnerability in the way he asked, like he needed to hear it, like her words meant everything to him.
