Hearts Intertwined

Chapter Twenty-Four

I lie here, propped up on my elbow, watching Hayden as he slowly stirs awake. His eyes flutter open, and for a moment, he looks so peaceful, like a sleeping angel. I can't help but think how creepy it is to watch him like this, but honestly, I can't tear my eyes away. 

He's so attractive, with that tousled hair and those strong features. It's almost like he was sculpted by the gods. I chuckle to myself, feeling a little silly for being so mesmerized. 

As he stretches, I can't help but admire the way his muscles shift under his skin. I mean, seriously, how is it fair that he looks this good even first thing in the morning? I bite my lip to stifle a laugh as I think about how I must look right now—probably a total mess compared to him. But who cares? I'm here, and he's here, and that's what matters. 

Feeling a sudden surge of boldness, I let my fingers graze his spine, causing him to shiver. 

He lets out a soft moan, "Ophelia," his tone is heady from sleep, and I can't help but grin. 

 "Good morning, sleepyhead," I tease, trying to keep my tone light. I can see the way his eyes struggle to focus, and I can't help but laugh at how adorable he looks, all disheveled and dreamy. 

"Why are you staring at me like that?" he murmurs, his voice still heavy with sleep. 

I shrug, pretending to be nonchalant, but inside, I'm bursting with affection. "Just admiring the view," I reply playfully, and I can see a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. 

He reaches up to rub his eyes, and I can't help but think how ridiculously handsome he is, even when he's half-asleep. It feels surreal, being here with him, and I can't shake the feeling that I'm living in some sort of dream.

---Hayden's POV---

I haven't slept this well in years, that was the best sleep ever. It's like every worry, every stress, melted away the moment I fell into this peaceful slumber. Well, mostly peacefully if I could ignore the morning wood I'm sporting.

Waking up now, I feel a sense of peace I didn't know I was missing. The soft warmth of Ophelia's body against mine is a sensation that's impossible to ignore and it's impossible to ignore how my body is reacting to her. It's like she's become my favorite blanket, and I can't help but smile at how perfect this moment is. 

As I stir, I feel her fingers gently scratching my back, sending soothing waves of relaxation through me. It's such a simple gesture, but it's incredibly intimate, and I can't help but lean into it. "Ophelia," I moan, my voice thick with sleep. 

I can't remember the last time I felt this comfortable, this content. I blink a few times, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, and I find her watching me with those beautiful hazel eyes, full of mischief and warmth. It's a little disorienting, but I can't deny how nice it is to wake up to her. The way she looks at me makes me feel like I'm the only person in the world, and it's a feeling I am, probably way to easily, getting used to.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," she teases, and I can't help but chuckle. 

Her playful tone makes my heart race a little faster. I stretch, feeling the muscles in my back loosen, and I wonder how I got so lucky to wake up next to her. 

"Why are you staring at me like that?" I ask, trying to sound casual, but I know I'm probably wearing a goofy smile. 

I can see the way she bites her lip, trying to suppress a laugh, and it only makes me want to tease her back. "Just admiring the view," she replies, playful as ever.