My Cowboy Prince

Chapter 34

I stir awake to the soft light filtering in through the edges of the drawn blinds. For a moment, I feel disoriented as I take in the unfamiliarity of the surroundings. My fingers curl into the cool, crisp sheets as it hits me--- I'm at Luke's. The realization sends a warm flutter through my chest, and I instinctively hug the sheet closer to my naked body.

The bed feels impossibly large now, it's a vast expanse of comfort that I'd easily gotten lost in during the night. I sit up slowly as my gaze sweep over the room. It's simple, yet elegant, much like Luke himself. But what catches my attention is the figure on the balcony that is being bathed in the soft morning light.

Luke's just standing there, his broad back is to me as he stares out at the cityscape. He's wearing only a pair of shorts, his posture looks relaxed yet somehow... distant. It's like he's deep in thought, perhaps lost in some internal dialogue.

For a few moments, I just watch him. There's something peaceful about the sight. His presence, even when he's quiet and contemplative, fills the space in a way that makes me feel... safe. My heart skips a beat as I take in the hard lines of his muscles and the soft shadows that fall along his body. I'm not used to feeling like this--- so calm, so settled, after a night like last night.

As if sensing my gaze, the man turns. His expression softens immediately and a slow, lazy smile spreads across his face. The sight of it sends more warmth pooling in my stomach.

"Good mornin', princess," he drawls in that unmistakable Texan accent. There's a teasing lilt to it, but his eyes are warm and full of affection, as he steps back inside.

"Mhm. Princess, huh? I guess that means you're my prince." I pause, a smirk curls at my lips as I add, "Mhm. My Cowboy Prince… that has a nice ring to it."

He chuckles, the sound low and rich, sends a little shiver through me. He leans down and press a soft, playful kiss to my lips. "Cowboy Prince, huh? That's a new one. Don't think anyone's ever called me that before."

"Well, I like it," I whisper against his lips with a smile. I pull back just enough to look into his eyes. "It suits you."

Luke grins, his fingers brush a strand of hair away from my face. "If I'm your prince, then I reckon you're my queen."

His words are light and teasing, but there's a sincerity behind them that makes my heart do a little flip. I laugh softly at his silliness.

He watches me for a moment. His eyes search my face as if he's reading my thoughts. His thumb traces my cheek, and his gaze softens and become almost reverent. "You okay?" .

I nod, but there's a lump in my throat that I didn't expect. "Yeah, I just… I didn't expect this."

His brow furrows slightly, they always do that when he's starting to get concerned. "Expect what?"

"This," I gesture vaguely between us though I am starting to feel a bit shy under his intense gaze. "You and me. Waking up in your bed, feeling like… like I belong here."

Luke's expression shifts, something like understanding dawns in his eyes. As he sits on the edge of the bed, his hand slides down to rest on my thigh through the sheet. "You do belong here, darlin'. Don't ever doubt that."

His voice is low and steady, like he's stating a simple fact. There's a weight to his words that sinks into me and settles the uncertainty in my chest. I hadn't realized how much I needed to hear that until now.

I bite my lip, feeling a warmth bloom inside me. "I guess I didn't realize how much I needed to hear you say that."

Luke leans in and his lips brush my forehead in a soft, lingering kiss. "Well, I'll say it as many times as you need. You're here, and that's where I want you."