The next day eventually arrived—our last day in New Orleans. I didn't want to get up and start the day, not yet. I reached out, hoping to pull Hope into my arms for a few more precious minutes of cuddling, but my hand found only empty sheets. I opened my eyes, and the space beside me was vacant. I groaned, sitting up in bed as the sound of the shower echoed from the bathroom. Hope was already up.
I sighed, knowing I should probably shower too, especially after last night's events. My body still felt pleasantly worn out. Not even a minute later, I heard the shower turn off. The door to the bathroom creaked open, and there she was—Hope, with nothing but a towel wrapped around her. Droplets of water still clung to her skin, her damp hair hanging loosely over her shoulders. She smiled sweetly at me, her eyes sparkling as she stepped closer.
"Morning, baby," she whispered before leaning down to give me a soft kiss. Her lips were warm, and the scent of her soap filled my senses.
It was only 8 in the morning, and this woman was already driving me crazy. I couldn't help but think, in that moment, how lucky I was. "Morning, gorgeous," I replied with a lazy smile. "You took a shower without me?" I pouted dramatically, trying to milk some sympathy.
Hope chuckled, a sound that always melted me, rolling her eyes playfully. "Because you wouldn't wake up. I must've really tired you out last night," she said with a teasing smirk, her eyes glinting mischievously.
I groaned inwardly—this woman is going to be the death of me. She was irresistible, and she knew it.
"I can't believe this is our last day in New Orleans," I said, my voice carrying a hint of disappointment. "I'm really going to miss this place. Feels like we just got here."
Hope chuckled softly at my words, leaning against the bedframe. "That's because we did just arrive yesterday."
I rolled my eyes, giving her a playful nudge. "You know what I mean. It's just... nice not having to worry about anything for a change, even if it's only for a day."
Hope smiled, her expression softening as she looked at me. "Don't worry. Once this whole Malivore thing is over, we can visit as often as we want."
I sighed, my thoughts drifting to the looming weight of what was waiting for us outside this temporary bubble. "If that day ever comes."
"Hey, don't say that," Hope's voice turned firm, her gaze unwavering. She reached out and gently touched my arm, as if to reassure me. "It will come. I promise."
I forced a small smile, trying to believe her words. "I really hope so." After a beat, I stretched and stood up from the bed. "Well, I'm going to go take a shower... alone."
Hope laughed lightly, the sound like music in the quiet room. "I'll make it up to you next time," she teased with a wink. "In the meantime, I'll go make us some coffee."
She leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek before heading to the closet to grab her clothes. Once she was dressed in a casual outfit, she shot me another smile and made her way downstairs.
I lingered for a moment, listening to her footsteps fade before I finally dragged myself into the bathroom. The warm steam from her shower still lingered in the air, and as I stepped under the spray of hot water, I couldn't help but feel a bittersweet knot in my stomach. Our last day here. Reality was waiting for us, but for now, we had a few more hours of peace.
After getting out of the shower and getting dressed, I headed downstairs to find Hope. The house was mostly quiet, and the only person awake, aside from Hope and me, was Freya. She was seated at the kitchen table, sipping her coffee with a calm, contented look on her face.
