Every Girl Wants A Moon

Chapter 24: Watching You

I woke up warm.

It was the first thing I noticed—the solid heat pressed against my back, the steady rise and fall of a chest behind me. Chase.

My mind was slow to catch up, still hazy from exhaustion. I hadn't meant to fall asleep for so long. I had just been lying there, letting Chase pull me close, telling myself I'd close my eyes for a few minutes. But the next thing I knew, the room was dimmer, the light outside shifting into late afternoon, and Chase's arm was still wrapped securely around me.

For a moment, I just lay there, letting myself feel it. The weight of his arm over my waist, the warmth of his body against mine, the slow, steady rhythm of his breathing. It was grounding. Safe.

I could feel the soft tickle of his breath against the back of my neck, and my face burned at how close we were. I was tucked into him completely, my body molded against his like it belonged there.

The thought made my heart race.

Carefully, I shifted, turning slightly so I could see him. He was still asleep, his face relaxed in a way I didn't see often. His jaw wasn't tight, his brows weren't drawn in focus or teasing amusement. He just looked... peaceful.

My chest squeezed.

I had taken care of him, but now he was taking care of me. Even in his sleep, he was holding me close, making sure I was warm and safe.

I swallowed hard, my fingers twitching slightly where they rested against his forearm. I still wasn't used to this—to being held, to being cared for so openly.

Chase made it feel easy.

I should move. I should get up before he woke and realized I had slept half the day away. But before I could, the arm around me tightened slightly, and a sleepy, raspy voice rumbled against my ear.

"You're awake."

I stiffened slightly, caught in the act, and Chase huffed a soft laugh, his lips brushing against my hair.

"Were you watching me sleep this time?" he teased, voice still thick with sleep.

I felt my face heat. "No."

He smirked, his hold on me loosening slightly, but he didn't pull away. He just watched me, his blue eyes still a little drowsy but sharp enough to make my stomach flutter.

"You slept," he murmured, studying my face.

I nodded, suddenly feeling shy. "You made me."

Chase exhaled, his hand brushing lightly over my waist. "Good." His voice was soft but firm, like he had needed the reassurance.

I bit my lip, guilt creeping in. "I didn't mean to sleep this long."

His brows pulled together, his expression instantly turning unimpressed. "Sophia."

I sighed, knowing what was coming.

"I don't want to hear a single word about how you should've been doing something else," he said, voice stern but gentle. "You needed the rest."

I opened my mouth to argue, but he raised an eyebrow, daring me to keep going.

I huffed, dropping my head back against the pillow. "Fine."

A satisfied smirk tugged at his lips. "That's my girl."

My breath caught.

He said it so easily, like it was the most natural thing in the world. My girl.

I wasn't sure if he even realized he said it, but I did. My heart stuttered in my chest, my hands gripping the blanket just a little tighter.

Chase must have noticed my reaction because his smirk softened, something unreadable flickering in his gaze. He didn't take it back.