Unexpected Love [GXG]

Chapter 12:Happy Birthday Habibti

POV: ENID

The morning sun slipped through the curtains and landed directly on my face, dragging me out of sleep. I shifted, expecting to stretch—but instead I felt warmth behind me. A solid warmth. An arm wrapped securely around my waist.

My eyes flew open.

Slowly, carefully, I looked down at the toned arm holding me… then turned to find the owner.

And there she was.

Olivia.

Fast asleep beside me, her blonde hair spilling across the pillow like gold threads. Her lashes rested gently on her cheeks, hiding those ridiculous ocean-blue eyes. Her lips were slightly parted, soft breaths leaving them.

I should have panicked.
I should have moved.

But instead, I… smiled.

Everything from last night flooded back—the quiet way she listened, the steady hand rubbing my back, the warmth of her chest under my cheek as her heartbeat lulled me to sleep.

I’ve only ever felt safe like that with Tima. But even that was different… this was strange. New. Too easy. Too fast.

This wasn’t the cocky, annoying Olivia.
This was a calm, gentle Olivia I had never seen before.

Without thinking, I brushed a strand of hair from her face. She unconsciously leaned into my touch, tightening her hold on my waist. Electricity shot straight through me, and I jerked my hand back on instinct.

Her eyes opened immediately—blue, bright, focused directly on me. For a moment, neither of us moved.

Then reality hit.

I slipped away, and she let her arm fall back without protest. The sudden cold on my waist made me almost miss her warmth.

I sat at the edge of the bed awkwardly until she appeared from the other side, dressed in basketball shorts and a T-shirt. Her hair was messy in the most… distracting way.

"You can use my bathroom," she said, voice low and raspy from sleep. My thighs clenched on their own. "There’s an extra toothbrush. And I’ll lend you some clothes.

"T-thank you," I murmured and escaped into the bathroom.

๑

After showering, I put on the joggers and shirt she lent me—soft, comfortable, smelling like cinnamon and something floral. Something that felt like her.

When I stepped out, Olivia was already changed.

"Your friend called," she said, walking toward me with my bag.

My eyes widened. Oh God—Tima. And Hamida. They must be losing it. I hadn’t planned on staying here. After crying myself to sleep, I had passed out in that bath she’d made for me.

What if my dad came home last night and I wasn’t there?

My stomach dropped.

"Hey, calm down." Olivia gently handed me my bag. "She kept calling. You were knocked out, so I answered and told her you were with me."

I blinked at her. "Thank you."

"Come on, let’s eat breakfast. My mom cooked before they left for work."

"What time is it?"

"Ten twenty-five."

I nearly choked. "I have to go.

I practically raced downstairs.

"I’ll drop you off," Olivia said, following me.

"It’s fine. I don’t want to bother you—"