Second Star to the Right

Chapter 27- Relief Exists

My eyes slowly peel open, adjusting to the dim lighting of the room I’m in.

I’ve been staying with Louis for about a week, and he refuses to let me look for a hotel to stay in, insisting that I can stay with him until I get back on my feet.

My eyes scan over his sleeping figure; eyelashes resting on his cheekbones, slight stubble shadowing over his jaw and chin, his hair stuck up in different directions, and his muscular arm wrapped tightly around my waist.

I leaned in closer to him and placed a light kiss on his temple, causing his grip to tighten protectively around me. I tried my hardest not to wake him as I gently pried his arm from me and got out of bed.

He shuffled around a bit, his hand reaching towards the now empty space, which I was in only seconds ago. Finally, he grasped a pillow and cuddled it towards his chest. “Sammi,” he mumbled, his eyes still shut.

My heart grew wings and soared as he said my name.

I love the way it sounds coming from him.

He took a deep breath, and then quietly said my name once more.

I couldn’t help the smile that was fighting its way onto my face as I walked into the bathroom to brush my teeth. As I passed the full-length mirror, I stared into my reflection, taking in my appearance.

One of Louis’ shirts covered my top half, coming up to about my mid-thigh. This has been my attire for the past week, partly because Louis said he loves how I look in his clothes. My long, slightly wavy, blonde hair was tousled and some strands fell onto my makeup-free face.

I sighed at my reflection, and walked away from the mirror before I could point out any of my own flaws. I walked into the kitchen and decided that I would make Louis breakfast in bed.

After all that he has done for me, this is the least I could do for him.

Plugging my phone into the dock, I turned on some music so that it was at a low murmur. I put on one of my favourite songs, “Waiting on the Day” by John Mayer, and quietly hummed along while making pancakes for breakfast.

I was so focused on what I was doing, that I hadn’t heard Louis come into the kitchen.

“When you’ll be there for me, baby. When you’ll love me all the way. When you’ll take my side in every little fire fight. When you’ll hang your things and stay.” Louis sang to the music, coming up behind me and snaking his strong arms around my torso.

I gasped in surprise at the sudden contact, and he buried his face in the crook of my neck.

“Good morning, beautiful.” He whispered, pushing the sleeve of my shirt down and softly kissing the newly exposed skin of my shoulder.

Turning around in his arms, I wrapped my arms around his neck, and gently placed a kiss on his lips. I lingered there for a moment, and when I pulled away, I felt bare and missing.

“Making breakfast, I see.” He smiled down at me.

The corners of my mouth turned down into a frown and my bottom lip stuck out in a pout. “It was supposed to be a surprise for you.” I glowered, clearly disappointed.

He pecked my bottom lip, immediately turning my frown into a smile. “I can go back to bed if you want, and you can bring me breakfast; under one condition, though: you have to stay in bed with me all day.” He suggested, grinning hugely.

Smiling even wider, I nodded my head. “I’ll be up there soon.” I promised him.

“I love you,” he stated, looking down into my green eyes.