How did I get so lucky?

Layla's breathing had evened out, soft and steady, her body nestled against mine.

She'd fallen asleep not long after we'd let the heat between us simmer down, her head resting on my chest, her arm draped across my stomach like she never wanted to let go.

Her warmth, her presence—it was grounding in a way I didn't realise I'd been missing so desperately.

The living room was quiet, bathed in the soft light of the late afternoon. The movie we'd been watching had long since ended, the screen now dark, reflecting the two of us tangled together on the couch.

The blankets we'd pulled around ourselves were half-forgotten, slipping down to pool around our waists.

I hugged her closer, my arms tightening around her as I buried my face in her hair. The faint scent of lavender and something uniquely Layla filled my senses, and I couldn't help but smile against her skin.