Just A Bet

The golden rays of the morning sun spilled into the room, warming Ivy's face as she stirred awake.

Her body felt languid, her muscles still tingling from the night before. She shifted under the soft duvet, her mind hazy with sleep until she felt a pair of warm eyes on her.

Ivy blinked, her gaze locking with Hunter's. He was propped up on one elbow, watching her with a small, almost shy smile that made her heart flutter.

"Morning, beautiful," he said softly, his voice low and gravelly.

A blush crept up her cheeks. "Morning," she replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "How long have you been awake?"

"Long enough," he said, brushing a thumb along her cheek. "I couldn't sleep. I didn't want to miss this moment, seeing you like this."