My Car?

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains as Emma stirred awake, feeling Alex's arm draped over her waist that Monday morning.

She blinked against the sunlight, her mind still heavy with thoughts of Ivy. As much as she tried to push them aside, her friend's pain weighed on her heart like a stone.

Alex shifted beside her, letting out a low groan before his voice, still thick with sleep, broke the silence. "Good morning, beautiful."

Emma smiled faintly and turned to face him. "Good morning. You're awake earlier than usual."

"Someone's got to keep JB Enterprise running," he teased, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But I'm already dreading leaving you. I've gotten used to being around you all the time."

Emma's heart softened at his words. She reached out to cup his cheek, her thumb brushing against his stubble.