The morning light streamed through the tall windows of the apartment, filtering through the sheer curtains and casting a warm glow across the room. Ava stirred first, blinking groggily as she registered the soft sounds of the city waking up—birds chirping, the faint hum of a Vespa in the distance, and the occasional laughter of pedestrians below. She stretched lazily, momentarily forgetting where she was until the scent of freshly baked bread wafted into the room.
Paris. Right.
The realization hit her just as Ryan let out a soft groan beside her. Ava turned her head slightly, biting back a smile as she took in the sight of him sprawled across the bed, one arm thrown over his head and the other dangerously close to her side. For all his teasing, Ryan looked endearingly boyish in his sleep, his hair slightly mussed and his expression completely at ease.