Chapter 26: Morning Mischief

Iris woke to the feeling of something warm and heavy draped over her. For a few moments, she lay still, her mind slowly surfacing from sleep, aware of the gentle rise and fall of a chest pressed against her back.

It took her a second to remember where she was—Luke's house, the couch, the movie that had been playing before she drifted off. But the thing anchoring her in place? That was all Luke.

His arm was wrapped snugly around her waist, his face buried in the crook of her neck, his breath warm against her skin. He was still deep in sleep, his hold unconsciously tightening every time she so much as shifted.

Iris sighed, half amused, half exasperated. Big baby.

She should wake him up. She really should. But for some reason, she hesitated. It was rare to see Luke like this—unguarded, soft, clinging onto her like she was his favorite pillow. And she had to admit… it wasn't entirely unpleasant.

She carefully turned in his hold until she was facing him. His features, usually sharp and confident, were slack with sleep. His black hair was an absolute mess, strands falling over his forehead. The usual mischief in his dark brown eyes was gone, replaced by an almost boyish innocence.

She couldn't help herself—her fingers lifted, brushing through his hair, smoothing it back gently.

Luke let out a sleepy hum, nuzzling deeper into her touch. "Mmm… nice," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.

Iris froze, her hand stilling. "You're awake."

"Barely," he mumbled, cracking one eye open. A lazy smirk tugged at his lips. "Didn't know you liked playing with my hair, sunshine."

She quickly withdrew her hand, scowling. "I don't. I was just—"

He caught her wrist before she could move too far away, his fingers curling around it easily. "Busted," he teased, his voice still raspy.

Iris groaned. "You are insufferable in the mornings."

Luke chuckled, finally sitting up. He stretched his arms over his head, his shirt riding up slightly, revealing a sliver of his toned stomach. He didn't seem to notice her staring—thankfully—before he turned his gaze back to her, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"You slept like a rock," he said, nudging her knee with his. "Didn't even move all night. You sure you're not secretly part koala?"

"Maybe I just didn't want to deal with you," she shot back, rolling her eyes.

Luke pressed a hand to his chest in mock offense. "Ouch. And here I thought we had a moment."

She huffed, standing up and stretching. "I need coffee if I'm going to survive dealing with you this early."

Luke smirked, following her into the kitchen. "I make a mean cup of coffee, you know."

"Somehow, I don't trust you not to mess with mine."

"Now, why would I ever do that?" he asked, feigning innocence.

Iris gave him a pointed look before turning to the coffee machine. She knew better than to let him anywhere near her cup.

Luke leaned against the counter, watching her with that same amused expression. "So, what's the plan for today?"

She shrugged. "Not sure. Maybe I'll go for a ride."

"Without me?" He gasped dramatically. "Unacceptable."

Iris smirked over her shoulder. "You can try to keep up."

His eyes darkened slightly, something mischievous sparking behind them. "Oh, sunshine, that sounds like a challenge."

She only grinned, sipping her coffee. "Maybe it is."

Luke tilted his head, studying her. "You really love riding, don't you?"

"I do," she admitted. "It makes me feel free."

Something flickered in his gaze, but he didn't press further. Instead, he reached over, ruffling her curls. "Then let's make today a good one."

She batted his hand away, but she was smiling. "Try not to slow me down, big guy."

Luke laughed, shaking his head. "You're gonna regret saying that."

And just like that, their morning fell into a comfortable rhythm—teasing, laughter, and the promise of another adventure waiting for them.