I didn't even realize when my eyes had grown heavy. Sleep had crept up on me like a lullaby, soft and unexpected. But somewhere around midnight, I stirred. The room was quiet, cloaked in shadows, with only the soft hum of the ceiling fan breaking the silence.
My eyes fluttered open—and there he was.
Danny was still fast asleep, his head nuzzled against my chest like it was the coziest pillow in the universe. His arms were wrapped tightly around my waist, anchoring me to him like I might float away if he let go.
I gently tried to sit up, careful not to wake him. "Danny," I whispered, nudging him softly. "Wake up... If Mrs. Fraser sees us like this, she's going to be upset ."
He mumbled something incoherent in his sleep and only snuggled in deeper, his nose brushing against my collarbone. I bit back a laugh, stifling it behind my hand.
"Danny," I said again, a little firmer now as I tried to peel his hands off my waist.
Just as I was about to free myself, his sleepy voice slurred, "No... don't pull away."
And before I could blink, his arms yanked me back into his embrace like a sleepy human koala. His face found its way right back to the same spot on my chest, his breath warm and even. I could feel my heartbeat pick up, skipping in the most ridiculous rhythm.
I let out a quiet chuckle, brushing a few strands of hair off his forehead. "You're impossible," I whispered.