The sunlight was soft through the curtains, warming the room. Clara stirred awake and immediately noticed him. Nathaniel was lying on the edge of the bed, just watching her. She froze for a moment, cheeks heating.
"Morning," she mumbled, blinking against the light.
"Morning," he replied quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips. He didn't move closer, just sat there, eyes fixed on her in a way that made her stomach flip. Over the past few days, they had gotten closer, their connection easy but intense, and now the quiet between them buzzed with something unsaid.
Clara shifted in bed, and Nathaniel adjusted a little too, careful not to crowd her. She swallowed and tried to look casual, though her heart was racing.
