I brush my fingers over my lips, smiling as a warm, fuzzy feeling settles somewhere deep inside my chest.
I turn my head to the side and find Neptune already awake, watching me from his bed. He doesn’t move, just lifts his head slightly, comfortable where he is.
“Good morning,” I say.
He answers with a little sleepy moan that makes me smile wider.
I reach over to my nightstand and grab my phone from the charger. The screen lights up. Fifteen minutes until the alarm goes off.
Perfect.
I sink back into the pillows, curling up under the blanket as I scroll through my notifications. The first message at the top of my texts makes my stomach flip.
Aiden.
Sent two hours ago.
Aiden:
I wish I could see you before I leave for work, but I’m going in early for a 12-hour shift. I’ll be counting down the minutes until I get to kiss you again.
My smile grows instantly, butterflies fluttering in my stomach as I type back.
Me:
You should have woken me up.
The three little dots appear almost immediately.
Aiden:
T-minus 10 hours until I get to see you.
I bite my lip, warmth spreading through my chest.
Me:
I’ll be waiting.
A second later, the message gets a little heart reaction, and I close the thread, my smile still lingering as I open the next one.
The group chat with my sisters.
I type quickly.
Me:
I kissed Aiden last night.
I stare at the message for a moment before locking my phone and setting it back on the bedside table, already knowing exactly what kind of chaos that text is about to unleash.
I stretch my arms above my head and glance back at Neptune.
He’s still watching me.
“Alright,” I say, pushing the blankets aside and sitting up. “Let’s go have some breakfast, Neps.”
The morning passes in a blur.