“Early.”
She groans. “I can’t believe I fell asleep mid-movie. Again.”
“You didn’t just fall asleep,” I tease her. “You snored. Full on cartoon snoring.”
Her eyes fly open, scandalized. “I did not!”
I grin. “You did. Adorable, though. Ten out of ten, would listen again.”
She smacks my shoulder, suddenly very awake. “You’re such a liar.”
I laugh and lean back on one elbow. “I’m serious, you were out cold.”
“Oh my God,” she groans, burying her face in her hands. “I’m never watching a movie with you again.”
“Sure you are,” I say, tugging lightly at her wrist so she’ll look at me. “Because you love me.”
She peeks out from behind her fingers, cheeks flushed pink. “You can’t just say stuff like that at seven in the morning, Luca.”
“Why not?” I tease. “It’s true.”
Her mouth twitches like she’s fighting a smile. “You’re unfair.”
“Yeah, but you like it.”
She rolls her eyes but leans closer anyway.
“I like this,” she whispers after a moment.
“Me too,” I say quietly.
She turns her head slightly, eyes half-lidded. “You know, if every morning could start like this, I wouldn’t even mind waking up early.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure every morning looks like this.” I kiss her head.
“Yeah, but will you cook for me every morning?” she teases.
“What kind of question is that? I permit you to embarrass me as much as you want if I don’t.”
Her eyes widen slightly. “I was kidding.”
“I’m not. Sometimes you forget how special you are, Tilly, and that’s ok, because it gives me the perfect opportunity to remind you. You’re like a diamond, how could I ever have one and not polish it every day of my life?”
“Come on, let’s not exaggerate.” She leans her head on my chest, but I pull away and look at her seriously.
“I’m not,” I repeat. “In fact, I’m understating, because you are a billion times more important to me than any rock could ever be. You’re a million times more unique, and a thousand times more beautiful.”
***
Paris has already woken up by the time we step outside.
The air smells like sugar and coffee, the kind of smell that makes you forget you only slept four hours.
Tilly is absolutely blessing the street with her beauty.
Her hair is let down naturally, her curls bouncing with every step, and she’s wearing a beautiful pink sundress that complements her skin beautifully.
“Okay,” she says, holding up her phone with determination. “First order of business — find the world’s best croissant.”
