Page 34 of Loving Lauren
Afterward, they lay tangled together, skin cooling in the breeze from the window. Lauren traced patterns on Sierra’s shoulder while Sierra kissed whatever part of them she could reach.
“You’re my everything, Sierra.”
Sierra smiled against their collarbone. “... and you are mine.”
Outside, the wind stirred the curtains like a lullaby, and for the first time in either of their lives, running away was the furthest thing from their minds.
Chapter 19
Sierra woke up slowly, awareness washing over her like warm water. Morning light was filtering through her curtains, all soft and golden. The first thing she noticed was Lauren’s breathing next to her, steady and deep, the peaceful sleep that made Sierra’s chest feel tight in the best way. Their bodies were still tangled together from last night, bare legs twisted under the sheets, skin warm and familiar against skin.
She was smiling before she had even opened her eyes. God, last night. The memory kept playing on repeat in her head. All those candles flickering everywhere, the way Lauren had said her name like it’s sacred. The flower petals still scattered across her bedding, proving that it all happened and wasn’t just some incredible dream.
Every part of her felt different this morning, like she was humming at a frequency she’d never reached before. Her body still carried the echo of Lauren’s touch, and she never wanted that feeling to fade.
Lauren stirred beside her, eyelashes fluttering as they came back to the world. They blinked once, twice, then buried their face in the curve of Sierra’s neck with a sleepy, satisfied sigh that made Sierra’s heart do little flips.
“Noooooo, it can’t be morning already.” Lauren’s voice was all gravelly and adorable.
Sierra pressed a kiss to the top of Lauren’s head, breathing in that familiar scent of their shampoo mixed with the vanilla candles from last night. “Unfortunately, yeah, but I make killer waffles, so we’re not doomed. You stay here.”
Lauren’s groan was dramatic, though muffled. “You’re gonna annihilate me. I’ll never recover from this level of perfection.”
“That’s the goal.” Sierra kissed Lauren’s forehead.
From down the hallway, Salem started his morning routine, loud, indignant meowing that echoed through the apartment as if their happiness offended him.
“Your son is having opinions about being ignored.” Lauren laughed, and Sierra could feel the vibration against her throat.
Sierra withdrew from Lauren’s embrace as if it was the most difficult thing she’s ever done. She put on the silk robe from Thalia, the one that had been sitting unused since Christmas. She padded barefoot to the kitchen, began whisking the batter, and hummed. Humming... at this hour. She almost laughed at herself. She hated mornings, and she never hummed in them, but everything felt different today. Charged with this new domestic intimacy that made even making breakfast feel special.
She sliced fresh strawberries and arranged everything on her nicest tray. Golden waffles, fresh orange juice in actual glass glasses instead of her usual mismatched mugs, even a little sprig of mint from her windowsill herb garden, because why the hell not make this morning feel as magical as it was.
When Sierra went back into the bedroom, Lauren was leaning against the headboard with their hair askew and the white sheetdraped over their chest. The sight made Sierra stop in the doorway for a second. Lauren looked like something out of an old painting, all soft in the golden morning light.
Lauren’s entire face lit up when they saw the breakfast spread. “Okay, no offense to last night, which was absolutely mind-blowing, but this might be the sexiest thing you’ve ever done for me.”
Sierra set the tray down and climbed back into bed, unable to stop grinning. “Just wait until you taste them.”
They fell into a peaceful rhythm, feeding each other bites of waffle and laughing at nothing. Lauren got powdered sugar on their nose, and Sierra kissed it off. It was a moment of such perfection; it was almost unbearable.
Then, both of their phones started buzzing like crazy. The group chat was exploding with notifications.
Jett:You’re both very welcome. We’re basically professional matchmakers at this point.
Raven:Operation Double Surprise = MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
Calliope:We accept payment in detailed gossip and bottomless mimosas
Sierra burst out laughing, nearly spilling orange juice everywhere. “Oh my God, they orchestrated the whole thing!” She typed back quickly.
Sierra:We love you. You beautiful agents of chaos. No notes whatsoever.
Before she could put her phone down, it started ringing. Jonas’ name flashed across the screen, and Sierra felt that familiar feeling of mild panic. Her boss never called this early unless something big was happening.
She gave Lauren an apologetic glance. “It’s Jonas. Give me like two seconds?”
Lauren nodded, stealing another strawberry while Sierra answered.
