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 sheet draped 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.
“Morning, Jonas. What’s happening?”
“Sierra, thank God you’re awake. Hope I’m not interrupting anything important, but I’ve got an opportunity that fell into my lap.”
She watched Lauren lick powdered sugar off their fingers and tried to keep her voice professional. “I’m listening.”
“Last-minute travel gig. Hawaii. One week, lifestyle campaign for this luxury resort. Think beaches drenched in molten light, couples photography, that dreamy editorial style you’re so good at. You’d be my second shooter, and I’m willing to pay rush rates because we leave in three days.”
Sierra’s heart did a little somersault thing. “That sounds incredible.”
“There’s one more piece; do you know if that makeup artist friend of yours is available? The client specifically wants a pro on set every day for hair and natural glam work, and Daphne isn’t available. Beach goddess vibes, you know?”
Sierra’s eyes met Lauren’s curious gaze across the breakfast tray. “Let me check with them and get back to you ASAP.”
“Perfect. I’ll email you all the details. Thanks, Sierra.”
After she hung up, Sierra stared at Lauren for a moment, hardly believing what she was about to ask. “So... how do you feel about going to Hawaii for work? Jonas needs a makeup artist, too.”
Lauren blinked, as if they were processing the question in a foreign language. “I’m sorry. Is that a trick question? Did you ask me if I want to go to Hawaii with you?”
Sierra launched herself across the bed, barely managing not to knock over the breakfast tray.
“We’d be working early morning and evening shoots when the lights at its best, but we’d have entire afternoons free to explore.
Lauren, we would be in Hawaii. Together.
Getting paid to create beautiful things in paradise. We’d leave in three days.”
Lauren’s squeal was so pure and joyful that Salem came running down the hall to see what was happening. They grabbed their phone, fingers flying across the screen. “Hold on, let me message my clients about rescheduling. Yes. Yes, yes, yes, absolutely yes!”
Sierra was already dialing Thalia before Lauren finished typing. “Hey, are you free to cat-sit for a week? I desperately need the world’s best cat-sitter, so Lauren and I can go to Hawaii to work! I leave in three days.”
Thalia didn’t even hesitate. “For my nephew Salem? Always! But you’re buying me dinner when you get back and spilling every single detail.”
“Deal.” Sierra laughed and gave Lauren a thumbs up.
Lauren clapped their hands together like an excited kid. “This is happening! We’re going to Hawaii! Together! For work that we both love.”
Sierra felt like her chest might explode from pure happiness. “This feels like some kind of dream.”
They kissed with syrup-sweet lips, their excitement bubbling between them like champagne.
Sierra could already taste the future — salt air, sunset shoots, lazy afternoon swims, and evening walks on the beach.
Everything felt wide open, like the horizon was stretching out in front of them, full of waves, possibilities, and whatever this beautiful, messy, magical thing between them was still becoming.
Outside, the morning sun kept climbing higher, but neither of them felt any rush to leave this perfect little cocoon of rumpled sheets and shared dreams they’d built together. The day could wait a little longer.