Chapter 131. Step One

CHARLOTTE

Something soft brushed my cheek.

Then a lush, velvety sweetness filled my lungs.

I blinked my eyes open, the world a hazy blur of morning light and vibrant color.

There, resting in my arms as if I’d been cuddling it all night, was an enormous bouquet of deep red roses.

I blinked at it, baffled.

My brain was still fuzzy with sleep as I tried to compute.

Since when did I sleep-hug flowers?

The last thing I clearly remembered was Leo’s peaceful, sleeping face and my decision to let him rest. I’d gone to the couch so I wouldn’t be too close to him, but the couch was too small and uncomfortable, so I eventually ended up on the floor.

And I definitely did not fall asleep hugging a giant flower.

So I had no idea where this came from.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.”

That familiar voice made my heart skip.

It sounded low, warm, and intimately close.

I gently shifted the bouquet, peeking through the fore