FEARLESS

  
A blinding light yanks me from the depths of slumber, and with a groan I roll over only to collide with something unexpectedly warm. I couldn't care less about what it was; all I knew was that it was a welcome contrast to the harsh brightness surrounding me.

As I slowly crack my eyes open, struggling to adjust to the glaring light, I realize this isn't my usual morning scene. Instead, I find Taylor peacefully asleep beside me, her gentle snores filling the air like a soft melody. Her arm is draped comfortably over me, a casual yet intimate gesture that sends a flutter of warmth through my chest.

Oh my god, I actually fell asleep. Just as I'm about to chastise myself for it, I notice Taylor stir. Her eyes flutter open, and a radiant smile spreads across her face, illuminating the room more than the sunlight streaming through the window.

That smile instantly wipes away any lingering thoughts of my moral dilemmas regarding dating—if that's even what this is. The confusion, the uncertainty, the nagging questions about what we are to each other—all of it fades into the background, overshadowed by the sheer joy radiating from her.

"Morning," she murmurs, her voice husky from sleep, a sound that wraps around me like a cozy blanket.

"Hi," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might shatter this fragile moment.

Taylor stretches, her body arching like a cat, and I can't help but admire the way the sunlight dances across her skin, highlighting the delicate curve of her neck and the way her hair spills across the pillow. It's a sight that feels both ordinary and extraordinary, a snapshot of intimacy that I want to hold onto forever.

"Did you sleep well?" she asks, her eyes still heavy with sleep but sparkling with curiosity.

"Better than I have in ages," I admit, a shy smile creeping onto my face. "I guess I was just... comfortable."

Her smile widens, and she shifts closer, her warmth enveloping me like a soft embrace. "I'm glad. You looked so peaceful," she says, her voice a gentle caress. "I didn't want to wake you."

I can't help but chuckle softly, the sound mingling with the morning light. "Well, you definitely succeeded in waking me up now," I tease, nudging her playfully.

She laughs, a bright, infectious sound that fills the room

My heart swells with emotion at her words, and I inch closer, nestling into her warm embrace. She wraps her arm around me, holding me tight, as if she could shield me from the uncertainties that swirl around us. Resting my head against her chest, I finally break the silence that has enveloped us, a silence filled with unspoken thoughts and feelings.

"Does it frighten you how quickly things are moving?" I whisper, my voice barely above a breath, as if saying it too loudly might shatter the fragile moment we've created.

Her fingers softly trace patterns on my back, a gentle rhythm that calms the storm of questions in my mind as I settle in deeper, seeking comfort in her presence.

"No, because I have trust in you," she replies, her voice a soothing hum that wraps around me like a warm blanket. The sincerity in her tone sends a rush of warmth through me, igniting a flicker of hope.

"But how can you trust someone you've only known for two days?" I inquire, curiosity lacing my tone, the logical part of my mind grappling with the intensity of our connection.

"I trust you because of the connection we share," she explains, her fingers continuing their delicate dance along my spine. "I can feel where you're coming from. This is unlike any of my past relationships, but it just feels right." Her words resonate within me, echoing the unexplainable bond that has formed between us in such a short span of time.