Chapter 135: Morning Afters
Sunlight crept into Chris's bedroom, casting a golden glow across the room. Claire stirred against the silk sheets, her body still warm from the intimacy of the night before.
She stretched slightly, only to feel Chris's arm tighten around her waist, holding her close.
"Good morning," Chris murmured, his voice still husky with sleep as he buried his face in the crook of her neck.
Claire sighed, a mixture of contentment and lingering doubt swirling inside her. She turned to face him, her gaze meeting his sleepy, yet alert, brown eyes. "Good morning," she replied softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Chris gave her a lazy smile, leaning in to press a kiss to her forehead. "You're even more beautiful in the morning," he said, his voice warm and teasing. "I could get used to waking up like this."
Claire rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. "You're too smooth for your own good, Jacobs."
He chuckled, propping himself up on one elbow. "And you're too hard on yourself, Sterling."
Claire's smile faltered, and she looked away, her thoughts swirling. "Chris... are you sure about this, though?" she asked quietly, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the sheet.
Chris frowned slightly, reaching out to tilt her chin so she'd look at him. "Claire, what's that supposed to mean? What are you talking about?" he asked, clearly confused.
She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation. Though she enjoyed last night and enjoyed the feel of belonging to him, she didn't want to continue thinking all this was going to end.
"You're young, Chris. Younger than me by almost a decade. You could have anyone—someone closer to your age, someone who fits into your world without all the whispers and judgment," she said, pouring out her worry to him.