Zoe's POV
The first thing I noticed was the light — the soft, gold rays slipping through my curtains like a slow promise.
I breathed in. Then out.
The sheets felt so warm and comforting.
For once, my body didn't feel like a battlefield.
No nightmares clawing at the back of my skull.
No sharp jolts of fear dragging me awake.
Just peace. Complete quiet.
I rolled over, exhaling with a small, sleepy smile. It felt almost foreign to feel this rested. My muscles stretched, and I yawned — a long, satisfied stretch that made me feel alive.
Then, like a wave returning to shore, the memories of last night hit me.
Brandon.
The kiss.
The way he'd said my name like it was both a prayer and a confession.
"Oh my God," I gasped, sitting up, pressing my fingertips against my lips.
It felt… too unreal. Too good.
Did that actually happen?
Did I really kiss Brandon Ross?
That kiss. It undid me.
My eyes darted around the room as if the walls might confirm it for me.
