Lingering Feelings

Athena woke up to the soft sensation of lips brushing against hers. Her eyes snapped open, and Dominique's mischievous grin greeted her sight. Startled, she jolted and pushed him away from her face.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty. Time to wake up. It's already ten." He chuckled.

Athena's eyes widened at his words. She sat up abruptly, her eyes scanning the room with a sense of urgency. She thought Aaron was still lying next to her.

"Where's Aaron?" Her heart raced when she didn't see Aaron in the room.

"He is downstairs, practicing guitar in the music room," Dominique responded, extending his right hand to help her stand.

But Athena just brushed his hands off, her expression stern. "Don't do that again. What if Aaron had seen us? How would you explain that to the kid?"

Dominique just let out a soft chuckle, unfazed by her scolding. "Why are you so grumpy first thing in the morning? Are you upset with me for disturbing your peaceful sleep?"