Chapter 238

Summer's POV

I woke up to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains of our bedroom. The steady, rhythmic warmth of Brandon’s arm draped over my waist was the most grounding feeling in the world. For a moment, I just lay there, listening to the quiet sounds of the Hamptons estate waking up outside our window.

Brandon stirred beside me, his grip tightening slightly as he pulled me back against his chest. I felt his breath, warm and steady, against the nape of my neck. After the intensity of the previous night, this quiet closeness felt even more precious.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

"Morning," I replied, turning in his arms to face him.

His eyes were soft as they searched mine, his thumb tracing the line of my jaw with a tenderness that made my heart ache. There was no need for grand gestures or heated words; the simple reality of being in his space was enough. We stayed like that for a long time, drifting in the peaceful haze of the early hour, letting the strength of our bond recharge us for whatever the day had in store.

Eventually, the sun climbed higher, and the demands of our lives began to beckon. Brandon kissed my forehead before finally sitting up.

"I have a conference call at eight," he said, though he looked like he’d much rather stay in bed.

"And I have a million emails to catch up on," I laughed, reaching for my robe.

As we moved into our morning routine—the scent of fresh coffee, the quiet conversation about our schedules—the lingering sense of connection from the night before stayed with me. It was in these small, everyday moments that I realized how far we had come.