Lara's POV
Consciousness returns slowly, wrapped in warmth and the intoxicating scent of pine and mountain air. Austin's arms encircle me like a fortress, his chest rising and falling against my back in a rhythm that makes my heart skip. This moment feels like everything I never knew I needed, yet the bitter truth gnaws at me. This perfect morning isn't mine to keep.
His lips find the curve of my shoulder, sending shivers down my spine. "Morning, gorgeous. How's my girl feeling?"
His voice carries that rough, sleepy quality that makes heat pool low in my belly. There's something desperate in the way he asks, like he's been lying awake waiting for me to stir.
"Better than I expected," I murmur, testing how my body feels after last night's intensity. "I think I'll survive."
Jenny stretches lazily in my mind. 'More than survive. We're perfect.'
"Jenny's giving me the all-clear, so I'd say we're good," I tell him with a soft laugh.
