364 A Peck

The following morning, Oriana woke to a cocoon of comforting warmth in the midst of the cold weather. She nestled into it sheepishly, harboring a wish to extend her slumber a little longer, when a peculiar sensation caught her attention. Her hand, which rested upon a firm and inviting surface, registered rhythmic pulsations beneath it.

'Why does it feel like someone's heartbeats?' she mused.

With curiosity piqued, Oriana slowly unfurled her eyes, only to be greeted by the sight of a man's chest. She blinked, her gaze momentarily bewildered, as if attempting to dispel the notion that she might be mistaken. Yet, the view before her remained unchanged, and her hand continued to perceive the steady cadence of a heartbeat beneath her touch.