Me: Not much longer now. I’m tired. How are you going to stay awake?
Kayden: I’m wide awake, babe. Knowing you’re my reward at the end keeps me awake. Lie down for a bit. I’ll text you when I’m close.
Me: I’ll set my alarm in case I fall asleep. I want to be awake when you get here, but I’m reading right now.
My eyes stung and grew heavy with each passing minute until I drifted off to sleep.
I blinked a few times to clear the haze that formed on my contacts as I grabbed my phone.Fuck, my alarm never went off.
Kayden: Forty miles away, paying a toll now.
Me: Which station?
Kayden: I have no idea. Just know I’m forty miles from you.
My heart pounded in my chest. I had to get out of bed. I wanted to be outside when he pulled in. I brushed my teeth, covered the dark circles that had formed under my eyes and headed outside, book in hand.
It was after one a.m., and stillness filled the air. The stars twinkled above as the moon illuminated my surroundings. Sitting on the front step, I opened my book, but I couldn’t process the words.
A loud screeching echoed, and I turned my head to see what caused the vile noise as a white truck rounded the corner. My pulse went into overdrive as soon as I realized that Kayden was in that little white truck.
The truck came to an abrupt stop in the street and he jumped out, and I ran down the driveway. I jumped into his arms, unable to hold back my excitement.
His work uniform was dirty, his boots untied, and he smelled musky from a day of hard work in the sun.
“Surprised you, didn’t I?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said. A tear trickled down my cheek onto his shirt and relief flooded me knowing that he was safe.
“I’m gross from working all day, baby doll.”
“I don’t care. I’m just so happy you’re here safely.”
“I need a shower before we crawl into bed,” he said, backing away from me.
“Let’s get you cleaned up. You need rest,” I said.
“One thing,” he said.
His hands cupped my face as he kissed me. Not a passion-filled kiss, but one filled with love and relief.
His lips pulled away from mine. “Let me grab my stuff,” he said.
He pulled a small bag from the passenger seat before holding my hand and walking inside with me.
I turned the shower on for him while he put his bag in my room, not wanting to waste a moment. While he showered, I undressed and crawled into bed. I heard the shower turn off, and my bedroom door opened. He crawled in next to me, and I instantly felt the warmth of his skin.
“I’ve missed you so much,” I whispered to him as he hovered over my lips.
“I’m happy to be here with you,” he replied and then kissed me passionately and with hunger.
“I love you, Kayden,” I said to him as I melted into his arms.
“I love you, too. Sweet dreams, beautiful,” Kayden said as he kissed the top of my head and stroked my arm lightly with his fingertips.
I woke before Kayden, as I often did. I watched him for a minute before I rolled over, trying not to wake him. I put my robe on and grabbed my glasses. I started the coffee and pulled all of the ingredients out of the refrigerator for breakfast. I wanted to surprise him, and I knew he’d be starving when he woke up.
Suzy emerged from her room when the scent of bacon and eggs drifted under her door. “Morning, Suzy,” I said cheerfully as I continued to prepare breakfast.
