“You don’t?—“
He put a finger on her lips as he shook his head. "I'm not doing anything to purposely wake you up. It's just common courtesy."
“Thank you.”
He hugged her, kissing the side of her head. “Being nice to each other will make it easier when we actually have an argument.”
She gasped and put her hand on her chest, faking shock. "Us argue?"
“You know it’s going to happen, eventually.”
Her laughter lightened the mood. “I know. It’s impossible for two people to be together and not argue about something. So yeah, if we try to operate on the principle of not being jerks to each other, maybe when we argue we won’t be total assholes.”
“Exactly.”
He was thankful that Ansley was so easygoing. He'd had contentious relationships, and that was one reason he'd stopped dating. He had enough problems with work. He didn't need to add to it with a contrary partner. With Ansley everything seemed to fit just right.
Ansley wokewhile Link was in the shower. She would miss him today, but this was part of life. They were together, and that was what mattered.
She brushed her teeth and then headed into the kitchen, finding the coffee just finishing brewing. She poured herself a mug, saving enough for Link.
If she knew what he wanted to eat before work, she would start making him food. The door from the bedroom opened, and he stepped out as he pulled up his pants, buttoning them.
“Hey, you’re up early.”
“Yeah, I may take a nap later.”
He came over and kissed her. It was a sweet brush of lips, and she didn't dare take it deeper. Link had to leave soon or he wouldn't make it to base on time.
“I would have started making breakfast for you, but I’m not sure what you want to eat.”
“No worries. I’m going to have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s easy, and I’ll get something else later.”
“Do you always eat a peanut butter sandwich before work?”
He shook his head as he grabbed a plate and started making a sandwich. "No. I switch it up based on what I want. So you won't be able to predict what I want to eat for breakfast."
“Okay, I’ll remember that.”
Link had his sandwich made, and he poured coffee into a travel mug before checking the time.
“I have six minutes before I have to get into my car and leave.”
“That’s good. Finish eating. I’ll clean the dishes.”
“You don’t?—“
“I’m here, so I can do it. You can clean the dinner dishes tonight.”
“Deal. Thank you,” Link said around a bite of peanut butter sandwich.
She'd never had peanut butter with coffee. But if he liked it, who was she to judge? He finished his sandwich, then gave her a quick kiss before taking off.
She watched him leave, wondering if she would have this empty feeling every time he took off for work.
It was odd staying at home. She hadn't experienced what would become a typical day for her since leaving the military. Today was the first day of work. She only had two hours of teaching scheduled for today. She had to prepare, but it wouldn't take her long. The curriculum was already set, so it wasn't like she had to do too much to get ready.
The online classes went well. Both sets of students were happy to get started learning. She liked their hope and excitement.
