She’s lying on my pillow, and I’m hoping it smells like her long after she leaves.
I walk closer, realizing she didn’t even cover herself up, that’s how tired she was, so I move her as carefully as I can, hoping I don’t wake her up before covering her up.
Pressing a kiss to her forehead, I whisper, “I will take care of you every day if you let me. Just don’t give up on me if I fuck this up.” I kiss her once more before quietly leaving the room and heading back down to the café.
“You know, if you want to call it a day, I can handle things here. You deserve to take the day off once in a while, and it’s clearly not going to be a madhouse today.” Brittany’s words reach me as I move behind the counter.
For once, I don’t argue with her. I have something more important than Grind Time waiting for me.
“Sounds good. Thanks, Brittany. If it’s super dead after the lunch rush, just close up.”
She makes eye contact with a smirk on her face. I raise an eyebrow, daring her to say something about what I’m sure is the obvious reason I’m playing hooky today.
“Have fun, boss-man.” She twinkles her fingers at me before turning around and finishing her coffee.
I turn right back around and head upstairs.
A free day with Willow, no matter how we spend it, sounds like the perfect day to me.
Once I’m inside, I strip out of my clothes quietly and slide into the bed beside her. Instantly, she moves closer and snuggles into my chest, like she subconsciously knows I’m here. Wrapping my arms around her, I kiss the crown of her head as sleep takes hold.
I wake up to Willow kissing my neck.
“Good morning, Trouble.” My voice is gravelly from sleep.
“Good morning, or apparently, afternoon. Why aren’t you downstairs?” she whispers as she continues to kiss along my jaw.
“Bingo tournament. Day off. Wanted to spend the day in bed with you.” I turn my head to catch herlips.
“Mmm,” she hums with a smile. “I think I like waking up next to you.”
“We can definitely make this more of a habit,” I agree. “Are you hungry?” I ask, knowing it’s been a long-ass time since she ate.
“Fucking starving.” She sighs as she plops back down onto the bed, and I grin at her response. Good to know food comes before sex.
“Breakfast or lunch?”
“Hmm, breakfast please,” she says as she snuggles back under the blankets.
Sitting up, I lean to kiss her one more time before I get up and throw on some joggers, and head to the kitchen.
I look at my options, my hearing hyper-focused on any noise coming from the bedroom, and I decide on an easy breakfast of French toast and bacon. The bedroom is still silent as I get started, and within a half an hour, breakfast is ready.
I grab our coffee first, taking it to the bedroom and seeing Willow has fallen back asleep. The smile that takes over my face hurts my cheeks just from looking at her. She’s so fucking beautiful, and right now, she’s in my bed. Mine. Let’s just hope I’m able to keep her.
Going back for the French toast, I double-check to make sure it looks perfect, then join her in the bed, holding both plates.
“Time to eat, Will,” I say softly, trying to not startle her.
She moans as she turns toward me, and my dick hardens at the sound.Not the time.
“Food’s up, and there’s coffee on the side table.”
“It smells delicious.” She shifts to sit up, snagging the mug and taking a sip. Her eyes close, and she hums contentedly.
This. This exact moment is what I’m going to be working for from here on out. Therapy, putting Tennison behind me, whatever it takes to make sure these moments happen with Willow.
When I look back in time, this will be the moment I remember falling in love with her.
