Chapter Seventeen

Aiden

 

Blake’s body was pushed up against mine; her leg tossed over my hip. I reached behind me, feeling for her hand until it was beneath mine. Sweet, soft snores oozed from her nose and throat, pushing hot breath onto the back of my neck. I didn’t want to disturb her. I hated to move, but I wanted to surprise her with breakfast in bed.

Maybe, if I pampered her enough, made her feel comfortable here, she’d sleep in the same bed with me every night, as a real husband and wife should.

I slid out from underneath her, carefully avoiding waking her, and slipped into the kitchen.

I started the coffee, rummaged through the fridge, and found the bacon and eggs. The aroma of bacon frying soared through the entire house, and I was certain it would wake her, but it didn’t.

My phone vibrated on the counter with Luke’s name across the screen. I quickly answered it, speaking softer than usual.

“Hey, did I wake you?” he asked surprised.

“No, not at all; Blake’s still asleep though,” I replied.

“You sound different, like happy,” Luke noted.

“I’m always happy,” I chuckled.

“No, like, really happy,” he pushed.

“What do you need?” I asked, changing the topic.

He was right; I was really happy.

“I was just calling to check on things,” Luke responded.

“Things are great,” I smiled as I spoke.

“Yeah, I can tell,” Luke chuckled.

“I’m making breakfast now; can I call you later?” I questioned.

“Breakfast in bed?” Luke asked in a teasing tone.

“Yes, actually, that’s exactly what I’m doing,” I replied.

“Nice. See, I knew something was different,” he said.

“Gotta go,” I rushed off the phone, hanging up just as he said his goodbyes.

I pulled the bacon from the griddle, perfectly crisped. The toast popped up from the toaster as I stirred the scrambled eggs one last time. After I finished adding butter to the toast, putting a small amount of jelly on the side in a small butter bowl, and made the plates, I headed to the bedroom.

Blake was still asleep. I set the tray with our breakfasts on the nightstand, and picked up the cup of her coffee, wafting it under her nose.

Her eyes opened, barely; her nose crinkled, and her lips curled into a crooked smile.

“What’s all this?” she asked, looking towards the tray of food.

“Breakfast,” I replied proudly.

I wasn’t much of a cook, but I managed not to burn anything, and the bacon, I was particularly proud of that.

“You’re gonna spoil me,” she grinned, sliding up against the pillow behind her.

I propped the pillow, organized her blanket so it was folded at her hips, and set the tray over her lap. She immediately took the coffee, sipping the warm liquid as she let out a soft moan.

“Thank you so much,” she gushed, her eyes wide as she looked at the plate of food.

“You deserve it,” I smiled, sliding into the bed beside her.

I took my cup of coffee from her tray and swiped a piece of bacon from my plate. I watched her eat, slowly savoring everything I’d brought her, looking completely satisfied with each bite.

“I wasn’t sure what you’d like,” I admitted, realizing I didn’t know my own wife very well.

“This is perfect,” she smiled, crunching on her last piece of bacon.

I wanted to tell her how I felt, that I was falling in love with her, but I couldn’t. It was too soon. I had no idea how she felt, other than the guilt that she reminded me about whenever my abuela was brought up in conversation.

“I think I’ll take the day off,” I announced, just deciding it at that moment.

Her eyes widened as they stared at me, so beautiful.

“Why?” she questioned.

“So we can stay in bed all day. Can you skip work?” I asked, feeling bad for assuming she could or would even want to.

She paused, sipping her coffee slowly.

“I can,” she finally responded.

“Great, then it’s settled,” I grinned.

“Yes, I guess it is,” Blake agreed, her smile widening as she spoke.

“Maybe we can spend that gift card. Find something for the house that’s just ours,” I added.

“That would be great,” Blake said, her tone somewhat indifferent.

“I mean, if you wanted to sleep in here with me more, or all the time, maybe a nice set of sheets would be a good gift,” I stammered.

She didn’t say anything, she just smiled. Fuck, I wished I could read her mind.