Shifting closer, I allowed my fingers to graze lightly against her arm, a gentle touch that spoke volumes of my affection. Her lashes fluttered, and her sleepy gaze met mine, a mixture of surprise and delight dancing within her eyes. A slow, drowsy smile curved her lips, and my heart skipped a beat at the sight, at the way her expression lit up with recognition.

’Morning,’ I whispered, my voice a soft caress in the quietness of the room.

Tina’s smile deepened, and she reached out to intertwine her fingers with mine. ’You’re still here.’

’Let me see.’ With a tender smile, I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on her slightly swollen lips. ’Mmm, yes, I’m still here.’

She emitted a soft whimper before nuzzling her nose into the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply.

’Are you staying in bed whole day?’ I asked softly.

’Hmm, maybe. It smells so nice,’ she purred, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness as she leaned back.

I brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. ’You’re right, it smells like you.’

She rested her cheek against my palm. ’Do you have a long day ahead?’ she asked, her voice a gentle caress.

’Way too long,’ I said, my thumb softly tracing the dark circles under her eyes, as if could magically make them disappear. ’What do you say about breakfast? I can pick up croissants and we can have it in bed before I check up on Renee and go to work.’

’Mmm.’ She streched and closed her eyes in pure contentment.