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She let out a playful whine. "I’m tired."
"I’ll do all the work," I promised, rolling us over so I could take charge. After all, we had a lot of lost time to make up for.
I woke up just before 8 a.m. to the sight of Erika sleeping peacefully beside me, her golden hair splayed out on the pillow like a halo. I turned onto my side, unable to resist gazing at her. The urge to pinch myself was strong—this felt too perfect to be real. A month ago, my anger over her deceit had consumed me, but now, looking at her, I knew nothing was worth our separation. I needed her in my life.
She looked so serene that I decided to let her sleep a little longer. After all, we’d had a busy night, and she deserved the rest. I, on the other hand, was buzzing with energy despite the mere three hours of sleep I’d managed. Feeling a sudden urge to work out, I slipped out of bed and quietly made my way to the closet. I pulled on a pair of gray sweatpants and a black t-shirt, ready to hit the gym downstairs for a run.
Before leaving, I sent Erika a quick text, just in case she woke up and wondered where I’d gone. The gym was nearly deserted, which wasn’t surprising for an early Sunday morning. Rain drizzled down outside, streaking the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the street. I chose a treadmill in the corner, starting at a leisurely pace before gradually cranking up the speed and incline as my muscles warmed.
Endorphins surged through me, and I felt like I could run forever, but the thought of Erika, still asleep in my bed, pulled me back. When I finally finished, I was drenched in sweat, my t-shirt clinging to my body, even the front of my pants damp. I wiped myself down with one of the small white towels the gym provided and tossed it into the laundry bin as I exited.
I couldn’t help but smile as I rode the elevator back up to the apartment. It was still quiet when I entered, and I was certain Erika was still asleep. My suspicions were confirmed when I found her turned on her side, the soft curve of her back exposed, and her upper body partially uncovered. The sight of her rosy nipple peeking out from the covers was almost too tempting to resist. I stood there, hands on my hips, trying to control the urge to lean down and take her in my mouth.
As if sensing my presence, her eyes fluttered open, locking onto mine. "Lincoln," she whispered, her voice still laced with sleep.
"Yes, sweetheart?" I replied, my voice soft.
"You worked out?"
I nodded, unable to suppress the grin forming on my lips. "I’m full of energy this morning."
She glanced at my sweat-soaked clothes and smiled. "You’re soaked."
"I ran hard," I said, a playful tone creeping into my voice. "I like to do things hard."
"Mmm, I know you do," she teased, her voice sultry. "I like when you do things hard to me."
A low groan escaped my throat as I fought to keep my composure. "Stop it, or you’ll get something hard."
She chuckled, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "How about a shower together?"
"Sounds like a perfect Sunday," I agreed. "And after, I’d like to take you to breakfast."
A small frown tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I have nothing to wear. I have no clothes here."
I tapped my chin thoughtfully. "Right. You should bring some over. In fact, maybe you should move in with me."
"Always pushing the envelope," she replied, shaking her head with a smile.
"Don’t you want to live with me?" I asked, trying to keep the edge of hopefulness out of my voice.
"Eventually," she said, reaching out to touch my arm. "Don’t take it as rejection. I know this thing between us is real."
I nodded, pulling my soaked t-shirt over my head. "I’ll give you time."
Her eyes traced the lines of my torso, and she sighed. "You’re beautiful."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Me? I think that word is reserved for you."
She raised an eyebrow, her playful demeanor returning. "Do you want to fight about it or take a shower together?"
"I vote for number two," I said, grinning.
"Follow me, you gorgeous creature," she teased, sliding out of bed and pushing the covers aside.
I was naked and adjusting the water temperature when she entered the bathroom behind me, her arms wrapping around my waist as she pressed herself against my back.
"You smell good," she murmured, her nose nuzzling into my skin.
