-Adam-

The gentle sound of raindrops tapping against the windowpane greeted him on this beautiful Monday morning. Finally, after his return, he had experienced a tranquil, restful night’s sleep. Knowing that the love of his life was just a room away filled him with contentment and joy. The mere anticipation of waking up to her radiant smile and stunning presence, along with the lingering fragrance of her perfume, made him even happier. As he stood there stretching, he couldn't help but ponder if she was already awake. Suddenly, a faint noise emanated from the kitchen, prompting him to quietly and carefully make his way to investigate without alerting anyone to his presence.

“She is awake”, he says.

Propped up against the door frame, he watches her at the stove. It looks like she is preparing something. He couldn't help but admire her in his clothes. I mean, what was I thinking when I asked her to stay for the night without considering that she did not come with extra clothes? I had to ask her to make use of some of my clothes. Just watching her stand barefoot in my shorts and my t-shirts, making my kitchen her own, delighted me. What's this woman doing to me? I can get used to this. I slowly make my way behind her, planting a kiss on the back of her head as I wrap my arms around her.

"Good morning, sweetheart."

“Good morning,” she replies, smiling. “It smells great in here. What are you preparing?” As her hand caresses my arms around her waist, she says, "Pancakes, along with some scrambled eggs and some toasted bread."

"Oooh! delicious. You know what else will be delicious?" 

"What?"

"This." I started planting kisses on her shoulder and collarbone. I made my way to her neck, murmuring, "You taste great." Brushing her hair to the side, I kiss behind her ears. Slightly sucking on her earlobe. I can see she is enjoying it as I watch her hand come behind her head, cupping my neck as she tilts her head to the side, giving me greater access. I bite her lower lip as a moan escapes her lips. Turning slowly to face me, she wraps her arms around my neck, capturing my lips with hers. We kiss passionately with my arms still around her waist, afraid to move it because I can't tell where it might go if I do. When we finally parted, she whispered, "I thought you were being a gentleman." I smiled mischievously and said, “I am trying. I have a whole year to make up for.” She shoved me playfully and said, "Sit. Let's eat."

Sitting across from her while we ate, I couldn't help but steal a glance at her.

"What is it?" she says, meeting my gaze. "You're sneaking glances at me. If you have something to say, say it."

"It's nothing," he says. 

"What is it, Ben?"

"Well..." He hesitated, his voice trailing off. "When I kissed you there, I couldn't help but notice a small scar at the back of your left ear. How did you come by that? Did you have it from an accident, perhaps?" There was a palpable silence as if she had not heard the question at all. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft, almost hesitant. "How was your mother? I forgot to ask about her."

I responded with a faint smile. I've always admired how she ignores questions she doesn't want to answer by appearing unaffected as if they were never asked. Well, if she doesn't want to talk about it, I won't stress over it. I'm confident that the story behind it is unpleasant.

"She has been good. I told her about you," I state.

"Really?" she exclaimed with a bright smile. "I hope you didn't exaggerate about me." Smiling back at her, I replied, "If by exaggerate you mean letting her know how beautiful, intelligent, kind, and compassionate you are, then I must confess I did just that." She playfully tossed a napkin in my direction. Giggling, I said, "She's really looking forward to meeting you."

"I think she must be feeling lonely. I mean, she is there, and you are here," I observed as she took a bite of her toasted bread. "Nope! She seems happy. After all, she is screwing around with my boss." I added, watching her almost choke on her food. "Excuse me, what did you say?" she inquired. "I meant to say she and my boss are a couple now. I'm pretty sure most of the time she forgets she even has a son. That's how happy she seems."

I must say, I was ecstatic to hear the lovely sound of her laughter in response to my statement. She then teasingly asks, "Is that jealousy I hear in your voice?" I can't help but pout as I retort, "I'm not jealous, I'm just speaking the truth." Despite my protest, she continues to chuckle. "Could you please stop laughing at me?" I say playfully as I toss the napkin back at her.

She apologises by saying, "I am sorry. It's just that you're so cute when you are jealous. I am sure no one can take your place in your mother's heart. Be rest assured." She giggles.

"You really love teasing me, don't you?” She dramatically placed her hand on her heart and exclaimed, with a hint of sarcasm, "Me? Never!"

***

Later in the afternoon, Shelley prepares to head out to her apartment. "Are you sure you can't stay for another night?" he inquires. "I have to go because I'll be working the next day. If I leave here in the morning, I will be late for work," she responded.

"I am already missing you," he says as he wraps his arms around her and buries his face at the nape of her neck, drawing in her scent. "What are you doing?" she asks. He replies, "I'm just taking in your scent. Something of you to get me through the night."

_

A/N: This chapter was a real challenge to write; I really hope you like it. I would be quite grateful if you could all come up with a title for this chapter. Just can't seem to think of one.