Consider Yourself Lucky

Eleven

Collin woke me up the next morning at six and we still didn't have any clothes on. We must have fallen asleep right after our little moment. Although I wouldn't really describe it as "little". He kisses me good morning and wraps his arms around me. I'm glad I asked him to stay, and not just because I gained the courage to throw myself at him.

"Do you have to work today?"

"Unfortunately, I have to be in at noon which was why I was looking forward to sleeping in, but someone decided otherwise." I honestly didn't care that I was awake so early. I like waking up next to him. It's such a warm feeling.

"I think you should take a personal day. We can go see your grandmother." He starts kissing over my shoulder and down the middle of my back. It tickles.

"I barely ever take personal days. I think the only time I called out was because I had the flu, and I physically could not get out of bed."

"Are you saying you have to not be able to physically get out of bed? I can arrange that." Oh, I believe it. If he was going easy on me last night, I can only imagine what that would be like. The way he holds me and slowly drags his finger up and down my thigh makes me wonder if I should take a personal day. I can always call in and explain about Grandma. I wouldn't be lying about the situation, and everyone deserves a day for self-care sometimes. I don't think they would mind. I always show up for my shifts and if someone else calls out, I usually pick those up too. I'll be okay. I might also have some paid time off I could use if I needed to.

"If I am going to take the day off, I am not staying in bed all day. I need to be productive in some way."

"Okay. How about you just make the phone call, and I will worry about everything else."

"Alright, you convinced me. You're lucky that you are so damn charming."

"I know, it works wonders." He winks at me and holds my hand under the blanket.

I've never felt this way about someone before. I don't usually trust too easily but with him it just came naturally. I wonder if this is how it was for Grandma and Grandpa. She said that sometimes your heart just knows. I think he feels the same way. A part of me was shocked he was still here this morning. I was even caught off guard at the fact he wants me to take the day off. I wait until the store opens at seven to call. The manager on the opening shift was extremely understanding. He told me take as much time as I need and to let him know if I need anything else.

"Now that I don't have to be ready by a certain time, can I please go back to sleep for another hour?"

"Nope, let's go. We have stuff to do."

"What stuff? I said I didn't want to stay in bed all day but that doesn't mean I didn't want another hour of sleep."

"We have plans. Get up." He rips the covers off me and grabs the pillow from underneath his head. Before I turned all the way around, he smacks me with the pillow. What are we? Twelve-year-old girls at a sleepover? I sit up and smack him back with mine. In no time, we are having a full-blown pillow fight. I'm glad my pillows don't have feathers in them because that is a mess I did not want to clean up. Finally, we settle down and make my bed.

"What do our plans consist of? I want to take a shower, but I want an idea of what I should wear." He walks over to me, grabs me by the waist and kisses me.

"Wear that new outfit you bought and sent me a picture of the other day. The blue blouse with the bell bottoms. I loved the way it looked on you." I grab a towel and head to the bathroom.

"I'll only be like ten minutes. If you want something to eat there should be some stuff downstairs. Help yourself." I kiss him on the cheek as I walk by him.

When I'm finished showering, I wrap a towel around my waist and walk back into my room. Collin is laying across my bed wearing the same clothes he had on yesterday. Of course he is. He didn't plan to stay over last night so how would he have known to bring extra clothes? I stand right in front of him and wait for him to look up at me. When he does, I drop my towel. His eyes get wide and his whole face turns red.

"You're even more beautiful when the lights are on."

"Hey, what is that supposed to mean?"

"It means it was a bit dark last night so seeing all of you in broad daylight is much more rewarding."

"Oh, is it?" I walk towards him and drape my arms around his neck. His hands naturally make their way down my body. He makes it so easy and effortless. He kisses my neck and my shoulder and pulls me closer towards his body, making me lose my balance and falling on top of him. I stand back up and give him a quick peck on his lips.

"As much as I would love to have a repeat of last night, we have to get ready. I want to stop by the hospital before we do anything else. Is that okay?"

"Of course, it's okay. As long as we can stop by my apartment so I can change really quick."

"Not a problem." Will I finally get to see his apartment? I kind of want a behind the scenes on what he's like and not just by what he tells me. I think seeing how someone lives or decorates their space says a lot about who they are as a person. I picture him as a sports guy, specifically baseball. World series posters hanging on the walls, signed balls and gloves in little keepsake boxes. It just seems like a "Collin thing". I finish getting ready and put my hair in a messy bun. I grab my purse and we head downstairs.

"Do you want anything to eat or drink? We don't have much but I'm sure I can figure something out."

"We can stop to get coffee and muffins if you want. I'll pay. I just have to stop by my place first."

"Okay. That sounds good."

I make sure Flake has food while she begs Collin for attention. I give her a kiss on her little head and tell her I'll be home later. Collin looks at me with a weird face.

"What? You never reassure your pet you'll be back?"

"Nope. I don't have one. It's cute when you do it though."

We agree to take his car considering he's parked behind mine. We get to the car and like the charming gentleman he is, he opens the door for me. I have no idea what he has planned for the day but for some reason, I'm feeling really good about it.