Dreams Can Come True

19. The key

POV Bill

After a cozy evening at mom's, we were back home. I lay in bed with Elise, admiring how beautiful she looked in her pink pajamas. The softness of the light in the bedroom made her face glow, and I couldn't help but gaze at her with love.
"What a beautiful picture on the cover of the booklet your mom showed," Elise began, sharing her thoughts. "She looked really stunning at the Gala," she continued. I could only nod in agreement; my thoughts had been the same. "You know I only thought of you, right?" I replied sincerely. A smile spread across her face, and I felt happy that my words touched her.
"Is that so?" she replied, snuggling closer to me. Her fingers trailed over my chest, and I felt her nails gently press into my skin. A slight shiver ran down my spine, and I savored the intimate atmosphere between us.
I placed my hand on her side and pulled her closer to me. "Of course," I whispered softly. "You're all I think about, always." The words left my lips with a sincerity I never thought possible. Elise looked deep into my eyes, her gaze full of love and desire. "You're so beautiful," I whispered, confirming my endless admiration for her. The bedroom filled with a comforting silence, and I gently ran my hand over her back. Elise lay close to me, and her proximity gave me a sense of security.
She leaned in and pressed her lips softly against mine. The kiss was tender and passionate, an expression of the feelings we harbored for each other. My hands caressed her back as her fingers ran through my hair. The world outside our embrace seemed to fade away, leaving only this moment of togetherness.
Elise broke the kiss and looked at me with a playful gaze. "Maybe I should wear my beautiful pink pajamas more often," she said with a mischievous smile. I chuckled softly and pulled her closer to me. "I wouldn't mind," I replied, my lips finding hers again.
I broke the kiss when I felt her hands sliding towards my boxers. "Wait a moment," I whispered in her ear. "I have a surprise for you." I saw her eyes widen, and I got out of bed. "Remember where we left off," I said with a wink and left the bedroom.
In the hallway, I glanced back at Elise, who sat on the bed with a curious smile. My heart raced with excitement as I walked to the living room.

I encountered Tom in the living room, a smile playing on his face as his gaze passed over me. "Still not wearing clothes?" he teased mockingly, referring to my only wearing my boxers. I rolled my eyes and replied in the same tone, "Tom, you know I never wear pajamas to sleep."
I looked at him seriously and shared my plan. "Tom," I began, "I actually want to give our spare key to Elise." My thoughts drifted to the concern I felt about Elise returning to her apartment, knowing that David could show up there one evening. Tom nodded understandingly, "good idea," he agreed.
I opened a cupboard and retrieved the spare key. "Thank you, Tom," I said sincerely. His head tilted curiously, and he asked, "for what?"
"That you're okay with Elise living here," I replied, meaning every word. Tom patted me on the shoulder and smiled. "As long as I can get some sleep at night," he replied with a wink.
A soft laugh escaped my lips, "I can't promise that for tonight," I teased, as I hurried back to the bedroom. In my haste, I heard Tom call out, "Bill!!!"

Back in the bedroom, Elise sat upright in bed, her gaze curious and expectant as I approached her. The soft glow of moonlight streaming through the curtains gave the room a calm atmosphere.
I crawled into bed beside her and whispered softly, "Close your eyes." Her lashes descended, and I gently took her hand in mine, making sure it stayed open. The spare key felt cool in my hand, and I placed it carefully in her palm, closing her fingers around it. A moment of silence followed as she opened her eyes and stared at the key, and I saw a mix of emotions in her eyes.
"Welcome home," I whispered, my voice infused with warmth as she continued to gaze at the key in her hand. The meaning of the gesture was clear, but I wanted to make the moment extra special. She looked at me with deep brown eyes, "Thank you, Bill, but I promise it's only a temporary solution," she said with a certain reluctance in her voice. Confusion crossed my face as I tried to understand her words. Wasn't she willing to stay here? The idea that she thought this was temporary deeply touched me. "No, Elise," I assured her earnestly, "this key is permanent for you. I discussed it with Tom, and it's okay with him if you move in here." My words were filled with sincerity and care. I hoped she could feel how serious I was in my desire to protect her and provide a safe haven for her.
I held her hand firmly, and in the silence of the room, I could hear her breathing.