With ache-y arms and tired legs, I drag myself up each flight of stairs to my room. The drive back from the river took longer than expected, so it's already slowly becoming dark. My music is blasting in my ears as I pull open the flat door, but the volume fails to mask an unmistakable perfume in the hallway. I immediately recognise its timid, yet confident scent.
I slowly and quietly push open the door to my room. I make my way across the room, and as I suspect, she's curled up on my bed, sleeping.
Even unconscious in a baggy hoodie and jeans, she looks perfect. Her blonde hair manages to fall messily about her, yet every strand seems to be sat in just the right place. Her lips look extremely kissable in the dim light that filters between the heavy curtains. Her skin is mirror-like, smooth and pretty, as a result of hours and hours of special care and attention. She takes such pride in her skincare. Her eyes are closed, but she seems to be stirring. I must have been louder than I intended as I came into the room.
I brush the hair from her forehead and plant a soft kiss.
"Hey."
Her eyes slowly open as she rouses from her sleep. A startling blue contrasts her fair skin. A giddy smile attempts to form on her lips.
"Hi."
I lean down to kiss her, right on her smile. She sleepily struggles to kiss back, still trying to wake up, but eager to return the affection.
She desperately wriggles on her side to come to face me. Her body is still asleep, but her eyes are awake, and her very much alive shy smile is priceless. It's always like this.
"How was rowing?" she asks the trace of a smile still on her face. Her eyes crinkle in the corners when she's happy. I can tell she's excited to see me, and it's adorable.
"It was okay. I didn't keep you waiting too long, I hope?". I ask as if it's a pertinent question, though we both know there's little that can be done on the subject.
"No, I just did some work and had a nap."she replies.
"Evidently."
Thanks to a team effort of me half-dragging and her struggling to sit up, we manage to get her in an upright position. We laugh at our futile efforts and I kiss her again. Never too much kissing.
I get up to drag my chair over to prop up a screen so we can watch a film. Sometimes we use an Ipad, sometimes we use a phone. Or rather, attempt to watch the film. The main challenge is making it through the one and a half hours without starting something. She is generally quite good with not being initiative, but I thoroughly enjoy teasing her to the point where she can't concentrate on the film anymore.
I fish around in the drawer to find some stashed snacks. I find a half eaten bar of dark chocolate. 'How romantic', I think to myself, we can share. I break off a piece and hand it to her before lying down on the bed alongside her.
I don't like to sit close to the wall when cuddling, so I sit on the outside. My arm automatically goes around her and I pull her in for another forehead kiss. She smells good. A delightful mixture of dark chocolate and perfume.
"Fuck, I forgot to turn up the volume." I curse when I realise the film is on mute. This also happens every time.
Once the volume is adjusted and I've repositioned myself, we sit back and watch the movie.
She has a funny habit of commenting on bits and bobs throughout. Her slight impatience shows through as she demands to know the plot and the ending just as the film is starting. The only way I can get her to shut up is to kiss her, so of course I take every liberty to make everyone's viewing experience that little bit better.
