Older || 18+

22. Emma

The next morning, I wake up to a cold bed. Ares is already up, and the smell of bacon wafts in from the kitchen. I take a few ibuprofen pills and get dressed.

I follow my nose into the kitchen, where the sight and smell of breakfast momentarily makes me forget about the cramps. "Morning," I manage, my voice thick with sleep, as I spot Ares by the stove, spatula in hand like a culinary knight.

"Morning, baby girl. How are you feeling today?" he asks without turning.

"A little better," I admit, circling the kitchen island to wrap my arms around him, my cheek pressed against his back for a moment. "The meds are starting to kick in."

"That's good to hear. Hungry?" he asks, flipping a pancake with a practiced flick of his wrist.

"Yes, please," I say, smiling.

He serves up a stack of pancakes that look like they've come straight out of a food magazine, accompanied by a generous side of crispy bacon. The first bite is heaven, the perfect blend of fluffy and sweet, with just the right amount of butter melting on top. "This is amazing," I proclaim, probably a little too enthusiastically for someone just eating pancakes.

He chuckles at my reaction, that deep, infectious laugh of his filling the kitchen. "It's just pancakes, baby girl."

"But they're the best," I argue, already going for another bite.

Ares sits down next to me, his own plate of pancakes and bacon in hand. "If you say so," he teases, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Do you have class today?

I shake my head, a strand of hair falling into my eyes. "Nope. I'm free until Monday."

His eyes light up, a spark of excitement dancing in them. "Great. That means we have the whole day to ourselves. Just us."

I can't help but smile, feeling a flutter of happiness at the thought. "Sounds perfect. What do you have planned?" I ask, curious, as I nibble on a piece of crispy bacon.

"It's a surprise," he replies with a wink that sends my heart into a little skip.

I narrow my eyes at him. "A surprise, huh? Should I be worried?"

He chuckles, reaching over and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "No, baby girl. You'll like it, I promise."

I grin, excitement bubbling in my chest. "Okay, I'll trust you. What do I need to bring?"

"Just your pretty little self," he says, pulling me into his arms.

"Okay, but no hiking," I say, wrinkling my nose.

He chuckles, sealing our pact with a soft kiss on my forehead. "No hiking, Cross my heart."

We finish our breakfast and get ready to leave. I grab my purse, slipping into my shoes while Ares waits by the door

"Ready?" he asks, his hand reaching for mine.

"Ready," I say, my excitement growing.

Ares opens the door for me, and we walk out to his car. He opens the passenger door for me, and I climb inside. He closes the door and walks around the car, getting into the driver's seat.

Ares starts the car and backs out of the driveway. I have no idea where we are going, but I'm eager to find out.

Ares reaches over and takes my hand in his, lacing our fingers together. He gives my hand a gentle squeeze.

"So, where are we going?" I ask, unable to contain my curiosity.

Ares chuckles. "You'll see. It's a surprise, remember?"