The insistent tingling of a caress on her pelvis awakened her senses clouded by sleep, it had been torturing her for a while now. The touch felt inexplicably warm and comforting, like floating on clouds, like a sweet cocoon. Without switching position, Frida guided her hand until she found Benny's strong hand down there, cradling her as he held her in his own sleep, like he has been doing all night. What a beautiful experience to be able to sleep with him. After years of going to sleep to an empty bed, being inside his bed felt good, welcoming, as if it were the first time. Keeping her eyes closed, Frida sighed and relaxed even more in his arms.
Benny settled himself more comfortably on her back and inhaled into her neck. "Sshh, sleep baby." The last thing she felt was her own smile before falling asleep again.
✭
The morning found them and with it reality. After spending a night in each other's arms and a beautiful sunrise the time to put the cards on the table arrived, both knew, that's why the silence in the room was uncomfortable rather than calming.
Frida, laying in his chest, allowed herself to live a few last seconds in capricious denial. The certainty of a future by his side managed to comfort her through the night, his body so clinging to her was the tangible proof that his proposal was real. But she was scared, she couldn't deny it, neither to him nor to herself. Unconsciously, she let out a long sigh.
"Are you hungry? What would you like for breakfast?" Benny asked her in his husky voice, so typical in the morning.
"I'm not hungry."
He grimaced. "Well, I am. Shall we go to the kitchen?"
"I'm comfortable here." Her answer left him in silence. Frida blamed herself for worsening the situation. "But go ahead, I'll reach you soon."
"No. If you're comfortable here," he squeezed her for a major emphasis. That stole a giggle from her. "Then I must stay here."
"I wish I could keep you here all day."
"You could, if you want."
"I want."
"Sounds like a deal."
Frida shook her head in amusement. Just like that, he was breaking the tension. However, neither her wishes nor his were ones to fulfill, not today. Benny's cellphone rang from the nightstand, he made a super fake eye-roll and reached for it without breaking physical contact with her.
"It's too early." He muttered.
"It may be important." She had no intention to spy, yet she managed to see Eva's name in the screen.
"Yeah," Benny replied unconvincingly. "Sorry," he kissed her forehead and got up to pick the call in the balcony.
The fresh morning air hit her, it reminded her of her garden. Ah, her garden! Would Benny allow her to have a garden wherever they went? The only idea made her stomach flutter. That was a wonderful thought to start the morning. Frida sat in bed and watched him as he talked; he seemed relaxed, his shoulders were loosen, the wind played gracefully with his carefree hair, it was a perfect image. And all my mornings could be like this, she happily thought. They definitely had to talk as soon as possible.
Benny closed the call and got back into the bedroom. Frida was watching him from her place in bed; her face was beautifully framed by a loosen braid and her eyes, although with a hint of sadness, shone with nature. He smiled at her. "That was Eva."
