Well Beyond

7

The muffled birdsong stirred me, gradually pulling me into consciousness. As I realized it was morning, I snapped upright in bed, my heart racing with a sense of urgency. Hastily, I pushed off the cot and hurried to the window, sitting up on my knees.

Peering out, I raised myself just enough to be eye level with the window sill. The room around me was bathed in the soft glow of dawn, and through the glass, I could see the forest coming alive with the first light of day. The sun was climbing higher in the sky, its gentle warmth beginning to penetrate the lingering chill of the night. The morning sunlight casting a golden hue across the oak floor of my room.

Suddenly, a movement caught my eye. A figure emerged from a secluded path, their footsteps sinking against the moist earth. As they stepped into a patch of sunlight, I strained to focus, my curiosity piqued. 

The man was shirtless, his chest turned towards me as he stretched, raising his hands above his head and locking his arms straight towards the sky. Muscles rippled across his broad chest and abs with each movement, even in the shadowed parts of the clearing, his strength and power were unmistakable.

Mesmerized, I watched as he took a few purposeful steps forward, each one bringing him more into the growing sunlight. His silhouette became clearer, defined by the early morning light. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him, transfixed by his presence and the effortless grace of his movements.

Then, as if sensing my gaze, his head snapped up, eyes locking onto the window where I stood hidden. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I instinctively recoiled, pulling myself down from the window with a gasp. My heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of exhilaration and embarrassment flooding through me.

Breathing heavily, I leaned against the wall beside the window, trying to steady myself. The encounter had left me breathless, my thoughts racing as I tried to make sense of what I had just witnessed.

Of course it was Erik, I roll my eyes. 

I allowed a minute or so to pass, my breath still catching in my throat from the unexpected encounter at the window. Slowly, cautiously, I turned my gaze back towards the path where Erik had been moments ago. There was no sign of him now, no lingering impression that he had ever been there. The forest stood silent and serene under the morning sun, as if the man I had just seen was merely a figment of my imagination.

Just as I was beginning to question whether I had imagined it all, the door to my bedroom suddenly swung open with a creak. Startled, my head snapped over my shoulder, my hands instinctively gripping the bottom frame of the window for support.

"Trying to steal another glance, Delia?" a voice questioned from the doorway, its tone laced with amusement.

There he stood, leaning casually against the door frame, a faint smirk playing on his lips. Erik's presence filled the room. He was clad in a perfectly tailored charcoal gray suit, he exuded an air of commanding authority. The jacket hugged his broad shoulders, emphasizing his muscular frame, while the crisp white dress shirt underneath contrasted sharply against his sun-kissed skin. A deep navy tie, impeccably knotted, added a touch of sophistication to his attire.

"I-I was just..." I stammered, his formal attire throwing me off. My cheeks flushing slightly under his scrutiny.

His smirk widened as he stepped further into the room, his eyes never leaving mine. "Admiring the view?" he teased, his voice low and teasing. He closed the door softly behind him, his steps deliberate as he made his way toward me. I couldn't tear my eyes away from his movement.

My heartbeat quickened at his proximity, and I struggled to find words. 

"I... I was just... I saw you outside," I managed to say finally. Erik raised a brow at my frantic tone.