One Step at a Time

Chapter Five

Edie didn't usually sleep comfortably in other people's homes, but Tom's proved to be an exception. She slept soundly until the light began to creep in from the window and she made a soft sound.

Bobby lifted his head and yawned before his tail thumped on the mattress. He leaned over and licked Edie's arm.

She smiled and laughed breathlessly. "Good morning, pup," she murmured softly.

Whimpering softly, Bobby nudged at her hand. His tail thumped harder at being acknowledged.

She laughed a little more, moving her hand so she could pet him. "Shh, you'll wake your daddy," she told the pup.

Bobby nudged her harder before wiggling back and forth just as Tom rolled in his sleep.

"Okay, okay, do you need to go out?" Edie asked quietly before she slipped out of the bed. "Let's go downstairs."

Hoping off the bed, Bobby turned and darted out of the bedroom with a whine.

Edie quietly took the steps out of the bedroom and followed Bobby downstairs. Once she found the back door, she unlocked it to let him out and stood in the doorway watching him.

Bobby bolted around the yard, making a few laps before he began sniffing around to find the perfect spot.

She ran her fingers through her hair as she watched him, sighing as she rested her head against the doorframe. She felt... light. Excited.

As she stood on the back deck, she startled as two arms circled her waist before a familiar scent reached her nose.

"Morning beautiful," Tom murmured.

A grin slid across her lips as she leaned back into his strong frame. "Good morning, handsome," she replied. "Your dog needed out."

He chuckled and kissed the side of her neck. "Yeah. He's impatient in the mornings. I should have told you."

"It doesn't bother me," she assured him. "I was awake anyway. I can't believe how well I slept."

"Me either," he admitted. "Normally I'm up and down at night."

"We did get quite a workout last night... maybe that did the trick," she said with a small giggle.

"We did," he agreed before kissing her neck again. "Would my darling like coffee?"

"I would," Edie replied with a smile. Goosebumps rose on her skin beneath his lips.

Tom kissed her neck once more. "I'll go make a pot," he said softly before turning and going back inside.

She looked up to take in the morning sun, warming in its rays. It felt comfortable here. Hard to believe, but it did. She heard Bobby approaching and opened her eyes, laughing softly as he darted past her and into the house. She followed in behind.

"Hey boy!" Tom greeted. He turned from the brewing pot of coffee to fill Bobby's bowl with food. "Here you go."

Edie slid onto a seat at the island and rested her chin in her hand. "What's on the calendar for you today?" she asked.

Tom looked up and smiled at Edie. "I'm pretty sure today is an off day. I'll have to check my phone though."

"Oh, an off day, that's exciting," she replied with an easy smile. "I have rehearsal for a few hours later but nothing other than that."

"Sounds fun," he grinned easily. Tom turned back to the coffee pot and poured them each a generous amount in a mug. "Cream or sugar?"

"Just a little cream," she answered, taking the mug from him when he brought it to the island. "Thank you," she said before she took a sip. This was good, rich people coffee.