When All Is Said And Done

Chapter Ten: The Next Morning

The first light of the morning cast a soft orange glow into the bedroom through the thin, white curtains. Benny and Frida lay entwined under the sheets, their bodies relaxed yet still intimately connected from the night before. Frida's head rested on Benny's chest, the rhythmic rise and fall of his breathing was so comforting to her.

Frida stirred, her eyes fluttering open to find Benny already awake, watching her with a soft, affectionate smile. She stretched slightly, giving him a very sleepy smile.

"Good morning," she whispered, her voice still husky with sleep.

"Good morning, beautiful" Benny replied, his voice warm and filled with tenderness. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "How did you sleep?"

Frida let out a sigh, a playful look in her eyes. "I didn't get much sleep, thanks to someone," she teased, nudging him gently.

Benny chuckled, his arm tightening around her. "I can't imagine who that might be."

"Oh, I think you have a pretty good idea," Frida replied, her tone mischievous as she traced circles on his chest with her finger.

Benny grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Well, if I remember correctly, you were a very willing participant."

Frida laughed softly, swatting his chest lightly. "Oh, really? I seem to recall someone being quite insistent."

Benny faked innocence, his expression playful. "Insistent? Me? I was just following your lead!"

Frida arched an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Sure, Benny... you're such a liar..." Her voice trailed as a smirk grew on her face.

"Another compliment Frida? You're full of those recently!" Benny said playfully tugging on her arm.

Frida propped herself up on one elbow, her fingers trailing lazily over Benny's chest. She felt the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips, a rhythm that made her feel safe and cherished. "So, what's the plan for today? We'll have to leave this bedroom at some point!!"

Benny raised an eyebrow, a playful look in his eye. "Well, I was thinking we could start with breakfast. Then maybe a walk..." He paused, his fingers brushing lightly over her arm, sending a shiver down her spine. "We can see where the day takes us."

Frida grinned, leaning down to kiss him. "I like the sound of that. But first, breakfast. I'm starving."

Benny laughed, sitting up and pulling her with him. "Alright, let's go see what we can find in the kitchen. But be warned, my culinary skills are limited to toast and coffee."

Frida's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Toast and coffee sound perfect."

They untangled themselves from the sheets and stood up, but as they reached for their clothes, Benny paused, his gaze lingering on Frida's body. "By the way," he said, his tone light and teasing, "you look stunning in that dress. But... you look even better out of it."

Frida threw her head back and laughed, shaking her head. "Are you crazy???? No, Benny. You're silly!"

"And you love it," Benny said, winking at her.

"Maybe I do," Frida replied, smiling as she reached for her dress. But before she could pull it over her head, Benny's hands were on her waist, stopping her.

"Wait," he whispered, his voice dropping to a low, intimate tone. "Before we get dressed... let's take a moment."

Frida's pulse quickened at the look in his eyes, a mixture of desire and affection. "What do you have in mind?" she asked, her voice soft.