The Arrangement

35

As the first light of morning streams through the windows, Maya and Carina wake up to the gentle sounds of the city outside. They stretch and yawn, still feeling the cozy afterglow of their evening. Maya, with a contented smile, pulls Carina close for a lazy morning snuggle.

"Good morning, beautiful," Maya murmurs, her voice soft and sleepy.

Carina kisses Maya's cheek and stretches. "Good morning! Ready for a cozy breakfast?"

They both make their way to the kitchen, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. Carina has already laid out a simple yet delicious breakfast spread on the counter: fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and a selection of fresh fruit.

As they sit down at the table, Carina starts to discuss their plans for the weekend. "So, here's the schedule," she begins, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Today, we're going to start by taking down all the Fall and Thanksgiving decorations. I know it's a bit of a task, but it'll make room for our Christmas stuff."

Maya nods, taking a sip of her coffee. "Sounds like a plan. I'm happy to help with the decorations. What's next?"

Carina continues with a smile, "Tomorrow, we'll head out to the tree farm. I'm really excited about picking out the trees. I think it will be a lot of fun. And on Sunday, we'll start decorating everything."

Maya looks intrigued. "And what about the decorations? Do we have everything we need?"

Carina grins, "I've already ordered a bunch of Christmas decorations online, but I also want to visit a few stores to see what they have on sale. Sometimes you find the best stuff in person."

Maya laughs softly. "I can't wait to see what you've picked out and what we'll find in the stores. It's going to be a busy but fun weekend."

Carina agrees, her excitement palpable. "Absolutely. I want our home to feel magical for the holidays. Plus, it's going to be great spending so much time together."

As Maya and Carina start picking up the Fall decorations and packing them away, they're working side by side, chatting and laughing. Carina hums along to the holiday tunes playing softly in the background, while Maya organizes and sorts through the boxes of decorations.

Maya, catching a glimpse of Carina's determined and focused expression, seizes the opportunity to make a playful request. "Hey, I've been thinking," Maya says with a mischievous glint in her eye, "how about we make tonight a little more special? We can have a relaxing evening in the hot tub. I'll make sure to set everything up, and we can unwind after a productive day."

Carina looks up from the pile of decorations and raises an eyebrow. "A hot tub night sounds tempting. But what's in it for me?"

Maya grins, leaning in closer. "Well, I know you have that little something you do that I absolutely love. It could be our special evening together after a long day."

Carina's eyes sparkle with amusement. "You're always trying to get me to spoil you, aren't you?"

Maya chuckles softly. "Guilty as charged. But it's our way of making the most of the weekend and having some fun."

Carina playfully rolls her eyes but can't hide her smile. "Alright, you've convinced me. Hot tub it is. And I'll make sure to bring my A-game."

Maya gives her a teasing wink. "Perfect! I'll get everything ready and make sure the hot tub is at the perfect temperature."

As the evening progresses, Maya and Carina luxuriate in the hot tub, the steam mingling with their laughter and conversation. The cold night air contrasts sharply with the warmth of the bubbling water, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Carina leans back against the tub's edge, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she outlines her plans for their Christmas decorations.