"We played the perfect couple, never realizing we were just perfecting our lies."
Toni Topaz (pov)
After a long day at the site, I finally pulled into the driveway, the soft glow of the house lights cutting through the dark. It was good to be home. I stepped out of the car, rolling my shoulders to shake off the tension that had settled in.
I was tired, sure, but there was nothing like the feeling of walking through that door.
As soon as I stepped inside, the smell of something delicious hit me. Cheryl was at the stove, the warm kitchen light casting a golden hue over her.
I paused for a second, just taking her in, then shrugged off my coat and tossed it over a chair before heading over to her.
I slipped my arms around her waist from behind, pulling her close against me. God, she felt good—soft and warm, like she was made to fit right there. I couldn't help but smile as I leaned in, planting a few light kisses on the back of her neck.
Her skin was warm under my lips, and I felt her shiver just a little, the way she always did when I kissed her there.
She reached back and ran those long, red nails of hers over the back of my head, scratching gently. It felt like heaven after a long day.
TONI
I missed you, babe
Cheryl tilted her head slightly, giving me a little more access to her neck.
CHERYL
I missed you too
Her voice soft and warm, just like everything else about her.
Feeling bold, I tugged at her shirt, pulling it down slightly so I could kiss her shoulder and the top of her back. Her skin was smooth, and I felt her lean into me a bit.
But just as I was getting into it, she suddenly pulled away, pushing me back with a laugh.
CHERYL
I need to finish dinner
she said, glancing over her shoulder at me, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
TONI
Fine, fine
I grumbled, though I was smiling. Cheryl just laughed at me, a sound that always made me feel like everything was right in the world.
I made my way over to the living room, flopping down onto the couch and flipping on the TV. A game was on, so I settled in, letting the noise of the commentators fill the room while I waited for dinner.
It wasn't long before Cheryl called me to the table, and I joined her, the two of us chatting about our days as we ate. I told her about the latest issues on the site, and she listened, offering her thoughts here and there.
After dinner, I cleaned up the table and did the dishes while Cheryl headed upstairs to take a shower. I could hear the water running as I finished up in the kitchen, and when I finally went upstairs, I found her sitting on the edge of the tub.
She was wrapped in a robe, her hair wet and skin glowing as she rubbed lotion on her legs.
I stood there for a moment, just watching her. She looked so peaceful, so content, and I felt that familiar pull in my chest—the one that reminded me just how much I loved her.
Finally, I snapped out of it and started getting undressed, stepping into the shower to wash off the day. When I was done, I brushed my teeth and joined Cheryl in bed.
She was already lying down, her hair fanned out on the pillow, looking like she was ready to drift off.
I reached out to touch her, but she caught my hand, gently pushing it away.
CHERYL
I'm tired, babe
Her eyes were already half-closed.
I sighed, not really disappointed, just amused.
TONI
Alright
I said, rolling over and getting comfortable. Within minutes, Cheryl was asleep beside me, and I wasn't far behind, a sense of peace settling over me as I drifted off.
