How Paris Changed My Life

17

"Darling, wake up," a soft voice broke through the haze of sleep. I sighed and stirred, the warmth of the bed cocooning me in reluctant comfort.

"Already?" I muttered, still half in the grip of dreams.

"Yes, we have school," James replied, his tone carrying a mix of urgency and amusement. He nudged me gently, coaxing me out of the comforting embrace of sleep. I reluctantly peeled myself from the bed, my mind already processing the responsibilities of the day ahead.

"Is it seven o'clock already?" I asked, my voice thick with sleep as I glanced at the clock on the nightstand.

"Yes, it is. You fell asleep almost immediately after our laps," James said, a hint of laughter in his voice. "Now let's get moving. We still have to cycle to school."

I groaned, the reality of the morning setting in. "I don't have a bike," I confessed with a frown.

"You can learn to ride a bike from my sister," James suggested, his tone light-hearted but practical.

"Ugh," I responded, dragging myself out of bed and reaching for my clothes. As I dressed, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of how James always managed to find a solution to every problem, no matter how minor.

"Wait for me," I called as I headed for the door.

"You already had time," he teased, winking at me before I opened the door. I made my way downstairs, the scent of breakfast wafting through the house.

"Good morning," I greeted as I walked into the kitchen, where the table had already been set for breakfast. James followed me down the stairs but almost stumbled on the last step. I laughed at his clumsy entrance, finding amusement in his morning struggles.

"Good morning too, son," James's mother called out from the kitchen, her voice warm and welcoming.

Breakfast was a quiet affair, punctuated by occasional snippets of conversation. As we finished our meal, I made my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth. James followed me, handing me a toothbrush with a smile.

"Here," he said, offering the brush with a gesture that was both casual and intimate.

"Thank you," I replied, taking the toothbrush and beginning my morning routine.

"Aren't you afraid of going to school?" James asked, peering at me through the mirror.

"No, not at all. I'm not even afraid of Aiden," I said with a smile. Aiden was known for his intimidating presence, but his reputation didn't bother me.

James's face lit up with a grin at my response. "Well, I'm glad to hear that."

I rinsed my mouth and handed back the toothbrush. James placed it on the sink, his gaze lingering on me. Before I could leave the bathroom, he moved with a swift, playful gesture. He grabbed me by the hips, lifting me effortlessly and setting me down on the edge of the sink. Standing between my legs, he looked into my eyes.

"I love you," he said, his voice filled with genuine affection. He leaned in and kissed me, a kiss that was tender and full of promise. I kissed him back, my heart swelling with warmth.

"I love you more, baby," I replied with a laugh, the intimacy of the moment deepening our connection.

"Now we need to get ready," he said, nodding with a sense of urgency. I slid off the sink and headed toward the bedroom to collect my backpack.

As I retrieved my things, James went to the garage to fetch his bike. When he returned, he pointed to a black bicycle. "That's Emma's," he said, referring to his sister's bike. "You can use it."