Teaching | Eddie Munson

The Afterglow

The first thing Victoria noticed as she woke was the gentle warmth radiating from Eddie's body next to hers. His arm lay comfortably across her waist, heavy yet reassuring, while their legs were tangled together beneath the blanket, as though they were trying to fuse into one. She let herself bask in the sensation of his skin against hers, the soft rise and fall of his breathing.

Carefully, she shifted, just enough to turn toward him, her movements slow and quiet so as not to disturb his peaceful sleep. His curls were an unruly mess, falling across his forehead and brushing against his closed eyelids. Her heart fluttered at the sight of him—so relaxed, so unguarded, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy he usually carried. With delicate fingertips, she gently pushed the stray strands away, letting her touch linger.

The memories of the previous night came rushing back in vivid detail, flooding her mind with warmth—the heat of his touch, the breathless laughter, all their whispers, and the way his hands had explored her, as if he was trying to remember every inch of her body. Nestling deeper into the crook of his shoulder, she rested her head on his chest, the familiar scent of him wrapping around her as she listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Eddie stirred beside her, bringing her back to reality. His arm tightened around her waist in a sleepy but possessive pull, drawing her closer. A quiet, content groan escaped him as his eyes fluttered open, blinking slowly as they adjusted to the soft morning light until they finally met hers. A lazy, crooked smile crept onto his lips, the kind that spoke of deep comfort and pure contentment.

"Morning." She whispered.

"Morning." He murmured, his voice rough with sleep as he rubbed his eyes. "You're up early. Couldn't resist watching me sleep, huh?"

Victoria's lips curved into a smirk. "Well, someone has to keep an eye on you." She teased, her fingers tracing a slow circle on his chest. "You look like trouble even when you're asleep."

His laugh was soft and low, rumbling through his chest. "Oh, I'm definitely trouble." He replied, tightening his hold around her. "And you knew that when you decided to stay." He slid his hand up to rest between her shoulder blades, his touch lazy and warm. "Though I think you kind of like it."

"Like it? Please..." she scoffed playfully, rolling her eyes. "I'm just here for the cozy bed and maybe some free breakfast if I'm lucky."

"Just the cozy bed, huh?" His eyebrow arched as a teasing grin spread across his lips. "Because from what I recall, you seemed pretty... vocal about liking a lot more than just the mattress last night." He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Especially when you kept saying my name—over and over." The smug, teasing tone in his voice was unmistakable, and his fingers slid down her back.

"Eddie!" she exclaimed, a mixture of embarrassment and amusement flooding her cheeks as she playfully swatted his chest. The recollection of their night sent a spark of heat rushing through her, however she tried to hide it.

"Yeah, that's pretty much how it went." He replied with a soft chuckle, leaning back just enough to gauge her reaction. A glimmer of satisfaction danced in his eyes as he reveled in the effect he had on her.

"You are such an—ugh!" She shook her head, unable to suppress the blush creeping up her face.

"Admit it—you wouldn't want me any other way." His gaze softened slightly, as he reached to her shoulder with his free hand, his thumb brushing over her skin.

She tried to maintain a defiant expression, but a smile broke through as she couldn't fight it anymore.

"You're impossible, Munson." She said, shaking her head.