"You... I'm awake."
Miriam whispered in my ear, nibbling softly in a way she had never done before.
"If you don't wake up, I might have to steal a kiss."
It sounded gentle in theory, but in practice it was harder. As soon as I felt her teeth brushing my ear, I made a noise, still half asleep. It was only when I remembered that I hadn't brushed my teeth that I actually woke up.
"I'm awake now. You can't steal a kiss."
I replied and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, playfully. Miriam smiled, obviously amused, and leaned in, but I sat up before she could start round two.
"I need to make you breakfast."
"Let's take a bath together."
"Ha!"
I glanced at her with a smile. My shy little Miriam was now this affectionate and cute one who clung to me like a little monkey.
"We would take a bath together, you know? Aren't you shy anymore?"
"As long as you’re there with me, it’s okay."
"It won’t happen."
"Why does the one who likes to steal kisses suddenly keep saying no?"
"Because if we take a shower together, not only will you skip breakfast, but you’ll also be too tired to work. And I told you last night, no more hot times."
I turned to face her, enjoying her sullen look.
"This is my revenge."
"You’re very good at this."
"Of course."
"Good at torturing yourself. Okay, if you can resist, so can I."
Miriam pouted as she walked into the bathroom, stomping adorably. I watched her with a look of longing, unable to stop smiling.
I want her so much... why are we torturing ourselves like this?
"God! Come here!"
Her scream from the bathroom froze me, and I ran to her, startled.
"What’s wrong?"
"Lizard."
"Huh?"
"There’s a lizard in our bathroom!"
The little girl pointed to the wall near the door, wearing minimal clothing, just a t-shirt barely covering her, which, from my angle, left her legs completely visible.
"Did you scream because of a lizard?"
I barely glanced at the lizard, too busy staring at her bare legs. Miriam smiled a little, as if she was teasing me, as if she had won.
"I'm not afraid of the lizard. I just wanted you to see..."
"..."
"...the lizard. Whoa, what are you looking at? Haven't you ever seen someone without clothes?"
"Well, I have. I'm just surprised at how carefree you seem today. You're barely covering yourself."
"Why bother when you've already seen everything?"
Miriam shrugged casually, turning her back to me as she pulled her shirt over her head, baring herself completely. I couldn't help but stare at her beautiful, bare back, and she must have noticed me watching.
"What are you looking at? Get out, I'm going to... hey!"
"You're terrible."
I couldn't resist putting an arm around her from behind, kissing her bare shoulder.
