Our different worlds

The 'B' in Beaumont is for Bold

The sunlight broke through the window, warming my face. Still half-asleep, I burrowed deeper under the blanket, savoring the cozy warmth until I heard a soft chuckle nearby. Startled, I opened my eyes and found Alex's face mere inches from mine, his eyes focused intently on me. I realized then that I was wrapped up in his arms, close enough to feel his steady breathing. My heart raced, and I instinctively pulled the covers over my face, trying to hide my embarrassment.

"Good morning," he teased, tugging lightly at the blanket. "Come on, let me see your face again."

"Why?" I mumbled, still hidden.

"Because you're beautiful." His voice was gentle, so sincere that I felt my cheeks burn instantly.

I peeked out from the blanket, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why are you being... weird?"

He feigned innocence, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Weird? I don't know what you're talking about."

He climbed out of bed, and the sudden absence of his warmth made the room feel a bit colder. "Do you like bacon and eggs?" he asked, rummaging in a drawer before pulling out a sweater.

I nodded as he tossed it my way. "Here, you can wear this," he said. "Should help with the chill."

I slid into the oversized sweater, which smelled like him-a mix of soap and something uniquely Alex. The sleeves fell past my hands, and I felt an involuntary smile creep onto my face. The sight of him moving confidently around the kitchen, focused on making breakfast, made my heart flutter. He seemed at ease, humming quietly to himself, and I was happy just watching him.

He must've sensed it because, without even turning around, he called out, "Why are you smiling?"

I paused, caught off guard. "Oh, I was just thinking... " I said with a playful grin,

He chuckled softly and set a plate of eggs and bacon on the table in front of me. "Actually, I've been thinking about a lot this morning," he said, leaning against the counter, arms crossed, waiting for me to take a bite.

I picked up my fork and dug in, barely tasting the food as I kept sneaking glances at him. "It's good," I mumbled through a mouthful, embarrassed when he let out a laugh.

"You're cute when you're eating" he said, catching me off guard with the word cute. I choked slightly, blushing furiously as I scrambled to reach for a glass of water.

"Oh, did you need this?" he asked, a mischievous smirk on his face as he took the glass and held it just out of my reach.

"Alex," I warned, narrowing my eyes. "Please. Just give me the water."

He grinned wider. "You're cute when you're angry, too."

"Alex Beaumont, if you don't stop with that flirty way of yours..." I leveled a glare at him, voice stern but laced with a smile. "I will actually kill you."

He laughed, feigning terror as he lowered the glass into my hands. "Oh no, not actual murder!" He pretended to cower before giving in, still clearly amused. "Fine, fine, here you go. Don't say I didn't help you hydrate."

Rolling my eyes, I took a sip of the water, trying to steady my breathing. The way he was looking at me now, with that lopsided grin and sparkling eyes, was maddening. And the fact that I was wearing his sweater only made things more intense.

"You know," he murmured, his gaze drifting over me from head to toe, "you look pretty good in my sweater."

"Oh, do I?" I asked, trying to sound casual as my heart raced, warmth spreading through me despite the cool morning air.