Sealed with a kiss (WomanxWoman)

16

I woke up alone in a bed I didn't recognize. The sheets felt luxuriously soft, and a faint morning light filtered in through a small gap between the curtains. Slowly, memories of last night started to come back to me-each one flooding in, reminding me exactly where I was. I sat up, a hint of a smile crossing my face as I remembered our night together, full of passion and stolen whispers. We had only drifted off in the early hours of the morning, wrapped in each other's arms.

I looked around, searching for Charlotte, but there was no sign of her. With a sigh, I wrapped myself in a small, soft robe draped at the foot of the bed, letting it cling to my still-sleepy form. I found my phone and checked the time-6 a.m. Perfect. I had just enough time to get ready for work. My eyes wandered around the room, finally able to take it all in now that morning light softened the shadows. The room was stylishly decorated, with a sophisticated yet cozy charm that felt very "Charlotte."

I slipped out of bed, crossed the room, and opened the bedroom door, taking my time as I explored. Her house was enormous. Every corner seemed thoughtfully designed, like something straight out of a high-end magazine-immaculate, elegant, and with a touch of warmth hidden beneath the sleek surface. I finally found the bathroom and opened a drawer, discovering a brand-new toothbrush. Smiling to myself, I hoped Charlotte wouldn't mind my borrowing it. After brushing my teeth, I took a quick shower, reveling in the warmth of the water and the fresh towels I'd found in a closet. I felt like I was in a hotel suite.

After drying off and wrapping myself back in the robe, I made my way toward the kitchen. Again, everything was meticulously arranged. But as I opened the fridge, I was met with stark emptiness-no leftovers, no snacks, just a few bottles of water. I closed the fridge with a small laugh. Just then, I heard the front door open, and Charlotte appeared, holding two bags and two cups of coffee.

"Good morning, beautiful," she said with a radiant smile. "I had a feeling you'd be up by now. I brought breakfast."

She walked over and kissed me softly, her lips warm against mine. "Thank you. You didn't have to go to all this trouble," I murmured, smiling back as I gently touched her cheek.

"Nonsense," she said, brushing it off. "You haven't eaten since noon yesterday, and I wasn't exactly the best hostess last night."

I smirked, nudging her lightly. "You're right. But you were amazing in other ways," I winked, watching as her cheeks flushed with that adorable, embarrassed laugh she had. Seeing her like this was new, and it warmed my heart.

"I hope you don't mind," I said, motioning to the robe wrapped around me. "I kind of let myself feel at home. Oh, and I found a new toothbrush."

Charlotte's expression softened as she pulled me into a hug. "Of course I don't mind. Actually, I like it-having you here. I hadn't realized how much until now." She let out a little laugh. "Usually, I just get up, get ready, and leave for work."

I laughed too. "Yeah, I saw your fridge." Her cheeks went red again.

"Oh, that... yeah. I'm usually at work so much that cooking's barely on my radar. And, well, I didn't exactly expect company," she said with a smile.

I looked at her, feeling something shift between us. She was really trying. I could feel it, in the little things she did and didn't say. This was new for her too, and we were both stepping into it cautiously. But it was happening. We were officially together-even if it was a secret, it felt real, and it felt right.

After we finished breakfast (which was delicious, by the way), Charlotte drove us to work. Unlike the rushed and heated drive to her place last night, this morning was calm. We held hands, and she absentmindedly traced small circles on my palm with her thumb. We laughed, shared little jokes, and let the comfortable silence settle in between conversations.