Not So Friendly Anymore

Chapter 20: A Hot Day

Peter stirred awake to the dim glow of morning light filtering through the heavy curtains of Sable's room. For a brief moment, he simply lay there, savoring the weight of her body resting against his chest, her steady, rhythmic breaths tickling his skin. Her silver hair was tousled, fanning out over his shoulder, and her face was relaxed, a rare, peaceful expression softening her sharp features. She looked so serene, so vulnerable, and it sent a warm ache through his chest.

He gazed down at her, his hand instinctively brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. His thoughts wandered as he watched her sleep, his heart swelling with an overwhelming mix of emotions. 'How did I get so lucky?' he wondered. After everything he had been through, loss, heartbreak, betrayal, he never thought he'd feel this kind of joy again. Sable was unlike anyone he had ever known: fierce, intelligent, loyal, and so deeply passionate. She saw him for who he truly was, flaws and all, and still chose to love him.

'I've been through hell,' he thought, his fingers lightly grazing her back as she shifted slightly against him. 'But somehow, I came out of it with her. She makes me feel alive, like I can finally start over. Like I'm not the broken mess I thought I was.'

The corners of his mouth tugged upward as he watched her stir slightly, letting out a soft murmur before settling back into sleep. He felt a pang of guilt at the thought of leaving her, but there were things he needed to handle at the company. Still, he couldn't resist leaning down to press a featherlight kiss to her temple before carefully untangling himself from her embrace.

Peter moved with practiced precision, ensuring he didn't disturb her as he slid out of bed and grabbed his clothes. Once dressed, he cast one last affectionate glance at her sleeping form, his heart twisting at how peaceful she looked. 'I'll make this up to you later,' he silently promised before slipping out of the room and heading to the kitchen.

In the quiet of the embassy's kitchen, Peter went about making breakfast. He wasn't the world's greatest cook, but he knew his way around simple dishes. He prepared eggs, toast, and fresh fruit, making sure to plate everything neatly. As he worked, he thought about all the little moments with Sable that had led them here, the stolen glances, the playful banter, the raw vulnerability they'd shared.

Once he finished, he grabbed a notepad and pen, scribbling down a note in his neat handwriting:

'Good morning, love. I had to get back to Parker Industries, but I didn't want you to wake up without breakfast. Come visit when you can, I'll be waiting. I love you.'

Peter placed the note beside the plate of food and set everything on the bedside table next to her. He hesitated for a moment, watching her sleep one last time, before bending down and pressing a lingering kiss to her cheek.

"Love you," he whispered softly, his voice barely audible.

Straightening up, Peter took a deep breath and left the room, his mind already drifting to the day ahead, but his heart remained firmly tethered to the woman still asleep in the room behind him.

Peter made his way back to the guest room, carefully closing the door behind him to avoid waking Sable. As he glanced at the neatly folded clothes he'd laid out the night before, he smirked. Sable had always teased him about his penchant for looking sharp, even on casual days. But today wasn't about practicality, it was about making an impression.

He slipped on the sleek black V-neck sweater, its fabric hugging his frame comfortably without being too tight. Next came the fitted black trousers, perfectly tailored to his lean build. He paused to adjust the waistband, smoothing out any creases. Sliding into his polished black leather shoes, he gave them a quick shine with a nearby cloth before moving on to the finishing touches.