𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑋𝑜𝑛𝑒

𝑋𝐿𝐼𝑉

That night, I closed my eyes with a heart full of anticipation, knowing that I had told Mariah many times that all I wanted for my birthday was something intimate, something quiet, just the two of us. I didn't need a big party, didn't want any extravagant celebrations. All I hoped for was a peaceful day, a day where I could be fully present with her, away from the spotlight.

As I drifted off to sleep, my mind wandered to the idea of waking up next to her in the morning. Maybe we'd go to my happy place, the beach. It was where I always felt at peace, where I could forget about the world and just breathe. That's what I truly hoped for, a simple, perfect day with Mariah.

The thought of us, just being together, made me smile as I finally succumbed to sleep, eagerly awaiting the morning. In the morning, I woke up to an empty bed, the side where Mariah usually slept untouched. A wave of disappointment washed over me, but I quickly tried to push it away. Maybe she was just getting something ready for me, maybe she had something planned. But the silence in the room felt louder than usual.

I forced myself to go through my usual morning routine. Brushing my teeth, freshening up in the bathroom, simple tasks meant to keep my mind occupied. But every few minutes, my phone rang. I knew it was everyone calling to wish me a happy birthday, family, friends, the occasional colleague, but with each call, I felt a little further from the quiet, intimate day I had been hoping for.

I smiled through it, answering the calls, exchanging pleasantries, but all I could think about was where Mariah was. Why hadn't she woken me up? Was she planning something? The uncertainty gnawed at me, but I tried to shake it off, telling myself that I had to be patient, that she would come through in her own way. I just hoped she hadn't forgotten what I wanted for today.

I went downstairs in my PJs, still trying to shake the lingering thoughts of how the morning had unfolded. I half expected Mariah to be in the kitchen with Tod, and as I stepped closer, I could smell something delicious cooking. When I entered, I was taken aback by the sight of her.

She was exactly how she was when she went to bed, nothing but a T-shirt and a tiny thong. Her hair was tussled but somehow still perfect, every strand in place like she was made for me. The morning sun kissed her skin, casting a warm glow that made her look like she belonged in a dream. I couldn't help but stop for a moment, just taking her in.

She was busy preparing a plate of food, and as she looked up at me, her face lit up with a bright smile. "Good morning, birthday girl," she sang, her voice warm and sweet.

I couldn't help but smile in return. Walking around the kitchen island, I stood beside her, wrapping my arm around her waist.

"Good morning," I whispered, my eyes still on the plate she was preparing. It was exactly what I loved for breakfast, an omelette with all my favorite ingredients, grits, and sausage.

"You're a good listener," I said softly. "I told you what I liked for breakfast a long time ago."

She chuckled, looking at me with a smile that made my heart flutter. "I know, and I've been waiting for a special day to surprise you with the perfect breakfast. I told Tod I'd take over for breakfast today. Happy birthday."

I melted at her thoughtfulness. "Aww, thank you, baby," I said, leaning in to kiss the sensitive crook of her neck, inhaling her familiar scent that I had come to love so much. It was comforting, like home.

Mariah leaned into my touch, and for a moment, everything else faded away. It was just us, in this perfect little moment, and I couldn't help but feel like the luckiest person in the world.

I gave her butt a playful spank, grinning as I quickly dashed around the counter island. I could hear her surprised gasp, and when I looked behind me, I caught the gleam of her smile. I ran with a taunting look, enjoying every second of it.