Bitten

Chapter 18

I wake up to the soothing sound of Peter's breathing and his arm around my waist.  I realize that I need to get up and prepare for work because I'm working a day shift, but I can't bring myself to break our embrace.

I try to raise his arm off of me and he flinches. Great.

"What? What happened?" Peter shoots up in the bed.

"Babe, go back to sleep. I have to go shower for work."

"No. You're not going to work."

"Uhm, yes I am," I laugh.

"No, baby, I'm serious. I've already called in for you. I did it last night. I have plans for us today, and you're not getting out of it. End of story," he wraps his arms around me and pulls me back to bed.

"This is the most I've ever heard you talk this early in the morning," I giggle.

•••

After waking up an hour later, I walk into the kitchen to find my handsome super hero cooking me breakfast.

"Good morning. I almost had Micco come in there and lick you until you woke up but decided against it," he smiles.

"I love the name Micco."

He smiles. "I'm glad. So did I. Do you remember that snow cone place next to our elementary school?"

"Yes! Micco's!"

"Yes! Well, I was riding by there the other day and thought it would be cute for a dog, and then I got the idea of getting one from the pound.  The woman said he's a retriever lab mix.  I love his black coat."

"Thank you so much," I say and stand on my tippy toes to give him a kiss.

"I'm really glad you like him. I was scared you'd be mad."

"Of course not. Just as long as we can make this work, because I can't care for him if I'm at work and he is here alone. Or if I go to England."

When I say that last word, he drops his head.

"I'm sorry. Touchy subject."

"No, no. It's fine. I'm just still not used to that thought."

"Yeah, I guess."

"You guess?"

"I guess. I mean, I'm not going to be discouraged if I decide to go, because this is what I've worked for my whole life."

"But you're my whole life.  There is no Peter without Gwen. There is a Spider-Man but no Peter."

"You have to decide on something."

"What does that even mean?"

"Nothing. Never mind. I don't want to fight."

"Yes, no fighting. I have a day planned for us. And don't ask because it's a secret and I'm not telling you," he says. "Go put on some shorts that make this pop out," he says and rubs my bottom, "and wear a tank top. We'll be outside most of the day."