best thing that's ever been mine - a Kaylor story

Chapter 41

It's early in the morning on Taylor's birthday and Karlie is already awake. Just for a moment, she considers rolling out of bed to feed the cats, but instead she pulls herself closer to Taylor and carefully wraps her free arm around her girlfriend, spooning her gently. Taylor is fast asleep, not even stirring once as Karlie puts her soft lips on Taylor's shoulder, giving her a gentle kiss.

It's only a couple of minutes past six, but Karlie knows she needs to get out of bed soon if she's going to avoid being late for her morning workout. Allowing herself to lie there for a couple more minutes, she relaxes and gazes lovingly at her sleeping girlfriend. The sound of Taylor's breathing is calming, peaceful, and it makes getting out of bed very difficult.

When the clock hits ten past six, she slowly untangles herself and gets out of bed. She picks up a robe from the chair next to the bed and puts it on while looking around the room. It's hard to believe it's already been a year since Taylor told her she wanted to go public. Just thinking of how far they've come in just one short year makes Karlie smile to herself as she makes her way to the bathroom to shower.

They arrived in Los Angeles only the night before. It was Karlie's idea to have Taylor's birthday party in LA, insisting it was the best place for it since most of their friends were already there. Karlie had to go there for work anyway, claiming she had an interview scheduled with an up-and-coming computer science magazine. In reality, there is no interview – she just really wants to be in LA for Taylor's birthday. She has a plan and the location is important.

Warm from the shower, Karlie walks back into the bedroom and smiles at the sight of Taylor lying sprawled out on the bed, on her back with one arm hanging off the side of the bed, the blanket only covering a portion of her naked body. Olivia has curled herself into a ball right by Taylor's hip and raises her head for a moment to stare at Karlie before she puts it back down on the mattress to snooze a little more.

She gets dressed in the dim light from the open bathroom door. When she finishes, she pulls her hair back in a tight bun before sitting down on the side of the bed. She drags her fingers up Taylor's side, from her hip all the way to her shoulder, before she taps her lightly on the arm. "Babe," she says, "Taylor, wake up." The words singsong sweetly out of her and eventually Taylor stirs, grunting softly.

"What?" Taylor mumbles and turns over on her side, facing Karlie.

Karlie chuckles softly and strokes Taylor's hair. "Good morning, sweetheart, and happy birthday." She leans in and puts her soft lips on Taylor's, giving her a tender kiss.

"What time is it?"

"It's almost seven. You don't have to get up but I have to go and I wanted to say hi before I go."

"Hi," Taylor whispers and smiles contentedly, her fingers brushing lightly across Karlie's arm. "Are you really going to be at work all day and leave me all alone on my birthday?" She puts on a playful pout that makes Karlie laugh.

"You won't be alone all day, silly. Last thing I heard, you were spending the day with Lily and Dixie. Besides, I'll see you tonight for the party. I'll be home early enough to decorate the house."

"I know, I'm just teasing you," Taylor purrs happily.

"I should go," Karlie says, "don't want to be late."

"Can you feed the cats before you go?"

"I will." She leans in for another kiss before she gets up and walks to the door. Looking back, she sees that Taylor has already turned around and closed her eyes. "I'll see you tonight. I love you."

"Love you too," Taylor mumbles back without opening her eyes again. "Leave the door open for the cats."

Karlie chuckles to herself and does as she's told, leaving the sleeping, quiet house a few minutes later.