The morning sun spilled through the half-open curtains, soft golden light painting lazy patterns across the sheets. Nilla stirred first, her eyes fluttering open to find herself nestled against warmth—solid, steady, and very much real.
Theo.
His arm was draped over her waist, hand resting lightly against her bare stomach. His breathing was even, lips slightly parted as he slept. The usual calm professionalism on his face had melted away in sleep, replaced by a peace she'd never seen on him before.
For a moment, she simply watched him, allowing herself the indulgence. Her fingers itched to trace the line of his jaw, to press a kiss to his collarbone. But instead, she whispered, "You look stupidly handsome like this. It's unfair."
A lazy smile tugged at his lips. "That's the second time you've insulted me and called me handsome in the same sentence."
She gasped. "You were awake!"
"One doesn't survive a corporate battlefield without mastering the art of pretending to be asleep," he murmured, eyes still closed.
She laughed softly and rolled her eyes, snuggling closer. "I should've known."
Theo finally opened his eyes and shifted onto his side to face her fully. "Good morning," he said, his voice rough and low with sleep.
"Good morning," she echoed.
For a moment, they just lay there, silence settling comfortably between them.
Then Theo raised an eyebrow. "So… should we talk about last night?"
Nilla groaned and covered her face with a pillow. "Do we have to talk-talk about it?"
"Well, I was just going to say it was amazing and you're amazing and—" He gently pried the pillow away. "—also, your neighbor now thinks I'm either murdering you or you're starring in an indie film with very loud sound effects."
Nilla flushed crimson. "Oh my god. Why would you say that?"
"Because I think it's cute when you blush. And because he handed me a muffin when I left your apartment last week and said, 'Don't forget to stay hydrated.' I think he's invested in our relationship now."
She covered her face again, laughing into the sheets. "I am never facing him again."
"Good news," Theo said, leaning closer and pressing a kiss to her shoulder, "You won't have to—because I'm kidnapping you today. Breakfast. My place. Pajamas optional."
She peeked out from the blanket. "What if I want to wear your shirt from last night?"
His grin deepened. "Then you'd be fulfilling every fantasy I've ever had."
They eventually untangled from the sheets, both a little sore, both a little shy, and both smiling more than either dared admit. Nilla looked over her shoulder as she slipped into the bathroom. "Theo?"
"Yeah?"
"I think I'm ready."
"For breakfast?" he teased.
"No." She smiled softly. "For more."
He didn't need to ask what that meant. He just nodded, heart hammering.
"Good," he said. "Me too."