noun ~ a private romantic rendezvous between lovers

CHARLIE

Today was the day.

I woke before my alarm, too excited to dilly-dally. I know, right? Me, waking willingly before my alarm on my day off. Madness.

Why?

Oh, why you ask?

Today was the day.

Calida and I had a date day.

Usually, the movie nights were every Thursday, but last week I proposed a date day. The only time we could have wiggle-room with was today, so I was going to make the most of it. Nova and Phoenix would be busy gallivanting in the woods for a few hours later, and Sean would be babysitting. Pollux wasn't here, and Leo and Molly were still grouchy at each other.

It was the perfect time to have a perfect day.

I showered and dressed in a button-down shirt and jeans before combing back my hair. I spritzed a small amount of cologne before admiring myself in the mirror.

Yeah, I'd do me.

Shooting myself a sly wink in the mirror, I left my room and ran down the stairs.

Oh yeah, did I forget to tell you? Phoenix finally gave me his old suite! Yes! More madness!

After he and Nova moved out, Pollux took over, but apparently he didn't like it, so moved to one of those lame cabins. With little persuasion, Phoenix gifted it to me. Not only did I have a shiny new car in the garage, but a penthouse to go with it.

Things were looking up! Just need to score the perfect date!

"You look chirpy for an early start, Beta Charlie."

I spun around on my heel, coming face to face with Kelsey. Grinning at her, I smoothed my hands down my shirt.

"And I also look...?"

Her eyes flickered down to my attire, cocking her head as she chewed on an apple. "Appeasing."

"I'll take it." I grinned.

Kelsey smirked before wishing me well and leaving. I entered the dining room with a wide grin. First, breakfast. Squeezing myself between the breakfast chefs, I eyed what they were making. Most of them ignored me, letting me pick what I wanted, but a few grunted at me.

With a tray full of goods, I placed it on the side and moved to grab some coffee and orange juice. Oh, wait, cutlery! I can't forget that, or napkins. I don't think Calida will appreciate runny eggs on her sheets.

A mere twenty minutes later, I was done and left the kitchen with a broad grin. The doors swung shut behind me as I wandered into the foyer. I passed a sideboard and backtracked to grab one of the fresh flowers out of the vase, courtesy of Nova.

Thank you, Nova.

Snickering, I carefully carried the tray of yumminess towards Calida's room. She should wake up soon, her natural body clock rising her at eight-thirty. I was five minutes early, so I may get a grumble.

Balancing the tray in one hand, I knocked thrice on her door. A soft grunt of a 'go away' filtered through the wood and I laughed softly.

"No way, you said we have a date day." I mused.

I heard shuffling, the tapping of her phone before a heavy sigh.

"Charlie, it is eight in the morning. I am not leaving without a cup of coffee." She grumbled.

"That's great news!" I beamed.

"Why is it?" She huffed.

"Can I come in?"

Calida hesitated, and I cocked my head as I heard her leave her bed. Her footsteps grew closer, and I stared at where her head would soon appear. The door clicked before the handle turned and her groggy morning hair greeted me.

"Morning!" I chirped.

"What are you..."

She had drifted off as she noticed the tray of things in my hand. I covered the dishes with lids so she wouldn't actually know what was inside, but I knew she locked onto the coffee before anything else.

"What's this?"

"Breakfast for two." I grinned.

Brown eyes lifted to mine, eyebrows creasing with concern. "For us?"

"No, for next door." I rolled my eyes. "Gee, this tray is sure getting heavy..."

Calida rolled her eyes and stepped aside, but her lips quirked as I passed her. Ha! She thought I was funny. I placed the tray on the foot of her bed and turned to her expectantly. Her eyebrows rose, and she perched on the edge of her bed. Shaking my head, I pointed to the pillows.

"Under the duvet." I demanded, and she narrowed her eyes.

She didn't complain though, eagerly climbing back into the sheets. It was then I realised what she was wearing. As she hiked her knee up onto the hip-high mattress, it revealed the smooth skin of her bottom. Shit, why was she wearing a nightie so small?

"What about you?" She wondered.

Holding back a groan, I raised my eyes to meet hers. There was a mischievous glint to them, and I narrowed my eyes at her when I realised this was exactly what she was planning.

"What about me?" I smirked. "Now, allow me to reveal your amazing breakfast in bed."

I lifted the lids off both plates, and Calida's eyes dropped to the dish. They had been wide and curious, and at the food revelation dropped into a gentle sloping smile.

"Full-English?"

"Minus the black pudding." I cocked my head. "As you like."

She grinned. "Charlie... Did you make them make you this?"

"Perhaps." I shrugged. "I have planned this day for a while now."

She shook her head as I slid the tray closer to her and passed her some cutlery. Setting it on her thighs, it wobbled slightly and her hands snapped to catch it.

"I swear to the Goddess if this thing tips and beans and coffee go on my bed-

"It won't tip." I reassured her.

"It sure looks like it's going to tip!" she huffed.

My eyes creased, amused at her. Leaning closer, my hands brushed against hers on the tray before dipping beneath. Taking hold of the little legs, I pulled and snapped them into place. Calida's stressed out face softened, a soft hum vibrating her chest. She looked up at me, mere inches away, and I grinned rather cockily at her.

"Told you it won't tip." I mused.

"Yeah, yeah."

"May I get a morning kiss?" I wondered.

Calida hesitated, but I didn't move, allowing her the control. Since the passionate kiss we shared a mere two weeks ago, she had kissed me eight times. Not that I was counting... They had not been as passionate, mere pecks of greeting or gratitude. I appreciated every single one.

So, when her lips caressed mine for a fleeting moment, I couldn't help but grin. It was enough. It always was.

"Why thank you." I mused, leaning back.

Calida rolled her eyes, a gentle heat covering her tan cheeks. As we ate, I took the time to appraise her. There was something about seeing her so fresh that made my stomach feel fluttery. Is this what the girls mean when they say they have butterflies? I felt like I needed to fart...

My eyebrows creased, and with a sneaky lift of the hip, I let one rip. The stomach curls immediately lessened, and I sighed with satisfaction. But I was not so lucky, because she fixated her furious glare right on me.

"Did you just fart?"

"W-what? Me? No!"

She pointed her fork at my groin, a poor stabbed sausage on the end.. "You lifted your hip."

"I was just getting comfortable."

"Well, I can smell something and it definitely isn't the eggs." She cocked her head.

I chuckled, knowing she had caught me. She turned the fork back to herself and slowly sank her teeth into the tip of the sausage. I winced slightly, and she smirked, chewing comfortably before sipping at her coffee.

As I was saying, Calida in the morning was a fresh sight. Her usual styled dark hair was always frizzy and full of volume. I assumed she did not sleep still, tossing and turning to the point she created that much static in her hair. I feared if I touched her, I would feel the electricity.

Calida's eyes were free of puffiness, warm and content from her night of rest. Her face was bare of makeup or product, her lashes long and caressing her cheeks every time she blinked. Her delicate hands, with skin so soft from sleep I could hold them all day. But the nightie... Now that was strategic.

She wanted a rise out of me. She wanted to catch me off guard.

But ha! Jokes on her. I am the master of restraint.

After a simple breakfast of light conversation, Calida rose from her bed and stretched. I couldn't help but let my eyes wander as she rose her arms up. The hem of her dress skimmed the gentle curve of her ass, revealing those tan, juicy thighs I wanted to bite. My mate seemed to tease me, showing me what I couldn't have. She was getting bold, and I loved it.

"So, what are the plans today?" She wondered, turning back to me.

I was grinning like a mad-man, but shrugged indifferently. "I am not telling you."

"That's no fun."

"Oh, it is all the fun." I hummed. "Now, go get ready and meet me on my stairs in half an hour."

"I only get half an hour?" Her eyes widened.

I stood, slowly moving toward her. She watched me with those doe-like eyes, and didn't move away when I wrapped my hands around the curve of her waist. I squeezed her soft skin, enjoying how I could just take handfuls of her and eat it.

I just wanted to bite her all over. Is that weird?

Probably.

"You don't need make-up, or fancy hair."

"Why?"

"Because I think you are beautiful either way, and using it just lessens the time we have together." I explained.

She huffed, hiding her blush. "Charlie..."

"Calida..." I sang back, teasing her.

Her eyes narrowed, and I chuckled, bending down to kiss her forehead. "My room. Forty minutes."

Stepping away without another word, I grabbed the tray of food and left. I didn't look back, didn't pressure her into anything else. Leaving her to her own devices so she can plan to annoy me later. I knew Calida and me leaving so abruptly would have her sprout some choice words my way. Which I was looking forward to.

I hummed softly as I took the tray to the kitchen. The chefs were no longer cooking and were helping the other staff clean up. I moved to a space by the sink, ready to clean the dishes, but one chef tutted at me and took it away.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, now out of my kitchen!"

"Sure thing!" I grinned, thanking them.

Seeking the nearest bathroom, I relieved myself before checking my appearance in the mirror. Still looked handsome as hell.

Leaving with a pep in my step, I ran back to my bedroom. I had my supplies in here and had approximately half an hour to sort everything out.

Opening the tub, I grinned down at my supplies. Time to turn my outstanding pad into something that will take her breath away. I had already started yesterday, but it needed the finishing touches.

On the top of the box lay the itinerary:

Wake up at seven.

Breakfast in bed.

Ready the rest of the bedroom; lay flowers, confetti, hang the curtain, diffusers, blankets, pillows, make a fort, get crafts ready.

Wait for Calida. Put on Harry Potter 1.

Monopoly.

21 questions.

Harry Potter 2 and cuddle in the fort.

Walk in the gardens, if raining, drag her out screaming. Make sure they set the dining table in our room whilst we're gone; link Leila.

Picnic Lunch

Harry Potter 3.

Craft idea.

Pin the tail on Phoenix. Ha!

Dinner in our room.

Cuddles and Harry Potter 4.

Intense talk about feelings.

A kiss goodnight and the promise ring.

I think it was a pretty plausible itinerary, didn't you?