Marcus

Yesterday was like a dream. Melanie and I spent the entire day together, immersed in each other's company. I only left her side for a short while to grab some essentials from my place—pyjamas, clothes, toiletries. As I walked through the familiar corridors of my home, the thought of returning to Melanie made my heart race. I couldn't believe my ears when she suggested I stay the night.

Melanie wants to take things slow, and I respect that. In fact, I'm starting to enjoy the unhurried pace. We're spending so much quality time together, getting to know each other on a different level. It's refreshing. So, despite my growing desire, I don't mind taking it slow. Really. But seeing her in those soft pajamas, lying in bed beside her, holding her in my arms – it's the greatest and the most challenging thing I've ever done. Falling asleep next to her, though, that was easy.

I wake up with Melanie in my arms, still asleep. My eyes open, and there she is – this beautiful woman who's chosen me. Just a week ago, I was losing my mind, wondering if Melanie would choose me over Daniel. And now, I wake up holding her. It feels surreal, yet at the same time, it's so right, so familiar. It's as if I wake up every day holding her in my arms.

I lie there, watching Melanie's chest rise and fall. I could stay in bed and watch her sleep all day. Is that creepy? I hope not. Leaning down, I press a soft kiss on her forehead and her eyes flutter open. Damn it, I didn't want to wake her.

Melanie slowly becomes conscious, her sleepy eyes meeting mine. She shifts in my arms to face me, giving me a sleepy smile. "Good morning, beautiful," I say, my voice soft, not wanting to disrupt the morning calm.

"Good morning," she replies, her voice a sweet melody. Then, without hesitation, she leans in and kisses me on the lips.

We lie there for a while, just soaking in the warmth of each other's presence. The morning sun filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow on Melanie's face. It's a moment I want to freeze in time.

"I didn't mean to wake you," I confess, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She smiles, her fingers tracing lazy circles on my chest. "I don't mind waking up like this."

It's a sentiment I echo wholeheartedly. Waking up with Melanie in my arms is a privilege, a luxury I never want to take for granted.

We lie there, wrapped in each other's warmth, the morning sunlight casting a gentle glow on us. The outside world can wait.

"I could get used to this," Melanie says, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Me too," I admit, my fingers tracing patterns on her back.

Melanie props herself up on her elbow, her eyes locking onto mine. "Hey, Marcus," she says, her voice a soft invitation, "Do you want to stay the night again tonight?"

My heart skips a beat, and then it starts racing erratically. The answer to that question is etched in my soul, and I can't help but smile. "You should know by now that the answer is always yes," I reply, the sincerity in my voice reflecting the depth of my feelings for her.

Melanie's smile widens, and she snuggles back into the curve of my arm. I hold her close, feeling the steady rhythm of her breathing against me. The weight of her in my arms is both grounding and exhilarating. I'd move in if she asked, do anything to keep this feeling alive. Anything.

She hums contentedly, "I'm so comfortable right now. I never want to get up."

I tighten my embrace, sighing in agreement. "Me neither."

Glancing at the clock, I realize it's already 11 AM. "What time are Mallory and Adam coming over?"

Melanie shrugs, her expression carefree. "They haven't set a time yet."

"Alright," I say with a smile. "How about we stay in bed for a little while longer, and then we can get up? I'll make breakfast, and you can talk to Mallory."

Melanie grumbles playfully, "Ugh, fine."

I chuckle, my lips pressing a soft kiss to Melanie's forehead as we share a quiet moment, wrapped in each other's arms. Eventually, we both decide to get up, leaving the comfort of the bed. My eyes linger on Melanie as she slips into her robe, the morning glow accentuating her natural beauty. Even in this casual, just-woke-up state, she's breathtaking. We make our way to the kitchen, and Melanie settles on the island while I start gathering ingredients for breakfast.

"What are you going to make?" she asks, a playful smile on her lips.

Grinning, I reply, "My specialty – French toast." Melanie's response is a delighted "Mmm, yummy," and her smile is a reward in itself. As she fumbles with her phone, I begin beating eggs, the rhythmic sound echoing in the kitchen.

"Marcus?" she says, her voice drawing my attention. I look at her, my hands pausing in their task. "What is it, baby?" I inquire, concern evident in my gaze.

Melanie takes a breath before revealing, "I haven't told Mallory about us, or that I broke up with Daniel." I put the bowl down, closing the distance between us. Taking her hands in mine, I ask, "Why not, Mel?"

She explains, "I didn't want to make any rushed decisions. I was afraid Mallory would tell you about the breakup, but then everything happened so quickly, and I had the move to deal with too. I just... I didn't get the chance to tell her."

I squeeze her hands reassuringly. "Breathe, Mel," I say softly. "If it makes you feel any better, I haven't told Adam anything too, so Mallory will certainly find out by you. I'm sure she won't mind, and it'll be a nice surprise for her."

Melanie smirks, a playful glint in her eyes. "You think so?"

"Absolutely," I affirm, a certainty in my tone. "She'll be thrilled."

A small smile tugs at Melanie's lips, and she nods. "Okay, I'll call Mallory," she decides, reaching for her phone. As she dials Mallory's number, I return to preparing breakfast. I whisk the eggs, the rhythmic motion a soothing distraction as my mind buzzes with questions. My thoughts spiral, and I find myself pondering the definition of "us." Are Melanie and I really together, as in a couple?

How do I bring this up without making it awkward? A mental dialogue plays out, testing different ways to broach the subject. "Hey, Melanie, are we together?" No, too direct. "Did you mean us as in a couple?" A little better, but still feels uneasy.

Maybe a more casual approach would work. While flipping the French toast, I consider different ways to phrase the question. "So, about us...?" No, too vague. "When you said you haven't told Mallory about us, what did you mean by us?"

I let out a quiet chuckle at the internal debate raging in my mind. "Wow, Marcus, that really is an uncomfortable question," I mumble to myself, shaking my head.

As I continue flipping the last few slices of French toast, I overhear Melanie's end of the conversation with Mallory. "I can't wait to see you too, love you," she says, her voice filled with warmth and affection. My heart swells at the sweetness of their exchange. Melanie hangs up, and I turn around, a plate of golden-brown French toast in hand.

"Adam and Mallory will be here around 6," Melanie informs me, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. I smile, setting the plate in front of her. "We've got plenty of time, then," I reply, pouring a generous drizzle of maple syrup over the slices.

I pour two cups and hand one to Melanie. Sitting down next to her, I watch as she takes the first bite. A satisfied moan escapes her, and she declares, "These are delicious."

I grin, genuinely pleased. "I'm glad you like them."

Melanie teases me, her eyes dancing with mischief, "I like these so much; you'll probably have to make them for me every day." Her words send a delightful shiver down my spine, and my heart thumps a little harder. I can't help but grin wider, replying, "I have no problem with that at all."

As we continue to enjoy our breakfast, my phone buzzes, interrupting the easy rhythm of our conversation. I reach for it and find a message from Adam. "Morning, Marcus. How is it going, man? Listen, we will see Melanie tonight. I hope I have some good news for you afterwards. Can you meet me for a beer tomorrow?"

A chuckle escapes my lips, and Melanie looks at me with curiosity.

"Want to hear something funny?"