Danielle laid on her back, staring at the ceiling. She didn't normally wake up this early, but the quiet of her surroundings had kept her awake most of the night. The traffic of D.C. had lulled her to sleep for so long that finding sleep among the chirping of crickets was nearly impossible for her.
Looking to her right, James laid on his side sound asleep. She stared at his back, hoping he would wake up soon. His even breathing revealed that he was still asleep and showed no signs of waking.
Danielle took matters into her own hands.
She sat up on her elbow and leaned over to see his face. "James." She whispered.
He didn't respond.
"It's time to get up. You're late for your workout." Danielle lied.
James didn't move.
"This is your subconscious speaking. You need to get up and make breakfast for Danielle. She does a lot for you and deserves recognition." Danielle said. "She likes bacon and scrambled eggs, with a glass of milk. But preferably not goats milk. So, you should do that when you wake up. Like now." She snapped her fingers.
"Now." Danielle whispered louder.
James made no signs of moving, so she laid back against the pillows, waiting for her super soldier to wake up.
"Your mind control tactics are weak." He mumbled from his side of the bed.
She sat up and glared at him. "You were faking?"
James rolled to his back to look at her. "Of course, I was. I've been up since you started rolling back and forth an hour ago."
"And you let me suffer?" Danielle slapped his chest.
"You're amusing when you're frustrated." James said.
Danielle snorted. "I'm glad something in your life makes you smile."
"You always make me smile." He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.
Then Danielle got an idea and scooted closer to James. "Since I make you so happy, it's only fair that you make me breakfast." She replied.
James rolled back to his side. "You have no power over me."
Danielle traced her hand across his bare back. "Is that right?"
James didn't answer.
"Will you make me breakfast if I do this?" She put her arm around him to pull him close and left gentle kisses on his shoulder blades.
James ignored her.
"What about this?" Danielle placed a lingering kiss on his cheek.
He kept his eyes closed, but his head pressed into her lips.
"And this?" She pressed multiple kisses to his neck, lingering over his pulse point before moving to capture his lips.
James rolled toward her, making it easier to deepen the kiss. He was ready to pull her closer when she sat up. He looked at her dumbfounded at her sudden retreat.
"Now will you make me breakfast?" She asked, smiling widely.
James sighed. "Fine, but on one condition."
"What's that?"
He sat up to lean closer to her mouth. "You have to stay close to me in the kitchen, so I can keep kissing you."
Danielle pretended to think over his offer. "Hmmm. I guess I can agree to that." She smiled.
James kissed her. "Good. Let's go eat." He stood from the bed and began walking toward the kitchen. Danielle hurried after him and jumped on his back. James laughed as he carried her into the kitchen. He wasn't used to this domestic life he was living, but he was starting to enjoy it.