THE KEY

"Oh crap! I'm going to be late again," grumbled Matt Hunter as he looked at his bedside clock. He rolled over in bed and gazed happily at the beautiful blonde lying beside him, still lost in her world of dreams. He couldn't help brushing away a few strands of her hair from her face and gently kissed her forehead. She stirred a bit and a little smile formed on her lips but still she slept soundly. Finally Matt was able to pull himself out of bed and get ready for his early shift at the hospital.

Maxie Jones awoke with the images of the beautiful dream she had been having still fresh on her mind. She quietly watched her boyfriend as he dressed for work. She wished he didn't have to leave so early on a Saturday morning but she knew that Matt's job as a doctor was just as important to him as fashion was to her. It had been a week since he had asked her to move in with him considering that she spent many nights at his place just like the night before but she had turned him down. She knew that Matt was a little hurt by that but being the great guy that he was, he didn't let it show. Maxie was fully aware of her unlucky relationships in the past and couldn't bring herself to take on that kind of commitment just yet. Why ruin a good thing unnecessarily, right?

"Like what you see?" asked Matt, with an impish grin. He had known that she had been watching him for a while now and was curious about her unusual quietness. He made his way across the room to her and she pulled him in for a kiss. He still wondered what was on her mind but he had to get going. He knew she would tell him what it was when she was ready, so he gave her another quick kiss and headed off to work.

~xoxo~

That evening, Matt came home to find his living room lit with candles and soft music playing in the background. He could smell something delicious and followed his nose to the kitchen. He was pleasantly surprised to find Maxie cooking for a change. She in turn jumped when she finally spotted him leaning against the kitchen door.

"How long have you been standing there?"

Matt came closer and put his arms around her, "Just a couple of minutes. I didn't want to disturb the rare scene of domesticity you seemed to be enjoying."

Maxie playfully punched his arm and replied, "I can be just as domestic as the next girl. I just choose not to."

She pulled herself out of his embrace and they sat down to enjoy a nice quiet dinner.

Once they were done, they settled down on the couch, enjoying some wine. Maxie was the first to break the silence.

"Matt, I've been doing a lot of thinking today and well, I've made a decision."

Matt could see that this was something important, so he simply nodded for her to continue.

"I love you and I think I'm finally ready to take the next step in our relationship. I'm done letting my past relationship decisions hold me back from happiness. I want to move in with you, only if you still want me to?" she asked.

"Maxie baby, of course I still want you to move in," he said excitedly but then he quietly added, "Are you really sure you want to do this? Because if you're not, I assure you it doesn't change anything between us."

"Yes, I'm 100% sure. Our lives are hectic enough with both our careers and I honestly wouldn't mind more time to be with you. Living together would make that possible. I know it won't be easy all the time but I'm committed to you and us and our future," said Maxie.

"Well in that case, I'll be right back." Matt disappeared into the bedroom and returned a few minutes later.

Matt handed Maxie a key to his apartment that he had made when he asked her the first time, only now it was a key to their apartment...

THE END