Chapter Three: Morning After
The morning after they spend the night together, he wakes up and, for a few seconds, has trouble remembering where he is. But then he turns and sees Elizabeth next to him, looking beautiful and innocent in sleep, and the memories rush back all at once.
Memories that fill him up with the kind of happiness that glows.
And he just wants to touch her, make sure that she's real. He reaches his hand out and rests it against the smooth skin of her stomach. But of course, she would be a ridiculously light sleeper, and her eyes snap open at the contact. She takes in the sight of him, albeit sleepily, and instead of being angry that he woke her up, she smiles and scoots closer to him. He moves his arm over and she rests her head against his chest. Now it's her hand that rests against his stomach, and she rubs comforting lines up and down his torso.
"Morning, Handsome." she murmurs.
She's honest-to-God the most wonderful person to wake up next to. He isn't good with words so he replies with the only obvious answer, even though he thinks it sounds a bit silly/cliché/borderline-stupid. "Morning, Beautiful."
Elizabeth sighs contently against him, enjoying the moment. "How'd I get so lucky?" she asks him.
He seriously can't believe her. He can't believe her at all. She's just trying to be nice, fill up the silence. She can't honestly think...
"I'm pretty sure I got the better deal out of the two of us," he replies critically.
"I beg to differ."
"Don't take offense, but you're an idiot."
"Such a sweet-talker."
"I know, but that's what I mean. I say stupid stuff and you don't get pissed off. Lots of people get pissed off..."
"They're too sensitive..."
"I got the better deal, Liz. Just trust me."
"How about we just agree that we're both pretty lucky? Will that work?"
"I guess I can live with that compromise."
"Good."
"We should probably be getting up..." he mumbles into her hair. Even though he has no real desire to move.
She groans at the suggestion. "Is there any reason why we have to? It's Saturday and it's barely 9:00."
Carlton can't think of any reason good enough to end this perfect dream. "I guess not," he chuckles.
She leans up slightly to kiss him; he kisses back, slow and perfect. Then she breaks the kiss and settles her head back against his chest. "Then I'm all for wasting the day with you, if you're up to the challenge." she says quietly.
He yawns and readjusts his head on the pillow. "Sounds like a good plan to me."