BEN
I wakeup to a sunlit bedroom in an unfamiliar bed. All at once, the events of the previous night flood my consciousness, and I recall where I am—Skyler’s bed, in Skyler’s apartment. I almost can’t believe it really happened. But my body knows otherwise. I reach out my arm to pull her closer to me, but I’m met with cold, empty space.
She must already be awake, probably making breakfast, something delicious to challenge my limited tastes. I appreciate her efforts, and I’ll try anything she makes. I’ve got to admit, last night’s avocado toast was a fresh departure from my usual fare. Who knows? Maybe Skyler’s cooking is the jumpstart this old, jaded palate needs.
I rub the sleep from my eyes and sit up in bed, taking a moment to survey her bedroom. It’s small, but tastefully furnished and bright. I wouldn’t be surprised if she painted the robin’s-egg-blue walls herself.
I throw the sheet off and leave the bedroom in search of my Baby Bird. I’m in the hallway when a languid sigh beckons my attention to the living room. My feet stop at the threshold as my brain screeches to a halt.
A very naked Skyler stands, bent at the waist, with her hands and feet planted on a blue yoga mat.
Frozen in place, I drink her in. She’s got her hair tied up in a loose bun to keep the long strands out of her eyes. She drops fluidly into a plank pose and then lowers her hips, arching her spine and tilting her head back. Eyes closed in relaxation, her face looks completely at ease. Her breasts shift hypnotically with every move she makes, her nipples hardening into tight pebbles, begging to be tasted.
She’s literally the most beautiful creature I’ve ever laid eyes on and I’m completely entranced. I could stand rooted to this spot and watch her do yoga for hours, days, centuries. And after that, if I was lucky, maybe she’d let me spend eternity rubbing out her tight knots and sore muscles.
But it’s not just her physical perfection that I crave. I could spend the rest of my life watching her flit around the kitchen, chopping and dicing and taste-testing. I’ve slept alone more nights than I’ve shared my bed, but after one night with Skyler, I can’t imagine either of us coming home to a cold bed every night again. Not when we could be setting the sheets on fire together.
My thoughts sprint through my mind so quickly, I have to consciously pump the brakes to keep them all straight. One thing I know for sure is that I don’t want this to be a one-night stand or a casual sexual relationship.
All those things I’ve been putting off in my life—a committed relationship, marriage, hell, maybe even kids. Turns out I want them very much.
And I want them with Skyler.
The realization that I’m falling in love with her pierces my chest like an arrow. I should’ve seen it coming. Since the moment we met, falling for Skyler has felt like an inevitability; I just didn’t think it would happen this quickly. I want to shout about it from the roof-tops, lay my public claim on her so no one else gets any ideas.
But I can’t shout about it yet. It’s way too soon for all that. She’ll think I’m nuts.
I clear my throat to make my presence known.
“Good morning, Baby Bird.”
Skyler turns mid-pose to greet me with a warm smile. “Good morning, Be—I mean, Daddy.”
Heat surges through me, sending a rush of blood to my groin. I’ll never get tired of hearing her call me Daddy.
“Am I interrupting?” I ask, stepping into the living room.
“Not at all.” She lifts her arms overhead, raising her breasts in the process. “Just doing my morning sun salutations. Would you like to join me?”
“I’d love to, baby. But I may need a little guidance. It’s been a while since I actually did any yoga.”
“Lucky for you, I’m a yoga instructor. Come here. We can share the mat so you don’t slip on the floor.” She steps to one end of the mat and motions for me to stand across from her.
I take up the position, and she looks me up and down with a sly grin.
“You know,” she says, “this will probably be easier with your boxers off.”
My own lips quirk up. “Baby Bird, are you just trying to get me naked?”
“Maybe... Yes.”
“Well, I can’t fault you for being truthful.”
She wets her gorgeous lips as I slide my boxers off. A bright blush makes its way up from her chest to her cheeks.
“Okay,” she says breathlessly, “now that you’re in proper attire, we can begin. First, we’ll bring our hands up just like this.”
I follow her instructions to the best of my ability, and within a few minutes, I can feel my muscles stretching and straining pleasantly. Still, though I make a point to stretch after every workout, my flexibility has nothing on Skyler’s elasticity.