I’m lying on my bed, blankets surrounding me, with the curtains shut. The will to rise is nil. I have no desire to dress and eat breakfast. The computer across the room stares at me, its black screen an ominous reminder of the work I have to do. I’m so tired. 

The annoying tone of my alarm rings out, startling the quiet air of the room. I flick my fingertip at the screen, snoozing the app for the fifth time this morning. I could call in, but it’s too close to my starting shift to get away with being sick. They’d know something’s suspicious. 

I hate my job and have been religiously looking for a new role. The current economy sucks right now. While I’m grateful I have work, I want to find a less stressful position that doesn’t make me feel like this every day. 

“Babe?” 

Linus peeks through the bathroom door, his face fresh from his morning shower and hair curling from the shampoo. 

“Yeah?” I ask with a scratchy voice. 

I know what he’s going to say, but I don’t dread the words. 

“I waited a little longer than usual because it’s been harder on you.”

He completely opens the door knocking it into the door jamb.

“You have to get up. Your shift starts soon.” 

Linus walks through the threshold and sits on our bed. The mattress dips with his weight, and I allow my body to roll toward him. I bump into his leg and give him a small smile. After all, I don’t want to wake, but I would not mind him deciding to join me. 

“Why don’t you lie down for a moment?”

I rest my head on his thigh, happy to have him with me. Ever since he moved in, my life has infinitely improved. His effortless style and supportive nature give me a little more zest to start moving when my motivation is low. 

“No, I know what that will lead to. We don’t have time to cuddle right now.” 

Linus runs his fingers through my hair as he explains his objections to sleeping in today. 

I can’t entirely agree with his reasons, but I adore his attention, so I keep quiet and let him continue. 

“Breakfast is made. No cereal today because you always eat that. It’s boring. You’ll have a nice omelet stuffed with your favorites instead.” 

An omelet does sound great. If I get up now, I could eat it at a decent pace instead of shoveling the fork into my mouth like a maniac. 

“Come on, love.” 

He tugs gently at my arms, pulling me halfway onto his lap. I’m close enough that he can kiss me. Linus rubs his fingers along my jaw before tilting it for a tantalizing kiss. His lips are plush, and I feel a familiar flutter in my stomach that always happens near him. We pull away, our breathing heavy. He dips to give me a peck on my nose and pulls me from our bed. 

“Up you go.” 

“Big tease.”

He gives me his sweet smile. The one that makes me go weak in the knees and links his fingers with mine, leading me toward the kitchen to start the day.