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“There are ticks out there and I haven’t had a chance to get the grass cut in a while,” she said. “I feel like I get so focused on writing that I forget to go outside for more than a few minutes. That’s probably bad, isn’t it?”

I pulled her into a hug, kissing her cheek. “We’ll work on it. One step at a time. We’ll eat in the living room with the windows open.”

Tenley chuckled. “That’s a good first step.”

* * *

Breakfast was phenomenal and I had to stop myself from eating too fast. The sooner we got back to my place, the sooner Tenley could get her work done, and the sooner I could be fucking her senseless. That was my ultimate goal today, other than a satisfying nap.

Once the dishes were taken care of and Tenley packed up her stuff, including an overnight bag that I didn’t comment on, and a few paperbacks for me, we went back to my place.

“Let me know what you need,” I said as she pulled out her laptop and sat on the couch with her legs stretched out.

“Yeah, this will work,” she said, nodding and standing up again. “I just need some water, I think. I set timers to remind me to take breaks. This will probably take me about three hours? Four? Hopefully. If everyone cooperates.” She went to the kitchen to get some water and I couldn’t help but be fascinated by how her creative mind worked.

“I’m going to try and take a nap, but please don’t hesitate if you need something. You can message me,” I said, holding up my phone.

“I’m a big girl, I can handle it, but thank you,” Tenley said, giving me a quick kiss. “Enjoy your nap, doll.”

She sat down on the couch with her laptop and put her headphones on, and I wished I could watch her like I did every day at the coffee shop. Instead, I went to my room and shut the door, almost all the way. Within a few moments, I was completely and totally asleep.

* * *

I didn’t wake up until there was a warm body pressed against me and lips on my forehead. My brain floated back to consciousness and I realized Tenley had gotten into bed with me.

“I’m finished with work,” she said, and my eyes opened.

“What time is it?” I asked.

“Early afternoon. I was going to make some lunch for us, are you hungry?” She pushed my hair back from my face.

“Yeah, sure. You can use whatever is in there,” I said. Maybe I should jump out of bed and cook for her, but she was better at it than I was and we’d both enjoy her food more anyway.

“Perfect,” she said, but she didn’t get up immediately.

“How were the words?” I asked.

“Slow, but I think most of them are salvageable,” she said with a little laugh.

“I’m sure they’re much better than that,” I said. “Would you let me read some?”

Tenley pressed her lips together. “I don’t know about that. No one sees my first drafts but me. I don’t hand them off to my editor until they’re as clean as I can get them.”

“You don’t have to,” I said.

“I’ll think about it.” She kissed me again and then slipped out of bed to go make lunch.

* * *

I was back to my usual self after the nap and eating the sandwiches and salad that Tenley had cobbled together from what I had in the apartment.

“You up for getting fucked?” I asked Tenley as we lazed together on the couch. Her laptop was packed away and she was all mine for the rest of the day.

She turned her face and met my gaze.

“Yes, please,” she said, kissing me.

“Give me just a few minutes to set up,” I said, getting to my feet.