Bliss

The early morning light streamed through the gauzy curtains, casting a warm, golden hue across the room. Yvonne stirred slowly, the softness of the mattress cradling her body. For a moment, she lay still, the events of the previous day floating dreamily in her mind. She wasn’t in her old apartment, and she wasn’t alone.

Her eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was Micheal’s face mere inches from hers. His dark brown eyes glimmered with a quiet warmth, and his lips curved into a soft, contented smile. He was awake, lying on his side with one arm tucked under his head, watching her as if nothing else in the world existed.

“Good morning,” he whispered, his voice low and tender.

Yvonne’s lips twitched into a lazy smile. “Were you watching me sleep?” she teased, her voice husky from sleep.

Micheal chuckled, brushing a stray curl from her cheek. “Guilty. But in my defense, you look beautiful when you sleep. I couldn’t resist.”

Yvonne rolled her eyes playfully, but her heart