Morning Interruptions

I woke up feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Stirred slowly as the sheets tangled around my legs. I reached out with a sleepy smile, expecting to feel Alexander beside me. But my hands met empty sheets.

I could still smell traces of his perfume in the room as it filled the air with a hint of citrus and sandalwood. I sat up, brushing the loose strands of hair from my face as I glanced at the door, praying he would walk in.

A soft frown creased my brow as I slipped out of bed and padded to the bathroom, catching my reflection in the mirror instantly. My cheeks were pink, lips were still slightly swollen.

I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and tied my hair into a lazy knot. When I stepped out of the bathroom in a silk robe, that’s when my nose caught it. The smell of warm pastries and honey.

I froze in place.

Alexander was back.

He stood by the bed with a wooden tray balanced in his hands. He wore a soft white linen shirt that was unbuttoned just enough to expose a sliver of chest, an