067. First
Alex had returned from an overseas business trip exhausted beyond measure but pleased with the outcome of the trip. All he wanted to do now was fall asleep and then call Annika when he woke up. If he hadn’t been so exhausted the pair of shoes by the doorway, the coat over one of his kitchen chairs, and the teakettle on the stove would have alerted him that he was not alone.
Making his way through the kitchen and down the hallway, the sound of soft breathing filled his ears. Every sense now suddenly on alert, Alex made his way to his bedroom, his left hand clutching his keys (his only available weapon). What he saw next arrested him in his footsteps. Annika was there, sleeping peacefully and if he was correct, wearing one of his shirts.
An honest to God grin crossed his face and he leaned against the door jam watching. It meant something to him, for him to see Annika sleeping there. It meant that, he thought, that she did care about him as much as he cared about her. It also meant that she missed him as much as he missed her.
“Hi,” a sleep filled voice interrupted his thoughts. Annika was gazing at him through heavily lidded eyes.
“Hi,” Alex replied quietly, “what are you doing here?”
“Missed you.” Annika mumbled more into the pillow then at him. He still grinned, taking proof of that statement.
“Yeah?” Alex asked, making his way to the bed.
“Mmm hmm.” After divesting himself of his jeans and collared shirt, leaving himself in just his boxers and undershirt, Alex joined Annika in bed and gently moved her onto his chest. Annika retaliated by bunching up his undershirt in her hand and snuggled into his embrace.
Alex wasn’t quite sure he heard Annika correctly but could have sworn she said, “Love you.”