I take one last drink and pass the mug to my other hand and set it back on the tray. Can’t go stealing all of her coffee. She shakes her head at my offer, then frowns. Shit, what now? Oh, of course she didn’t do it to make me indebted to her. She’s doing it because she’s a nice person. Doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be doing my best to give as good as I get.

And then, oh God, there’s that grin. “Good to know I’m earning my keep.” Can’t resist kissing the top of her head again and grinning. Well, and squinting. She really needs some thicker curtains in here, because the sun comes right in through the ones she has. Godawful bright this morning. I free my arm and slide down the headboard until I’m lying next to her. “Sure thing, sweetheart.” Put my hands under my head and close my eyes. “Anything I can do for you with my eyes closed, you got it.”

Mark of how much I like this girl that she makes me feel like being silly after four hours sleep. I open one eye and watch her eating her pancakes. “There’s pork chops for lunch. You have a preference as to how they’re cooked?” They’re nice thick chops, too, and I’m thinking about what I could stuff them with. Could try to find some mushrooms, maybe.