Twelve
Avianna
My eyes blink open as the sun filters through the curtains, making me smile.
I stretch my body and can feel the effects of last night.
I can’t believe it actually happened. It was so magical the way Daniel took care of me, making me feel like I was the most beautiful woman in the world with the way he was looking at me.
I turn my head slightly to see the spot he was sleeping in, which makes me frown.
Looking at the clock, I see it’s eleven.
Wow, I don’t remember ever sleeping in this late.
Last night definitely wore me out. I get up ?and can only feel a slight twinge as I walk.
The painkillers did their job. I grab my clothes and walk into the bathroom, and turn on the shower.
I step into the hot water and let it run down and massage my sore body.
Not wanting to linger, I wash my body, hair and shave my body.
I step out, wrapping a towel around me, looking into the mirror.
As I look into the mirror, I have a glow that wasn’t there before, and for the first time in a long while, I’m well and truly happy, and that’s all thanks to Daniel.
He has given me back my life; he has given me something worth fighting for.
I lather my body with my lotion and get dressed in a pair of black skinny jeans and a cute off the shoulder top.
After moisturizing my face, I put my hair in a bun.
I add some eyeliner, mascara, and step back looking at myself in the mirror.
Thinking about what today is makes my smile drop.
It’s my birthday, the day my uncle says he's coming back for me because of my inheritance.
I blow out a breath and try not to think about it.
I won't let it ruin my day. After cleaning my mess, I open the door, grab my phone, and head downstairs in search of Daniel.
I can hear the clatter of pans banging in the kitchen, which makes me smile.
I stand in the doorway and watch as he sets out plates of food. He turns around, seeing me standing there, and comes right over. “Good morning, darlin. Happy Birthday.” He leans down and kisses me so thoroughly that my toes curl.
He pulls back too quickly, in my opinion. “Thank you. Good morning.”
“Come on, breakfast is ready. How are you feeling? Not too sore, are you?”
I can feel my face go red. “I’m only a little sore.” He steers me towards the dining room, and I can see it covered in gifts and flowers, making me gasp.
“Happy birthday, darlin.” Hawk whispers behind me, making me spin around.
Tears spring to my eyes as so many emotions run through me. “This is too much.”
“Nonsense! I told you I was going to spoil you. This is nothing; there's still more to come later.” He winks at me as he helps me to my seat.
I wipe the tears that fall and look around at the spread of food before me. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, and toast. “This looks amazing. Thank you.” I fill up my plate, feeling hungry, as Hawk places a coffee in front of me.
He takes his seat, filling up his plate. We eat in comfortable silence, and I eat until I’ve had my fill, sitting back in my seat and sipping my coffee.
“Did you have enough to eat?”
“I did, thank you. I don’t think I could eat another bite.”
Hawk laughs and picks up the dishes. “As long as you save room for cake later.” He yells from the kitchen, making me smile.
I look at the pile of gifts on the table and shake my head. I count at least twenty, some big, some small. I swear this man is too much; he spoils me. He comes back and sets another coffee in front of me. “Alright, it’s time for presents. Go on, darlin, open them. Your big one is coming later.”
I shake my head at him, not used to such treatment. “Hawk, this is too much. The breakfast was more than enough.”
He places his finger on my lips, making me smile. “Darlin doing things for you makes me happy. You deserve everything, and your birthday is meant to be celebrated. Now rip open those boxes and see what you got.” He winks at me and sits back in his chair with a smug smile on his face.
I grab the first box and tear open the wrapping paper to see a $200 gift card for my ereader, making me gasp. I swear I haven’t even gone through half of my other one yet. “Hawk...”
“Not a word, darlin just open your gifts.”
With each gift I open, it shocks me even more with how much thought he put into this.
Spa gift card, a beautiful bracelet, mugs with my favorite coffee; each gift is something just for me, something that I love.
As the gifts pile up on the table, I eye the last one and pull it closer to me.
I open the paper and let out a gasp, whipping my head around to look at Hawk like he’s crazy.
“You bought me a laptop?” This is the one I’ve wanted for a while now.
How he knew is beyond me. Scratch that, this is Hawk I’m talking about. He sees everything.
“I did, darlin. Do you like your gifts?”
My throat feels tight from all the emotions I’m feeling. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this cherished. “I love them. Thank you so much. I’ve never been this spoiled before.”
He leans over and wipes the tears that are falling. “You deserve it and more. I just want you to be happy.”
I get up and walk over to his chair and sit in his lap, wrapping my arms around him. “With you I’m so happy, Hawk. Nothing can take this away from me. Everything I’ve been through in my life has led me to you, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love you so much.”
“I love you as well, darlin.”
I can feel his breath warm against my skin, mingling with mine as we look into each other's eyes.
The world around seems to fade away as our lips meet.
It's gentle at first, soft, tentative, like a whisper of silk across my skin.
I close my eyes, savoring the sensation: the subtle press of his mouth, the faint taste of coffee on his breath, and the way his hands cradle my face.
When we pull apart, I’m breathless, floating in a haze of warmth and wonder, wishing I could hold on to that feeling forever.
I lay my head on his shoulder as we hold on to each other in the quiet of the dining room. With every fiber of my being, I love this man. He came into my life when I least expected it, always watching silently, waiting for me to be ready. I’m just glad he didn’t walk away when most people would.
He taps my ass, helping me to stand up. “Come on, let's get ready and head to the clubhouse. I have one more surprise for you. Then, when we come back home tonight, I will show you just how much you mean to me.” He leans down and kisses my neck, leaving me shaking where I stand.
Lord, this man is going to kill me, but in the best way possible, and I can’t wait. Happy birthday to me, indeed.