Forbidden Cravings

The kitchen was bathed in warm morning light, the sunlight streaming through the windows and glinting off the countertops, filling the room with a golden glow. The faint chirping of birds outside blended with the soft sizzle of chicken and vegetables in the pan, the aroma of coffee and toast drifting through the air. I stood by the stove, stirring the contents of the skillet, when Aeri appeared in the doorway, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

She was wearing nothing but one of my oversized shirts, the hem barely reaching her thighs, her smooth legs and the cleavage open visible through the open neckline making my throat tighten.

I gulped, my heart doing a quick flip as I took her in—she looked so effortlessly hot, her messy hair and half-closed eyes only adding to it.

"Ugh... I’m making breakfast for us," I said, rubbing the back of my neck, trying to keep my voice steady as I turned back to the stove, hoping she didn’t catch the flush creeping up my face.

Aeri’s eyes widened, a sleepy smile spreading across her lips as she shuffled closer, her bare feet padding softly on the tiled floor.

"Whaa—thank you so much, Ezra," she said, her voice warm and a little groggy. She leaned against the counter, peering into the pan with curiosity. "You didn’t have to do all this. You could’ve just woke me up, you know."

I shrugged, flipping the chicken with a wooden spoon, the sizzle growing louder. "Nah, you were out cold, sleeping like a little baby," I said, glancing at her with a small grin. "Figured I’d let you rest after last night. You looked like you needed it."

Aeri laughed, her cheeks turning a soft pink as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Such a husband material, huh?" she teased, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the spread on the counter—chopped veggies, a plate of golden toast, and a small pot of milk still steaming for coffee. "Look at you, cooking a whole feast."

My heart skipped at her words, a rush of heat flooding my face, but I played it cool, turning back to the stove.

"It’s nothing like that," I mumbled, my voice gruff as I focused on stirring the pan, trying to ignore the way her compliment made my chest feel tight.

Aeri tilted her head, her smile widening like she knew exactly what she was doing. "Sure, sure," she said, her tone playful. "Wait, hold on—I’m gonna freshen up real quick and be right back." She turned, darting toward the bathroom, her shirt swaying with every step, the hem riding up just enough to make my pulse jump.