Chapter 190: Acceptance??
The crisp aroma came from the freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries of our breakfast. Aeri and I had showered together, laughing and teasing under the steamy spray, and now we were dressed, sitting at the sleek wooden dining table, digging into the breakfast we’d ordered from the hotel’s kitchen.
I wore my white inner t-shirt under a black shirt, paired with black pants, while Aeri looked effortlessly stunning in a tight white t-shirt, a black shirt layered over it, and a black mini skirt that hugged her curves.
Aeri leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms above her head, her legs extending under the table, a satisfied sigh escaping her lips.
"Aaaahhh... now I’m finally full," she said, her voice light and content, her plate empty save for a few crumbs of the buttery croissant she’d devoured, alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. Her coffee mug sat half-drunk, steam curling lazily from the surface.
"Sighhh, yeah. That hit the spot," I said, wiping my mouth with a tissue, my own plate cleared of pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and crispy bacon, the rich flavors still lingering on my tongue.
I leaned back, my chair creaking softly, a grin tugging at my lips as I glanced at her, the morning’s memories flashing through my mind—our bodies tangled in the sheets, the shower, the heat of her against me.
"I know, right? I was starving," Aeri said casually, picking up her phone from the table, her fingers tapping the screen as she checked it. "Wonder how Sara’s doing now," she mused, her voice soft, her eyes focused on the screen, a small smile playing on her lips as she scrolled, probably texting her friend.
I smirked, leaning forward, my elbows resting on the table, my water glass cool in my hand. "Yeah, after all that exercise we had last night... and this morning... and in the shower, no wonder we’re hungry like crazy," I said, my voice low and teasing, my eyes locked on her, watching for her reaction.
Aeri’s face flushed a soft pink, her lips pursing into a shy smile, but she didn’t look up, pretending to focus on her phone, her fingers pausing mid-tap. The blush crept down her neck, and I could see the corner of her mouth twitching, fighting a laugh, her attempt to ignore me almost comical.
"I know you can hear me, Aeri," I said, sipping my water, the ice clinking against the glass, my grin widening as I leaned closer, my voice playful but insistent. "Don’t act like you’re all innocent now."