Chapter 31 - The Morning Sun on Lake Michigan
The early September sun rose over Lake Michigan, casting long, golden beams across the water that pierced directly through the reinforced glass of the North Side penthouse. The city of Chicago was waking up to a crisp autumn day, but inside the master suite, the world felt suspended in absolute tranquility.
Maya lay with her head resting comfortably against Ethan’s chest, listening to the slow, steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His arm was wrapped securely around her waist, holding her close as if he were still afraid she might vanish into the morning mist.
“You’re awake early,” Ethan murmured, his voice thick with morning sleep as he pressed a gentle kiss into her dark hair.
“I was just thinking,” Maya whispered, tracing a slow circle against the smooth cotton of his shirt with her index finger.
“About what? Financial projections? European import tariffs? The new community literacy branch on 4th Street?”
Maya let out a soft, teasing laugh, looking up to meet his dark, amused eyes. “Actually, I was thinking about how much coffee we’re going to need to survive your security detail’s morning briefing.”
Ethan smiled, a warm, genuine expression that transformed his rugged features entirely. He rolled over, pinning her gently beneath him with playful authority, his eyes locked onto hers with unbreakable devotion.
“Let Silas handle the briefing today,” Ethan whispered, his face hovering inches from hers. “We have much more important matters to attend to.”
May you like
“Oh? And what might those be?”
“Auditing each other’s morning smiles,” Ethan replied before leaning down to capture her lips in a long, lingering, perfect kiss.
