The morning was the kind of morning that made you want to stay wrapped up in bed all day, limbs tangled, hearts beating in sync. You lay across the bed in nothing but one of Rafe’s worn button-downs and a thin pair of lace panties—the kind he loved.

You were scrolling lazily through your phone, humming to yourself as you heard him moving around the house, grabbing his wallet, slipping his watch on.

“I’m heading out, baby,” Rafe said, appearing in the doorway, keys in hand. “I love you.”

You didn’t look up right away. “Bye, sweetheart,” you replied softly.

A pause. “…I said I love you, baby.”

You grinned a little, still not meeting his eyes. “Yeah,”

He stepped into the room, a little more alert now, voice lower. “Okay, hold on. What’s this?”

You finally looked up at him, feigning innocence. “Hm?”

“You didn’t say it back.” His brow furrowed, just slightly. “You mad at me?”

He stepped closer, reaching to brush your hair behind your ear, eyes scanning your face like he was trying to read the truth in your eyes.

“Baby. If I did something—if I upset you, just tell me, yeah? Don’t shut me out. I can skip work. We can stay home today.”

That’s when your heart clenched a little. Because this man would throw away his entire day just to fix a moment of silence. Just to make sure you were okay.

“Rafe…” you whispered, sliding up into a seated position, legs folded beneath you.

He was already dropping his keys on the nightstand, toeing off his shoes. “Nah, I’m not going if you’re upset.”

You laughed, reaching for his shirt to pull him close. “It was a prank, baby. I was teasing you,” you murmured against his collar, pressing soft kisses to the side of his neck.

He pulled back slightly, narrowing his eyes. “So… you do love me?”

You nodded, brushing your lips to his. “Madly.”

He exhaled a shaky breath, tension fading. He kissed down the line of your throat, his voice low and breathy.

“You play with my heart like that, now I’m gonna play with you.” he muttered, pushing you gently back against the pillows.