Eli was curled around you, his arm tucked securely around your waist, his body pressed close to yours under the soft covers. The room was still, quiet except for the occasional shift of the sheets as you both relaxed into the warmth of the bed. The late morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over everything.

After a few moments, Eli’s voice, a little hoarse with sleep, broke the silence. “I think I counted them all.”

You turned your head slightly to look at him, squinting in confusion. “Counted what?”

“Your freckles,” he replied, his voice taking on that teasing edge that always made you roll your eyes. “Pretty sure I’ve got them all memorized by now.”

You couldn’t help the soft chuckle that escaped. “You’re ridiculous.”

He grinned, his lips brushing over the side of your forehead as he tucked himself a little closer. “No, I’m serious.” His lips trailed down, brushing across your cheek with a gentle press. “One here…” Another soft kiss, this time near the bridge of your nose. “And here…” He kissed your other cheek, then paused, looking down at you with a playful glint in his eyes. “Here too.”

You couldn’t help but giggle, squirming slightly in his embrace. “Eli, stop it!”

He only tightened his hold, shifting slightly so he was half on top of you, trapping you in a cocoon of warmth and quiet laughter. “Mm-mm, not done yet,” he murmured against your skin, pressing a slow trail of kisses from your cheek to your jaw, his lips lightly brushing over each freckle he found, as if marking them.