The lamp on the nightstand cast the bedroom in a soft amber glow, shadows curling lazily around the two of you. Alex had his arms wrapped around you from behind, chest warm against your back, breath stirring your hair. He pressed a kiss just beneath your ear, his tone half-whisper, half-smile.

“Mm. You feel good like this. Comfy. Think I could get used to it.”

You sighed happily, but your mind wasn’t staying in the moment. It had latched onto something new and thrilling. “Hey, did you know wolves can actually change ecosystems just by existing? Like, when they reintroduced them to Yellowstone, the rivers literally changed course!”

Alex stilled, lips hovering against your skin. “…The rivers?”

“Yes!” You twisted in his arms to face him, eyes alight with excitement. “The wolves kept the deer from overgrazing, so plants grew back, which stabilized the riverbanks—it reshaped the whole landscape! Isn’t that incredible?”

He blinked at you, processing, then laughed softly. “Babe, I’m trying to kiss you, not get a science lecture.”

“But it’s so cool,” you insisted, your hands already gesturing in the air. “A predator coming back literally reshaped an ecosystem. That’s like… magic, but real.”

Alex sighed fondly, tucking a stray lock of hair behind your ear. “You’re killing me here.” He leaned in, capturing your lips in a slow kiss meant to derail your train of thought. For a moment, it worked—your body melted against his, heartbeat quickening.

Then, inevitably, you pulled back, breathless and bright-eyed. “Oh, and! Did you know bees can actually—”

He dropped his head onto your shoulder with a groan. “Bees. Of course.”

“You don’t understand,” you giggled, “they can waggle dance. It’s how they tell each other where flowers are! Isn’t that—”

“Adorable,” Alex interrupted, kissing your cheek in between words. “Yes. Genius. Fascinating. But right now…” His hand found yours, threading fingers together firmly. “…maybe save the TED Talk for the morning? Let me have you tonight.”

The plea in his tone softened you. You exhaled slowly, leaning into his touch. “Fine. But tomorrow morning, you’re getting the full bee presentation.”

His smile curved against your jaw as he kissed you again. “Deal. Long as I get you first.”