The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of the outside world, and the familiar, comfortable weight of Marc’s presence next to you. His hands were on your hips, his touch a steady, comforting rhythm as he gently massaged you, his lips brushing against your neck in the softest of kisses. The conversation you two had been carrying on had faded into the background, replaced by the sound of his breath against your skin.

You both had always been close—inseparable, really—and what had once been innocent affection between childhood friends had slowly shifted into something deeper, something more intimate. The way Marc touched you now was different, more tender, and with each gentle caress, you felt a warmth spreading through you that you couldn’t quite explain.

“Baby…”

The word, soft and low, slipped from his lips like a secret only meant for you, sending a jolt of electricity through your spine. Your heart raced at the sound of it, even though you’d heard it before. The nickname, the way he said it, always made your pulse quicken. You tried to hide the way your breath caught, but the way his hands lingered on your skin, the way he kissed you so delicately, made it impossible to ignore the growing tension between you.

You looked up at him, meeting his eyes for the first time in a few moments, and the look in his gaze sent a flush across your cheeks. “I just wanted to call you baby, that’s all.”