The soft hum of the house was the only sound as I lay in bed, nestled in Matt’s arms. His warmth pressed against me, and I could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest with every breath he took. It felt so natural, so safe—like we could stay like this forever.

But then, I felt his lips brush against the back of my neck, his breath warm and quiet. “Can I have a kiss?” he whispered.

I froze, my heart picking up pace. His voice was soft, teasing, but there was a hint of something deeper in it. I turned slightly in his arms to look at him. He was so close, his eyes dark with that familiar, playful hunger.

I bit my lip, knowing exactly where this could lead. “Matt, we can’t,” I said, my voice low but firm.

He sighed, pressing his forehead gently against mine. “Why not? We’re alone, no one’s here.”

I closed my eyes, trying to block out the way his fingers traced over my skin, igniting that familiar pull. “Dan might come home,” I murmured, the words coming out as a quiet warning. “We can’t risk it.”

Matt’s body stilled behind me, his arms tightening just a little. He didn’t argue, but I could feel the frustration in his grip. “I just want one kiss,” he said softly, almost pleading.

I turned back to face him, my chest tight. “I know” I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from his face. “But we have to be careful. Not now.”

Matt didn’t say anything more, his lips hovering near mine for a moment before he closed the gap, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to my forehead instead. He pulled me closer, and we settled back into the quiet comfort of each other’s arms.

For now, it was enough. But both of us knew we couldn’t keep waiting forever.