Page 41 of This Time Around

-Aerosmith

Blake

Today has been one of the most amazing yet exhausting days of my life. Luke walked his parents to the car, and I’m standing in the middle of Lit and Libations, taking it all in.

My very own fucking bar.

Luke walks back in and places one hand on the small of my back while he uses his other hand to lay my head on his shoulder. I love that he’s content just being there, while I admire my space. I could not have done this without him. Everything has been rapid fire since I took over the space. I can’t afford to wait too long to open, so he called in reinforcements to get it all done to ensure I open in two weeks.

The crimson glow of the neon sign behind the bar dances off the crystal tiered chandelier Knox and Ana gifted me. The chandelier scatters red hues into a kaleidoscope of warm shades across the dimly lit room. It feels like the perfect illumination to fill this space, wrapping it in a cozy embrace.

Shelves deliberately placed around the room create cozy reading nooks just begging to be sat in, each one offering something unique, where readers can have a special place to mood read. Pillows and soft cushions accompany each space, with noise canceling headphones they can borrow to tune out the world around them. There are also larger reading spaces that can be reserved for book clubs and outings with friends. Each space is lit by LED candles and supplied with stands for the books they want to discuss, allowing them to be displayed.

As I look around the room, the spines on the bookshelves mix with the red hues cast from the light, creating a tapestry of colors harmonizing the space, enhancing the room’s intimate atmosphere. It’s a space where the warmth of the light, the scent of books, and the promise of a unique experience intertwine, inviting readers to linger a little longer.

It’s turning out better than I imagined.

“I think I like the lights dimmed like this,” I tell Luke, “I’m going to go buy some small lamps for the reading nooks, so it always feels this cozy.”

“I love that idea.” He smiles, kissing me on the head. “Let’s go look for them tomorrow, and we can come set them up.”

“We will have to go early,” I scrunch my nose. “I’m expecting a booze delivery late tomorrow morning, and the rest of the books to arrive early afternoon.”

“I’ll get you coffee and feed you so you’re not a grump all day.” He laughs.

About an hour later, after a quick bite to eat and a shower, we cuddle in bed, watching a Friends marathon.

“I think I’ve seen this episode 100 times.” He rolls his eyes as Joey slides across the floor on a giant porcelain dog strapped to a cart.

“I love this episode,” I giggle. “You really see how much he and Chandler love each other. It reminds me of me and Ana. It was the hardest thing for me when she bought a house and she and Riker moved out. I was so happy for her, but I had a hard time masking how sad I was. This one really resonates.”

“I love how much you love them.”

I smile. “I really do.” I pause for a moment before adding, “But, do you know one good thing that came from not living with them?” I wiggle my brows.

“What’s that?”

“That I can have handsome men, all rock hard and full of muscle in my bed every night.”

“Men?” I laugh as he tickles my side.

“Well, hard man sounded funny.”

“Don’t say hard like that, B. I’m so tired, and all I want to do right now is cuddle you, and hold a boob until I fall asleep,” he chuckles.

“My boob is not a pacifier,” I tease.

“I agree, I’m not putting in my mouth to lull myself to sleep while I suckle,” he jokes back. “It’s more like a security blanket, if you will.”

I gently shove him away, and we cuddle in. Him the big spoon, me the little spoon, and his left arm wrapped tight around my body with his hand, as promised, cupping my right breast. It doesn’t take long before I hear his breathing shift over the laughter on the screen, and I snuggle in closer to him, my breath becoming heavy. I pick up the remote lying next to me and turn off the tv, and let the soothing pattern of his breathing lull me into a restful sleep.

Luke

My alarm went off about 15 minutes ago. It’s now 6:15, but Blake didn’t stir at the sound of the alarm, so I found myself wanting to lay here for a few more minutes, taking her in. A few minutes turned into 15. We said we’d get up at 6:00 so we could be at the store when it opened at 7:00, but I got a little distracted, and now we’re behind schedule.

Blake is curled up in the blankets facing me, her lashes fluttering with every breath, her lips perfectly pursed. She looks so peaceful. Blake loves makeup. Love might actually be an understatement. She doesn’t wear much, despite always watching all of those makeup tutorial videos on social media, but for her, like them, it’s a creative outlet, an art form. She applies it meticulously, each stroke calculated and magnified by her signature red lipstick. I mean lip stain. She was quick to correct me. Apparently, it’s better because it doesn’t smudge.

But this Blake, raw and unfiltered, where I can see the texture of her skin, the gentle softness of her features, and the natural flush color of her cheeks, is my favorite version of her. Every detail draws me in-the way her lips curve slightly as she dreams, the delicate rise and fall of her chest with each breath. I can’t help but marvel at her beauty, so pure and unguarded at this moment. I want to lie here, and watch her sleep all day long, soaking in the tranquility of her presence. It feels like time stands still, and I can’t imagine anything more perfect than her.