The morning kiss still carried a haze of sleep when Mei opened her eyes and looked at Otis. Her hand rested on his cheek, fingertips gently brushing along the lines of his face. It's Otis, she seemed to think, a soft, dreamy smile spreading across her lips. She shifted closer, her breath warm, her expression tender. Then she let out a small giggle.
"Good morning… darling."
Otis's mind shut down for a full second. I'm awake. Mei, however… definitely isn't.
He watched as she leaned even closer, her bare legs draping over him, her eyes soft as water. His heartbeat kicked wildly against his ribs.
And then, she tilted her head, closing her eyes slowly, lips parted ever so slightly. She looped her arms around his neck, pulling herself flush against him.
Otis froze.
It was one of those perfect summer mornings sunlight warm but not hot, the faint leftover coolness from the air conditioner still lingering in the room. Her lips pressed against his.
He stopped thinking altogether.
