"WONDERFUL GOODNIGHT"

After a long and tiring day, Marius and I finally arrived home. As we entered the house, I immediately felt exhausted. It felt like every second was passing by slowly as we climbed up the stairs towards our room. But all my fatigue seemed to wash away as soon as I saw MJ. I found her in the spacious living room of the house with Manang Sela busy watching TV.

I quickly glanced at a beautiful old grandfather's clock in the corner of the large living room. It was just past six. Perfect timing for dinner preparation.

"Manang Sela, I will prepare dinner for us," I told her.

She shook her head in succession. "It's done. I have already cooked. But I have already eaten as well. I took advantage of the opportunity while this handsome one was asleep earlier," she said, looking at my child in the stroller who was wide awake.

"Thank you, Manang Sela," I said, a wave of gratitude washing over me.

She looked at me with a knowing smile. "I understand everything, Sam. And I am happy to see you happy. Go on, go upstairs, and take a bath. Your exhaustion is clearly written on your face," she said to me.

I blushed quickly at her words. It was true. I was very tired. After everything Marius and I did earlier, should I be surprised that I ran out of strength? But I couldn't admit to Manang Sela about that. So, to hide the blush on my face from her, I quickly walked away.

When I arrived in the bedroom, I immediately took my loungewear from the walk-in closet. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the lamps casting a warm, intimate ambiance. The air was filled with the lingering scent of our earlier encounters, a mix of his cologne and my scent, mingling in a way that felt deeply personal and intimate. I headed straight to the bathroom to take a bath. With every movement of my body, I felt the lingering fatigue. I knew Marius did too; he was still parking the car outside.

The bathroom was a sanctuary of steam and warmth. As I undressed, the cool tiles underfoot sent a shiver up my spine, contrasting with the heat I felt from the day’s activities. The water cascaded over me, washing away the physical grime but also the emotional exhaustion, leaving me feeling reborn. My movements were hurried because I also wanted Marius and me to eat. I forgot to mention that we were not together in the room. That was why I wanted to avoid frequent intimacy with him. But it seems like that is far from happening. He always finds a way to exploit my weaknesses and make me give in.

Our rooms faced each other, and I was still surprised when we both opened the door to go out at the same time. As expected, he had just taken a bath, and his hair was still wet, droplets glistening under the hallway light.

Marius looked very handsome in a simple white shirt and shorts. The fabric clung to his body in all the right places, highlighting the strong lines of his muscles. I suddenly felt a sense of pride because I was the woman he loved. I was the woman he made happy whenever we were in intimate moments.

"You look so beautiful, Sam. It makes me want to taste you again," he whispered, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my entire body. His eyes locked onto mine, intense and filled with a hunger that made my heart race.

"Stop! Go check on your child first so Manang Sela can rest," I said, trying to ignore the heat on both my cheeks.

Marius just chuckled softly and then held my hand, squeezing it gently. His touch was electrifying, sending a current of warmth through me. Our eyes communicated silently, expressing more than words ever could.

I headed to the kitchen while he stayed in the living room. He picked up MJ and carried her. The sight of him holding our child filled me with a deep sense of love and completeness. I called him after setting the table with Manang Sela's cooked Tinolang Manok.

We quietly enjoyed that afternoon. Both of us were hungry. The meal was simple yet nourishing, the flavors rich and comforting, reminding me of home. After eating, Marius cleared the table and dishes. As for me, I took MJ to bed. His crib was in my room. Manang Sela was old, and staying up late wouldn't be good for her. Besides, MJ was more used to my presence every night.

After almost an hour of rocking MJ to sleep, he finally drifted off. The veranda door was left open, allowing the refreshing scent of the wind to come in freely. It also carried the scent of wet grass, leaves, and plants from the strong rain earlier. The rhythmic sound of the rain was soothing, a lullaby that eased both MJ and me into a peaceful state.

After making sure MJ was okay in his crib, I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I left the light on in there while turning off the one on the ceiling and turning on the two lampshades. One was beside MJ's crib, and the other was on the bedside table.

I laid down on the bed and felt the exhaustion once again. The sheets were cool against my skin, a welcome contrast to the warmth of my body. As I stared at the dark ceiling, I heard three soft knocks in a row on the door. Automatically, I sat up as my heart suddenly pounded.

"Marius!" I whispered and quickly stood up, heading towards the door. I chose not to wear my house slippers to avoid making noise on the narra floor.

Upon opening the door, I was surprised when Marius suddenly kissed me on the lips. It was brief, but it ignited a spark in my body as if no passionate encounter had happened between us earlier.

"Hey," he said, releasing my lips, his breath warm against my skin.

"W-What are you doing?" I asked between breaths, my voice trembling with the remnants of surprise and desire.

Marius smiled, a smile that melted my heart, making me instantly giddy. I don't know why. I just can't help but fall for him all over again. Small gestures can do more than just sex.

"Can we cuddle?" he softly replied to me, his eyes earnest and filled with longing.

"What?" I asked, unable to believe my ears.

He sighed. "I miss you," he explained. "Let's sleep together so I can fall asleep quickly," he added, his voice gentle yet insistent.

I took a deep breath. Then I looked at MJ, who was sleeping peacefully. "Don't make any noise. It's hard to put your child to sleep," I said, my voice a soft admonition.

Marius nodded repeatedly. When I opened the door, he hurriedly went inside. But what happened was different from what he said. I was surprised when he pulled me into the walk-in closet and passionately kissed me on the lips.

"Sam, I want more," he whispered in between kisses, his voice rough with need.

I just moaned. And because I had been feeling a strange desire for him since earlier, I matched his passion in kissing Marius.

"Yes! I want more too!" I answered and quickly grabbed the manhood I felt throbbing as it pressed against my abdomen.

It was dark inside the closet. But the light from the bathroom and the two lampshades provided enough illumination for us to see each other.

"Don't make any noise if you want us to last longer," I said as I knelt in front of Marius, my voice a sultry whisper.

"S-Sam, w-what are you doing?" Marius asked between breaths, his voice shaky with anticipation.

"Oh my goodness!" I whispered after I released his aroused manhood from his briefs.

*****

"SAM, rest now," Marius said as he pulled me closer to him.

After the heat, here we were, both trying to catch our breaths. Both tired. But despite everything, happy.

I nestled into his muscular body, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart against my cheek. I hugged him tightly. "Yes, I need to rest now," I replied while closing my eyes.

I felt Marius's warm lips touch my forehead. Then his tight embrace always comforted my tired heart and body.

"Thank you for today, Sam," he murmured, his voice a soothing balm.

"Thank you too," I replied with a yawn.

It was as if the world disappeared. Because while we tightly embraced each other, I felt from Marius the true warmth of his love for me. And in his way, he made me feel it through his touches that brought a sense of peace and joy to my soul.

We remained in that position until I felt myself slowly being carried away by sleep. Until I no longer remembered the following events. All I could recall was being held in Marius's embrace until I fell asleep.