It had been the week from hell. It always was right after the holidays, when everyone was trying to play catch-up and rushing around in supermode.
Kate was exhausted. She had worked from early morning to late every night. Added to that was the nearly hour-long commute each way. And she felt she hadn't seen Michael in months, not just days. He was busy too, his office another hotbed of activity.
This wasn't usual for them. They were a relatively new couple and still enjoyed all the cuddling, sharing and snuggling that was singular to that state. But this week, there had been no long, lingering snuggles or luxurious kisses. It had been days of barely passing each other, staggering to bed late and out of bed early. She missed him with all of her being. Kate thought longingly of spending time in his arms, hearing about his day, inhaling his scent. They had been reduced to voicemail messages and post-it notes all week. Now, thank god, it was Friday night. Finally! They had left enough messages back and forth to know that tonight was going to be special. Tonight they would reconnect in every way possible.
Of course, being Friday, the traffic was even worse than usual and Kate sat, frustrated, behind a long line of equally frustrated drivers. She picked up her cell, dialed Michael and waited anxiously. "Please don't let it be voice mail, please, let it be...." and then, her own sweet Michael said, "Hello!".
Kate settled back in her seat, taking a deep breath and relaxing for the first time in many long days. It was so good just to bask in his voice and hear the love there.
"I'm stuck in traffic, Baby. How is your day? Where are you? Will you be home soon?" all tumbled from her almost immediately. Kate could hear the smile in his voice as he replied.
"I left a while ago and went by the store and got us some dinner. Also found a 'respectable' wine to share with you. Be careful but hurry home, Darling. We have lots of catching up to do!" he said.
Almost miraculously, the traffic jam untangled and Kate was able to make good time driving home. Home! God, she loved the sound of that. She and Michael had hunted for the apartment together, searching for weeks before finding exactly everything they wanted. As they moved in, it was another miracle that all their stuff seemed to blend perfectly, no hideous chairs or ugly lamps to fight over. In fact, they just didn't fight. Right from the beginning, they seemed to be perfect for each other. They started out as good friends and became good lovers. They matched wonderfully.
Now her heart began to strum at the thought of being with him tonight. It seemed so long since they could just relax and enjoy each other and now they had two whole days to become re-acquainted.
She parked in the garage and took the elevator to their apartment. Michael must have been listening for her, because he opened the door as she approached. Her breath caught, as it had the first time she realized that she loved him. Michael was everything she wanted in a partner. He was intelligent, but charmingly so, never making her feel dumb or uninformed. He was clever and witty, yet incredibly careful to not hurt others. He was so cute that her heart hurt to look at him sometimes, yet he seemed innocently unaware of his attractiveness. And he loved her! Everyday, she was thankful for Michael and the fantastic difference he had made in her life. Now, he stood in the doorway, smiling at her and holding open his arms. She walked into them, feeling safe and secure... and home.
They went into the apartment, closing out the world. The table was set with the good china, wine glasses and the beautiful crystal candlesticks they had received for Christmas. Andrea Boccelli's seductive voice filled the air, along with the scent of vanilla candles. He had dimmed the lights, creating a sensual atmosphere, a warm nest for just the two of them.
