For years, I have much preferred to sleep nude, especially when the temperature is cool enough to sleep underneath my warm, heavy blankets. It is even better when my fiancé is with me under these covers, holding me snugly and protectively as we sleep, but he had been away on business for several days.
At some point during the night, I thought I had heard something, a soft yet distant sound, but simply attributing it to a dream, I cast the thought aside and pulled the heavy covers up to my chin, turning onto my side.
Just as I was drifting off to sleep again, my fiancé slipped into bed behind me, his familiar hands instantly gripping me, using my body as leverage to pull himself up against me before again settling the covers over us. Yet, I still felt it was all a dream.
"Alex..." I said quietly, to no one in particular.
"Sleep, princess, sleep," I heard in my ear.
"Yes, Alex..." I acknowledged automatically, feeling the dream state take over my consciousness once more.
When I awoke in the morning, I was stunned to find my fiancé's arm draped over me. I had to pinch myself and when I felt the dull pain, I finally realized that I was not dreaming - Alex was clearly real, and had returned from his business trip early.
Immediately, my mind began to churn, wondering how I could make his early return somewhat special. Seconds later, the plan was set.
Slowly, carefully, I turned over to face my fiancé. He continued to sleep peacefully. Having returned so late at night - it had been well after midnight when I had finally climbed into bed - it was clear that he was exhausted, and in a very, very deep sleep. That finalized my plan.