Eric woke to the soft feel of sheets brushing against his skin and the enticing scent of breakfast filling the air. He stretched languidly, his body sinking back into the plush bed as he soaked in the peaceful morning.

I could get used to this, he thought with a smile, glancing around Emily’s sleek, perfectly arranged bedroom. Everything had its place, a reflection of the calm and order she brought into her life—a contrast to the whirlwind of emotions she had stirred inside him.

Slowly, he got out of bed and dressed, running his fingers through his tousled hair. The sound of quiet humming drew him toward the kitchen, and he found himself smiling before he even saw her. Peeking around the corner, he spotted Emily, her back to him, wearing an apron over her casual clothes, her hair loosely tied up to reveal the nape of her neck.

Unable to resist the urge, Eric walked up behind her and placed a soft kiss on her exposed neck.

"Hi, my little vixen," he whispered playfully, his lips brushing against her skin. "Miss me?"

Emily jumped in surprise, a giggle escaping her as she turned her head to see him. "Oh, Eric, you startled me!"

“I’m just kissing you good morning," he said, wrapping his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Mmm, good morning to you too," she replied, leaning into his embrace and pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Hungry?"

"Starving," Eric said, inhaling the scent of freshly cooked eggs and toast. "It smells amazing."

"Then come eat," she said, walking over to the table with two plates in hand.

They sat down, the comfortable silence between them filled with the simple pleasure of sharing breakfast together. Eric took a bite of the eggs and smiled. "You’re a great cook. I could get used to this."

Emily giggled, her eyes twinkling. "Well, that can be arranged."

As they continued eating, the lighthearted mood between them shifted slightly. Eric’s thoughts turned serious, the unspoken weight of what had happened lingering in the back of his mind. He didn’t want to ruin the moment, but there was something he needed to bring up.

"Emily," he began, his tone gentle but firm, "I know it’s a sore subject, but... what are you going to do about Luke?"

Emily sighed, her fork pausing mid-air before she set it down. "I haven’t heard from him or seen him since... well, since that night."

"Do you think he’s planning something else?" Eric asked, concern tightening his voice. "Will he try to come after you again?"

"Probably," Emily admitted with a frown. "If he’s anything like he was in the past, he won’t give up easily."

Eric’s protective instincts flared. "Why don’t you let me have some guys I know keep an eye on you? Just to be safe."

"I don’t know, Eric," she said hesitantly. "I’m usually in public places, and I don’t go out at night alone."

"Please," Eric urged, his voice softening but his eyes serious. "It would put me at ease knowing you’re safe."

Emily sighed, seeing the genuine concern in his eyes. "Okay, I guess that would be fine. I hate him so much for putting me through this."

Eric’s jaw tightened. "What exactly did he do to you in college?"

Emily’s eyes clouded with the memory. "He asked me out, and I said no—I thought we were better as friends. But after that, he wouldn’t leave me alone. He started following me, showing up everywhere I went, refusing to take no for an answer."

"Did you report him?" Eric asked, his hands clenching slightly.

"I told campus security, and they kept an eye on him," Emily explained, "but his family is filthy rich. He’s used to getting away with everything."

Eric’s eyes darkened with resolve. "Well, I’ve got money too. He can try to come after you, but he won’t win. I won’t let him near you again."

Emily smiled, touched by his protectiveness. It felt good to know someone was looking out for her, someone who genuinely cared. "Thank you, Eric. I trust you’ll take care of me."

"I always will," he said, his hand reaching across the table to cover hers. "What are your plans today? Is your friend Rachel coming home?"

"I have to head to the office soon to help my parents," Emily replied, glancing at the clock. "Rachel is out for a few days on a school trip."

"Let me drop you off on my way to the office," Eric offered. "And make sure you lock up when you get home later, okay? Call me if you need anything."

"I will," she promised, getting up from the table. "Are you finished eating? I need to shower and get ready for work."

Eric’s eyes gleamed mischievously, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Can I shower with you?"

Emily chuckled, shaking her head at his playful tone. She gestured for him to follow her. "Come on then."

Without hesitation, Eric jumped up from the table, his grin wide as he followed Emily toward the bathroom. The steam from the shower greeted them as they stepped inside, the world outside fading as they enjoyed the simplicity of each other’s company.