Chapter 1
You can do this, she told herself, giving each of her cheeks a gentle slap before letting out a deep sigh. She wiggled her fingertips as if stretching them, then refocused on her computer screen. Flipping open her notebook, she began typing the next chapter of her novel.
She was deep in the writing process, lost in the chapter she planned to include in her upcoming release, when the door to her writing nook creaked open. Her brow arched as she cast a quick glance at the person standing in the doorway before turning her attention back to the screen.
A heavy sigh filled the room, followed by the soft sound of footsteps approaching. She paused as gentle fingers lifted her chin, guiding her to look up.
“Are you seriously trying to ignore me right now?”
Clicking her tongue, she exhaled sharply, absently running her tongue over her lower lip. “Anne, I’m working,” she murmured, locking eyes with her girlfriend.
Anne pouted. “I know, but…” She leaned in, her gaze darkening with mischief. “Tonnie,” she whispered, moving closer before playfully biting Tonnie’s earlobe.
Tonnie’s breath hitched, her eyes widening. “What the—”
Anne giggled, pulling back, her expression teasing. Dressed in burgundy silk lingerie that clung to every curve, her skin glowed under the soft lighting. Tonnie swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. She looked Anne up and down, captivated by her beauty. Jeez, stop being so gorgeous, baby, she thought, feeling a slow warmth spread through her.
“Come,” Anne said, standing upright with a wink. She curled her finger, beckoning Tonnie forward in a slow, teasing motion.
Then, biting her lower lip seductively, Anne turned and sauntered out of the room.
Tonnie shook her head, exhaling deeply before letting out a quiet laugh. She peeked outside the room, ensuring Anne had truly left, then closed the door and sank back into her chair.
“Such a naughty girl,” she muttered, running a hand through her hair before clearing her throat and refocusing on her work.
“Just let this book become a bestseller,” Tonnie mumbled to herself as she resumed typing, the rhythmic clicking of the keys filling the room. “And I swear, I’m marrying Anne…” A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she thought about her plan. Their seventh anniversary was just around the corner, and she already knew exactly how she was going to propose.
*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*
Slowly twisting the knob, she entered the room and locked the door. Just as she turned around, a soft pillow smacked her in the face.
She chuckled, shaking her head as she picked it up.
“Bullseye!” Anne laughed, grinning at her.
Tonnie huffed a laugh and tossed the pillow back at her girlfriend. “What the hell are you even doing, baby?” She clicked her tongue and plopped down beside Anne, heaving a deep sigh.
“Done writing?” Anne reached out, gently removing Tonnie’s glasses. Tilting her head, she smiled playfully. “Can you even see me without these?”
Tonnie squinted. “I have decreased vision, not blindness. Of course, I can still see you.” She sat up, studying Anne’s face. “Why are you even asking? Haven’t you gotten used to my situation by now?”
Anne clicked her tongue and cupped Tonnie’s cheeks. “Well, I just wanted to know… maybe you have trouble recognizing me without them,” she teased, laughing softly.
“Aren’t you getting bored staying here with me?” Tonnie reached out, holding Anne’s hands against her cheeks. “I mean, I can’t even get enough sun exposure since—”
“You have albinism, Tonnie,” Anne cut her off. “That’s why you can’t stay out in the sun too long. Besides, it’s not boring here—it’s my safe place.”
Tonnie shook her head. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re just escaping your responsibilities as the heiress of your company. Talk about an instant billionaire, huh?” she teased, pressing playful kisses to Anne’s knuckles.
Anne sighed, her gaze softening with worry. “Is that why you’re pushing so hard to get your books published?” She looked at Tonnie intently. “You don’t have to overwork yourself if it’s going to take a toll on your health. You’ve been writing all night.” She pulled her hand back and flicked Tonnie’s forehead. “You’re so stubborn.”
Tonnie smirked. “You love me anyway.”
Anne rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I love you, but go sleep in our dog’s cage. You’re turning me down now, how dare you?” She playfully pushed Tonnie away before lying down.
Tonnie chuckled and leaned in, caging Anne between her arms. “You smell nice, baby,” she murmured, her voice soft and low, her eyes locked onto Anne’s.
Anne’s breath hitched. “What are you doing?” she mumbled, her heart pounding as Tonnie’s lips hovered inches from hers.
Before she could react, Tonnie peppered her neck with soft kisses and gentle breaths.
“Tonnie! Baby!” Anne shrieked, bursting into laughter, her face flushing from the ticklish sensation. “Stop!” She squirmed, trying to free herself, but Tonnie refused to budge.
After a while, Tonnie stilled, burying her face in the crook of Anne’s neck.
“Baby,” she whispered.
“Hmm? Yes?” Anne panted, still catching her breath from laughing. “What is it?”
Tonnie pressed a soft kiss against her neck, hugging her tightly. “Would you mind getting married?”
Anne blinked. “Are you proposing?” she asked, laughing softly.
“No… at least not yet.” Tonnie chuckled. “But I’m asking about your plans and everything. We’re about to hit seven years together… do you think it’s time for us to get married?”
Anne gulped, absentmindedly stroking her fingers through Tonnie’s silver-white hair. “Are you ready to get married?” she asked back. “With your schedule, would you even have enough time for me once we do?” she teased.
Tonnie laughed. “I might slow down on book releases.” She grinned. “I mean, writing isn’t even my full-time job—it’s just a hobby.”
Anne smiled to herself. Getting tied down to you? Her cheeks warmed. “Well… I’ve always dreamed of marrying you,” she admitted. “So maybe it is time.” She pressed a soft kiss to Tonnie’s forehead.
She blinked when she heard slow, steady breathing against her neck.
“What the—did she seriously fall asleep again?” Anne chuckled, shaking her head.
“Good night, baby,” she whispered, pulling the blanket over Tonnie and wrapping her arms around her.
She smiled to herself, letting sleep overtake her. But the thought lingered…
Marrying Tonnie was all she had ever dreamed of.
