John wakes up

.John groaned, his head lolling to the side as he blinked awake. Daniel’s hand snapped back to his own lap with a sharp, sudden motion.

"Ugh, I feel like I've slept for a century," John muttered, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms.

"Welcome back to the land of the living," Daniel replied, his voice smooth. He leaned back, his eyes glancing at Nicole with a knowing glint.

"You were snoring, man."

"I was not," John laughed, though he sounded exhausted. He stood up and stretched his arms high above his head, his shirt riding up to reveal a sliver of his stomach.

"I think I'm just beat. I'm going to go get cleaned up and hit the hay." He paused, looking at Nicole, his expression softening.

"You coming, Nic?"

"In a minute," Nicole whispered. She felt a flush creeping up her neck, the phantom sensation of Daniel's fingers still lingering on her robe.

She waited until John’s footsteps faded up the stairs before she let out a long, shaky breath. She turned to Daniel, who was watching her with a slow, predatory intensity.

He didn't say a word, but the smirk on his lips spoke volumes. Without a word, Nicole stood and followed her husband.

The bedroom was dim, lit only by the warm glow of the bedside lamps. John had already stripped down to his boxers, his lean frame relaxed against the pillows.

He watched her enter, his gaze tracing the curves of her body beneath the cream-colored robe.

"You took your time," John murmured, his voice dropping an octave.

"I just wanted to make sure the living room was tidy," Nicole lied, stepping closer to the bed.

"Forget the living room," John said, reaching out to wrap his hand around her wrist, gently pulling her toward him.

"I've missed you today."

Nicole smiled, though a flicker of guilt crossed her mind. She climbed onto the mattress, straddling his lap. The warmth of his skin radiated through the thin fabric of her robe.

"Is that so?" she teased, leaning down so her hair brushed against his chest.

"Mmm," John hummed, his hands sliding down to grip her hips.

"I think we're overdue for some quality time."

He pulled her closer, his lips meeting hers in a slow, deep kiss that tasted of longing and anticipation.