She put away her book and wiggled her way under the covers when she heard the front door open and close. She knew she had only seconds until he opened the bedroom door and looked in. She closed her eyes and steadied her breathing, willing her body into relaxation.

Not two full seconds later, she heard the bedroom door open. “Hi,” she heard him say. She waited with baited breath for him to come into the room. But to her consternation, she heard the door shut and noise coming from the other room.

She huffed out a sigh and pouted in disappointment. Why doesn’t he ever wake me with a kiss, she thought wryly. He knows I love all that fairy tale stuff.

She was about to open her eyes when she heard a noise against the door. She quickly relaxed her body back into mock-sleep. She felt excitement flood her veins as the door reopened. Is he coming to me? She heard his footsteps moving across the floor until he stood right beside her. She nearly held her breath, but didn’t want him to know she wasn’t really asleep.

Then she heard some papers rustling on the floor next to her. Disappointment filled her again. Of course, she thought, a bit hopelessly, he’s just looking for something.

She heard him stand, and then nothing else. She was tempted to open her eyes to see what he was doing, but she didn’t want to ruin her ruse. She hadn’t given up all hope yet.

Barely daring to breathe, she waited. Then, after what had seemed an unbearably long time, she felt the whisper of movement next to her cheek just a millisecond before his hand cupped her face gently. Yes, she thought. She sighed contentedly and turned her face into his palm, eyes still closed. She didn’t want this fantasy to end- it was just beginning. She hoped.

She felt him lean down and press his lips to her forehead. She loved it when he did that, and she had to struggle to stay still because her arms wanted to reach out and draw him near.

And so she continued to wait. All I want is his love, she reasoned. His unconditional, no-strings-attached, I don’t expect anything in return, love. She ached for it deep inside her chest. But she was too proud to ask. And she wanted him to just know.