I awaken to the sensation of a gentle touch on my bare stomach, feeling the warmth of someone drawing nearer. An arm encircles my waist, and a leg is playfully draped over my own.
"Marie!" he murmurs softly.
"Mmm!"
"Would you consider being my girlfriend?" He speaks in a deep, gravelly tone.
"What?" My eyes grew wide at his words, and my mouth dropped open in astonishment.
"I am joking," he chuckles, a warm smile illuminating his face as I playfully tap his chest, gently nudging him away from me with a lighthearted gesture.
"Now, come closer," he says, drawing me back into his embrace once more.
A low groan escapes my lips as I draw nearer to him.
"I meant what I said earlier, though," he states, his expression grave and unwavering.
"What!?" I prop myself up on my elbows.
"Marie, I'm just kidding," he exclaimed, laughter erupting from him.
"Not funny, Gino." I laugh softly at the playful new pet name.
"Marie, what did you just call me?" He chuckles.
'Gino!' tease.
