As the soft morning light filtered through the curtains, Lisa stirred, her body cocooned in the warmth of the bedsheets.
Her eyes fluttered open, and the events of the previous night slowly came rushing back to her.
A flush crept up her cheeks as she became aware of the fact that she was completely bare beneath the covers.
As she looked besides her Canary was not there.
' Where did he go ?'
She had just asked herself when Canary stepped in, holding a tray with breakfast.
He was only in his pants , his and his smile as warm as the sunlight. "Good morning, beautiful," he said, his voice soft but cheerful.
Lisa's cheeks flushed, but she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.
"Morning," she replied, her voice still a little groggy.
"I thought you might be hungry," Canary said, setting the tray down on the bedside table.
The tray held a steaming cup of coffee, fresh fruit, and perfectly golden toast. He perched on the edge of the bed, leaning in slightly. "How are you feeling?"
Lisa hesitated for a moment, her gaze meeting his. The tenderness in his eyes eased any lingering nervousness. "I feel… good," she admitted, her smile widening.
He reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "You're amazing, you know that?"
" What ?"
" Hmm, Never mind. Enjoy the meal.."
As they shared the breakfast, Lisa realized that the vulnerability of the night before had only strengthened the bond between them.
Canary helped to feed her some grapes which kept her smile. After Canary put the tray away and sat besides her.
Lisa was still seated with the bed sheet wrapped around her.
" It's still early, Do you want to have a shower with me ?" He asked.
Lisa's cheeks flushed red not believing his question.
" …Shower..with..you ?" She asked looking away from him in embrassed.
" Mm" Canary kept his smile on.
" How can you ask that ?" She asked pulling away the strands of hair.
" Huh…We have seen each other naked already. I.."
" Canary!" Lisa cut him off, clutching her towel defensively.
"You can't just…say stuff like that!"
He chuckled, stepping closer. "I'm just saying, it's a good idea."
Lisa turned her back to him, her voice flustered but firm.
"No way. You can take your efficient shower alone. I'll wait my turn."
Her embarrassment only made his grin wider. "Fine, suit yourself," he said, stepping back with a wink. "But you're missing out."
As the door clicked shut behind her, Lisa let out a shaky breath, her heart racing. "That man…" she muttered under her breath, unable to suppress the small smile tugging at her lips.
Lisa decided to look for her phone which she had left in the bag all long.
On checking she found five missed calls from Stella and immediately made a call.
Lisa stepped onto the balcony, dialing Stella's number.
"Lisa! Why didn't you sleep at the orphanage last night?" Stella's voice was a mix of concern and curiosity.
Lisa herself was surprised because this was her first night missing going to the orphanage.
Lisa hesitated, glancing back toward the bathroom where Canary was still showering.
"..I am…Something came up last minute," she said quickly. "I'm sorry, Stella. I'll make it up to the kids."
Stella sighed. "Alright, but they missed you, especially Mia. Don't let them down."
"I won't," Lisa promised before ending the call, guilt settling in her chest as she stared out at the horizon.
Canary stepped out of the bathroom, steam trailing behind him as he dried his hair with a small towel slung over his shoulders.
His toned frame was wrapped in nothing but a towel around his waist, drops of water tracing down his skin from his damp hair.
Lisa glanced up from her phone, and her breath hitched. She tried to look away, but her gaze lingered on him a moment too long.
He looked effortlessly handsome, his wet hair slightly tousled, a relaxed grin playing on his lips.
"Did I miss something?" he asked, noticing her staring.
Lisa quickly averted her eyes, her cheeks burning. "N-No. Nothing." She fiddled with her phone, pretending to be engrossed in it.
Canary chuckled softly, clearly amused. "You sure? You're looking at me like I'm part of the resort's decor."
"I wasn't!" Lisa shot back, her voice a little too defensive, making him laugh even more.
"If you say so," he teased, sauntering over to grab his clothes.
" I will go to shower.." she said and went to the bathroom.
Canary chuckled and dressed up while Lisa showered.
Lisa emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a soft robe, her damp hair clinging to her neck and shoulders.
Without sparing a glance at Canary, who was lounging nearby, she walked directly to the mirror and picked up the hairdryer.
As she started to untangle her hair with her fingers, Canary appeared behind her, his reflection suddenly joining hers in the mirror. His easy smile made her pause.
"Let me help," he said, reaching for the hairdryer.
Lisa turned slightly, surprised. "You? Dry my hair?"
"Why not?" He grinned, gently taking the dryer from her hand. "You'll see—I'm a natural."
Before she could protest, he positioned himself behind her, switching on the dryer and running his fingers softly through her hair as he worked.
After drying her hair with surprising gentleness, Canary set the hairdryer down and placed his hands lightly on Lisa's shoulders, turning her to face him.
"See?" he said, his voice low and teasing. "I told you I was good at this."
Lisa met his eyes, her breath catching slightly at the intensity of his gaze. "Not bad," she murmured, trying to sound unaffected, though the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her.
Canary leaned in just a little closer, his lips curling into a playful smirk. "Not bad? That's all I get?"
She rolled her eyes, attempting to push him away, but he caught her hands in his, holding them gently. "You know," he continued, his tone now softer but no less mischievous, "you look even more beautiful like this. Fresh, natural…just you."
Lisa's heart fluttered at his words, but she tried to cover her reaction with a scoff. "You're ridiculous, Canary."
"Ridiculously captivated," he countered smoothly, his grin widening as he saw the faintest smile tug at her lips.
Lisa shook her head, unable to meet his gaze any longer. "You're impossible," she muttered, but the warmth in her voice gave her away.
"And yet, you're still standing here," he replied, his tone brimming with confidence, his eyes never leaving hers.
"You don't have to," Lisa murmured, her cheeks warming as she felt his touch.
"I want to," he replied simply, his voice low and reassuring.
Lisa glanced at their reflection again, her heart fluttering as she saw the focus in his eyes and the faint smile on his lips. It was a small gesture, but it felt impossibly intimate.