The Appetite Between Them

Chapter 1

Chapter One - Hungry

There was a sudden jolt as Daniel felt Mara's hands on his arms. He shouldn't be that surprised. It was the third time this week, after all. However, Daniel had just entered REM. So the unexpected shaking from his wife had him gasping.

"French toast," Mara whispered.

"Really?" Daniel asked.

Mara hummed with urgency. "Please. I'm starving."

Daniel didn't point out that they'd had an enormous dinner only a few hours ago. He also never brought up that they had also indulged in several scoops of ice cream either. He certainly would not remind his wife that he had to wake up for work in about four hours. Nope. Daniel never complained.

He lumbered out of bed. With their Goldendoodle, Winston, following closely behind, Daniel made his way to the kitchen. In the dim range light from the microwave, he cooked a stack of fluffy, buttery, sweet French toast. Piled high and drenched with maple syrup and powdered sugar, Daniel brought the plate back to the bedroom for his gorgeous wife.

"Thank you, Babe," Mara gushed as she pushed herself back onto the pillows.

Once she was situated, Daniel placed the plate in her lap and then sat on the edge of the bed to watch Mara feast. That first bite was his favorite. When she'd push as much food into her mouth as possible. Then with bulging cheeks, she'd tip her head back, eyes closed, and moan with ecstasy.

This is why Daniel got up in the middle of the night. He would make quesadillas, reheat leftovers, or quietly drive to Taco Bell down the street. Anything to make Mara happy.

"What?" Mara asked between bites.

Daniel shook his head. "Nothing," he replied, the goofy smile still spread across his face.

"Stop looking so pleased," Mara said, rolling her eyes.

"I'm happy that you're happy," Daniel said.

She suppressed a smile and continued to eat.

"Man, these cravings are no joke," Mara said, placing a hand on her newly rounded stomach.
Daniel had returned from washing her plate. He slid into bed next to her, dropping a kiss to her temple. He couldn't help but bring his large hand over hers to find the cure for her tummy.

"Did you get enough?" Daniel asked.

Mara nodded with a yawn. "Yeah, thanks, babe."

Daniel smiled as she leaned up and gave him a peck on the cheek.

"Night," she said through another yawn as she nestled down into the comforter.

"Night," he said, pulling her back into him.

They lay together in the quiet darkness, both cradling Mara's blossoming belly. Daniel felt Mara's breathing even out. He knew she was asleep. However, now that he had her fleshy midsection in his hands, Daniel was captivated.

How could he possibly sleep now? He was entranced by the softness that was forming. Mara's body was beginning to transform. And Daniel couldn't deny that it was awakening something inside of him.