Jenny's heart fluttered as she stood before Daniel's door. She found the spare key beneath the doormat. Shifting all the bags into her left hand, she fumbled with the lock and pried open the door with her right hand. She closed the door and locked it, before flipping on the light. 'The guy needs be taught some cleanliness,' she thought as she looked at the mess before her. Dumping the bags on a nearby chair, she tied up her hair and proceeded to pick up the magazines and newspapers strewn across the floor. She cleared the plates from the table and loaded them into the dishwasher. She made the bed and changed the covers. It took her a couple of hours to make the house look presentable. 'Good job, Jenny,' she said aloud and smiled. This was his 28th birthday and she had planned a small surprise for the love of her life.
Humming a tune, Jenny carried the bags into the kitchen and got down to work. After a grueling session with the flour, milk and eggs, Jenny finally poured the mixture into the baking tin and placed it in the oven. Praying that the cake would be baked properly, she started preparing the other dishes. At 15 minutes past 7, Jenny looked at the perfectly baked chocolate cake and the mouth-watering dishes. She congratulated herself on the result and glanced at the clock. Knowing that she had only 15 minutes left, she ran into the bathroom for a shower. After a quick shower, Jenny changed into a blue off-shoulder dress, which she had brought along with her. She applied some mascara and was just applying the lipstick, when she heard Daniel's car in the drive-way. She hurried with her make-up and made way towards the dining table to light the candles.
***
Daniel turned off the car engine and looked at himself in the rear-view mirror. He looked like shit after nearly 10 hours of work. He got out of the car and collected his briefcase. 'Where the hell is she?' he thought as he slammed the door shut and walked towards the door. Her phone was switched off and she hadn't wished him which was quite unlike her. Shrugging and chiding himself for being too expectant, he turned the key and opened the door.
As soon as he entered, ke knew that something was wrong. The house smelled like a bakery and it looked... more... neat and clean... And then he saw the candles...
'Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday dear Daniel... Happy birthday to you...' sang Jenny as she stood across the living room, beside the dining table.
'Come here,' Daniel said as he held out of his arms. Jenny flew into them and he wrapped her into a tight embrace.
'Many many happy returns of the day, Dan baby,' said Jenny as she pulled back a little and kissed him lightly on his lips. 'And I am sorry, I didn't wish you earlier,' she continued.
'It's alright, sweetie. And thanks for your wishes and the song,' he chuckled as he held her in his arms.
'I missed you...,'whispered Jenny as she held onto him tightly and smelled the crispness of his aftershave.
'Hey... You alright, Jen?' asked Daniel as he stroked her hair.
'I ... I love you...,' murmured Jenny and Daniel pulled back a little. Her eyes shined as she looked at him. Daniel planted a kiss on her forehead, 'I know and I love you too, baby.'
'Come on, let's blow the candles and cut the cake,' said Jenny as she tugged him towards the table. 'Make a wish,' she said as she handed him the knife.
'I have all that I ever wished for,' he whispered before pulling Jenny close. He blew the candles and Jenny clapped her hands like a kindergarten kid. He offered the first slice of cake to Jenny. Jenny took a small bite before forcing the rest of the slice into Daniel's mouth.
'You got a little cream on your chin,' said Daniel as he bent towards Jenny and cleaned the cream off her chin. He pressed a kiss on her forehead and tweaked her nose.
'Did you like the cake?' asked Jenny as she pulled back and scooped a little cream off the cake.
'I think it was just ok...' and before he could complete his sentence, she smeared the cream on his face and ran away.
'I will get you for this,' he said as he made a mad dash towards her.
Owing to his height, he caught up with her and landed on the couch. He started tickling her until she begged him to stop.
'Go and take a shower, mister,' Jenny said as she got up from the couch and stood beside the table. 'I will arrange the table in the meanwhile,' she went on as she sliced the cake.
'You will be staying here for the rest of the night?' asked Daniel as he started unbuttoning his shirt.
'Yes, any problem?' asked Jenny hoping that he didn't have any prior appointments.
'No problem, sweets,' said Daniel as he walked towards the bedroom.
Hoping that this was going to be the best birthday he ever had, she started clearing the table.
***
After a refreshing shower, Daniel put on a pair of Khaki trousers and flannel shirt. He finger combed his damp hair and entered the living room. Jenny was standing near the table, arranging the plates and tucking a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. The room was dark except for the candles on the table. The candlelight made her glow. And she looked pretty in the dress. The dress was a perfect fit and it accentuated her figure. Seeing Jenny in his house, wearing a provocative dress, made him fantasize about her and the night to come. But he controlled his urges and smiled at his girl. Walking stealthily, Daniel stood behind Jenny and murmured huskily, 'You look beautiful'. She jumped and landed with a thud against his chest.
'You scared the hell out of me,' screamed Jenny as she turned around and held onto Daniel.
'I am sorry. I didn't mean to. But you look pretty in this dress,' he said as he brushed his thumb across her cheekbone. Jenny shivered at his touch. Cupping his face into her hands, she brought his mouth down for a kiss. She ran her fingers over his five o' clock shadow. She dragged her fingers over his shirt and tried to unbutton his shirt. But he pulled her hands away and kissed her instead.
'Why don't you let me be a little wild with you?' she pouted at him angrily.
'Not now, Jen. We will have plenty of time for all these wild and kinky things,' said Daniel as he pulled himself apart.
Not willing to argue with him on his birthday, Jenny kept quiet.
'Candlelight dinner, huh?' asked Daniel as he sat down and pulled out a chair for Jenny.
'Yes. I thought of doing something special,' said Jenny as she poured out the wine and sat down.
'How was your class today?' he asked as he served the steaming hot food onto their plates.
'Boring,' grimaced Jenny as she smiled wryly. 'I wish you were my teacher,' sighed Jenny dreamily.
'If I would have been your teacher, you wouldn't have concentrated at all. Am I right?' asked Daniel as he took her hand into his.
'You are right,' giggled Jenny as she played with his hand and sipped her wine. 'How was your day?' she asked as she fed him a morsel.
'It is just the same old shit. Nothing new and interesting,' remarked Daniel. 'Stay put, young lady' chided Daniel playfully as she started sliding her foot along his leg.
'Ah! Spoilsport,' muttered Jenny before withdrawing her foot.
***
'I will be right back,' called out Jenny from the kitchen as she carried the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher.
'Need some help?' asked Daniel as he settled on the settee before the television. Hearing Jenny's reply in the negative, he tuned into his favorite news channel. After a few minutes, Jenny joined him.
'Again the same old boring crap?' asked Jenny as she snatched the remote from his hands.
'Hey, that was interesting,' protested Daniel as she skipped through the channels. Assuming that he would have to settle in for some romantic crap, he looked at the screen warily.
'Don't worry, I won't torture you on your birthday,' chuckled Jenny as she tuned into an action flick.
Jenny snuggled into Daniel and laid her head on his shoulder. He looped his arm around her and held her close. She didn't know for how long she was asleep, but the next thing she knew was, Daniel was tucking her into his bed.