Clinton
Dove, you are going to do so well.
You’re so strong and I’m so proud of you.
Dove
Almost home.
It went well.
Better than I could have ever expected!
Clinton
I want to hear about it all!
Almosthome huh? What if you came to my condo instead?
Dove
I could do that. *flirty emoji*
Clinton
See you soon, Dove.
She sends me her ETA, and it gives me just enough time to set some things up for her arrival. I pull out a few essentials from my dresser and toss them in the dryer to warm. Though meeting with her dad went great, I know it was a lot for her. I could feel the tension rolling off of her when we met at Sweet Bean after she called her dad. Her mom gave us each a large Styrofoam cup of café con leche before we sat down on a bench outside—one by the outdoor heater since the temperatures have been slowly getting cooler—and talked about her calling her dad.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so wound up before, so anxious. We may tease back and forth, I love watching her perfect round cheeks grow pink, but this was a different type of nervousness.
Placing a vinyl of Sade on the record player, I slide over the tonearm and set it on the disc. The smooth sound of the singer’s voice plays in the background, and I open an app on my phone, pressing the ON button for all the lights I have set to the balcony. There are dome lights within potted plants, in the lanterns affixed to the building, and anywhere I felt needed some ambiance. Setting what I hope to be a calming atmosphere, I tap on the electric heater, which is set up next to the blanket-covered loveseat. This has become my favorite spot after a long day, and I hope she can find the same peace here as I do.
The moment she texted me this morning, I knew she would need apick-me-up. I ordered multiple meats and cheeses. When I googled what kind of snacks to get a woman having a hard day, something about “girl dinner” popped up. This night feltgirl dinnerworthy—necessary, even. My shoulders shake with silent laughter when I think of the popular term. Setting down the tray of meats, cheeses, jams, and the like, I place a cover over the top.
Soft knocks come from the front door, and what I find on the other side is an exhausted Paloma. “Come here, beautiful.” I pull her into my arms and feel her melt into me. A small part of me hopes she’s already finding the comfort she needs in my embrace. Turning, I pull us both away from the door, shutting it as I do and walk her to my bedroom. “Sit here, baby.”
I know she’s had a day when there’s no teasing rebuttal for me. Walking straight through the walk-in closet, I make quick work of grabbing the sweatpants and t-shirt from the dryer before coming back out to her.
“You can change into something comfortable, even take a shower if you want. The bathroom is right next to the closet, and I’ll be on the porch. It's right through the living room on the other side of the bedroom door.” I feel her nod her head as I kiss the top of it, placing the warm clothes in her lap.
The balcony is perfect. I’m grateful it's not windy out, and we can truly enjoy being out here, probably one of the last times before the temperature really takes a dip. I hear Paloma slide the balcony door open, and when I turn, my eyes lock on a pair of tan bare legs, and I swallow back a groan the higher my gaze travels. The soft yellow T-shirt is one I’ve had for years. I’m still not sure where I got it, but something about it wouldn't allow me to let it go. It's a size too big for me, it may be a bit big on her, but with her ample size I can still see an eyeful of her lovelycurves. I’ve got it so bad for her, she doesn't even realize how much, not completely.
“Decided against the sweatpants, hm?” I smirk, teasing her even in her tired state.
“Do you know how long I’ve looked for this?” She aims her question but doesn't allow me to finish before she continues, “Clint, this is my sleep shirt from when we—”
Her voice stalls, and I can tell she isn't sure if she should bring up our past. So I do it for her. “When we were together. I never knew where I got it from. It must have been stuffed into my luggage before I packed it.”
“I can't believe you’ve had it all this time.” She takes a tentative step toward me. “I was planning on putting the sweats on, that you so kindly warmed for me, but I felt better once I put on my old sleep shirt.”
“Anything for you, Dove.” She walks closer to me and grips my shirt between her fingers and slowly leans up as she tugs me down to her. Paloma presses her lips to mine in a fierce and urgent kiss, like a storm finally breaking to release the downpour it's been holding in. Her soft body presses into my own, and I wrap my arms around her, deepening the kiss.
As quickly as it starts, she pulls back, resting her cheek against my chest. “How do you keep doing this?”
“Doing what?” I ask her, swaying with her lush curves to the beat of the music.
“You make it incredibly hard not to fall for you.”
