Sofia: Drive safe xoxo
"I'd ask how things are going with Simon, but that sappy look on your face speaks volumes."
I didn't bother correcting him. "I love him," I confessed. It was the first time I admitted those words out loud. However, keeping my feelings to myself was getting harder. Every time we made love, the words were on the tip of my tongue, ready to bleed out of me. For all my bravado in wanting to come clean with Simon about the true depths of my feelings, the fear of him rejecting me held me back.
Ryan's eyes widened, and he dropped the paper towel roll he was holding. "Say what...?!"
I covered my face; my voice muffled as I freaked out. "Is it too soon? It's too soon, right? Argh!"
"Jesus, I've never seen you so flustered over a guy. You really do love him."
I lowered my hands. "For someone I thought was toxic, he's the healthiest relationship I've ever had. He's supportive, he communicates, he's sweet, hard-working -"
"Has a big dick, gives good head, knows how to make you come...yes, we are all still traumatized by our camping trip."
I picked up a wad of paper and threw it in his general direction, watching it float pathetically to the floor.
"I'm serious," I whined.
"Look, when did you two start dating?"
I shrugged as I thought back. "From our camping trip, I guess. But we'd been chatting a bit before that."
"Okay, so that was the beginning of July. It's been four months now, love. I've had guys tell me they loved me within a week."
"I guess..."
"And who cares if you fell in love with him within a week? You can't help how you feel sometimes."
I pondered his words, knowing he was right. "Four monthsisa long time." How could it feel like I've known him a lifetime yet also feel like I've only known him for five minutes?
"I guess I'm just worried he doesn't feel the same way."
"Okay, that's enough." Ryan huffed as he placed his hands on his hips, ready to dish out some tough love.
"Remember the post-wedding barbecue he hosted? He couldn't take his eyes off you. Always patting your ass -" he pretended to gag - "making sure you had a drink and something to eat. And don't think we didn't notice you two disappearing suddenly for half an hour."
I blushed as I recalled him bending me over his bed and fucking me roughly, his fingers buried in my mouth to keep me from screaming. That weekend was the first time I felt like a proper girlfriend. I stayed the night so I could be up bright and early to help prepare for the day. His mom came over, too, and we bonded further while cooking and cleaning. She even brought up our plan to visit the Met, and without batting an eye, Simon pushed for us to cement the visit. There was an upcoming collection by an Afro-Hispanic painter I was dying to see, so we made arrangements to have a weekend away in January.
Again, Simon didn't seem to care that A: I was going away for the weekend with his mom, and B: the trip wasn't for another two months. That meant Simon was thinking long-term, right? Was two months long-term?
Shit, even his Instagram changed. He still took gym selfies, which I had come to appreciate now, but he also included me in them when we worked out together. My heart leaped whenever I saw an upload of us on his page. He always hashtagged it#coupleswhoshred #imaluckyman.
There was even a sly video he took of me doing the Stair Climber, which he captioned,'My girl's ass is outta this world.'I feigned being outraged over that, but secretly I was thrilled about how much he loved on me.
Loved on me.
Shit, maybe he did love me? Now that I took a step back to evaluate all his little actions, it seemed obvious to me.
"Now, are we done with the psycho-analyzing? Are you actually gonna help me cos' I can get this done faster without the Dr. Phill session."
I gave him a guilty smile, a weight lifting off me. "Sorry, babe. Put me to work!"
I jabbed the button to my floor in a hurry. My heart was pumping in excitement. Simon would be here soon, and I needed time to plan a romantic, sexy night for us. I decided to throw caution to the wind and confess my feelings for him. Tonight.
When the elevator dinged and the metal doors opened, I stepped out to my floor with a wide smile.
Suddenly, the door to my right - Maria's door - opened, and a tall, dark-haired figure stepped out.
