I felt sorry for her neighbors because they would have to be deaf not to hear us. Her screams were loud and long, and my grunts and groans weren't much quieter.
She collapsed down, gasping for breath. My arms immediately cocooned around her, holding her close as I fought to catch my breath.
I felt at peace.
Light. Happy. Relieved. In love.
And she loved me, too.
At least, I think that's what she said.
"Ah, just to clarify, baby...you love me too, right?"
She laughed and glanced up at me. Her face was red and sweaty, and her hair was stuck around her cheeks. I've never seen her look more beautiful. "Yes, Si. I love you."
I tightened my arm around her. "Thought so. What's not to love?"
I laughed as she bit my nipple playfully before I turned her under me.
Epilogue
Sofia
It'sincrediblewhatadeclaration of love could do. Simon and I were inseparable once we established our adoration and devotion to each other.
Well, we did have to separate due to our living situation and careers, but considering Helensville and New Haven were less than forty minutes away, it wasn't unheard of for one of us to drive down after work and commute. Simon had more flexibility due to the nature of his job and being able to work remotely.
Two weeks after our Come to Jesus moment, we gathered at The Homestead for Ryan's leaving drinks. He had moved into Gabe's and was starting his brand-spanking new job in two days. I had finally forgiven him for abandoning me. This being-in-love business was good for the soul.
The bar was packed. Not unusual for a Saturday night. An open invitation was given to anyone that wanted to swing by and say goodbye to Ryan. After a year of parties and events, Ryan made the call to keep things low-key. The emotional gravity of leaving his hometown dragged him down a bit, and he didn't want to make a big deal out of leaving.
"Otherwise, I'll break down like a little bitch," he'd told me. Before doing just that.
I was at the bar waiting for my drink order when a large hand clasped my shoulder.
"Brian!" I exclaimed.
On instinct, we hugged, genuinely delighted to see each other. Brian and I hadn't officially ended our arrangement. There wasn't a need to. If he had reached out for sex, I would've been honest with him, and obviously, I didn't need his...services anymore. We did run into each other a few times around town, but only in passing, and managed a polite hello and a smile. Because my spare time was wrapped up in Simon, I hadn't been able to have a proper chat with him.
"I'd ask where you've been, but I think I know." He leaned on the bar, his eyes twinkling with amusement as I blushed.
His face held no inkling that he was upset by the turn of events. Some men got a bit snippy if you turned the tap off.
"Ah, small town living for the win!" I joked.
He threw his head back and laughed.
"Are you here for Ryan?" I asked as I thanked the bartender for the drink he passed me.
"Yeah. Came to say my goodbyes. He's a cool dude. Shame to see him go."
Since I'd been on the verge of crying all night, I could only give him a wobbly smile. "Well, I'm sure he appreciates it." I gave him a quick rub on the shoulder in acknowledgment.
His eyes shifted to something - or rather,someone- behind me before he took a swig of his beer, smiling as if holding onto a scandalous secret.
I didn't need to know what he found so funny. I could sense my growly, overcrowding boyfriend a mile away. Sure enough, a heavy arm plonked around my shoulders before a gentle jerk had me sinking back against a hard chest.
I bit my lip at the apparent display of ownership, clasping Simon's slightly tight hold, soothing his rough flesh with my hand.
