“That’s exciting.” Angel dealt with his bags and helped with mine. “Now, sit on the bed. Let me get a look at your leg.”
I plopped onto the mattress. “You don’t think it’s too quick or anything?”
He knelt to roll my sweatpants to my knee. “Not really. Not if they’re in love.”
Like us. Even if it’d only been a few weeks.
He gently prodded my broken skin, and I hissed.
“Sorry. Looks like it’ll bruise. I'll put some antibacterial cream on it for you.” He massaged my calf, his voice thick with lack of sleep. He’d gotten even less rest than me. “Do you think it’s too much too fast?” he asked softly.
“No. I think it’s sweet.”
My pulse quickened, and his lip ticked up, the implications of our answers stretching out.
That movie When Harry Met Sally put it best: when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.
And this was the perfect time for Angel and I to start that. I was transitioning from one home to another. We both needed a soft place to land. Why couldn’t that be in each other’s arms and beds?
I pawed Angel with my toes, my stomach fluttering in nervous excitement. “My sister might sublet her apartment until the lease is up. I know this isn't as nice as your mom’s place, or as budget-friendly, but you and I could be roomies, if that’s something you’d be interested in.”
“That could work.” He lowered his gaze and caressed higher on my leg. “Depending how much rent would be.”
Could we actually live together on our salaries?
I grinned and scooted closer. “I-I’m not sure what your budget’s like, but if Kat managed with a roommate and a pet before she became manager at Hot Contra, I think we have a good shot at this. I just have to run the numbers.”
“Will you send me the whole ‘study guide’ in the form of a spreadsheet?” He smirked and began removing my shoes.
“Absolutely. I’d do a whole lot more for you,” I said.
“Oh, really? Let me get some antibacterial cream on you, first,” he said, reaching for his bag.
“I can give you easier access.” I lifted my hips to take off my soft pants.
He blushed, fumbling his medical kit. “Easy, pidge.”
“Why? Are you afraid I’ll hurt myself again?”
He shook his head as he readied the tube. “It’s the crack of dawn. I’ve had no sleep, and I’ve got a huge test in a few hours. I cannot be tempted to join you in bed.”
“Maybe that’s what you should do,” I said, curling my toes into his waistband. “You know, fully.”
He paused, his fingers on the cusp of the cream. “You want to…”
My cheeks warmed. “I don’t need rose petals or a perfect moment. I just want you.”
“You have me.” He dabbed ointment on my cut.
I tensed, anticipating pain, but it never came.
He secured a bandage over the scrape and gently gave it a kiss. Then, he lowered himself atop me on the mattress.
My insides fluttered, every hair on my body standing to attention as his healing hands caressed my thighs, then my hips.
“I want you too, Tori,” he said, his eyes dark and full of devotion.
I embraced his warmth. His strength. His soul. I loved everything about him.
