“I don’t know . . . just people.”
I slowly nod. “And who are these people you talk about?”
“Stop.” She chuckles. “You know what I mean.”
“I do, but I’m wondering when you started caring about what other people think? Because as long as I’ve known you, you really haven’t cared at all.”
“You’re right. I haven’t. I guess I just still have that fear.”
“Well, if you’re not ready, I’ll wait. I can wait for as long as you want me to wait,” I say. “I’m not going anywhere, Lia. If you want me to slow down, I’ll slow down. If you want me to give you some space to think about things, I will do that too because I want you in this just as much as I am.”
She bites her bottom lip and says, “I want this too, Breaker.” She groans and then flops back on the bed while covering her eyes with her hands. “God, I’m so annoying.”
I laugh and lie down next to her while settling my hand on her stomach. “Why do you say that?”
“Doesn’t it seem obvious? That I should just be with you and not have any reservations holding me back? You’re the clear choice, yet I’m so scared to take that step toward dating, because that would mean . . . that would mean our friendship is over.”
“Uh . . . excuse me?” I ask. “What do you mean our friendship is over?”
“If we take that first step toward dating, Breaker, then this could end in two vastly different ways. We are together forever, which just seems crazy to even think about. Or we break up, and I doubt we can be friends after breaking up.”
I scratch my cheek. “Why does being together forever seem crazy to you?”
“Well, do you even want to get married one day? Ever since I’ve known you, you haven’t had a serious girlfriend, so is that something you want? Doesn’t getting involved with me freak you out at all?”
“Not in the slightest,” I answer. “And I think it’s because in my mind, I’ve always been with you. You’ve always been mine.”
“That’s annoyingly sweet.”
I chuckle and then cup her face. “You said you trust me, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then let me lead the way, okay? Can you do that? I promise I won’t push too hard.”
She swallows and nods. “Okay, yeah, I can do that.”
“Good girl.” I smirk and then say, “Now, if you want to go back to your place and sleep, you are more than welcome to. Just borrow some pants of mine first. If you want to stay here, that’s good too. But the choice is yours.”
“I want to stay here,” she says, her eyes on mine.
“Then let’s get ready for bed because I’m exhausted.” I lift from the bed and pull her up as well.
After taking turns going to the bathroom and brushing our teeth, I walk her to her side of the bed, pull down the covers, and help her in.
Once everything’s locked up and my phone is charging, I slip in behind her, the cool sheets a stark contrast to her heated body. I slip my arm around her waist and pull her into my chest.
“You good?”
“Very,” she says. “This is my favorite way to sleep. Ever.”
I lay a kiss on her neck. “Mine too.”
“Breaker?” she asks after a light pause.
“Hmm?”
“Tomorrow . . . is that date still an option?”
