“I mean, sure, if you’re okay with me meeting your family.” She shrugs before going back to eating her eggs.
“Yeah of course. I actually really miss seeing them every day, I didn’t think I would.” I can’t help that my sigh sounds wistful. I do miss my family but moving in with Natasha has changed my life in more ways than I could’ve ever guessed. I wouldn’t trade what I have now for anything in the world, I just hope I can convince Natasha that she feels the same way.
It’s over an hour after breakfast when Natasha emerges from her bedroom, fresh and ready to go.
“You ready?” She asks, pulling on her coat. I stare because I don’t even think she realizes how she affects me, and everyone else around her. She’s got this radiating aura that just captures your attention. You can try and fight it but you know you’ll lose.
“You look beautiful.” She’s wearing jeans and a cream sweater, her hair is neatly curled and her boots are hot as fuck. But, more than all of that, I like that she’s not just dressing up for me but for my family.
“Thanks.” Her smile is small, almost shy looking.
I hate it. It’s a smile that says she’s not used to being told just how truly remarkable she is. I hate that, but I’m working on changing it.
Despite how lovely it was to hear her say all of three words, the tension between us hasn’t dissipated. I texted my sister straight after breakfast to let her know that I was heading her way. I may have hinted that I was bringing someone with me but since I can’t put a label on Natasha and I just yet, I skilfully dodged all my sister’s follow up questions.
After getting showered and dressed myself, I searched online for a fancy restaurant to take Natasha to tonight, assuming she agrees when I ask her. I’ve decided that’s what I’m going to do. It’s not much of a master plan but it’s a start.
As soon as we step out of the building I start to doubt going out today. The clouds are covering the skies making the streets seem darker than they should be for ten in the morning. I take Natasha’s hand in mine and lead her to my car. I unlock it and open the door for her to climb in.
Once we’re both situated inside the car, I lock the doors and turn in my seat to face Natasha head on.
I think me locking her in must catch her off guard because her eyes fly to the door handle. “What the hell?”
“Sorry, I just don’t want you running away.” I pause to look at her sceptically. She looks as calm as a cucumber but her hand is frantically pulling on the interior door handle. She raises an eyebrow in question and I have to grind my teeth to keep from laughing at her sweetness. I nod towards her hand and her head swings around to look at it.
Slowly her hand drops and I continue talking, “I thought maybe we should talk, clear the air.”
I start with, “About last night,” but that doesn’t sound right.
Natasha goes to jump in which I’m glad for, until I hear what she has to say. “I know you don’t do relationships but Luke, I can’t do casual sex.”
“I don’t expect you to, and who said I don’t do relationships?” I’m pissed and eager to know who the hell has been filling her head with such negative bullshit.
“Everyone. Gabby, Katie, Ellie…” And they’ll all certainly be getting an earful later.
“I don’t want you listening to any of that.” Not because it’s not true, it’s just not the case now. Natasha is different and I don’t want her doubting us because of my past ‘relationships’. “There’s a difference between not doing relationships and not having been in a relationship before. I just haven’t found anyone I liked enough to be in a relationship with.”
“Oh. So, what does that mean?” The looks she gives me would have knocked me off my feet if I were standing. It’s a look of total vulnerability, a look that warns me that the ball is in my court. This is it, that magical moment I’ve been waiting for to make my move.
“It means that I would really love it if you gave me a chance.” I take her hand with my free one and bring it to my lips. “Tonight, we start by going out for dinner. Like a proper, just me and you, date?”
“I would love that.” Her answer makes me happy. I finally press my lips against her eagerly awaiting ones. I’m not in any rush to get to my sisters and Natasha’s lips are just too irresistible to deny. This is only the beginning and I thoroughly plan to enjoy every moment of our journey together, wherever it leads us.
Natasha has no idea how deep I’m already in, she better prepare herself for a wild ride.
Epilogue
Bree
“Natasha?” I hear Luke call but it sounds hazy, like it’s coming from far away. “What the hell? Are you okay?”
I’m a crying mess, I try to tell him but the sounds just come out all jumbled. Oh, god. We’re going to turn into the real-life versions of Ross and Rachel.
“I can’t understand what you’re saying when you’re crying like that. Calm down and tell me what’s wrong? I promise I won’t laugh, and I promise to be helpful.” He pouts at me as he tries to pry the carton of cookie dough ice cream from my hands.
Luke finally tugs the ice cream free and then smiles victoriously. The smile on his face scares me more than anything else. Once I tell him, I’m going to have an up close and personal view as that annoyingly perfect smile drops off of his face, maybe forever.
“I, I’m…” I stutter. Every time I try to say it I can’t help that my emotions rise all over again. I try again to calm my breathing, deep breath in, deep breath out and repeat. “I’m late.”
