For as long as I can remember.
Giving me no chance to reply, he interjects, “In fact, don’t answer that.” He shifts the subject. “You have three choices this morning. You can either lie in bed and read all morning, join me for a run, or I can make you breakfast before I go out for a run.”
“I have a better idea; I’ll join you for a run, then you can make me breakfast when we get back.” I’m so glad I asked Lily to grab my running gear when she packed my things. Running is my ultimate mood booster and always clears my mind.
“Deal. That way, I can make sure you eat properly.”
“I’m not heartbroken, Leon. I’m far from it.” I’m happier than a bee in summertime. Waking up in Leon’s house is also a bonus; I can picture myself waking up like this every day with him.
At night, when I go to sleep, I think maybe I will feel differently about him and that my dreams will wash him away. But they haven’t, because being around him has only magnified my desire for him tenfold. Leon has been lying dormant in my heart, waiting patiently to reappear.
Good morning, obsession. Oh, how I’ve missed you.
Some part of me hates it too. It’s a cruel yet beautiful type of pain I inflict on myself; I’m like a siren singing her song, but he never hears it.
Leon’s posture relaxes. “It took courage to do what you did, and it makes me so fucking happy that you’re still sure about it.” He pats the bed before standing and walking to the door. “Now get up, get dressed, and meet me downstairs in ten.” Just as he’s about to leave, he turns back. “And Erika?”
“Yeah?”
“Just in case you were wondering. On my hot as fuck woman scale, you’re not just right at the top of it, you’re the only woman on it.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Leon
I glance at my wristwatch, which I’ve worn every day since Erika found it for me.
Although my Patek Philippe might be a collector’s item, it holds more significance for me: every tick of the second hand is a reminder of how long I’ve been in love with her.
Erika and I didn’t talk much on our run. Something we usually do a lot of.
Today felt different, though. It was like we were both lost in our own thoughts. I know I was stuck in mine.
In my head, I’ve kind of come up with a plan. I think it’s best to tell her how I feel before we go on vacation.
Because I can’t wait any longer.
I’ve gone from mastering the art of patience to anxiously waiting in the wings.
But the last thing I want is to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, because what if she doesn’t feel the same way? What if Ash is wrong?
It’s been years since we kissed, and even though she never said it, I think she wanted something to happen between us, just like I did.
What if she tells me she doesn’t have feelings for me?
Then I guess I will have stirred up a hornet’s nest, and we’ll both end up getting stung.
I’m playing a risky game.
In the meantime, over the next few days, I’ll continue doing what I’ve been doing: leaving breadcrumbs for her to follow. The hints, the compliments, the subtle touches, while at the same time still giving her the space she needs and deserves.
I’ve been more than obvious that I want her.
And yet, she’s playing it cool.
Although she said she thought I washotandsexyearlier. Surely that means something.
If Ash and Lily are right about her liking me, or more specifically, loving me, then that’s huge. Hope blooms in my chest before insecurity sneaks back in.
