“Please look at me, pretty girl.” I did as he asked with tears forming in my eyes. “You have become my favorite part of my day. Everything else is routine and monotonous, but you come around, and suddenly life lights up. Colors are more vibrant. Food has more flavor. Workouts make me stronger. I even sleep the best when I know I’ll get to see you the next day.” He used his thumb to wipe the single tear that escaped. “All that to say, I care about you more than you’ll probably ever understand. That care only increases the more time I spend with you and the more I get to know your soul. Your oh so beautiful soul.” He squeezed my shoulder with reassurance.
“I don't know how to show I have that same care for you. I feel like you deserve better than what I can give you just because of my messed-up past.” I looked down at my hands.
“You are the best person I have met in this life.” He lifted my chin, so our eyes met. “You deserve absolutely everything, Serenity. I will continue to do everything I can to prove that to you.”
“You’re one of the good ones, Grant. I hope you know that, too. Can I ask a question?”
“Always,” he responded.
“I had the best sleep I’ve had in a long time when I slept at your house. Maybe I can come over tonight, but maybe you can sleep in the bed with me this time.”
I watched his lips go up in a smirk. “Are you asking to sleep with me, pretty girl?” He laughed.
“Just sleep, yes. Maybe some cuddling.”
“On one condition,” he said.
“What’s that?” I looked up at the stars to bask in the moment with him.
“I get to be the little spoon.” I burst out laughing, especially since he was practically a foot taller than me.
“I will gladly hold you like a baby.” I kissed him lightly on the lips.
“Then let's get out of here so we can get your car and stop at your place to pack an overnight bag. It’s almost my bedtime.”
“Mine too,” I said.
“Wow, the stars were beautiful tonight. Not nearly as beautiful as you, though.”
I bumped my hip into him playfully. “They were pretty magnificent.”
“Stargazing with you was truly out of this world,” he said with a wink.
“Okay, lover boy. Let’s get you home.”
“Us,” he corrected.
THIRTY
PRESENT
Serenity stepped out of the bathroom, looking like a literal dream. She wore a dark blue tank top and shorts pajama set. The shorts were set high on her waist, and her tank top was cropped and flowy, showing a bit of her stomach. I finally met her eyes after exploring every inch of her.
She tilted her head and gave me a sly smile. “You okay over there?”
“Just admiring the woman I get to have in my bed tonight. You truly are a sight to see.” I honestly couldn’t keep my eyes off her. I stood up from the bed and walked toward her. I tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, but she shied away. “Sorry, was that too much?”
She gazed up at me. “No, that’s not it. I don’t particularly like my ears being touched.”
“Don’t be afraid to set boundaries with me, okay? I want you to always feel respected by me.” I hadn't expected her to jump into my arms, but I recovered and held her with my arms aroundher waist and spun her around. I set her back down, but she kept her arms around my neck and looked up at me.
“You’re not wearing a shirt,” she said, noticing.
“I don’t usually sleep with one, do you want me to?” I headed toward my dresser, but she stopped me.
“No, it’s okay. Let’s be comfortable.” She grabbed my hand and looked back up at me. “Let’s go to bed.”
I nodded and smiled at her. “What side do you want to sleep on?” I asked.
