“Absolutely, I'll change,” I replied, gesturing toward the bathroom.Although I knew we would soon find ourselves in a more intimate situation, the thought of changing in front of him made me feel uneasy.
I slipped into the bathroom and set my bag on the floor.Glancing at the mirror, I noticed my pale complexion.Opting for a touch of lipstick, mascara, and a hint of blush, I changed into a romantic pastel pink floral sundress paired with my white Nikes.I avoided sandals, knowing the cold would make me shiver even more.To finish the look, I added a cropped leather jacket for warmth.
After a quick change, I stepped back into the room and found Zane shirtless, pulling a shirt from his backpack.My heart raced at the sight of his bare skin.
“It's a bit wrinkled,” I said with a grin.
“I know, but I didn't want to carry it on a hanger; my dad would get suspicious,” he replied, returning my smile as I glanced at the black shirt in his hand.
“Shouldn't there be an iron around here?”I asked, scanning the room.I opened the built-in closet and, to my relief, found an iron.I quickly plugged it in and pulled out the ironing board.Zane stepped closer, but I took the shirt from him.
“Let me take care of it,” I said softly.He hesitated for a moment.
“It's alright; I can manage,” he replied gratefully.
“Please, I insist,” I urged.After a brief pause, he surrendered the shirt and stepped back to sit on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on me.I stole glances at him, battling the strong urge to walk over and kiss him.
“You look beautiful today,” he said softly.
“Thank you,” I replied with a smile.Once I finished ironing, I offered to help him dress.Zane rose from the bed and turned his back to me, and slid his arms into the sleeves.When he turned around, I instinctively began to button up his shirt, and he chuckled.“What's so funny?”I asked, a bit annoyed.
“Nothing,” he said, still smiling.“Thank you,” he quickly added.I nodded, and then he cupped my face gently, leaning in to press his lips against mine, igniting a longing for more.
“Ready to go?”he asked.
“Ready,” I responded.I grabbed my bag, Zane took the keys, and together we stepped out, locking the door behind us.Following the same path as we entered, we soon found ourselves amidst a bustling crowd.
Zane’s grip on my hand was firm, my palm growing clammy, which only added to my unease.
“How about we grab a bite here?”he suggested, pointing toward a rustic little restaurant.I nodded, relieved when he finally let go of my hand.I quickly attempted to dry it on my dress, but he caught me in the act, leaving me feeling a bit embarrassed.We settled into a cozy table for two by the window, and the waiter promptly brought us water and bread.
I found myself wishing for something stronger to help manage the tornado of emotions churning inside me.
“What are you in the mood for?”Zane asked, scanning the menu.I wasn't particularly hungry; my mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of what lay ahead.Still, I knew I needed to order something to avoid an embarrassing rumble from my stomach.Zane chose pasta, while I opted for a light fish fillet, both accompanied by a glass of white wine.
He mostly kept quiet, his amber gaze fixed on me as I stared back.Our conversation drifted to Rome and various intriguing facts that Zane shared.The wine helped ease the tension a bit.
“So, how does it feel?”he asked, tilting his head slightly.
“What do you mean?”I replied, uncertain of his question.
“Playing adults,” he clarified.
“Oh, so this is just a game?”I laughed, “And how old do you think you are?”I added.
“I believe I'm 25.How about you?”he asked with genuine curiosity.
“I'd say around 23,” I answered, seeking his approval.
“This is nice; I wish we could stay here a bit longer,” Zane remarked, his expression turning serious.
“I wish that too,” I admitted, my honesty surprising even myself.
“Do you think we're hurrying into adulthood?”he pondered.
“I think we just want the freedom to pursue what we love,” I replied.That was my desire: to be here without sneaking around, to make my own choices in life—who to date, how to live, what to eat, and what career path to take.Just a few months left until everything changes, and I wondered about Zane’s future plans—was he staying?Moving?Did I fit into his vision?
“Let's make a toast.”Zane raised his glass.“To new beginnings in adulthood.”
