The next morning I was up at eight–but not for class.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cYtMph8Z0
I told Zion and Sid I would join them for breakfast, and Sid had class a little earlier.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFv0Qx7axc
I didn't really mind being up early since I went to bed at a decent time— especially after Nine left once we finished dinner.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QnTbfqaqi
I made my bed as usual, folding the gray cover that I slept with over my comforter and texting Nine I had woken up since she specified to do so.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY35ZpqlTu0
I also texted Kai back who sent me a few TikTok and asked about my plans tonight, but I decided not to make any with her since I knew Nine probably already had plans in mind for us.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R95HK27IH
Then I got dressed in leggings and a sweatshirt, sliding on a pair of Uggs since I was only going to Zion and Sid's for breakfast.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHAjCQqgy5
I did my skincare and pulled my hair into a decent bun, not putting in any extra effort.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwEXC7FV3i
As I was leaving my apartment, I unconsciously checked my phone for a text back from Nine.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN3yl80ikv
But there was nothing.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks8LUx9Ikj
It had barely been an hour, so I had determined I was growing concerningly needy for her attention.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2DspR28wP
Especially since all I could think about was her during my drive to Zion and Sid's.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GQoXRfu1O
My heart nearly shot up in my chest when her contact displayed on the digital radio screen, indicating she was calling me rather than texting back.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZYfoovDDt
"Good morning" I spoke first as a smile grew on my lips.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChLi9XecPv
"Someone's very happy this morning" her smooth voice echoed through my car.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGJNUhQWKz
I hummed, "It's a perfect morning" I determined excitedly, "I'm headed over to Zion and Sid's now for breakfast."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlpc8xQBCN
"What are you having?" Nine asked me as I flicked on my signal to turn left.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxy8hIWDXO
"Uhhh Sid is making Belgian waffles," I said, focusing on the road, "You know, like with the waffle maker and stuff," I tried my best to explain, smiling at how funny I sounded.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2J4ZXQ644e
"I do know, River" she said, almost amused by my words, "Have you drank water yet?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnmyooyi1x
I nodded, "I have—I drank the bottle I left on my nightstand last night" I quickly explained, slowing down when I noticed the speed limit changed for the more residential area.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmMqumu3QA
"Good girl" Nine calmly said, making me purse my lips tightly together.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30wibs7OUU
Along with my legs.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNSRzgGrem
"What are your plans for the day?" she asked when I remained silent.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxsdvtq6pz
"Probably just the gym and I guess I'll work on my paper for software engineering" I told her as I flicked on my signal and turned down another street.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBqjEF4dRg
"Sounds very productive, River" she murmured, making a small smile grow on my lips.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNbrSZlDnK
"It does, doesn't it?" I said, thinking about how much of a three-sixty my life recently took, "What about you? What are your plans for today?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCminqzQo4
"The usual" she said, as I turned into the apartment complex parking lot, "A few patients and files to look over."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjZIJn5Jtv
"Has Sienna bothered you yet?" I decided to ask her, pursing my lips when my smile grew.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8qgDWG5of
"Only with a coffee and patient files" Nine calmly said, making me roll my eyes.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRZQqYi29T
"Of course, she gets you coffee" I mumbled as I pulled into the open parking spot.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcCSv4dUD9
"I'll get my coffee from now on" she determined, picking up on the clear hostility of my words.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvnOGriCpV
"Nine Luccino? Getting her own coffee?" I said, dramatically gasping to myself, "What kind of sick world is this?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49TYe3hqBQ
My heart nearly shot up in my chest when I heard her soft chuckle echo from the speakers.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8TMnG8wnp
I made her laugh.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ656tOQNdbA
I just... she totally just laughed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLC77e9tHX
And it was so pretty—probably the softest sound I've ever heard.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxad7hnvqNf
Ugh, why couldn't this have happened in person?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb0e6l0VVF
Now I'll have to imagine the face she made.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6s7NzzJrh
What her smile looks like...
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpDeYTOgGE
I blinked a few times, realizing I was being weirdly silent, "Sienna's going to be so upset when you walk in with your coffee" I suddenly spoke again, unbuckling my seatbelt, "Can you get her reaction on camera?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGXKRqztmZ
"My god, River" Nine murmured in amusement, softly chuckling again as I sincerely wished I was standing in front of her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqMNjntbNI
The universe totally hates me right now.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIIHCyZxqp
"Your jealousy is adorable" she admitted, making my face burn up as I shyly glanced down to my lap.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsbzI00nlc
"I just wish I could put like a ten-foot barrier around you at all times" I whispered, smiling to myself as I heard her let out a soft sigh.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGWhpR0o75
"I'm a very reserved person, River" she said, her voice smooth as it echoed from my speakers, "That alone is a barrier."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S3O3wWTOU
I nodded a few times to myself, knowing she wasn't exactly friendly with everyone.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1Orec5f3k
I barely got her to be friendly with me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4p79etRmu8
Even her laughing felt so fucking rare.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ630ElfDgSd
"Good, well, just make sure Sienna gets the hint" I sighed, turning my car off and grabbing my phone to put it on speaker.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPePVi6HkW
"I'll take care of it" Nine assured me as I grabbed my keys and opened my car door, "Text me when you're finished there."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT6hPcMlpe
I closed my car door, "I will" I said, locking my car as I walked toward the complex.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp7lM6gV3z
"Good girl" she said, making shivers roll down my spine, "Enjoy breakfast."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWQcxOXnZV
"Thank you" I whispered, lowering the phone as we ended the call.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXvNIUJGUp
Then I focused on walking inside the familiar warm lobby, taking the elevator up to Zion and Sid's level.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpf9Mla23b
The door was left unlocked for me, walking inside just as they were plating the large square waffles.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSVfQA7wdu
"Rivs!" Sid smiled as I walked further into their apartment.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGCxOxyvNN
"I put chocolate chips and bananas on yours" Zion told me, immediately making my mouth water.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7Ecedjgcr
"My favorite," I said with a growing smile, walking over to them.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaUxHYKI7d
"And I warmed up the syrup," Sid added, making my smile widen.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFBhmxAio6
"This is going to be so good," I said, throwing my arms around them both for a brief hug that they reciprocated, "I woke up hungry."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDmCCpOz1f
"Girl me too" Sid laughed as she picked up her plate.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKyaOd7lMV
"I feel like my stomach is eating my backbone," Zion said as he grabbed his plate and the syrup.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSMvhdrMrE
I smiled as I grabbed mine, finding the prepared waffle very pretty.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x5ounwWP3
"Thank you guys for breakfast," I said as we walked over to the table.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19CE8B4hJY
"Anytime," Sid said as she sat down at the table.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9oYCwkc1i
"You can Cashapp or Venmo us fifteen dollars to cover your waffle," Zion jokingly said as he sat beside Sid, making me laugh.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9vdwXeEQZ
"They would probably charge more at a restaurant," I determined, sitting across from them.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawaOh1jpjF
"Zi-that's it," Sid said with a smile, "We should just drop out of school and open a restaurant," she jokingly determined, making me laugh again.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlKeHk0BpK
Zion nodded a few times as he drizzled a decent amount of syrup over his waffle, "I like the way you think—we could call it..." he trailed off in thought for a moment, "Waffles with Zi and Sid."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBiKpshzv5
"Oh, I would definitely eat there. Thirty dollar waffles? Take my money," I joked along with them, smiling wider as I drizzled the syrup over my waffle.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgGsywlIBp
"Just give me my money," Sid randomly called out, holding her hand in the air.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx4FDRLPzm
Zion and I laughed as we all dug into our waffles—a brief silence growing around us as we ate.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvnFaMgKTO
We nearly sounded like fucking animals-especially with Zion hitting the table, nodding as he pointed to his waffle.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9O6BrEE52
I hummed happily to myself while Sid breathed heavily as she danced in her chair.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl9bb6F6jg
I was a little sad when we finished eating and it was time for Sid to rush off to class.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2cpbRxOeS
Zion invited me to the library but I kind of wanted to hit the gym and then work on my schoolwork.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX8d7ZSkQA
Maybe that's just me procrastinating though.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV58sl3tUUu
Either way, I decided on it—texting Nine that I had finished with breakfast and was planning to hit the gym next.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0LMSN8OuL
Traffic wasn't bad at all, I managed to make it back to my apartment in less than fifteen minutes.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZJS0K2fFH
Then I focused on getting ready for the gym, sliding on seamless leggings and a matching zip-up jacket.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRqhcc4wQ5
As I was lacing up my Nikes, soft knocks echoed against my door-easily making my brows furrow.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRBIxXhb0l
Until I contemplated the idea that it was Kai.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl0hic2sNp
Although she's in class right now.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hoATRfhaK
Or she should be?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAj3t7vFN9
I raised up to my tippy-toes, staring through the peephole of my door.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6E9G4PcYV
Where a brunette woman stood.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkFcBNsqm4
She wore the usual attire that I noticed my apartment management always wears, holding a sleek black box in her hands as she waited on the other side.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk1ugKDjK3
I reached for the handle, opening the door with furrowed brows.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Il17XWp8N
"Ms. Romero, hi" the woman said as soon as I opened the door, flashing me a respectful smile.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviumvt3fAU
"Hi?" I said almost in question, glancing down when she extended the box to me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sQos8bhrD
"This was left at the front desk for you" she informed me as I hesitantly took the box from her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDElGdx3Ns
"Oh okay," I murmured, analyzing the box for a moment, "Thanks."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KR3BSx5kB
"Of course," the woman said, giving me a curt nod before walking down the hallway toward the elevators.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJz1TavqkT
I stepped back inside my apartment, letting the door fall shut behind me as I walked over to my kitchen island.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2J2S11Hau
I reached for the lid of the box immediately, tugging it off to see what was inside.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqc0A5uHs3
My eyes widened upon landing on the numerous crisp red roses, an unconscious smile growing on my lips.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2HYeE8BK7
I carefully ran my fingers over the soft roses, my smile growing even more as I reached for the white notecard to read.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmqCMJogVG
"Dinner at 6. Pack for the weekend."
– N.Luccino
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsRWAzF45o
I pursed my lips together when an annoying grin spread on my lips, doing a small twirl with the notecard in hand.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQW4WEBBVO
Then I had to reel myself back in—after a few excited jumps.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq6UoQmjeW
She got me flowers.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iea1ofdgx
And I'm packing for the weekend?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnc5zXThDO
She's taking me to her house.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzNaaVe5n7
Hopefully?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1pXwbbzj1
I let out a deep content sigh, holding the card to my chest as I basked this all in.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUyOPcuCjb
Then I reached for my phone, deciding to text her something funny.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHIXO0PqnG
Me: you know you could've texted me right?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XeoS9wchO
I watched the text deliver through, glancing back over to the red roses with my smile still so fucking prominent.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBjCV3isyU
I hate her for making me act like this over a plant.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpto9u35CXB
My eyes shifted from the flowers to my phone when her texts buzzed through.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ycWJ7SjWk
Doc: Good girls get flowers.
Doc: They also say thank you.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA62hALIoI1
I rolled my eyes at her text, even if my smile was still so prominent.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPSzHnTT4e
I typed on my phone again, texting her back.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmftOwPVhmX
Me: thank you very much
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwT0j7OsCX
I bit the inside of my cheek, watching the text send through as I leaned against the counter.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvO2azqHFh
The typing bubbles appeared barely seconds later, indicating she was typing.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GtUXNTeCi
Doc: You're welcome.
Doc: They reminded me of the outfit I took off you last night.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCjfASd7og
I drew in a deep breath at her text, recalling the red outfit I tried on for her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjv8KRPLE4
The same one she untied from my body.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMjiJKdX29
I blinked a few times, trying to push the explicit thoughts of last night away as I focused on typing my response.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QN67PZDq8
Me: daydreaming about me at work doc?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8v6bCgnNt
I felt beyond warm as I watched the text send through, suddenly feeling very frustrated.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSr2PacEuTZ
Knowing her, that's probably what she wanted.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz58TjpIMb
I glanced down when my phone buzzed again with two texts.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45C9AYAgin
Doc: Vividly.
Doc: Wear red tonight.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDjNCF2pJT
I clenched my jaw when shivers ran down my spine, rereading her texts as I tried to cling to my sanity.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN13QOwH41B
Especially as I envisioned her thinking about me... vividly.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplUBbnMnRm
I had to force my focus away from my phone, locking it as I glanced back over to the roses.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDISX7GrEC
Which ironically enough, resembled the exact shade of the outfit she had thought of.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvoYvCEQEw
I shook my head, letting out a deep breathless sigh as I tried to remember what I was doing last.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhAGXTElJh
The gym.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMrGhcWYoF
I was going to the gym.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjcriZjHTz
I suddenly reached for my water and keys, picking my phone up so I could head to the gym downstairs.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7agqtU9eY9
I was determined to focus my sudden frustration on my workout, letting time pass by me in the gym.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYOYAJM5kh
I even hit the sauna after and walked to a nearby cafe for a smoothie and a chicken wrap.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW08vRraMd
By the time I made it back to my apartment, I felt productive.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2wagDRPkz
And also like I didn't have time to work on my paper.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67gE0v9EoM
Somehow it was almost three.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjdh1Xt9bz
I probably should've brought my food back to eat at my apartment, but oh well.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4kBQIEKKa
I can just bring my laptop with me and focus on my paper when I get the chance.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RnxYgth0f
Right now, I needed to start packing.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtERlYDLie3
Which I knew would take me at least an hour since it was for the weekend.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidkbFL18gR
Then I had to get ready still.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nngEhrVGW
I wanted to blow out my hair and put extra effort into my look tonight.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV9B9NUyMc
Which would take a few hours minimum.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKk0ZAgonL
It didn't help that all I could think about was her house and what it looked like.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5HM4JYX4P
Or the explicit thoughts of us last night that swirled in my head.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRjPkKzJg5
By the time she texted me that she was here, I was barely finished with my makeup, still standing in my robe.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YH3X4aK6V
My hair was done though—I needed maybe ten more minutes, which I texted her to inform her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p0UAFewCn
Even though I knew she was literal with time.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8k6tcE2h4
She got here at six on the dot.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTMh7km5Bv
I let out a frustrated sigh when sharp knocks sounded out my door.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhVxVtcawM
But I was quite literally in the middle of zipping up my dress.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXeS6SGolp
It was a darker shade of red, falling to my knees as it clung to my body.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw8IS5yTKV
It was off the shoulder, but the long sleeves still kept me warm.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGa2Faa9in
I stumbled out of my closet, fully zipping up my dress as I walked out of my room toward the front door.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QEl8TKwgF
I didn't even have to check the peephole to know it was Nine on the other side.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFKn6dhlYQ
She wore a black blouse with matching dress pants and her usual sharp stilettos.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJwD6x83B9
Her dark hair was down, her bangs framing her face covered in usual light makeup.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyBh5gZlBF
"I'm almost done," I said as I turned around to rush back into my room.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMKnKsp4fa
"Take your time," she murmured, her heels clicking sharply against my floors as she followed me into my room, "I scheduled the reservations for later."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xZpCwHEiW
I pursed my lips into a smile, "You know me so well" I mumbled, weirdly finding it attractive that she knew I would be running late.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKqEt5eBbd
"I do" Nine calmly said as I rushed to grab my heels.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6Rsn56Vjn
I couldn't help but stall for a moment, weirdly processing the sight of her in my room.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq8Zxk5OUE
It was her first time in here and it feels...
Intimate.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JqXJlehYl
Especially when her brown eyes landed on the folded grey blanket she had given me so long ago.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu4nfCjSmv
"You sleep with this?" she curiously murmured, delicately running her fingers over the soft cover.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvk6p1C5fm2
"No.." I said, my tone more defensive than I originally planned, "I just... it's nice for decoration."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2YHfc8Tgq
Nine hummed softly, her stare shifting to my cheetah print comforter—then over to my nightstand and various other decorations.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY2Ud9SPEG
That didn't have a spot of grey in them.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwcR31guOi
If anything the blanket looked out of place.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0LU4M4RXx
Fuck.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnbMjr5vvs
"It's cute that you sleep with it, River" she said as I suddenly focused on putting my heels on.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wwaYiaUmW
Because I definitely couldn't look at her right now.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P8HrVU9Ai
"It was like a one-time thing" I whispered, suddenly feeling shy as I walked over to the bed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1zgnEYFr9
Nine smoothly grabbed the gold heels from my hands, "Right" she murmured, sitting on the bed in front of me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ri23wCWul
I furrowed my brows, "What are you doing?" I asked in confusion, glancing down at my heels in her hands.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLPZzVUczY
"Helping you" she calmly determined, leaning down as she ran her soft hands down my leg.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyUuJg7yKE
But only to wrap her delicate touch around my ankle, lifting my foot to rest on the bed between her legs.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0QcjuLDlQ
I instinctively rested my hands on her shoulders, feeling my face burn up as I watched her slide the heel onto my foot.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7kRn51h16
Once clasped around my ankle, she grazed her thumb over my soft skin before lowering my foot.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMpnkXfPS2
I lifted my other foot for her, letting her slide on my other heel and clasp it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2cnd9qIuE
"Done" she said, lowering my foot back down and glancing up at me, "Are you packed?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4k90KU8LM
I nodded a few times, "My suitcase is over there" I told her, motioning to my small black suitcase by the door.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRTa1ittwY
"Good" she murmured, rising from the bed as I unconsciously kept my hands on her shoulders.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQZXrW2wIs
Nine paused for a moment, openly staring down at me as my hands remained on her shoulders.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VyU8gM9Oe
Until I suddenly retracted them away, clearing my throat as I looked away from her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvInXMw3lQt
The last thing I wanted was for her to reject me again as she did in that bathroom.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUUegi4bea
I don't think kissing is her thing.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29DI1Ibpzx
But that's fine—I've had instances where I hooked up with someone and didn't kiss them.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTshBlHlzD0
I could easily do this.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c63syr8do
"I'll get your bag" she suddenly said, walking past me toward my suitcase by my room door.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdu956b0MR
"Okay," I murmured, following behind her as she grabbed the handle of my suitcase and smoothly pulled it up, rolling it out of my room, "Thank you."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMIH2DQB25
"You're welcome" she said as we walked toward my front door.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweLVXqbzXf
I grabbed my keys as she opened the door, motioning me through first.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIZHSmAqlh
Then we headed downstairs to the parking garage where her black Bentley was parked.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mZWW61gQ4
Nine put my suitcase in the trunk as I slid into the passenger seat, buckling my seatbelt and getting comfortable.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5cYpDMpp5
She slid into the driver's seat moments later, starting the car before buckling her seatbelt.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9qH5bgQxB
Then she put the car into drive, pulling out of the parking spot she previously reversed into.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCssTnrWXZ
I assumed dinner would be downtown—or maybe on the outskirts.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWK17IQP6g
But the further Nine drove, the quicker I realized we were having dinner much further than downtown.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhPF3WDt69
It seemed like we were having it in a whole other city.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaywSZoCtgN
I remained silent as soft jazz music played from the surround speakers, trying to act like this was totally normal to me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgMwBk4T9h
But after two hours of driving, I couldn't help but glance over at her, finally deciding to ask her where we were going.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXw234H8m3
And if we're there yet.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8nuP1u47w
"Nine" I suddenly spoke through the calm silence.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOUCmkepyG
She didn't glance away from the gloomy roads, "Yes?" she murmured, continuing to drive down the busy highway.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4J9nLd1fs
"Where are we going?" I said, my attention placed entirely on her, "And why is it taking so long? I'm hungry."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7g2eRGhlR
She briefly glanced to me, "We're two exits away" she said, reassuring me as she glanced back forward, "I'm taking you to Cannon Beach."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqXXU5IVQF
I furrowed my brows, "You took me to an entirely different city?" I asked blankly, wishing I would've been better informed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7m6XRpI3Rg
"Staying in Seattle would equate to acting appropriately in public" Nine calmly determined, flicking on her signal and merging to the right lane, "I didn't want to do that."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c7Ue69uRl
I pursed my lips, "So we're staying here too?" I asked, feeling something inside of me deflate.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXJq0VTjb2
Because I already knew her answer, and it meant I wouldn't get to see her house.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc09tkAJuL
"Yes," she said, exiting off the highway, "It's a beachfront property. You'll like it."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtvJ5mO4ZV
I lazily hummed, "Right because this is totally beach weather" I mumbled, glancing out of the window coated with raindrops.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG12hOWgF5
It was grey and gloomy outside, making me want to climb back into my bed and sleep for hours.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwomVumZ3UH
"The beach is beautiful on days like this, River" Nine countered my assumption, flicking on her signal and smoothly turning right at the stoplight,
"You'll see."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jhIeSIj3y
I only hummed, staring out the tinted window at the shops and houses we passed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgosJ2ga98
It was very... coastal.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtkD2KhczL
I think it would probably be really nice in the summer.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31okOnll3C
In a way, Nine was right, it looked kind of poetic under the cloudy sky and light sprinkling of rain.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0E4qKa39t
All I could do was stare out the window, watching as we grew closer and closer to the beachfront.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs7a2fJG6s
I assumed she was taking us to the property first, but it turned out the restaurant she made reservations at was also beachfront.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeYRcKE7Gd
And it was really fucking nice.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7leEtLyURp
Like live piano nice.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIyCy8GxrA
Our table was by the floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the peacefully gloomy beach, adding to the ambiance of the soft piano and chatter around us.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7aVdjBGC6
"Hi, I'm Giselle" a cheery voice suddenly spoke, causing me to glance over to the younger redhead woman by our table. She wore a white tucked-in blouse and black dress pants, "I'll be serving you on this lovely evening. Is there anything I can get started for you?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEC8dmXyaJ
Nine glanced to me, silently letting me order my drink first.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHo8EDz2gh
I pursed my lips, "I would say water normally, but do you guys serve any other drinks?" I asked, glancing back over to the menu, "Non-alcoholic," I quickly clarified.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG21MKAQNez
Giselle took a step closer to me, "Oh we definitely do," she said, leaning down closer to me as she viewed my menu, "Read over this section," she told me, reaching her manicured finger over my shoulder to point at the menu.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUg1IUERaG
That's when I felt her stare.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwylYpIgOb
Nine's brown eyes openly analyzing us.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB5HJJzdYq
And I immediately knew why—especially with the lack of space between me and this friendly server.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24dDbqPEL7
"You seem like a Shirley Temple kind of girl" Giselle joked with a smile, turning her head to meet my stare and leaving our faces a few inches apart.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tdvc4OwjS
I nodded awkwardly—
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmPDez3Ytw
"Perhaps another moment to look at the menu, Giselle?" Nine calmly spoke before I could, "I'll help her pick out a drink."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZoiVtyQZt
Her words were calculated.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHHuvNEc8Z
There was a subtle passive-aggressive tone behind them, Nine's eyes locked on Giselle who immediately back away from me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuQwfI3o5l
"Of course, I'll be back in a few minutes" she said, blinking almost five times in a row before glancing away from Nine's precise stare, "Take your time!" she awkwardly whispered before quickly walking off.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiGRm0vyVT
I felt so fucking bad.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWxU2ju5En
Nine can be intimidating on her own—but if she didn't like you it was so much worse.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTcvhDGUVd
I learned that after she met Kai.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM8ludKAaQ
"Seriously?" I asked in a lowered tone, glancing to Nine with a blank look.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VNmNwkdIY
"She should've memorized the menu" she casually murmured, her brown eyes trailing my face.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU3nTC449v
I raised a brow, "And what if she was new Nine?" I asked, shaking my head at her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdjmxBgdL9
"There's a spare menu on the table" she said, motioning her head to the table where not one, but two menus lay, "It was unnecessary to lean over you."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwe0wVXdNc
I pursed my lips into a smile, processing her lowered tone and targeted words.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9GcP32U20
"Your jealousy is adorable" I purposely quoted her words from earlier.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJV1hXgQxLG
Nine lazily raised her brows at my joke, "You say that now, River" she murmured, her stare holding mine.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObKhzjj1ym
I tilted my head at her, "I don't know... I kind of like you jealous" I said, my smile growing when she shook her head at me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkNM8decp9
"This isn't jealousy, River. That was simply me correcting inappropriate behavior" Nine clarified, her brown eyes not wavering from mine, "Regardless, I don't do scenes or warnings. I remove problems before they realize they are one."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENgAsZ4zC6
I remained silent, feeling my face burn up from her serious statement.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGcbZDgipi
She meant every word she just said—I could see it all over her face.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4O9nztsha
And I found it so fucking attractive yet almost scary at the same time, especially when her words registered.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvs7EtNSXS
"Remove them?" I clarified, glancing down at the menu as I let out a deep breath.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuMhC5vhlN
Suddenly it feels really hot in here.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AshF9dohQ
Or maybe it's this topic... her stare still pinning me down.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18AqTjhQdB
It's making me feel hot.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfz4ZU7UuE
"River" she murmured as if my name alone was a warning.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35WZXMrSRg
She was silent for a moment, causing me to glance up from the menu and meet her precise stare.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwxA16Hj9o
Nine's eyes trailed my face, tilting her head before she said—
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvb82PDiMo
"They disappear."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z5PDsimrj
She didn't elaborate.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrLkKiYhRs
She didn't need to.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoLOERGQoH
I knew part of her background—I knew she held influence from her family's background alone.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB7lw4ThhK
It's why she's asked to do interviews.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaLxKDv3GI
She's not just a therapist.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc0Yy9MtjJ
She has their last name, and clearly, that still means something.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dI404mi6j
Even if she's across the country.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD3oxGMYWL
"The Hawaiian punch" Nine suddenly said, circling back to the drink topic, "I think you would like it."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0Ee3IqXki
I nodded a few times, "Yeah" I whispered, clearing my throat as I tried to focus on anything other than the previous topic.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KDozM1hwf
The menu says the Hawaiian punch is made in-house so I think it would be really good.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbqfuAWFJF
"I'll get that then," I determined, setting my menu down on the table as I glanced up to her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNt2IhGMkq
But suddenly I'm thinking about Kai, and what I've kept from Nine.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxOiW1eF12
Would Kai be a problem meant for removing?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2HmdNmhrY
I don't think Nine would care.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR48PSjoj0t
Kai's my best friend anyway and we don't hook up anymore.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWUjoNoj8g
She's not a present problem... sort of?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkQYj5KC4V
Like she's present in my life, but not in a sexual way.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOgozI8Hso
Nine won't even find out—even if she and Kai were in the same room, it's not something that would casually come up.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ042wcUNpm1
It's totally okay.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBVcNGVBeg
"River."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaacMv2ewM
I blinked a few times, "Yes?" I whispered, zoning in on her stare already locked on me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOVej7xJ2o
And analyzing my face.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdFob58mUB
"Is something on your mind?" she curiously asked me, opening her hand resting on the table.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkc02JKIrn
I knew it was a subtle invitation to hold her hand.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK86J8IsIh
She only wanted me to meet her halfway.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSRapgKwWP
"No" I quickly said, reaching up to place my hand in hers.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbP3tULDpt
Shivers ran through my body when her hand instinctively wrapped around mine, her skin smooth against mine.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5f5g4IgML
She was so warm around me, almost making my face burn up from the sheer intimacy of something as simple as holding her hand.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAMzJnAGvH
"Relax, River"'Nine softly murmured, caressing her thumb against the back of my hand, "I don't go around randomly removing people" she said, picking up on where my head still was.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePfZDUaOAB
It's times like this when I hated how well she could read me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYhTfRqF5h
I unconsciously glanced over, noticing a different waitress approaching our table.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRze0qzV6jd
The other girl must've switched.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BkyzEWJPs
"I apologize for the delays" the younger woman smiled, pulling out her notepad, "What drinks can I get started for you?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwh27KmAA2
I smiled slightly, "Just the Hawaiian punch please," I told her, pursing my lips as I verged back into my thoughts.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufrBvnaRnF
I don't know, I just...
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Mf28jumcP
Maybe I should tell her about Kai?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQJz3CUUpr
This weekend would be the perfect opportunity.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pI8MONap6
And I think I should, especially after what she just said.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbPYMZ6GnF
I only hope it doesn't ruin our weekend.
ns216.73.216.224da2
然後按「加至主畫面」