The next morning I was up at eight–but not for class.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAn0lzCZLWG3
I told Zion and Sid I would join them for breakfast, and Sid had class a little earlier.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAxLUqr5PmOJ
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAgxxUCU1o6g
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAdpzXEFBy2J
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAG4Vp2GYFMr
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAXrBZqCVKae
I did my skincare and pulled my hair into a decent bun, not putting in any extra effort.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAxJDSBfgNGi
As I was leaving my apartment, I unconsciously checked my phone for a text back from Nine.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAyG2yoaxTEf
But there was nothing.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAO6jPCozTua
It had barely been an hour, so I had determined I was growing concerningly needy for her attention.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAcZdjOo5qV5
Especially since all I could think about was her during my drive to Zion and Sid's.
8Please respect copyright.PENANACzv8KziUCE
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAvteuiNU90v
"Good morning" I spoke first as a smile grew on my lips.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAoHoYymXmJY
"Someone's very happy this morning" her smooth voice echoed through my car.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAFdQLBXJeeM
I hummed, "It's a perfect morning" I determined excitedly, "I'm headed over to Zion and Sid's now for breakfast."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAVUfwLsw1oR
"What are you having?" Nine asked me as I flicked on my signal to turn left.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAEEoWjPylYm
"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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAExYXMhEqEH
"I do know, River" she said, almost amused by my words, "Have you drank water yet?"
8Please respect copyright.PENANA3TE75eTgGI
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAH5fqtK0UJX
"Good girl" Nine calmly said, making me purse my lips tightly together.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAiT8vm8rZ4c
Along with my legs.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAG1PZSAxEzw
"What are your plans for the day?" she asked when I remained silent.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAZbBJIPs5oM
"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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANASXPBriwbPB
"Sounds very productive, River" she murmured, making a small smile grow on my lips.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAO5bQckMT1d
"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?"
8Please respect copyright.PENANAvnnbtfLJU8
"The usual" she said, as I turned into the apartment complex parking lot, "A few patients and files to look over."
8Please respect copyright.PENANA1Cavi6Rcjy
"Has Sienna bothered you yet?" I decided to ask her, pursing my lips when my smile grew.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAvonOv0mh0F
"Only with a coffee and patient files" Nine calmly said, making me roll my eyes.
8Please respect copyright.PENANApKogfriSoZ
"Of course, she gets you coffee" I mumbled as I pulled into the open parking spot.
8Please respect copyright.PENANACMveBfldT9
"I'll get my coffee from now on" she determined, picking up on the clear hostility of my words.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAuk1WPirQmI
"Nine Luccino? Getting her own coffee?" I said, dramatically gasping to myself, "What kind of sick world is this?"
8Please respect copyright.PENANAiVUTnzR31S
My heart nearly shot up in my chest when I heard her soft chuckle echo from the speakers.
8Please respect copyright.PENANABQmczrHYI1
I made her laugh.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAtQCxKdg1RY
I just... she totally just laughed.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAZPCYtQ5aeT
And it was so pretty—probably the softest sound I've ever heard.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAwnCVAdYGGe
Ugh, why couldn't this have happened in person?
8Please respect copyright.PENANAeUUy93D91b
Now I'll have to imagine the face she made.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAlSjHMu5O6U
What her smile looks like...
8Please respect copyright.PENANAubqpToZfOw
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?"
8Please respect copyright.PENANALA9aY0BrdR
"My god, River" Nine murmured in amusement, softly chuckling again as I sincerely wished I was standing in front of her.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA61KAy8KhlT
The universe totally hates me right now.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA7h8qapZ9xU
"Your jealousy is adorable" she admitted, making my face burn up as I shyly glanced down to my lap.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAbcUf7cQV1m
"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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAeGmb9sICfD
"I'm a very reserved person, River" she said, her voice smooth as it echoed from my speakers, "That alone is a barrier."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAqn3WXgh5GN
I nodded a few times to myself, knowing she wasn't exactly friendly with everyone.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA088cMMdwEU
I barely got her to be friendly with me.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAUlJUcjawpH
Even her laughing felt so fucking rare.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAgK4X5hR9cX
"Good, well, just make sure Sienna gets the hint" I sighed, turning my car off and grabbing my phone to put it on speaker.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA5V0WjOjcUU
"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."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAvpndju92Lh
I closed my car door, "I will" I said, locking my car as I walked toward the complex.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAaN0sDH3msv
"Good girl" she said, making shivers roll down my spine, "Enjoy breakfast."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAlbW1xe4x1j
"Thank you" I whispered, lowering the phone as we ended the call.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAMGuVgqfos3
Then I focused on walking inside the familiar warm lobby, taking the elevator up to Zion and Sid's level.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAesv75otpNw
The door was left unlocked for me, walking inside just as they were plating the large square waffles.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAYp6vhHlFiP
"Rivs!" Sid smiled as I walked further into their apartment.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAwzSV0zHPlD
"I put chocolate chips and bananas on yours" Zion told me, immediately making my mouth water.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAf0M4O4Q2Bs
"My favorite," I said with a growing smile, walking over to them.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAYd2CPWGiYE
"And I warmed up the syrup," Sid added, making my smile widen.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA1APw9tbl0c
"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."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAv810adxh3F
"Girl me too" Sid laughed as she picked up her plate.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAA9rwHoNkJf
"I feel like my stomach is eating my backbone," Zion said as he grabbed his plate and the syrup.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAiKEK6isWAF
I smiled as I grabbed mine, finding the prepared waffle very pretty.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA735cq9G8WL
"Thank you guys for breakfast," I said as we walked over to the table.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA8tH1NvGCMg
"Anytime," Sid said as she sat down at the table.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA28hcSfiTLv
"You can Cashapp or Venmo us fifteen dollars to cover your waffle," Zion jokingly said as he sat beside Sid, making me laugh.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA8g44ZxezSZ
"They would probably charge more at a restaurant," I determined, sitting across from them.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAC4kx05FLLf
"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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAcxJ7U40SoH
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."
8Please respect copyright.PENANA7fh06NsN9U
"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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAg8z086Yiik
"Just give me my money," Sid randomly called out, holding her hand in the air.
8Please respect copyright.PENANATsVHx9ZgFh
Zion and I laughed as we all dug into our waffles—a brief silence growing around us as we ate.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAjxDfCMLYHU
We nearly sounded like fucking animals-especially with Zion hitting the table, nodding as he pointed to his waffle.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAxqtQo3oX5K
I hummed happily to myself while Sid breathed heavily as she danced in her chair.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAxjzdcoKfBM
I was a little sad when we finished eating and it was time for Sid to rush off to class.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAo3ry5iDOh1
Zion invited me to the library but I kind of wanted to hit the gym and then work on my schoolwork.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAjh5ZBqLYhC
Maybe that's just me procrastinating though.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA5cEvIrNKy2
Either way, I decided on it—texting Nine that I had finished with breakfast and was planning to hit the gym next.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAEdkCnhSJfM
Traffic wasn't bad at all, I managed to make it back to my apartment in less than fifteen minutes.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAOpdZk9YDiQ
Then I focused on getting ready for the gym, sliding on seamless leggings and a matching zip-up jacket.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAxoA67wN4HX
As I was lacing up my Nikes, soft knocks echoed against my door-easily making my brows furrow.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAulzam1kd7H
Until I contemplated the idea that it was Kai.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAeDMoy6mako
Although she's in class right now.
8Please respect copyright.PENANATZ6oD3GSg2
Or she should be?
8Please respect copyright.PENANA9Wc4Evp3CR
I raised up to my tippy-toes, staring through the peephole of my door.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAKeuL9AghKr
Where a brunette woman stood.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAWgwOCeyBoW
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANArwCgsHcLvy
I reached for the handle, opening the door with furrowed brows.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA1g52lwkUnD
"Ms. Romero, hi" the woman said as soon as I opened the door, flashing me a respectful smile.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAvQcc7yR1zN
"Hi?" I said almost in question, glancing down when she extended the box to me.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAAihB7dCCeF
"This was left at the front desk for you" she informed me as I hesitantly took the box from her.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAXBrZFzT1su
"Oh okay," I murmured, analyzing the box for a moment, "Thanks."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAQFCeVXF1lK
"Of course," the woman said, giving me a curt nod before walking down the hallway toward the elevators.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAS4HrFKGq0R
I stepped back inside my apartment, letting the door fall shut behind me as I walked over to my kitchen island.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA9D6QkaDQIR
I reached for the lid of the box immediately, tugging it off to see what was inside.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAV4AEQEARsR
My eyes widened upon landing on the numerous crisp red roses, an unconscious smile growing on my lips.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAOHD4DOqiUd
I carefully ran my fingers over the soft roses, my smile growing even more as I reached for the white notecard to read.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAgGwoIE1t7N
"Dinner at 6. Pack for the weekend."
– N.Luccino
8Please respect copyright.PENANAfKLWVW0L1x
I pursed my lips together when an annoying grin spread on my lips, doing a small twirl with the notecard in hand.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAcf9iGrMcmu
Then I had to reel myself back in—after a few excited jumps.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAC0iIb9Y9GD
She got me flowers.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA8vey6vtIr8
And I'm packing for the weekend?
8Please respect copyright.PENANAU3QDLgToMg
She's taking me to her house.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAdNEB2Yt03J
Hopefully?
8Please respect copyright.PENANAYwJ63QSOwp
I let out a deep content sigh, holding the card to my chest as I basked this all in.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAtpmA5M2MhF
Then I reached for my phone, deciding to text her something funny.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAlQByj8C6KZ
Me: you know you could've texted me right?
8Please respect copyright.PENANA35Ry6ay0Oh
I watched the text deliver through, glancing back over to the red roses with my smile still so fucking prominent.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAisfEiXpmtF
I hate her for making me act like this over a plant.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAEqrPOSoTRt
My eyes shifted from the flowers to my phone when her texts buzzed through.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAqR0KMZ16eF
Doc: Good girls get flowers.
Doc: They also say thank you.
8Please respect copyright.PENANARdB7dOIbHB
I rolled my eyes at her text, even if my smile was still so prominent.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA3OP5IkARQv
I typed on my phone again, texting her back.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAYBUQQNZ3DF
Me: thank you very much
8Please respect copyright.PENANA65f3QV9VF7
I bit the inside of my cheek, watching the text send through as I leaned against the counter.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAV9BpP55MgO
The typing bubbles appeared barely seconds later, indicating she was typing.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA1TgKbR8Wpm
Doc: You're welcome.
Doc: They reminded me of the outfit I took off you last night.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAagBsrfMcq8
I drew in a deep breath at her text, recalling the red outfit I tried on for her.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAgaSJxXbYEV
The same one she untied from my body.
8Please respect copyright.PENANASp1RDzvWbh
I blinked a few times, trying to push the explicit thoughts of last night away as I focused on typing my response.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAc272azerWz
Me: daydreaming about me at work doc?
8Please respect copyright.PENANA0PC9c9y7SM
I felt beyond warm as I watched the text send through, suddenly feeling very frustrated.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAdLG1SYPOGx
Knowing her, that's probably what she wanted.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAZFM9ptFhO8
I glanced down when my phone buzzed again with two texts.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAR1nYizhkQJ
Doc: Vividly.
Doc: Wear red tonight.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAhCxI5lIGVa
I clenched my jaw when shivers ran down my spine, rereading her texts as I tried to cling to my sanity.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAfL7fiqTQtH
Especially as I envisioned her thinking about me... vividly.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAencL12a63h
I had to force my focus away from my phone, locking it as I glanced back over to the roses.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAEdeyZnrSaa
Which ironically enough, resembled the exact shade of the outfit she had thought of.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAc9HQEbProj
I shook my head, letting out a deep breathless sigh as I tried to remember what I was doing last.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAg25JTFL9zS
The gym.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAHOFp0hhbro
I was going to the gym.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAeadJEbVPgr
I suddenly reached for my water and keys, picking my phone up so I could head to the gym downstairs.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAEUt2IkMC2t
I was determined to focus my sudden frustration on my workout, letting time pass by me in the gym.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAT2EgyAjPIM
I even hit the sauna after and walked to a nearby cafe for a smoothie and a chicken wrap.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA2E9kkrp8Hq
By the time I made it back to my apartment, I felt productive.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAsahQqUYyff
And also like I didn't have time to work on my paper.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAc9mHnFRL16
Somehow it was almost three.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAHg4ldrgXw5
I probably should've brought my food back to eat at my apartment, but oh well.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAPeCvhHsvRO
I can just bring my laptop with me and focus on my paper when I get the chance.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA48fiewo17M
Right now, I needed to start packing.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAgDUpMriKTH
Which I knew would take me at least an hour since it was for the weekend.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAiuD3riPGBl
Then I had to get ready still.
8Please respect copyright.PENANApxXYoZaV20
I wanted to blow out my hair and put extra effort into my look tonight.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7SC5F4gvO
Which would take a few hours minimum.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAeDQ9Nql0S6
It didn't help that all I could think about was her house and what it looked like.
8Please respect copyright.PENANACqHGhZCGSY
Or the explicit thoughts of us last night that swirled in my head.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA8vV7E7gMZd
By the time she texted me that she was here, I was barely finished with my makeup, still standing in my robe.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAVROU8LtnaQ
My hair was done though—I needed maybe ten more minutes, which I texted her to inform her.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAx318G9heoD
Even though I knew she was literal with time.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA4dE1k93RvY
She got here at six on the dot.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAmonkV8V3c8
I let out a frustrated sigh when sharp knocks sounded out my door.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA51PqxeZUHl
But I was quite literally in the middle of zipping up my dress.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA3jD6jrcFJq
It was a darker shade of red, falling to my knees as it clung to my body.
8Please respect copyright.PENANASncIj9Gtn1
It was off the shoulder, but the long sleeves still kept me warm.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAc9MDEKRrR6
I stumbled out of my closet, fully zipping up my dress as I walked out of my room toward the front door.
8Please respect copyright.PENANANDPEKqxNlw
I didn't even have to check the peephole to know it was Nine on the other side.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAT99Rc0LXfm
She wore a black blouse with matching dress pants and her usual sharp stilettos.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAisXNoXhR3R
Her dark hair was down, her bangs framing her face covered in usual light makeup.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAf2L3yMhKbR
"I'm almost done," I said as I turned around to rush back into my room.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAcSd3VaMCyb
"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."
8Please respect copyright.PENANA1pxoL9IaVQ
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAKMwcd6v1Dm
"I do" Nine calmly said as I rushed to grab my heels.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAuSF2zNlgbi
I couldn't help but stall for a moment, weirdly processing the sight of her in my room.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA83XbKQCW5s
It was her first time in here and it feels...
Intimate.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAM7YuY4Mt7U
Especially when her brown eyes landed on the folded grey blanket she had given me so long ago.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAoMKGeGQMIO
"You sleep with this?" she curiously murmured, delicately running her fingers over the soft cover.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAmt7OR5aOGO
"No.." I said, my tone more defensive than I originally planned, "I just... it's nice for decoration."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAqQofG9DF1Q
Nine hummed softly, her stare shifting to my cheetah print comforter—then over to my nightstand and various other decorations.
8Please respect copyright.PENANATVIEefQVKc
That didn't have a spot of grey in them.
8Please respect copyright.PENANALWsoMDhsLx
If anything the blanket looked out of place.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAiwPYq91t9k
Fuck.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAj3U1qI7FWb
"It's cute that you sleep with it, River" she said as I suddenly focused on putting my heels on.
8Please respect copyright.PENANArzhi9YPuyi
Because I definitely couldn't look at her right now.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAB3csBTEQ6K
"It was like a one-time thing" I whispered, suddenly feeling shy as I walked over to the bed.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA1gCKxcc2MW
Nine smoothly grabbed the gold heels from my hands, "Right" she murmured, sitting on the bed in front of me.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA3mIcmo9oef
I furrowed my brows, "What are you doing?" I asked in confusion, glancing down at my heels in her hands.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAqPQdXX35Jx
"Helping you" she calmly determined, leaning down as she ran her soft hands down my leg.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAykI8nWi2fT
But only to wrap her delicate touch around my ankle, lifting my foot to rest on the bed between her legs.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAquUcN5OdI5
I instinctively rested my hands on her shoulders, feeling my face burn up as I watched her slide the heel onto my foot.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAn33pNNB2rl
Once clasped around my ankle, she grazed her thumb over my soft skin before lowering my foot.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAm2nd9mU79s
I lifted my other foot for her, letting her slide on my other heel and clasp it.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAUZ5DNC7hLH
"Done" she said, lowering my foot back down and glancing up at me, "Are you packed?"
8Please respect copyright.PENANA0eOmF51FMp
I nodded a few times, "My suitcase is over there" I told her, motioning to my small black suitcase by the door.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAQlzdVG7lHF
"Good" she murmured, rising from the bed as I unconsciously kept my hands on her shoulders.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAFNvLP2kWAj
Nine paused for a moment, openly staring down at me as my hands remained on her shoulders.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAH0T6aTcybG
Until I suddenly retracted them away, clearing my throat as I looked away from her.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAVCpM7rJw2p
The last thing I wanted was for her to reject me again as she did in that bathroom.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAaLQYCUrLSf
I don't think kissing is her thing.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAXwO7cdWlYg
But that's fine—I've had instances where I hooked up with someone and didn't kiss them.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAgz03a0VY48
I could easily do this.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAFMlqPy1fw3
"I'll get your bag" she suddenly said, walking past me toward my suitcase by my room door.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAaxSGdPzx4x
"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."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAIKSGICgFdQ
"You're welcome" she said as we walked toward my front door.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAz2m3mTGjWH
I grabbed my keys as she opened the door, motioning me through first.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA37D9h6Qpbc
Then we headed downstairs to the parking garage where her black Bentley was parked.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAGuYoXeBpYN
Nine put my suitcase in the trunk as I slid into the passenger seat, buckling my seatbelt and getting comfortable.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAzUrIHrZOlh
She slid into the driver's seat moments later, starting the car before buckling her seatbelt.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAuY2UHLhYrC
Then she put the car into drive, pulling out of the parking spot she previously reversed into.
8Please respect copyright.PENANANrlKFzg2Tp
I assumed dinner would be downtown—or maybe on the outskirts.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA3ATJFtF9he
But the further Nine drove, the quicker I realized we were having dinner much further than downtown.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAYC2zSuerqF
It seemed like we were having it in a whole other city.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAizil9w8oAp
I remained silent as soft jazz music played from the surround speakers, trying to act like this was totally normal to me.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAVnnkEDnFEG
But after two hours of driving, I couldn't help but glance over at her, finally deciding to ask her where we were going.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAhGZkBL56zk
And if we're there yet.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA4jElryLvbJ
"Nine" I suddenly spoke through the calm silence.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAYKfWYTtTuK
She didn't glance away from the gloomy roads, "Yes?" she murmured, continuing to drive down the busy highway.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAbOK9WPk4D9
"Where are we going?" I said, my attention placed entirely on her, "And why is it taking so long? I'm hungry."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAwicIxM71ph
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."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAFxcZsEpoAS
I furrowed my brows, "You took me to an entirely different city?" I asked blankly, wishing I would've been better informed.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAqwfr8QTpTV
"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."
8Please respect copyright.PENANALY3YFRf0uG
I pursed my lips, "So we're staying here too?" I asked, feeling something inside of me deflate.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAYdrSl3sGt7
Because I already knew her answer, and it meant I wouldn't get to see her house.
8Please respect copyright.PENANANYEDmYVdqq
"Yes," she said, exiting off the highway, "It's a beachfront property. You'll like it."
8Please respect copyright.PENANA3CFmGoP0ZJ
I lazily hummed, "Right because this is totally beach weather" I mumbled, glancing out of the window coated with raindrops.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA5gSmiPmAbV
It was grey and gloomy outside, making me want to climb back into my bed and sleep for hours.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAO5UjSTPx91
"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."
8Please respect copyright.PENANA4EGXFXfaBO
I only hummed, staring out the tinted window at the shops and houses we passed.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAWd8KwrvXR9
It was very... coastal.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA8n7grgNC3e
I think it would probably be really nice in the summer.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAwWfap33xfY
In a way, Nine was right, it looked kind of poetic under the cloudy sky and light sprinkling of rain.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAlzU1iCQ56x
All I could do was stare out the window, watching as we grew closer and closer to the beachfront.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAtHBkYd1WOj
I assumed she was taking us to the property first, but it turned out the restaurant she made reservations at was also beachfront.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAafw463hMw4
And it was really fucking nice.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA5FOFLbKkYm
Like live piano nice.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAJynsOriSBb
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA5x2RAAArof
"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?"
8Please respect copyright.PENANAFqKDOXIIxI
Nine glanced to me, silently letting me order my drink first.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAxz6KH8mfZ6
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAP5814hoZmP
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA3HFOjxrcjX
That's when I felt her stare.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAAIf66WAUWu
Nine's brown eyes openly analyzing us.
8Please respect copyright.PENANASxnZ6Xvw2X
And I immediately knew why—especially with the lack of space between me and this friendly server.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAl3Ju9tiYbx
"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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAkY7HsBdkcw
I nodded awkwardly—
8Please respect copyright.PENANAE9iPmTMwv9
"Perhaps another moment to look at the menu, Giselle?" Nine calmly spoke before I could, "I'll help her pick out a drink."
8Please respect copyright.PENANA2pt3qHNbrf
Her words were calculated.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAm1iTwdEWZ4
There was a subtle passive-aggressive tone behind them, Nine's eyes locked on Giselle who immediately back away from me.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA6hOIEwrH6e
"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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA3qrd6rDfey
I felt so fucking bad.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA0ZD5nH6dOo
Nine can be intimidating on her own—but if she didn't like you it was so much worse.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAQ1ehYkNIWH
I learned that after she met Kai.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAFDVq0d18PQ
"Seriously?" I asked in a lowered tone, glancing to Nine with a blank look.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAASZ2sj6SYm
"She should've memorized the menu" she casually murmured, her brown eyes trailing my face.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAddYJ1tWeQm
I raised a brow, "And what if she was new Nine?" I asked, shaking my head at her.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAjYIkcQ04Zj
"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."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAcyXF7n2ftr
I pursed my lips into a smile, processing her lowered tone and targeted words.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAHNl7vXDvtB
"Your jealousy is adorable" I purposely quoted her words from earlier.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAV9WOPwHWZ3
Nine lazily raised her brows at my joke, "You say that now, River" she murmured, her stare holding mine.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA5j8is6hkb2
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAu3tgQbzwkX
"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."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAmvvOQd6kHb
I remained silent, feeling my face burn up from her serious statement.
8Please respect copyright.PENANASPak1G0Nfv
She meant every word she just said—I could see it all over her face.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAOJ2kgfJmLn
And I found it so fucking attractive yet almost scary at the same time, especially when her words registered.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAcCE1cq3eJ5
"Remove them?" I clarified, glancing down at the menu as I let out a deep breath.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAhKOEEl8Y7U
Suddenly it feels really hot in here.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAgMybXd6VVa
Or maybe it's this topic... her stare still pinning me down.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA8EtsigrGvb
It's making me feel hot.
8Please respect copyright.PENANADKJk75HXzy
"River" she murmured as if my name alone was a warning.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAhnHzrFzxwp
She was silent for a moment, causing me to glance up from the menu and meet her precise stare.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAUnYTdUsdgU
Nine's eyes trailed my face, tilting her head before she said—
8Please respect copyright.PENANA2j3IMjXzDJ
"They disappear."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAFOhsdKuqs3
She didn't elaborate.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAVUiOWKx8g5
She didn't need to.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAQzRkFGq1ln
I knew part of her background—I knew she held influence from her family's background alone.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAbavjKhOsju
It's why she's asked to do interviews.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAigm9KFNUK3
She's not just a therapist.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAjX9QvPItiC
She has their last name, and clearly, that still means something.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA3kwGy2rqic
Even if she's across the country.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAMewLT94kVp
"The Hawaiian punch" Nine suddenly said, circling back to the drink topic, "I think you would like it."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAb410Up9zSE
I nodded a few times, "Yeah" I whispered, clearing my throat as I tried to focus on anything other than the previous topic.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAOWXovG5GST
The menu says the Hawaiian punch is made in-house so I think it would be really good.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA4trwTr9DXj
"I'll get that then," I determined, setting my menu down on the table as I glanced up to her.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAXhiPZpas9F
But suddenly I'm thinking about Kai, and what I've kept from Nine.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAROAh9KjQsq
Would Kai be a problem meant for removing?
8Please respect copyright.PENANAVz04Rn1w2d
I don't think Nine would care.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAuEjxUwN1yi
Kai's my best friend anyway and we don't hook up anymore.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA7eSbtxe4MO
She's not a present problem... sort of?
8Please respect copyright.PENANA28wztjMyNV
Like she's present in my life, but not in a sexual way.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAMZmKTfR6VJ
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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAfCpxZtESdW
It's totally okay.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAKt40LLBAjz
"River."
8Please respect copyright.PENANAUXnVubeEr7
I blinked a few times, "Yes?" I whispered, zoning in on her stare already locked on me.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA6b9WUBnhH3
And analyzing my face.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAr6Ok2t0THe
"Is something on your mind?" she curiously asked me, opening her hand resting on the table.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAHTx0lWjHVU
I knew it was a subtle invitation to hold her hand.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAR9Ftxnw8vl
She only wanted me to meet her halfway.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAyCkWGVZott
"No" I quickly said, reaching up to place my hand in hers.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA4psRhOCn0X
Shivers ran through my body when her hand instinctively wrapped around mine, her skin smooth against mine.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAT4nrEYT5tc
She was so warm around me, almost making my face burn up from the sheer intimacy of something as simple as holding her hand.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAviFCSjUyvz
"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.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAHGiaswjXlR
It's times like this when I hated how well she could read me.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAH798uxZaHi
I unconsciously glanced over, noticing a different waitress approaching our table.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAIuowsg5FJY
The other girl must've switched.
8Please respect copyright.PENANANf5HaO9aHw
"I apologize for the delays" the younger woman smiled, pulling out her notepad, "What drinks can I get started for you?"
8Please respect copyright.PENANACKh0NsEzqM
I smiled slightly, "Just the Hawaiian punch please," I told her, pursing my lips as I verged back into my thoughts.
8Please respect copyright.PENANA6tex12GRnS
I don't know, I just...
8Please respect copyright.PENANA4LLOOWFCW8
Maybe I should tell her about Kai?
8Please respect copyright.PENANAEfxy1RmxeY
This weekend would be the perfect opportunity.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAyVnIeNer6t
And I think I should, especially after what she just said.
8Please respect copyright.PENANAuQwgr1NyXQ
I only hope it doesn't ruin our weekend.
ns216.73.216.224da2