When I wake up, I find my face resting on Kent's chest in the center of the large bed. What was I thinking last night? He had been ignoring me for weeks, encouraging me to date that other guy, and messing around with Piper. Then I kissed him like that. It wasn't what I needed before my interview, or ever, for that matter. I kept worrying that he had some ulterior motive behind all of this, especially after Piper's antics on Monday had made me tense. But I couldn't dwell on it because I had an important research opportunity to focus on. However, I couldn't deny how much I enjoyed lying here like this. I really liked him, and it was driving me crazy. I couldn't get him out of my mind, and it was frustrating to have such complicated feelings. I couldn't understand why my mind and heart were playing tricks on me. It wasn't something I felt for just anyone; it was specific to him. There was no time to linger, though, as I awoke before my alarms went off, and I could see from Kent's night
He looked intense, agitated, and brimming with emotions. I had never seen him so vulnerable before, so open. He genuinely liked me, and I wasn't imagining it. "I told him I wanted to ask you out, but he told me not to. He said he didn't want me to invite you to move in and potentially make things difficult for you. He thought I was too 'rough' for you and didn't want to put you in his room if he thought you wouldn't be happy, or if he believed I would make a move on you. So, I did what I could to keep you away, and yes, I was unkind to you. I'm aware of that. I'm damn sorry about it." "So, you did all of this, lied about your feelings, and pushed me away because Carlo, who doesn't even live in this state anymore, told you not to?" I questioned, my exhaustion evident. He shrugged and nodded. I just chuckled and walked away. "I can make my own decisions." "I know that, and I tried to make you like me for who I am, Juls," he said, his voice quiet. "I've always wanted to spend time with
I never had enjoyable or romantic sex before. It was really boring, like plain vanilla. It felt empty, and for the first time, I wanted to change that. "Do you want to try something different?" I asked in a hushed tone, and he nodded with dark, eager eyes. "Things haven't been the same since I found that thong in the dryer," she shared. He whispered back and tossed me onto the bed. I gasped as he stood before me, removing his T-shirt and throwing it aside. I propped myself up on my elbows for a better view, feeling a tingling sensation in my skin. "Juls, I haven't been with anyone for months. My mind is fixed on you." He kept insisting, climbing over me, and my heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst from my chest. I sat up and kissed him again, wrapping my legs around him, pulling him close. My mind was a blur, my body taking over. I was hot and anxious, my stomach churning. "I want you," I managed to mumble as his lips moved closer to my jaw. A smile crept over my face,
"Right now, I'm the happiest girl in the world. It's not often I can't find words, but this is one of those times. I'm in bed with Kent after we had sex. Three things my mind never put together before." "Is everything okay?" He asks when he hears me. "Why wouldn't I be? It's obvious," I whisper as I lay on his chest. "Just checking in," he sighs and runs his fingers up my back. "How did it go?" "Good," I whisper, my cheeks getting red. "I've never...," I pause, deciding whether I should reveal this. "I've never had sex and felt this way. Well, until today," I mumble, my smile growing. "Never?" He looks shocked. "How is that possible?" "Being with losers," I shrug, and his expression suggests he knows who I'm referring to. "We never did anything together, and I never even kissed Dane. I mean, the last time I had sex was with a high school boyfriend about four years ago. I didn't like it." "You went out with Dane for about a month, and you never..." He blinks at me, confused. "Yo
"Housekeeping!" "Don't worry, I'll handle it," he says, and I nod. I hear Kent open the door and chat with the lady in the hall for a bit. I slip out of bed, close the doors between the rooms, and pick up the clean clothes I didn't wear earlier. I lay the clothes on the bed and begin putting on my underwear. While adjusting them for comfort, a smile spreads across my face. It feels like an accomplishment because I got him to talk to me and connect with someone. As I reach for my bra, the bedroom door swings open. She said she'd be back in an hour. I jump and cross my arms, clutching the bra to my chest. "Don't you ever knock?" I inquire, and he chuckles. "Are you serious? After everything?" He looks sad. "Juls, I've seen your body, and I liked it. Relax." He picks up his bag from the floor, and my cheeks turn red. He liked it? I carefully put on my bra and adjust it. Then I don a pair of dress pants and pair them with a simple black tank top. I slip on a small cardigan next. I o
I try on five more dresses, but I'm not happy with how I look in them. Something always seems off, and it triggers insecurities I didn't even know I had. Kent seems to think they all look great, but I don't feel a connection with any of them. I pick a new navy dress from the pile. It has a flowing skirt and a subtle pattern. The straps are just right, and the neckline sits comfortably below my collarbones. The back is slightly low, but not too revealing; it doesn't go too far down my back. It's just perfect. I take it off the hanger and step into it. The zipper goes up most of the way. When I look in the mirror, I check out my chest. I might need some boob tape. At least I'll be able to keep things simple for dinner with his parents. I open the dressing room door, and each time I do, I feel nervous. I'm not sure why because he's already assured me that he doesn't care what I choose. But the way he looks at me each time makes my stomach churn. "Wow," he exhales and leans back in his
This is how quickly I proceed. I've just finished dinner with Kent at a diner. He has a surprise in store for me, though I'm unaware of what it is. I managed to wear the clothes I purchased earlier today, and I enjoyed a meal that required no utensils. It was fantastic. The past few weeks with Dane were a nightmare and a deception. The day I spent with Kent showed me that I could experience deeper emotions than I had imagined. It revealed that we truly had something special, while my relationship with Dane had been nothing but a distraction. With Dane, I never felt like myself, but with Kent, I felt authentic. Kent treated me to dinner and accompanied me back to the subway station afterward. He's had a serious, contemplative look on his face since he went shopping earlier this afternoon. I hope my purchases haven't upset him. "Are you okay?" I inquire in a hushed voice as the train approaches. He immediately snaps out of his thoughts, and his face brightens. "Yeah, why do you ask
"I'll always remember seeing it live. It was my favorite thing we've done here, and Kent arranged it. She organized it for me and was kind all day. He was truthful with me, we became closer, and we spent the entire day together. Once this weekend was over, it would devastate me. I was wrapped in a soft hotel towel after showering. I didn't bring any of my clothes in, but Kent is in the other room, responding to emails, and the bedroom door is closed. I step out of the bathroom, feeling clean, with my wet, wavy hair clinging to my back. On my way to my suitcase, I pause to look at the bag I purchased today. I take out my bra and one pair of underwear. Both were black, and the underwear looked like three shoelaces holding a lacey triangle together. The bra was made of the same see-through black lace. I think, "Why not try them on? I still have another pair of underwear to wear tomorrow with my dress." I remove all the tags and put on the thin underwear. I raise my eyebrows, but they