I got us home safely and lawfully, but I could feel the power of his vehicle—the ride was so smooth, it was harder not to speed than I'd imagined.
As soon as we got inside my place, I kicked off my heels.
"Oh, that feels so much better. Leave your shoes out here," I instructed.
Valin took them off as asked, and that's when I noticed he was wearing green socks covered in math equations.
"Those are cute. There are a lot of math symbols," I said.
He met my eyes, looked down, and blushed. "Yeah... I just bought them impulsively because I like math."
"Oh! I like math too!" I replied.
His eyes lit up with excitement. He's kind of a nerd—I must really like him, because everything about him feels attractive.
"Um, I'll pop some popcorn and grab us some sodas, then we can choose a movie. Do you mind if I change clothes first?"
"Not at all. Is it okay if I walk around?"
"Yeah, sure!" Thank God I cleaned yesterday.
I hurried upstairs to change into something more comfortable and came back down to see his tuxedo coat draped across the arm of my couch—but he was nowhere in sight. I checked the downstairs rooms and eventually found him in the greenhouse. He was squatting in front of one of my potted plants, the top three buttons of his shirt undone, arms folded.
"Hey! I'm ready," I called out.
"…This plant is dying," he said softly.
"Oh… yeah, that one. I can't figure out what's wrong with it."
"You're overwatering it," he said, then stood up and patted my head. "It's not too late to save her, don't worry. Oh… damn, you look adorable."
I was wearing a pink, baggy tracksuit.
"I just didn't want to get my expensive dress dirty," I replied, assuming he was just flattering me.
"You looked good in the dress—and you still look amazing now," he said, sending my heart into overdrive. The sound of his voice reverberated in my chest.
"THANK YOU VERY MUCH!" I cleared my throat. "I'll make the popcorn now. Come inside when you're ready, and we'll pick the movie together."
"I will." He smiled and turned his attention back to the plants.
Once the popcorn was done, he came in. I handed him the bowl, grabbed a beer for myself and a soda for him, and we sat together on the couch.
To my surprise, Valin was perfectly content watching a romantic comedy. He laughed wholeheartedly at all the right moments. Now that I think about it, I'm not used to someone laughing so sincerely, without holding back. It made me want to cuddle up next to him—so I did. He was so engrossed in the movie, I don't think he even noticed.
When the movie ended, he kept staring at the screen like the credits mattered too.
"Valin… I have a question."
His head turned toward me instantly, giving me his full attention.
"What do you want to ask?"
I suddenly got nervous.
"Um… so… I had fun with you. And I'd rather know now where we stand before I get my hopes up. So… okay, here I go. I'd like to see you—exclusively. Do you feel the same? Let me know if I'm moving too fast! I'm okay with going on a few more dates first if you need to!"
That was a lot of words for a simple question, but I was nervous and couldn't stop talking.
"You want me to be your boyfriend?" he asked, tilting his head, simplifying it in a way that made me blush even harder.
"It's okay to say n—"
"Yes. I'd like that," he said, cutting me off. But I didn't mind—in this context.
"Are you sure?"
That made him laugh. "I already said yes."
"So… you're not seeing anyone else?" I asked, still finding it hard to believe.
He pulled out his phone and started blocking contacts.
"Well… I didn't have a girlfriend until now. And I won't see anyone else from now on," he clarified, still scrolling and deleting names. How many were there?!
A few seconds later, he put his phone down and placed his hand on mine.
"I don't usually enjoy someone's company this much. I like you, Lisa."
I squeezed his hand and looked away. "I like you too. That's why I asked you out… You're weird—but in a good way. I want to learn more about you. I just don't want to feel like I'm competing for you while we're together."
He went quiet for a moment. Then:
"Can I kiss you?"
I turned toward him, startled. "That's sudden…"
"Because I suddenly felt like kissing you," he replied. He leaned closer, and on instinct, I closed my eyes.
After his lips touched mine, I don't know what happened. Maybe that single can of beer hit me harder than I thought. One moment we were kissing and I was floating, the next—I was the one groping him.
And then we were naked in my room, with my legs wrapped around him.
Maybe the reason he liked my outfit was that it was easy to take off.
I can barely remember how we got there. I just knew I didn't want him to stop. Everything he did was deliberate. Focused. His touch more intoxicating than anything I've ever felt. Even just kissing him put me in a euphoric daze. I had so many orgasms, I lost track. That's never happened to me before.
I wanted to stay awake, to give something back—but when I blinked, I was out like a light.
The next morning, I woke up and saw him on his phone. The contact's name was Snowe…
Did he tell her what happened? Do guys normally tell their sisters-in-law stuff like this?
"Good morning," he greeted casually. The sunlight hit his face just right—it made him look unreal. He smiled at me, and I melted.
"You're beautiful," he added, like he read my thoughts.
"I was just thinking that about you! I can't believe you've blessed my eyes with such perfection first thing in the morning."
He tried to hold back a laugh but snorted slightly, then looked away, amused.
"Do you want to go out for breakfast?"
Does he want a second date already?
"I'd rather… do more of what we did last night."
God, I hope he doesn't think less of me for saying that.
He raised his eyebrows. "Do you work today?"
"I can be late…"
"That works for me," he said with a smirk.
I wanted to make sure he felt just as satisfied as I did. I used my hands, my mouth, my tongue… but it didn't feel like enough. There was a clear gap in experience between us. After an hour of trying, he kissed my forehead and suggested I get ready for work.
Then he left.
I rushed to get dressed, feeling dejected. I'd avoided getting penetrated that morning, so I wouldn't have to worry about walking funny at work—but now I regretted it.
Nothing I did felt like enough.
I get it now. I understand why he had so many contacts in his phone.
What if he gets bored with me?
I need to study. Improve. Level up.
I'm gonna buy books. Search online. Oh God, my search history is about to look insane.
As soon as I got in the car, I checked my texts—Snowe wanted to know how the date went. I gave her as many details as I could… though I left out the fact that we're dating now. I'm scared he might change his mind. I told her I was worried he might think I'm easy and not want to see me again.
Her reply read:
"I'm sure he doesn't think that. I'll be subtle and get some intel for you. He seemed to really like you, so I'm sure it's good news."
That was a relief.
A few seconds later, I got a message from the one who was still on my mind:
"Text me when you get off. If you're up for it, I'll come over."
That felt like confirmation. He's not done with me yet.
I told him I would.
At work, I met with my boss and a few clients who needed song samples. I presented a few, and thankfully, they were well received.
This day's been great. My only complaint is my sore back, achy muscles, and the tingling kiss marks I struggled to hide.
I really need to start going to the gym again…
Valin messaged me just as I was about to text him:
"Working on a game for my company—should be done soon."
I replied:
"I'll head home when you're free. We can meet up. I'm going to the gym for now with some friends."
He responded:
"Sounds like you want to see me."
I could hear his teasing voice in my head.
"So what? I'm your girlfriend now! I can miss you!" I wrote.
Then instantly regretted it—don't want to come off too cocky.
His reply:
"I want to see you too."
Reading that felt like Cupid shot me all over again.
"You're gonna give me diabetes if you keep being so sweet," I warned.
Seconds later:
"Would it be okay if I meet you at the gym? Which one is it?"
I immediately sent the name and full address.
I should buy a new workout outfit. If he's coming… I have to look cute.