Sleep With Student's Daddy

How long did I have to wait? It had already been 10 minutes when I checked the time on my wristwatch. It would have been good to know that he would be late, even though I understood that he couldn't precisely inform me in advance. I let out a sigh that had been stifled inside of my chest and focused on the drink in front of me. No matter how many times I visited this establishment, I always ended up ordering a Shirley Temple. I never wanted to let any determining element affect my choice of the person who would be in front of me on these blind dates that Candice liked setting me up with. I most certainly didn't want to get wasted and do anything I'd later regret. I grimaced as I caught myself looking at my watch once again. This person was already giving himself a nasty reputation. I nibbled on the cherries that were still floating on top of the drink in front of me, attempting to divert my attention with it. Candice was my closest friend. She persisted on helping me out after realizing that I had been unmarried for far too long. I was the type of person who found it difficult to say no, so before I knew it, I had agreed. If only I had understood how severe she was capable of becoming. She outdid my efforts to meet someone fresh after my own failed attempts. She always had someone available to introduce me to on the weekends. Even how she knew each of them remained a mystery to me. However, this pub would always be the meeting location, and I would always get a text informing me what time to show there. Bars must have been hip for individuals my age. Either that, or she only wanted me to find love. After all this time, I was starting to believe that I was the wrong kind of person for love. Why else was I having such a difficult time? A voice abruptly said from behind me, "Are you Jane?" I was scared because I was as deep in my thoughts as I had been. I sprang from the stool I was sitting on and turned to face the speaker to check if anybody recognized my name. It was a guy with a grin on his face and some dimples. He was cute and handsome enough to make my cheeks feel warm. Finding the right words was challenging since my tongue felt heavy in my mouth. “Mark?” I attempted to keep my voice strong as I inquired inquisitively. How in the world did Alice find a way to send me such a handsome man? Even though he was late, this was a blessing in disguise for me. As he sat down on the seat next to me, his grin spread. He called over a neighboring bartender and got a drink for himself before coming back to me. He observed me with his kind blue eyes. As he glanced me over, my gut constricted as I hoped that his attention wouldn't be drawn to my curves. I was quite self-conscious about how I looked, but he didn't seem to care. We began with an introduction-type talk, just like on every previous blind date I had been on. It was the first step in deciding if I even wanted to give this guy a chance. So far, I've discovered that he enjoyed animals. Having a cat of my own, I was always interested in hearing about other people's pets. He hadn't actually asked me many questions, but I could tell he liked to speak about himself. I'll be honest, I didn't mind much. He was giggling happily throughout everything he said, and as he went on to tell me more about himself, he seemed more and more thrilled. The date was going well thus far. My heart felt fuller the longer I listened to him. It gave me hope that I could have a possibility of meeting my second half. I wouldn't be upset if it were this person. He could have been the person I had been seeking for all along. He drained two bottles himself after seeing that I had consumed half of my drink. He had to excuse himself to go the restroom since he had consumed so much alcohol in such a short period of time. I offered him a grin and didn't think much of it as I saw him blend into the throng. I returned my focus to my drink after he had left. Chapter2 I had to battle against the grin that was permanently attached to my face as I played with my straw. Not this soon, and certainly not this joyful. Nothing was certain just because one date went well. I was behaving like a girl who had an idiotic infatuation. My heart continued to pound in my chest, and I was unable to find any relief by reminding myself that anything may alter at any time. I tried to be quiet so that by the time he came back, I would be calm. I waited for his arrival while taking leisurely sips from my drink. The blooming sensation that had erupted in my chest was gradually turning into a bitter one as each minute went by. My eyes scanned the throng behind me as I cast a glimmer of hope that he had just become disoriented. As much as I wanted to think that was the case, I knew otherwise. It was obvious that Mark wouldn't be returning. Where had I made a mistake? What have I done? I bit my lip and diverted my gaze back to my now-empty glass as I felt my brows furrow in annoyance. Reality had to hit me hard just as I started to feel like I may find happiness. The guy I was supposed to be with would never come into my life. I was through. There was no longer any justification for me to subject myself to this agonizing reality. Simply put, Alice would have to concede that I was supposed to be by myself. A fresh voice called out in front of me, "Here's your drink," jerking me out of the thoughts that were gnawing at me. I looked up from my glass to see a different-shaped cup in front of me that was still being held by thick fingers. I kept looking up and saw that it was the bartender speaking to me. It was a guy I had had my drink prepared by many times on the various numbers of dates I made myself go on. I said "Oh," then turned to face the crimson hue in the glass. I don't believe this was my order, there must be a mistake. Even as to what it was, I had no idea. He began to say, "I know," as he moved the glass closer to me. He told me, "It's on the house," and took my empty glass away. I fought the urge to grin as I struggled to believe that this man was helping me out of sympathy. Did he often see ladies being dumped by their dates? Or am I the only pitiful person? I don't drink, as much as I enjoy it. Not even melancholy could make me crave the alcoholic beverage, so I attempted to ignore him. He rephrased, "I know," as though he had no intention of leaving any time soon. He assured me that it was alcohol-free and that I would like it. "Don't you get sick of drinking the same stuff over and over again? Why not give something new a shot? I was aware that he was referring to the beverages, but his inquiries seemed more profound. I started to reflect on all of the blind dates I had gone on. They were all the same, albeit they were all various kinds of guys. No matter who I met via Alice, nothing changed. I looked at the drink and told him, "I am tired." I chewed my lip as I eyed the heavier liquid. The question "What is it?" He crossed his arms and leaned against the bar as if waiting for me to drink his concoction, "It's a Cinderella," he said. I became heavier as a result of his gaze being fixed on me. I stopped thinking about Mark because of the type of attention he was providing me. I had to overcome the impulse to not approach him and meet him halfway. Naturally, I was simply letting my mind go there. Taking the glass, grabbing the straw, and stirring the beverage, I couldn't help but giggle at the irony. While I would have like to have been a lovely prince who fell in love with a beautiful princess, it didn't seem as if my story would have a happy conclusion. I smiled sarcastically and said, "Cheers," before taking a drink. The delicious mixture caused my taste buds to erupt, which was plenty to cause me to groan. Better than I could have anticipated, really. I sucked it in halfway, put the glass down, and grinned a little more naturally. I squinted as I tried to see the name on the bartender's name tag as I looked at him. Mason, I'm grateful. He smiled as we locked eyes, seeming pleased with how I responded. "From now on, when you drop by, you may sometimes switch up your usual. You may pass the time by experimenting with other flavors; I've prepared a lot of beverages over the years. He suggested with a raised eyebrow. Chapter3 I raspberries and shrug my shoulders. If he recognized me only as a result of all those unsuccessful dates, it was fairly horrible. I took the straw and swirled the remaining mixture. I looked at him and noted his features. How could I spend all this time without seeing how handsome he was? Was I really so preoccupied with finding a partner that I failed to see the chance waiting around the corner? I bit my lip since I knew I shouldn't be staring at him like that. Given that I had just been abandoned, it was difficult for me to fathom how it would seem if I had moved on to someone else. especially if they were a member of our staff. However, he did help me recognize that I wanted to make the calls rather than allow someone else choose for me. This guy didn't appear like a terrible guy. His voice was as rich as a piece of velvet cake, and he had a lovely grin. Why didn't she find him for me instead of men who were never a good fit? I concurred as my lips twitched upward, "Mixing up the ordinary does sound alluring. My wandering gaze landed on the absence of a wedding band, which revealed his single status. Despite the fact that it was always possible, I would find it difficult to believe a man like him could be unmarried. It would be enough if he could only remove an itch that I had been living with for so long. I would settle for second best if I couldn't find love. I only hope that going against everything I believed in won't make me regret it. Although hooking up was the last thing on my mind, I was starting to care less now. I tried not to let myself be discouraged as my chest felt my heart pound. "How do you feel? Are you occupied? after work, that is. Excellent, now I just need to throw a pickup line at him and I'm good to go. I had to resist the desire to sneer at myself as I struggled to speak clearly. It turns out that asking a handsome man out is more difficult than I had anticipated. I was greeted with silence instead of an abrupt rejection. I was taken aback when I was able to meet his eyes since I was prepared for any kind of rejection. He seemed as astonished as I was, judging by his expression. I brushed some hair behind my ear as heat erupted over my face. I made an effort not to look for the closest exit to flee from my guilt as I was getting ready to apologize. "Yes, er, no. I'm not occupied. My amazement was only increased by his response. He made the same uncomfortable noises I was making. In my mid-twenties, I ought to have already accepted this offer. Why did I feel so humiliated? He confirmed, so that ought to have been plenty to comfort me. You won't just vanish out of nowhere on me, are you? I made a half-hearted joke. My skin began to flush with goosebumps at the sound of his laugh. "I wouldn't dream of doing it." Then he climbed up and over the bar. "Meet me at the back if you haven't left by closing time." He grabbed my drink and gave me instructions. “Another?” I nodded and refrained from grinning. Not to get my hopes up, I had to tell myself. This wasn't the kind of thing you'd find in a romance book. I could use this to help me get beyond my past. After everything was said and done, I had a good feeling that I would have had enough of these blind dates. I wanted to experience the total opposite because I was sick of suffering. I had a good feeling that this guy would be able to assist me in having that precise experience. 2 Jane It was becoming late, and the longer I waited outside the back door, the more I wished I could just go and never return to this neighborhood. I had the impression that nothing could stop me when I made the offer. My self-consciousness was now beginning to bother me. I sighed and checked the time on my phone. My breath was audible, and the weather was becoming chilly. I then made a mental note to give it another five minutes before calling it a day. I waited till it was time to go while leaning my back against the brick wall. With only a few seconds left, the door opened. I genuinely jumped at the suddenness and put my palm on my chest to try to calm my racing heart. He was just as astonished when I emailed him the offer as when he looked at me. He asked whether I was kidding. Even as he said, "You're still here," he seemed perplexed. It was sufficient for my lips to slightly grin. Perhaps it was worthwhile to wait for him. I battled against the shiver that wanted to go through me as I crossed my arms over my chest. "We should go, it's really cold outside." He muttered an expletive before grabbing his jacket. He hurriedly said, "I'm sorry, I didn't even think about it," and took it off. He handed me his coat, and I furrowed my brows. Were one-night stands expected to be that thoughtful? Simply put, I was overthinking things. I would have come more prepared if I had known that I would be out till so late. I decided it wouldn't harm, so I went ahead and took him up on his offer. My grin widened as he encircled me with his cloak. I said, "Thank you," and pulled the jacket closer to my body. I inhaled and was immediately overcome by a wash of stale perfume. He had a nice scent. He glanced my way as we started to leave the pub. He enquired, "My place sound good?" Chapter4 Oh my God, I didn't even consider it. I didn't want him to know that I hadn't actually done this before. I nodded, attempting to shrug off my inexperience. "Good sound," I questioned if I always sounded weird. He stopped at one of the few remaining vehicles in the parking lot as he followed him through them. I found it hard to comprehend that I was going to enter a stranger's vehicle. I prompted myself to quit overanalyzing situations and sometimes take a chance as I opened the door and entered. His automobile smelled like him, just as his clothing did. I took a minute to shut my eyes and leaned back as I inhaled. As he sat down next to me, I noticed that the tightness in my shoulders had temporarily subsided. Thankfully, he didn't appear interested in talking as he drove out from the parking lot. I opened my eyes and turned to face him. "You're not planning to kill me in secret, are you?" I jokingly said. Perhaps it would have been wiser on my part to inform someone of my plans. Since going this far had already worn out my anxieties, I didn't even consider how I would make decisions in the future. He grinned and said, "I didn't plan on it," seeming delighted by the concept. I kept staring at him while gnawing on my lower lip. I could see he was a pretty gorgeous man up close. He had to be single since we were heading to his house. I had to ask since I was interested. "If it's okay with you, how often do you do this? Women must swarm to you, I bet. "No, I don't like my job entwining with my s*x life," he said, losing his grin as he continued to focus on the road. I don't believe him when he says he was being serious. It just made me feel more perplexed. The automobile stopped before I could ask him why he accepted my offer. I discovered we were at a residence as I peered out the window. That was fast; I hardly had time to get ready. I took a deep breath and realized this was it. There was no turning back once I stepped out of the automobile. I looked back at him and saw that he was observing me. My cheeks started to warm up at the way he was staring at me. His eyes seemed to grow darker, as if a desire was simmering within of them. I attempted to relax myself, my hands clenching into little fists, "We should probably go inside," I said. The last time someone had regarded me in that manner, I couldn't recall. He said, "Right," and I did the same when he opened his door and went outside. We moved up to his home, following him. As we entered, we were surrounded by quiet. I questioned if he could hear the rapid beat of my heart. I was now feeling even more uneasy. I said "Mason," as if I were hesitant to disturb the cloak of quiet. I could just about make out the outline of his figure through the darkness. I wanted to tell him the whole truth. That being said, I had no idea what I was doing. I could hardly make out his features when he turned to face me, but I could tell he was gazing at me. He had the same expression as when he was in the automobile. He briefly paused before taking a stride in my direction. His name remained on my tongue as I separated my lips. I was speechless for the first time in my life. I was clueless as to what I was expected to do. I took a step back as my first instinct. The locked door, however, prevented me from fleeing since there was nowhere else to go. I was limited to watching while he eliminated the distance between us. He extended his hand and cupped my chin with it. I forced myself to look into his eyes and forced myself to swallow the knot in my throat. When my name was muttered, "Jane," shivers ran down my spine. Not because I told him my name, even though I never did. It was the way it came out of his mouth sounding so incredibly rich. I stretched out and delicately brushed my fingers over his chest while licking my own. I could clearly see who was in front of me because to his shirt's tight fit. He was much bigger, like a bear. He wasn't violent, but rather more like a teddy bear in the way he was stroking me. Every time his skin came into touch with mine, he did it with such care. As soon as he bent his head and lightly touched his lips to mine, the deafening sound of my heart's quick pounding stopped. Just the brush alone felt like an electric jolt running through my body. All my fears just vanished the minute he completely crushed against me. I could never have imagined relishing the sensation of being forced up against the door and encased between his body and the door. I leaned against him, my mind whirling at the smell of his cologne up close. One of his hands went from my face all the way down past my curves, making it difficult for me to concentrate. He attempted to draw me more closer to him, and the way he held my hip seemed possessive. I was responding to each of his touches rather than being alarmed or afraid. I was a melted puddle. I was enamored with the focus he was giving me. I battled the temptation to scream when his lips brushed against mine as soon as I separated them. I was trying not to look disappointed as he abruptly withdrew. Before I could protest, he had already grabbed my hand and dragged me farther into his house. My cheeks flushed as I trailed following him, my brain racing with so many ideas. We entered a room that was lit by moonlight that crept through the blinds as we passed through a doorway. I felt as if the oxygen in my lungs had been sucked out of me as he turned back in my direction. My chest tightened at the mere thought of him in this light. I took a deep breath and watched as he undid his shirt. I was just starting to walk back towards him when heat started to collect between my legs. I've never been a patient person. I softly cradled his face with my upward reach. If he kept staring at me the way he was, I might easily get lost in his gaze. He kissed me again while lowering his head, then turned around to taste my lips again. He was attempting to remove my dress rather than holding me against him as previously. Goosebumps trailed behind each time his fingers brushed across my flesh. I pressed a little bit myself, and I could feel his desire against my stomach rising. I shuddered as my dress reached my ankles as I assisted him in getting my arms through the garment' straps. I kicked it aside, trying to keep my body from bothering me. I couldn't recall the last time I allowed a guy to gaze at me while wearing so much clothes. He murmured, "What's wrong?" Was it really so evident that now was the worst possible moment for me to start worrying about it? I shook my head and cleared my throat. I apologized and said, "I'm sorry, it's just... been a while." I said, "I'm not exactly proud of the way I appear. I was able to look him in the eye once again, and I saw a scowl on his lips. He grabbed my hand before I could ask him a question. He gripped my hand tighter, "You think I'm worried about something like that?" he said. My hand was then placed on his tummy as he moved me in that direction. He slipped my fingers down and said, "I don't think you understand what you're doing to me," with a deep sigh. He released my hand with a faint gasp, and I noticed that the heat between my thighs increased. His erection was becoming bigger against my palm. I could envision his size even if his trousers were in the way. I exhaled, "Point taken," as my confidence gradually increased. That was it; I was certain that I wished for this guy. It would be the nicest damn night I've had in a while, even if it was only for one night. I was determined to use it to the fullest. Chapter 5 I suddenly felt myself sinking into the bed as it was being pulled toward me. I was astonished to see how tall he seemed when I was down like this and gazed up at him. I flung my bra aside and sat up a little, throwing it over to where I believed my dress was. He had already attempted to remove his underpants before I could even try. Back on the ground, I helped him remove the silk covering by rising my hips while he had his fingers caught beneath. I grabbed the blanket under me as his gaze took in my look, now that I was nude in front of him. Perhaps it was all in my head, but it seems like the desire behind his eyes was intensifying quickly. He quickly began pushing my thighs apart after placing his hands on my knees, which gave me the goosebumps. He seemed to be created for the space because of how well he fit between them. He knelt down and placed his lips on my tummy. The moment I felt his chin stubble touch my irritated skin, I wanted to chuckle. I instead chewed my lip to avoid speaking. I closed my eyes and relished every kiss he gave me on the breast. He withdrew from me just as I was beginning to feel comfortable with him. I opened my eyes with a whimper in the back of my throat and saw that his hands were holding onto the hem of his pants. He seemed to be going slowly as he undid his trousers' buttons. Is it your intention to torment me? As I hopped back into the bed, I mocked him. Hearing him chuckle just took my breath away. Jokes were difficult to make when he responded with such tone. He slid the clothes down to his hips as I stared. At least he wasted no time in removing his boxers. He was standing nude now, just as I was, and I had a whole new cause to be out of breath. How in the world did I manage to meet such a handsome man? He then crept toward me while adding his own weight to the bed, causing it to groan in protest. Once again taking up residence between my thighs, he grasped me and drew me in. As soon as he touched me, my s*x constricted. Touching him previously through his pants was nothing compared to this. To get a better sensation, I was tempted to just reach over and rub him myself. He started kissing me again before I had a chance to react. What kind of behemoth could be so gentle? I had to persuade myself that the way my heart tightened with each touch was just because he was the first guy I had been with in a long. This was just intended to be a one-night stand. He wasn't permitted to make me swoon, as much as I wanted to. Even though I tried to tell myself that, it was difficult for me to focus because of the way his hands were moving below. When one palm touched my intense heat, I gasped. He didn't take long to slide a finger between my lubricated folds. When he pushed on my clit, I attempted to suppress my scream by covering my lips. He urged me not to muffle those lovely cries as his other fingers moved near my throbbing entrance. He proceeded to give me just the right amount of attention to my clit while pressing one inside of me. I let go of my hand and grabbed the blankets that were covering me while groaning. I became crimson because of how my reaction to his touch alone was. It was difficult to remain quiet since he appeared to be feeding off of it and giving me more. All I could do was spread my legs wider so he would have more space to move about. He spread them farther inside of me by inserting a second finger. As he continued to move inside of me, I could feel my juices pouring downward. He appeared to crave the taste of my mouth even more than the sound of my groans. I struggled to focus on both as I could only moan against his tongue. I got out of bed and used my hands to nudge his face toward me. I didn't want to end our conversation. I didn't give him a chance to move when he withdrew his hand. I was having more fun than I ought to have. He had to break off the kiss eventually, no matter how long I wanted it to last. I would have to make the sacrifice if I wanted to feel even better. He eliminated the distance between us as I hazily looked up at him as his hands reached for my thighs. I was licking my swollen lips when I almost missed his gaze. He glared down at me, "If only you could see what you look like right now." He gripped himself and let out a loud moan as he started driving himself into me. I moaned as he continued to push against me, causing me to blush all the way to my ears. My thighs shook as I raised my legs to hook behind him as I felt myself stretch to fit his size. I stopped breathing as I felt his hips crushed against mine. He yanked it away the instant he drew back after taking a long breath. He gasped and started to shove. I was doing my best to hang on despite my erratic breathing and his quiet grunts. He kept pushing inside of me, and it was difficult not to sink into the bed. In a sigh, I let his name escape my lips, urging him to move more quickly. It seemed hard for me to continue to maintain my composure after what he had just given me. I barely managed a few minutes before breaking down in tears, my whole body shivering with waves of ecstasy. He continued to move inside of me as I clung to him, eventually pulling himself out while wailing and covering the sheets underneath us. We were both struggling to get our breath and breathing hard. Despite how fantastic it felt, I knew it wouldn't be sufficient. I was eager for more from this dude. It seems that he want the same thing. I had a feeling I would spend the whole night here. Chapter6 Madison I would search for her if I overheard somebody around discussing cooking a Shirley Temple. There was only one person I wanted to see, the lady who always ordered the same drink, even though the weekends were always crowded and full of all types of people. It was usually too hectic to even attempt to start a discussion with her, so I hardly even knew her name. Even though I really wanted her to pay all of her attention to me, I was aware that she had other responsibilities. The guy she shared her Shirley Temple with changed every time she came by, unlike the drink, which remained the same. I first believed that she was just going out with a buddy like normal people would do on the weekends. But after a number of weeks, I understood that she wasn't interacting with the strangers out of friendliness. She wasn't simply hanging around there. Every time she went out, she was on a date. Every time I saw a new guy after I had discovered it, fear would overwhelm me. What I dreaded would eventually occur. I would never see her again because one of them would take her away. Every weekend, she came back to meet someone new despite the terror that had set in. I could only take so much consolation. I should have abandoned the name tag right away and sat next to her before another i***t could take it. They were all ignorant individuals. Could everyone possibly have missed what I did? They must not have known what they were missing. I just had to listen in on a couple of her dates to find out that she went by the name of Jane. She cherished her Snickers, a calico cat. She cares for the children she works with as if they were her own. I was drawn to her because of the little things about her. Without her even realizing it, she had my heart. I would willingly go to whatever lengths were required to offer her anything she desired. Even after all this time, I hadn't even spoken to her due to how busy my work sometimes be. If not for her last date, that moment would have been the same as all the others. I wouldn't have had the push I needed if he hadn't abandoned her. Every time Jane arrived at this location, she would seem ecstatic and cheerful. She had hoped that one of them might work out, but happily none of them did. That is, up until "Mark" appeared. I want to experience what it would be like if those eyes were directed towards me rather than at him as she was staring at him. Would he be the one to swoop in and steal her? I was aware that this man was unique. just not in the manner in which he ultimately manifested himself. He had the gall to leave in the middle. The only reason Jane had a fresh expression on her face prevented me from tracking him down and convincing him of his recent error. One thing I never expected to see on her delicate countenance. It had a sorrowful, completely defeated expression. This time, not even a client thrusting cash in my face could stop me from approaching her. I wished to never see such anguish on her face again after just briefly seeing her grief. Before I knew it, I had swiftly whipped up a drink for her and was finding myself serving it without thinking. I didn't give a damn if Bill got mad because I was giving out a free drink. To bring back a smile to her full, beautiful lips, I would do everything. Even though I didn't use the chance to express my feelings to her, I should have since you never know when you'll have another chance. However, she made me an offer that I could never have imagined coming my way before I could even consider how to phrase my confession. I had never heard her propose hooking up with any other male seated next to her, but she wanted to do it. I was at least startled by it. She seemed to be in pain and wanted someone to divert her attention. There was no way in hell I could refuse her, even if I was just some random dude she met. I would finally get the opportunity I was searching for. I could demonstrate to her what it was like to be in a loving relationship. Let her know how much I valued what she had to give. That was precisely my plan. I believed I executed it perfectly. Evidently, I was mistaken. I was certain she was gone when I woke up the next morning to discover the seat next to me was vacant and chilly. I figured she would have been exhausted after a restless night of exploration and discovery long enough for me to make her breakfast. Being an optimistic guy, I was more than let down. Since I had no method of getting in touch with her, the only way I may see her again would be if she came to work. Nothing would stop me from telling her how I felt, even if she was with another guy. I was tempted to be greedy after having a taste of her. Nobody else was allowed to touch what was mine. I believed my strategy to be perfect, then something unexpected occurred. My biggest nightmare came true—she never showed up again. My alarm went off, but I had no desire to get out of bed. The early hours were never comfortable after a late shift the previous evening. I coerced myself out of my bed because I knew I had to do it. I dragged my feet out of my room and walked slowly over to Eva's. I yawned and opened her door to see that she was slept just as soundly as I was. We both winced when the light was turned on. I yelled at her, "Princess, it's time to wake up," in the hopes that she would easily do so. She was, however, too much like her father and resisted until the last end. I moved approaching her bed knowing what I would have to do. Her eyes were tightly shut as I got closer, despite the slight grin on her lips. One thing, I was certain, would wake her up earlier than any alarm could. I grabbed the blanket and yanked it off of her body. You're asleep, are you sure? I questioned her in an effort to give her one final deterrent before I moved in. She was grinning more and I could see that she knew precisely what I was about to do. I didn't hesitate and bent down to start tickling her. Her eyes opened instantly, and she began to claw at my hands in an effort to stop me while giggling loudly. She eventually gave up after a moment. She struggled to regain her breath and said, "I'm awake!" I pulled myself away from her while grinning triumphantly. "Exactly what I was hoping to hear! Now, how about getting ready for school while I prepare a meal? I proposed as I saw her stoop from her bed. She nodded her head while flashing me a worn-out grin. I ultimately left her room after making sure she wouldn't attempt to slip in a few more minutes of sleep and went to the kitchen to see what I could find. There were certainly drawbacks to being a single parent, but there were also benefits. Eva worked with me the most of the time, despite her occasional tendency to be a pain. It was worth it every morning, even if I didn't get enough sleep to take care of her requirements. She also never complained about having to consume frozen waffles repeatedly. She was really simple to win over. Just because it was convenient, I would chose cereal today. She wouldn't complain, knowing her. Simply put, I felt awful for her instructor having to cope with her sugar high. In the end, it wasn't a concern of mine. Chapter7 She would complete her meal, and all I had to do to go back to sleep was get her on the bus and send her on her way. I would wake up after gaining a few more hours and do any unfinished business before she returned home. After that, she caught up on her schoolwork and I made supper before I dropped her off with her babysitter and went back to work. Every day of the week that I had her, our routine stayed the same. Her mother would babysit her when the weekend arrived, and I would typically enjoy a quiet home for two days. While many people would welcome a vacation, I just felt pretty lonely. I wish I could alter it. Jane I sat back down at my computer and observed as the children chatting loudly than required at each of the several tables. Every Monday, this would happen. Since they had to tell everyone what they had done the previous two days, all I could do was let them get it out of their systems. Since I often performed the same thing every Sunday, I suppose I couldn't really blame them. Normally, Alice would want to know the outcome of every date. At the conclusion of the weekend, I would phone her and fill her in on everything. It never had a happy ending. But it fit into the rhythm I had become used to, just like the dates themselves. Those phone calls came to a stop after the runaway date two weeks ago, precisely like the date. She was devastated by how the date went out, but she did see things from my perspective. I informed her that I needed a break and wasn't sure when I would be prepared to resume. But I was certain that it wouldn't happen soon. I've been telling myself that I'll find a new distraction ever since our last phone conversation. Something to relieve the pain in my chest. With little choices, I made the decision to fully devote myself to my career. One benefit of being a teacher was that the kids kept me on my toes all the time. Leaving a six-year-old alone for an extended period of time is usually not a good idea, so this would be just what I needed. Despite how much I wanted it, I had come to terms with the fact that love was not meant to be. I wished I could experience the same level of enjoyment as my pals, but I realized the chances were minimal. I looked down at the desk in front of me while frowning. I deliberately overfilled my plate in an effort to divert my attention from my love life. I was more concerned about more significant issues. the parent-teacher conferences that were scheduled for tonight, for instance. I had not even begun to prepare for it. How else would I be able to inform each parent how their child was doing? I had to fill up reports for every kid. I had to decide how I would inform some parents that their children were being lazy and lagging behind the others. If I wasn't prepared, things always went wrong. I needed to be ready since I knew that they would all blame me in the end. I got out a stack of papers and began writing after giving the kids an activity that would keep them occupied for at least thirty minutes. This was going to take some time since I had twenty pupils to prepare reports for. I was so exhausted in class at least once. After being here for over two hours, all I wanted to do was go home, change into some warm pajamas, and cuddle up with a blanket. Right by my side, Snickers would be reassuring me that everything would be well. I was certain I would never leave my home after that. Why were these meetings required in the first place? I was ready to finish it after speaking to so many parents. I was at least aware that I was nearing the end of my remaining days here. I made a gentle groaning noise, put two fingers to my temple, and hoped the migraine I was developing would pass. I peered down at my pile to see who was coming after me. One of my finest pupils is Eva Sherly. I could usually do them in 10 minutes, but I was certain I could finish this one in five. She was a darling and a young woman who works hard. In all honesty, I don't believe I said anything negative. This would be simple as pie. , "Miss Ross!" She seemed so pleased even though she hadn't seen me in a while, and I instantly recognized her voice as the door flew wide. I grinned and looked up as I got ready to say hello to her. But as soon as I opened my eyes, my grin vanished. I stood up and stared at them as they came to my desk. I was unable to speak tonight for the first time. As I held out my hand, I turned to face her father. I introduced myself as "Jane Robinson," despite my desire to gag. Oh my, I forgot to state my whole name. Never did I do it. The person in front of me had a similar face before he grinned as soon as we made eye contact. He extended his hand and took hold of mine, giving it a little shake. His hand remained in my as he said, "Mason Smith," in a soft, kind voice. The second our eyes met, I knew who he was. He was the bartender from that establishment, which had a turbulent history. Are you guys acquainted in some way? Eva inquired carelessly, her big eyes staring at the two of us. I felt myself flush as I realized I was simply standing there looking at him and holding his hand. However, when he let go of my hand, he grinned and said, "You could say that." He seems pleased by my shame. I instructed them to sit in front of my desk while I reclined in my chair and attempted to collect my thoughts. What chance was there that I would ever see this guy again, much alone that he would turn out to be the dad of one of my students? I looked to the vacant chair next to his daughter while fighting the heat that was covering my cheeks. Was the mother missing from the photo? Or maybe she was just too busy at the time to attend? I lacked the confidence to inquire. I just knew that I had to concentrate on completing my job. I shouldn't be thinking about whether this man was single or not. Did I really need to be reminded that I was meant to be through with love? Chapter8 I was relieved to have already written down what I was going to say as I cleared my throat. Otherwise, I'm sure I would have tripped over my words. He was staring at me, and I could see I was having trouble even with the paper. I must have been overanalyzing it. What transpired between us was only a one-night encounter, which I believed I could easily forget. He was now seated in front of me, and I was starting to recall. How in the world did I allow this to occur? How could I miss that? "She hasn't caused you any problems, has she? He tousled his daughter's hair and made fun of her, "I know how much of a problem she can be. My heart warmed up as I enjoyed hearing her giggle. My own smile developed as I watched him torment her while grinning. There was a welcome change in the way the man behaved with his daughter as opposed to the way he usually merely prepared beverages in silence. But that wasn't the first time I had seen a distinct aspect of him. I discovered a part of him during the night I spent in his bed that I couldn't forget. I became more agitated just by thinking about it again. I shook my head and pushed myself to focus on the person I was facing. She's the complete opposite, in fact! She puts forth a lot of effort and is constantly focused. I said as I put my work down, "Eva is one of my best students. I was already aware of all of that without even having to look at it. She smiled at me when I spoke kind things about her and flushed herself. On the other hand, Madison sighed, He poked her and said in jest, "Why are you so good for her instead of with me?" Naturally, I'm a fantastic fit for her. She proceeded to compliment me, saying, "Miss Robinson is awesome and amazing and—" she counted off on her fingers. Madison gave me a startling glance. He chuckled softly and gave me a contrite look. This was a welcome relief from the difficulties I often face with these kids during the day. I wouldn't stop her from complimenting me if she wanted to. Additionally, she was preoccupied and didn't see that we were focusing more on each other than she was. She struggled to finish her statement in one breath, exclaiming, "—and awesome!" while exhaling hard. He took his eyes from mine to gaze back at her, "You already said awesome, Princess," he murmured. I was astounded by how many minutes had already passed when I looked at the time. Was he just so distracting that I didn't notice? I gave my paper to him after clearing my throat. I stated to him with tightened lips, "This is her report in case you wanted to dig more into how she's doing. I surprised myself by how unhappy I sounded as I informed them, "Unfortunately as much as I enjoyed hearing how great I am, I sadly have the next set of parents coming in soon so we'll have to cut it here." They followed my direction and stood back up before I led them to the door. Eva quickly extended my hand for a handshake before giving Madison another opportunity. Despite not knowing what I wanted to say, I found myself looking up at him and the warmth of his hand was more than welcome. It wasn't appropriate here anyhow. I would confront it when that moment arrived if what I was experiencing was genuine. He offered me one final grin before leaving the classroom as his hand slipped from mine. I found myself gazing at the doorway with my heart racing like the hopeless romantic that I was. We were just intended to have a one-night stand; sentiments weren't supposed to develop. Love wasn't intended to be in my future, and feelings caused me to be injured again. With the next set of parents arriving with their student, I had to shake the troubling thoughts out of my head before putting a smile on my face and shoving Madison to the back of my mind. I would then attempt to identify the source of these sensations once I was back at home. Jane As I climbed the steps to my residence, my feet were heavy and I was feeling lethargic. It had been a long day, and I was exhausted. I inserted the key into the lock and then allowed myself in while trying not to yawn. I felt a tiny bit of life return to me as soon as I opened the door to the welcome meow. I said gently, "I missed you too," and shut the door behind me. I crossed the calico cat and moved into my kitchen to put my things down. A home-cooked lunch sounded wonderful just now since I was famished. But given my level of energy, ordering some pizza seemed just as appealing. The flavor of grease could help me feel less lifeless on the inside. I quickly called the closest store and then went to my bedroom to change out of my clothes and put on something more cozier. I quickly ordered pizza while looking for a movie to watch, then found myself curled up on the sofa with a pizza in one hand and a Snickers bar in the other. I watched the beginning of the love scene unfold with my eyes riveted to the television. What was I to say, even if I had given up on myself, it didn't stop me from finding satisfaction in seeing imaginary characters fall madly in love with one another. I kept watching, but I started to gradually lose interest as my mind kept wandering back to Madison and Eva. The possibility of running into him again via one of my kids still had me in disbelief. It caused me to wonder whether what I did with him wasn't simply a coincidence. Madison could wind up being more to me than simply a bartender. Was I stupid to have thought such a thing? After a few weekends alone, I became aware of how lonely I was now that my schedule was more flexible. It seemed weird even after some assurance from Alice. Even though I tried to ignore what had occurred that evening, my emotions had started to return now that it had come to light. It was fantastic what occurred between Madison and myself. He had given me an unforgettable night. I have to admit that I was really let down by this new revelation. He had no more need to interact with me now that he was aware that I was his daughter's teacher. There must have been a line there. Was it the rationale I was using for myself? What kept me from returning to that pub on foot only to see him? At least I could acknowledge that I was absolutely afraid. The s*x wouldn't only be something to fill the need in my heart once I was alone with him. Leaving passion aside, I wanted to find out who he really was. I would surely be asking for too much if I tossed it his way. It was that wall that I fought to get over, knowing that he had just consented to a few hours of my time. Would requesting a little extra really be unreasonable? Chapter9 I could have given up on him and moved on, or I could have gone all in. That was it if he chose to reject me. Despite the fact that it seems easier said than done, I decided to grab the opportunity if we managed to cross paths again and attempt to make an effort to explain my sentiments. Madison Normally, I would resort to driving about and listening to the rock station after a difficult day at work in the hopes that it would help me relax. I needed my rock music more than ever since I was now seated in my automobile. The music was almost loud enough to drown out the thoughts that were gnawing at the back of my head as I turned to gaze at the school building. Eva was thrilled to learn she wouldn't have to use the bus any longer. She would now be riding in elegance to school, and as she put it, all of her friends would be quite envious. She was eager to share the news with the whole class. I was delighted by her excitement, but there was a personal reason for the unexpected change in mode of conveyance. After working through the night, coming here merely to have the opportunity to meet Jane was worth the lost sleep. She still hadn't shown up at the pub a week after the meeting. Could it be that she was avoiding me? Or is she just too busy to spare any of her day for me? I made the decision to take matters into my own hands after realizing that she would not make speaking with her simple. The possibility was still small, but it was still worth taking. The last time a lady managed to irritate me this much, I couldn't recall. I became aware of how much time I had spent on relationships in general after divorcing Melanie. I didn't have time to start again, and I also didn't want to mislead Eva. It was intended to remain that way, but after my first encounter with Jane, everything was abandoned. She was everything I desired, and I knew that my sentiments were obvious. I simply wanted to find out a way to let her know how committed I had become to being with her. I had to just have a chance to speak with her once again as the first step. Even a brief two-minute talk would be all I needed. In light of this, I did still need to polish up a confession. I wanted to be sure that what I said would be flawless the first time since, knowing myself, I would surely screw that up. I turned after seeing movement out of the corner of my eye to see the school doors open. I stepped out of the vehicle and turned down the music. After approaching it from the side, I sat down with my back against the door to wait for my child. She was just as clumsy as I was; if I didn't make myself known, I could only image how long she would take. I waited in silence and saw the children leaving the building in a steady stream. I didn't blame them since, if I were still trapped in that kind of location, I would definitely be racing out there myself. Eva was fortunately too little to comprehend how dreadful this environment may be at the time. She continued to like it, so I'll take what I can get. A very recognizable voice yelled, "Dad!" As I looked through the throng for her, I quickly saw her silly smile as she approached me. I observed right away that she wasn't alone herself. Her little knapsack was in one hand, and a much fuller hand was encircled by the other. I was eventually given the chance I was seeking for when she dragged her instructor along with her. But now that she was approaching me, I couldn't think of anything. My lips parted as I glanced up at Jane and saw her contrite gaze. She apologized, panting a little from being dragged along, "I'm sorry, she insisted that I come with her." As she turned to face Eva, she said, "It's really hard to tell her no." I laughed and followed her gaze. Without even realizing it, I was going to have to thank her for being a fantastic wingwoman at such a young age. "Yeah, she's still not used to riding in the car, I guess." I attempted to justify her. Like her father, she is quite driven to acquire what she wants once she decides she wants it. As I flung open my rear door for her, I laughed. As I saw her go inside, I couldn't help but smile. Eva slid down the window as soon as possible, almost hanging it out to get a good look at both of us. Already too excited, she said, "Let's go get ice cream!". After I began giving her rides, she started to expect things from everyone. I smiled and said, "Sure. You deserve it. I turned to face Jane and saw that she was keeping an attentive eye on both of us. I began out, already attempting to create the lines in my thoughts once again, "I appreciate you going with her. This was the opportunity I had been searching for. Why was I having trouble now?What was I thinking? , "Miss Ross!" Eva shouted over me as soon as she picked up again. Are you an ice cream fan? Jane had been looking at me and seemed to be leaning in to hear what I had to say. She turned to look at my now horrible "wing woman," but she quickly withdrew. Who doesn't like that type of treat every now and then? she said with a light giggle. I had my doubts that Jane would give me even a minute of her time since I knew how much she cared about her pupils. "My dad concurs, too! Her big green eyes took in both of us innocently before asking, "Do you want to come with us? Are you two pals, right? We both gazed at in amazement when she asked the question before turning to face one another. Friends? I was at a loss for words, so I just said, "Oh, uh." Jane stumbled over her sentences and seemed equally frazzled. She glanced at us both, a little coating of blush accumulating on her cheeks. Eva could have really been watching out for me. If you aren't busy, that is. I wouldn't mind if you came along. As she glared at me, her pinkish hue becoming even more crimson. "Do you really want me to go with you?" she said. Damn, did she even notice how difficult it was for me to speak when she was staring at me like that? I nodded instead of speaking because I was hesitant. She chewed on her thick lip as she thought about the offer. I believed Eva had no chance against my grin and her beseeching eyes. She then groaned and turned to face the rear. "I can go finish up inside and be out in a few minutes if you don't mind waiting a little bit," the person said. She may not have known how long I would be prepared to wait for her. I instructed her to take her time while nodding, then watched as she turned away and hurried back toward the building. Being by myself, I turned to face Eva with a tooth-gnashing smile. "You are the best, don't you know that?" Chapter10 She said as she reclined in her chair, mirroring my attitude, "You like her, don't you?" She posed the innocent question. Not hearing any struggle behind her words partially eased me. I chuckled since I was aware that nothing happened in secret from her. Why can't she see it if it's so clear? I made my way back to the front seat while tapping my palm on the car's roof as a strange thrill filled my chest. This was excellent, if not flawless. I would not only spend more time with Jane, but I would also get the chance to express my feelings to her. I didn't believe I deserved another one if I screwed this one up. I increased the volume once again, and my daughter's horrible singing was my reward. I joined her in song as I was feeling wonderful. I knew the ideal location to take her to, and the weather was pleasant. Before Jane resurfaced, still carrying the same flushed expression as the first time she was dragged towards my vehicle, we were able to go through five more songs. She seemed to be racing to return, judging by her appearance. I shrugged the fluttering thrill aside, knowing that I was probably overthinking things. I smiled at her as soon as she flung open the door. And here I was believing that you wouldn't return. I didn't want to let Eva down, therefore I didn't want to," she said with a grin of her own that warmed my heart. I was meant to be with this lady. As I pulled out of the school's parking lot, Eva was yelling in the backseat about wanting ice cream. "Let's go then," I said to them both. Jane remained by herself for the most of the thirty-minute journey, which was out of our way. By the way she was gazing out the window, she seemed to be thinking a lot. There were many occasions when I was very tempted to just reach out and hold her hand. She was presently seeing me as the parent of one of her pupils, and I had to remind myself of that. Even though I really wanted to fix it, being in the vehicle wasn't the optimal setting. Instead, I would sometimes cast a glimpse in her direction to see what was going through her mind. Her focus had been on me as we approached the little cabin. The question "Have you ever been to Ollie's?" Curious, I questioned her. I didn't even realize this facility was here, she said, shaking her head. I turned off the vehicle and walked to my door. "As soon as you tried their ice cream, you were compelled to return for more. You should be aware that this location is addictive. "I guess I'll have to see that for myself," she said with a giggle as she left as well. I hope I'm not let down by this restaurant after hearing how highly you recommend it. Have I ever let you down before? She gave me a startled glance before shrugging, "No... You've not. Eva herself leapt out of the vehicle and sprinted forward, completely unaware of us. I'm certain that if it weren't for me grabbing her in my arms, she would have arrived at the shack before us and placed an order for everything on the menu. I grinned at her laughter and said, "Slow down Princess." "Remember, it's not a race." I realized Jane was looking longingly at us. Do you have children? I questioned her in an effort to understand more about her. She shrugged, "No, but I want to." She talked in a manner that caused me to have the opposite effect of what I desired. Instead of smiling as she had previously, she once again had that sad expression in her eye. She was definitely affected by whatever was troubling her. I urged, fighting the impulse to grab her hand and say, "Come on, let's go." She deserved the comfort, therefore I wanted to offer it to her. I was still being restrained by something. As we approached the door, the staff members inside welcomed us right away. Eva and I received a peanut butter fudge sunday, as usual. Jane, on the other hand, was intently studying the menu. She seemed undecided. I moved closer to her as I followed her gaze. "I have a feeling you're a strawberry kind of gal. You'll adore the shortcake, so get some. I spoke quietly to her. I suddenly noticed how near I had come to her as she turned to face me in surprise. I could see her lips from a few centimeters away. My fingers jerked at my side when I saw how anxiously she was moving her tongue. No matter where we were, all I wanted to do was reach up and kiss her face. My desire was to kiss her. It was very difficult to turn away as I met her gaze and heard her take a breath. She turned her head towards the person taking our orders, and I knew I would have followed her lead. She struggled to keep her composure, "I-I'll go ahead and take your strawberry shortcake please," she said. I wished she would have had the same facial expressions when she was in my bed on that one night, weeks ago, while I watched her get so agitated. I wasn't sure how much longer I could resist her as my desire for her grew by the second. I reached behind me and took out some cash to give to the worker. She struggled to look into my eyes as she took out her own pocketbook and said, "How much do I owe you?" It's on me, I shook my head. I informed her, without paying attention to whatever justifications she could have had for repaying me. Then, with Jane on my heel, I turned and dragged Eva over to a nearby seat. I set her down next to me and said, "They will bring it out to us when it's done. Jane sat down across from both of us after I took a seat. I now want to use this opportunity to get to know her. I only learned all I already knew about her through listening in on her dates. I want to discover things that no other guy has tried to discover. "So, how long have you been teaching?" I enquired in an effort to reassure her. Oh, it's just been three years. Compared to my coworkers, I'm still very new to it. Crossing her arms over the table, she admitted. She seemed younger, just as I had anticipated. If she entered this immediately after high school, she would have been in her mid-twenties at the time. made me feel cynical merely to consider it. What would she think if she knew I was almost in my mid-thirties? She said, "How long have you been a bartender?" in response to my query. She seemed to be as inquisitive as I was. I kept my head up and refused to lie to her. "Almost ten years," I said. I wasn't sure what else would indicate my age if it didn't. She did seem a little taken aback, as I had anticipated. Wow, I had no idea the tavern had been operating for so long. Chapter11 I shrugged my shoulders and realized that I was more than happy to tell her details about my life. I really spent five years working for Bill. When Eva was born, I had to stop. I wanted her to know things about my life even though I knew she didn't need to. She said, "You're a good father," more to herself than to me. Our ice cream came from out of nowhere. After it was placed in front of us all, none of us could talk since our mouths were full. With each mouthful, Jane sucked on her spoon slowly and deliberately. She even made a little groan to make things worse. "This is fantastic, you were correct. I'm grateful. I had been desperately trying not to watch her eat her own ice cream while mine had just been melting the whole time. I nodded, trying not to think about her as much as I had been. My body would rebel against me and make clear to everyone how much I want the lady seated across from me if I persisted. The vacation, which I had originally eagerly anticipated as a pretext to be with her, had now swiftly devolved into a painful one. I ached within knowing that I couldn't reach out and touch her. I'm not sure I would have had the willpower to resist my growing need if Eva hadn't been with us. I attempted to divert myself by eating my ice cream instead, turning my focus to it. I would at least become too preoccupied to continue thinking about Jane if I had a brain freeze. I made an effort to enjoy my dessert as much as the girls did. Eva would sometimes ask Jane a seemingly random question, and each time, Jane would cheerfully respond. We had almost finished our bowls before I noticed how much time had gone. We washed up and got back in the vehicle, knowing that I still had to transport her back to the school and that I had to get ready for work. Eva had become quiet on the trip home as the exhaustion from her active day started to set in. She was unable to resist nodding asleep throughout the journey despite the ice cream she had. Jane glanced back over her seat and grinned at me, "She truly is a nice child. Elizabeth, the babysitter, will be thrilled to learn that she'll have an easy job tonight, I joked. Typically, she may be a hassle. As stillness descended once again around us, I felt her eyes on me, observing me. "May I ask you a question? Thoughtfully, she questioned if it wasn't crossing a boundary. I cast a quick peek her way to see what she could be interested in learning. Consider the boundary crossed; inquire first. In an effort to reassure her, I smiled at her. Where can I find Eva's mother? I fought the urge to grimace as I returned my eyes to the road. I replied quickly, "Probably working, that would be my best estimate. Years ago, I stopped monitoring her hectic schedule. Melanie was a committed attorney who battled to balance her family life and career. It was clear which one she chose in the end. Why do you inquire? She was focusing on her hands while staring down at her lap, I noted. Before she looked into my eyes, she said, "You simply seem too wonderful to be true. "How is it possible that you are not being taken?" I wanted to confess to her that I had long since given up on romance and love. However, if I mentioned that, it would no longer be true. She altered that without her even realizing it. I believed I would never feel those feelings again, but she made me feel them. I wasn't with anybody else because I didn't want to be with anyone else. I desired her. I waited for her to feel the same way about me all these time. Instead, I said, "It's complicated," unsure of how else to put it when she was looking at me with her big, innocent eyes. Even if I could express it, I didn't want to frighten her away with how I felt. When we entered the parking lot, the automobile slid to a halt. She gave me one last thank you before grabbing the door. Before she could dismiss me, I said, "I can walk you to your car at least," and I had already opened my own door. I still had the opportunity to inform her even if the vacation hadn't been entirely effective. I left Eva in the vehicle and followed Jane till we arrived at her little Honda. She made a U-turn and c****d her head up so she could see me well. What transpired between us in the past, Madison? I found it quite difficult to concentrate while I was looking down at her. Her remarks were met with silence as I licked mine as I watched her lips move. I've never been the kind of man to verbalize my emotions. I was a guy who demonstrated his personality via his deeds. As much as I wanted to kiss her back at the shack, I was still tempted to do it now. Now that I was unconscious in my car's rear seat, the only thing stopping me was that. I raised my hand and cupped the palm of it on her face. She melted beneath my touch despite the fact that she said "Madison, I—" as I moved. My desire for her bubbled as soon as my thumb touched her lips. I leaned down smoothly and said, "I want to kiss you," to her. She said nothing, and I could feel the heat of her face on my flesh. Her eyes closing gave me all the authorization I needed. I made her feel my lips as I dipped my head lower. My body experienced electric shocks just from the quick touch. I immediately moved forward and grabbed her lips with mine. This tiny contact had everything I had been yearning for the last three weeks. I stepped forward, losing what little control I had left, her body wedged between her vehicle and mine. After this, I wasn't sure what more I could do if she didn't comprehend how much I yearned for her. Just as I started to back away, I felt her fists on the front of my shirt. I could see I wasn't going anywhere by the way she was tugging on me. I felt gratified by her response, and a deep rumble rose from my neck and up into my chest. She behaved precisely the same way when she was placed beneath me the first time: tugging and clinging to me until she received what she needed. However, this short exchange was insufficient. I had no idea how much I had missed the taste of her sweet tongue; it was just the kind of touch I needed to make me feel almost content. I parted my lips and just allowed a little taste of what she had to give to pass my tongue. She promptly split them apart so I could continue to enjoy her mouth. Her lips caught my attention, and I let my hands descend and follow her contours. I grabbed her and anchored my own into hers once I was at her hips. She felt my arousal pressing against her tummy with no effort. Her breathing alone made me sexy, and her lips ignited my passion. I had no idea how to quit at this point. Prior to being the one to draw away, she let out a faint groan against my lips. She gasped and sent a hazy gaze my way. She was breathless, flushed, and very stunning. It was hard to think clearly while listening to her response to every touch from her. Not even our location bothered me. I started pressing my lips to her neck the instant they weren't already there. I would enjoy whatever taste of her that I could. Before I could get too comfortable, her hands started pushing rather than tugging at my chest. She gently moaned, "We can't do this, not here," as her pushes weakened. She wanted me just as much as I did her, I was certain of it. I barely got myself off of her since I had to get Eva to the babysitter and still had work waiting for me. "Okay," I finally managed to say. "I can wait a little bit longer; I've already waited this long." I made myself take a step back in an effort to calm myself. "Visit the bar this weekend." My tongue still tasted her as I licked my lips. After that, I doubt I have much patience left. She struggled to nod at me while her face was as red as her hair. "Okay, this weekend," she said again. It required more fortitude to endure being close to her all day without even touching her than it did to endure seeing her get into her vehicle. I watched her drive away while putting on my best grin and listening to her vehicle start up. I'm not sure how long I was standing there until Eva called for me. She had apparently woken up, and despite her sleep-filled voice, she was requesting to be taken home. Even after getting in my vehicle and making the trip home, I couldn't stop worrying about what would happen over the following several days. All I wanted was for her to show up rather than kicking me out of her life once again. Chapter12 Jane Was this something I really wanted to do? I saw my reflection as I fixed my gaze on myself in the mirror. Did I seem alright? Was what he viewed to his liking? Normally, if I was set up on a blind date, I would start to feel anxious about my appearance. Whoever I was meeting with, I wanted them to enjoy what they saw. But unlike my blind dates, Madison wasn't precisely the same. He had more perspectives on me than others, and yet he still appeared to crave more. My typical dates would end after the first one. But when it came to him, I stopped keeping track of how often we were seated across from one another. I still wasn't sure whether going out for ice cream with him would qualify as a date. At the time, I didn't believe he would have even given it that much thought. He then seemed sincere in his queries as he listened to what I had to say. He didn't give the impression that he felt compelled to be there. I was very certain that the guy had my heart without even knowing it. I was certain I wanted him after the way he kissed me. I believed I would lose the ability to restrain myself. I had to admit my feelings for him and be truthful to myself. I could feel how clammy my hands were from my anxiety as I ran them down the front of my dress. It didn't get any easier even after I convinced myself that Madison was the one who summoned me. It was necessary for me to remind myself that I was going there because I also wanted to. No one else made the choice for me to meet up with him. Even though I wasn't sure whether Madison and I had the same desires, I would make sure that by the end of the evening, he would be aware of my feelings. Madison was really ideal, and I wanted to be more than just a hookup. I wasn't in this only for the s*x. I put down any more doubts I may have had and grabbed my bag before turning away from the mirror. I spent extra time getting ready for him because I wanted to appear well, and I was eager to see his response. I paused to take a long breath before pulling away and moving toward the entrance. I yelled, "Keep an eye on the place," as I came upon Snickers snuggled up on the sofa. The greatest response I got from her was a sluggish meow before she disregarded me and went back to sleep. I went outside after nodding to myself and opening the door. As I went to my vehicle, the air felt pleasant and cold next to my heated skin. Even just recalling the kiss from earlier made my body heat. His hands' sensation on my flesh was something I was still unable to forget. It took me a long time to get all of his touches out of my head after our first hookup. I was now beginning to recall them. It seemed like I was consciously attempting to get my body to respond. As soon as I took a close look at him, I was certain that he could help me. I was eager to meet him again after having him on my thoughts for many days. As I was driving over to the bar, I saw a fresh emotion forming inside of me as I observed the structure. I used to have this weight in my stomach because I knew that after I left, the person I had gone in to see would not cross my path again. I muttered to myself, "He's different," in an effort to calm the troubled thoughts. I heard some rock music playing as I got out of the vehicle and walked toward the pub. It brought up memories of the trip over to the ice cream shop. I could only imagine how much Madison liked listening to the radio if Eva could sing along with most of the songs that were playing. There were several individuals loitering about the building, some simply talking and others smoking. Given that it was the weekend, I anticipated that it would be busy, but I was just hoping that work wouldn't get in the way. I walked through the smoke and stepped inside. As I had anticipated, there were many people inside drinking and seated at tables. Some of them were watching the hanging television TVs, while others were just chatting with each other. It was so noisy in here that I had trouble even hearing my own thoughts. I almost ran into someone as I was walking over to the bar. Now that I could clearly see how crowded they were, I began to have my doubts. Once I crossed over, I was able to see Madison, but I could see that he was in a hurry. I had never genuinely seen him before, therefore I had never realized his talent. I could tell he was cut out for this position by the way he was serving beverages without stumbling. I walked up to one of the stools, sat down, and propped my arms up against the bar. He would ultimately have to come over, so I had to be patient. Regardless, I still needed to plan my response to him. I had to practice my confessional speech so that he would understand how I felt about him. I may not be quite ready to use the 'L' word, but I was sure I liked him. Enough that I want to be able to interact with him on a personal level. I yearned for his company. I was still plagued by a dread in the back of my mind. I was at a loss as to what to do if Madison was just added to the total after so many rejections. I did not want to consider it. There was no way I was overthinking it based on the way he was looking at me, right? A bartender approached me and said, "What can I get for you?" Sadly, it wasn't the one I wanted. I gently sighed as I tapped my fingers on the table. If it were Madison, he would already be aware, so I wouldn't need to inform him. "Do you know how to make Cinderella?" I had a question. I easily deduced the answer from the man's demeanor. Then, just prepare a Shirley Temple. My chest constricted as soon as he moved away. I was shocked to learn that Madison had prepared me a drink from the menu in an effort to cheer me up. I just wished I had known who he was before putting myself into the whole awkward blind date situation. I continued to look for Madison as I waited, but he had already left. Probably leaving to assist another client. I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed. I could already feel a sigh coming on as I lowered my eyes to look down at my lap. I didn't have to look far after the glass was placed in front of me to see that this was not what I had ordered. I could already feel my frustration forming a scowl as I looked down and saw how familiar the fingers were around the glass. "Jason asked what the heck a Cinderella was, I overheard. All it took was that for me to discover your presence. Madison was standing just in front of me and grinning. The sight of him alone made my tummy flutter. He seemed shocked, "You really showed up," which confused me. I accepted the drink and told him, "I wanted to see you." He specifically created it for me. "I hope I'm not taking your attention away from the others. It seems to be really busy. His giggle made my arms shiver. He added casually as he saw me take my first step, "They can wait." Then, he breathed out, You are beautiful, by the way. Before his praise set my cheeks on fire, I had hardly had time to savour the taste of the tropics. Even though I had dressed up for him, it was difficult not to grin when I heard that he liked it. This is delicious. Chapter13 Then, grinning, he said, "I've had much better." I may be seeing things, but something told me he wasn't talking about another drink. I was receiving attention that I wasn't used to. "have your drink, and you cater to the others while I have mine. If you take it more slowly, we can flirt. In an effort to cool down, I brushed him off. He had barely been for a minute, but I had already begun to respond to each of his motions. I needed to calm down first so that I could think clearly. After a brief moment of disappointment, he nodded. "You are correct. Just hard not to be sidetracked by you," he said, retracing his steps. He told them, "If you want another one of those, just ask for me," and had to go. I noticed that when I drank my cups one at a time, I was doing it more quickly each time simply to have a chance to sometimes see him. I got here much later in the evening than the previous time we hooked up because I was clever. Jane I shuddered as I stood at the rear door. The weather was rather chilly, and I started to question if wearing a dress was the greatest choice. His remarks made it a little bit easier for me to wait as I kept in mind his complement. I leaned on the brick wall and gazed up at the clear sky. It seemed unusual to see the sky so brightly illuminated by the innumerable stars overhead. It was a shame I was alone just now and couldn't show you the view. I heard the door open as I was looking up, followed by the sound of my name. I grinned without even glancing at him. I said, taking in each star one at a time, "Isn't the view just breathtaking?" He concurred next to me, "It certainly is. I turned to face him and saw that he was beaming at me. His grin wavered as he disregarded my eye roll. He said, sounding disturbed as he quickly removed his own, "Do you ever wear a coat? I might as well let you keep mine if you're just going to keep forgetting to bring one." Feeling the heat reach my cheeks once more, I happily accepted it. It seemed familiar to wrap the coat over my shoulders. I wasn't feeling anxious as I did the previous time this occurred. I was now ecstatic. I had spent the whole night anticipating this time. We left the building and moved in the direction of the parking lot. "Oh, by the way, Eva's not at home, is she?" I had a question. Although it was humiliating to recall, the first time I had visited, we had gone to his home, and I wasn't quite sure who he was. I wasn't sure I would be able to go back and expose her to anything that wasn't intended for her just by thinking about her being there. He shook his head and said, "No, her mom gets her on the weekends," as we got close to his vehicle. He helped me in by opening my door and led me inside. I leaned back against the bench, feeling relieved, as he sat down next to me. The same station was playing as he started the automobile. When I considered how similar everything was to the previous time, I started to feel a little anxious. Like the other time, this wasn't simply a one-night fling that I could leave and attempt to forget about. I'm still not really sure how I feel about the emotions that were involved. His hand came over mine as we continued down the road. He seemed tentative at first, but as soon as our flesh touched, he gave my hands a squeeze, and I released his arm to rest on my lap. I was biting my lip and grateful for his warmth. Even though he was making an effort to make me feel at ease, I was still bothered by something. I had to question him about it since it had been bothering me for the whole time and I didn't want to go any deeper than I already was. We were getting close to his house, and I realized I was out of time. Chapter14 I hoped he wouldn't be able to hear my heart beating against my chest as I turned to face him. "I know this is going to be a strange and stupid question, but I have to know." As I forced the knot in my throat to go down, I saw him look at me with worry. "Are you only interested in me for self-satisfaction? Are we simply 'friends with benefits', I suppose. I felt foolish for asking, but if that was how he felt, it was clear that he would not be able to feel the same way about me. The vehicle's engine cut out as it came to a halt. Evidently, I was too preoccupied with my own ideas to be aware that we had already arrived. Then, he unlocked his door. He said, "Let's go inside," and stepped out of the automobile. I scowled at the fact that he disregarded my query. Madison, I'm not kidding. I unlocked my door and went after him since I felt neglected. It was a straightforward question that could be answered with a simple yes or no. He opened the front door as I pursued him and went inside, leaving me in his wake. He kept going further into the home till he entered a space I was acquainted with. He eventually focused on me while turning on a light. He repeated it like a question, chuckling as he shook his head, "Friends with benefits?" I wasn't a comic the last time I looked. Even if I tried, I couldn't tell a joke. "If not, how else would you account for our relationship? I guess you could say that we had s*x and then hung out as friends. My voice started to tremble, damn. Before he even spoke, I was already beginning to lose my cool. As his fingers struggled with his shirt's buttons, he turned his gaze downward. How long have you known me, Jane? I scowled as I saw my brows furrowing in increasing annoyance. "Maybe two months," I guessed. It had to be a close estimate since I was too frazzled to think about it too much. What relevance does that have at all? Why don't you simply tell me the truth? It's annoying!" His eyes caught mine as he turned to face me once again as I felt immobile. You've just waited two months, so why are you upset that there are still issues between us that are illogical? He removed his shirt's last button, exposing his chest, which was almost enough to draw my attention away from him. Try holding off for a whole year. "A year?" I recited bewildered, "What the heck are you talking about?" He then moved closer to me, "A year, yes. Try to picture myself observing the most beautiful lady I had ever seen for a whole year without her daring to pay attention to me. The same lady who I had desired from the first time I saw her go on endless fruitless dates with nobody while being forced to stand by and observe because she wouldn't give me a second glance. He went towards me, and I could feel the struggle in his eyes as he did so. I enjoy the finest night of my life when she finally does, only for her to vanish and never be seen or heard from again. I took a step back as my annoyance vanished and was replaced by astonishment and uncertainty. A developing longing that was starting to build in my stomach was also lurking inside of me. He seemed to be hunting his target given the direction he was moving in my direction. His eyes were filled with a yearning that was difficult to miss. The phrase "Madison, I—" She then asks if all I want to do is just f**k her when I eventually see her again and feel like I have the potential to start anything with her. As the gap between me shrunk with each stride, his voice had grown hoarse. "Now that is frustrating," you say. the remainder of the evening with him. There was nowhere further to go when I felt the wall slam into my back. As more heat pulled between my legs, my legs began to quiver. I saw that he had found me as I looked up. I raised my arms and put my hands flat on his chest. I attempted to speak, but no words came out of my mouth despite how thick my tongue felt. It was too much to hear that Madison had been watching me for far longer than I could have imagined. He stretched out and held my face in the palm of his hand. "Can you possibly grasp the seriousness of my feelings for you? Ever since I first saw you, I've wanted to claim you as my own. I took a breath and dropped my gaze to his lips. I licked my lips and nodded. I muttered, "I'm yours, Madison," before the space between us got too great. Then, taking his hands from my face to grasp me and drag me closer to his body, he knelt down and crushed his lips to mine. He didn't spend any time breaching my warmth with his pushing tongue to obtain a taste of my mouth. I was prepared to devote my whole being to him after realizing that he wanted me just as much as I desired him. I could have liked him more than I thought. I groaned as his tongue touched me and grabbed behind me to grab my dress' zipper. Simply put, my clothes was obstructing my ability to feel his flesh crushed against mine. I had to briefly pull away while dragging it lower in order to remove it off my shoulders. My hands snatched at the front of his pants as we resumed our kiss. I didn't know how much I wanted him until I was so close to having what was in my grasp; I was becoming antsy by the second. I felt compelled to take a breath as I withdrew from him. It was tough to breathe because of the way he was consuming my mouth. His lips brushed into my neck, licking and nibbling at the delicate skin once I was gasping and gulping breath fiercely. As I managed to take his pants down, I felt dizzy. I grabbed them and pulled them down. He seemed to have no trouble exiting them. I gave him a little nudge and quietly said, "Get on the bed." He would certainly have no trouble bringing me anywhere he wanted if it were up to him. He was patient enough to successfully draw away, which is good news for me. He complied with my request, climbed into bed, and grinned as I walked up to him. As I undressed in front of him, I had some self-consciousness about being so exposed. But I could tell he was thinking only positive thoughts from the admiring expression in his eye. My eyes sank as I stared at his own body and I took a breath. My body ached from seeing how eager and ready he was for me. I was about to take a step that I hadn't taken in a while. I flushed as I climbed into the bed with him and then climbed on top of his ready body. I leaned myself against him and said, "Tell me if I am too heavy." I was already biting my lip to keep from grumbling just from the little contact. I wasn't sure how long I could hold out after he was inside of me. I deliberately took my time pushing against him and decided to appreciate it. Chapter15 He sat up and said, "You are not even close," his respiration quickening up as I went on. He encircled me with his arms, pressing his chest against mine. I raised my hips, took a deep breath, and resisted the impulse to roll my eyes as I dropped my hand to grab him. Once we were in place, I began to gently slide down, which caused him to sigh. I grabbed him as I moved lower by moving my hands to his shoulders to provide the support I need. I stopped once I was completely encircled by him and waited for my body to unwind. It was enticing to be pushed up against his body because of the warmth it supplied. I quickly breathed in and closed my eyes as I started to move. I pushed back down while lifting my hips, my claws digging into his shoulders. My stomach began to bubble as I rode him; the feelings seemed overpowering. His hands helped direct me. I felt my pulse in my ears and parted my lips as I found it difficult to breathe evenly. I whined quietly, "Madison—" as I quickened my step, my body flushing against his. I felt my loudness increase as I felt him brush against me. He gently stroked my neck and said, "You feel amazing," urging me to continue. I was certain that after kissing and sucking, there would be a mark or two to serve as a memento of the occasion. It wouldn't matter anyhow since being with Madison in this situation would be difficult to forget. The more time I spent riding him, the more difficult it was for me to deny the growing pleasure. I had a hard time keeping both of us in focus at once. I was unable to control my own loudness either. I apologized and tried to hold on, but I couldn't stop groaning and gasping. I didn't know how he was doing, but I knew I was getting near to the finish. I had a good feeling Madison could figure it out. I was crushed up against his lap when I made the decision to act. My back was resting against the bed the following. He thrust himself more inside of me, teasing, "As sexy as you look on top of me, I remember how good you looked under." He started thrusting faster now that he was in charge, pushing me over the brink. He seemed near, and his respiration became more audible. He continued to drive into me, hugging my body close to his while speaking softly in my ear. I spoke to him in a way that made me feel good, complimented him, and then kissed him in an effort to let him know that I was thinking about him. He grunted, his arms flexing and twitching around me as he stilled, allowing his release. I was overcome with heat and had trouble breathing. Like me, he passed out next to me. The next moment, he brought me close and encircled me in his arms. As our fatigue started to take control, he tugged at the covers and threw them over us. We didn't have to stay up all night as we did the first time. This satisfied me just fine. He gently stroked the top of my head and said, "You're great. I hummed a response while taking comfort in the security of having his arms around me. I was about to close my eyes when his chest began to tremble. He gently said, "Call me crazy, but I think I'm in love with you." I wasn't sure whether he wanted me to hear what he was saying or not. However, I had no intention of pretending to sleep in response to such harsh statements. I saw myself becoming absorbed in his gaze as I looked up at him. Was this the bliss I had always sought to feel but was unable to grasp and cling onto? It flooded my chest. Madison was the first to offer me the affection I had always desired. I softly caressed his face with my hands sliding up his chest, then brushed my lips on his. I mumbled back, "Thank you," as I realized my emotions had taken over. A nagging little worry that I will become alone persisted even after that. Even if I couldn't precisely respond, I would make sure that he knew how much love he had sent my way. I had no intention of letting him outperform me in that area. As I pressed up against him, I noticed that I was less worn out and that energy was filling me. I gave him another, deeper kiss while moaning as his hands again touched my flesh. Sleep was not among our immediate plans. I rolled back over him and was prepared for round two. Madison I was able to get out of bed just by listening to the birds outside. I didn't need to check the clock when I first opened my eyes to realize that it was too early for me to be getting out of bed. My thoughts began to return to the events of last night as I slept off on the bed. I silently groaned at the thought of telling her how frustrated I was. I had intended to tell her more subtly, but after hearing her worry that I was just exploiting her for my own gain, I couldn't help myself. Then I spoke more than was necessary and finally confessed to her. I imagine she believed I was nuts. After everything that happened the previous evening, I wouldn't blame her if she didn't want to interact with me. My eyes sprang up abruptly. I glanced at my neighbor after getting up. Her sleeping form was now occupying the space. Looking down at her caused my tense body to loosen. I cautiously reached over and moved a strand of hair that was laying on her face to the side. As I regarded her from above, I couldn' help but smile. Even while she was asleep, she still managed to appear stunning. How in the world did I become fortunate enough that she even gave me a glance? Like the previous time, she made no attempt to elude capture. Did it imply that she really felt the same way? I backed away from her and yawned lightly before getting out of bed as discreetly as I could. I sent her one more look before putting on some shorts and exiting the room. I squinted as I made my way to the kitchen and was greeted by even more light. I generally slept in, but today was going to be different. I had a ton to get done. When I got there, I started getting the pans and pots out to make breakfast. I made what I could with the supplies I had on hand. I didn't hear any activity in the home until about forty minutes had passed. I quickly took a breath after casting a glance in her direction. She said, "Good morning," and came up to me. "I took your shower, I hope it's okay. And your clothing, too. With her hands on the cloth, she took a glance at herself below. She was down to her toes in exposed flesh under my shirt. I put an end to what I was doing and hurried over to her. I encircled her curving form with my arms and drew her close before she could continue. I didn't waste any time in grabbing her lips with mine, which resulted in a charming groan from her endearing mouth. I smiled as I started to move away at her rosy-colored cheeks. Sorry, I couldn't resist. I let my gaze to fall and lingered over her body. You wear it more stylishly than I do. She pushed me away since she was plainly offended by my praises. She said with a giggle, "You're full of it," and then she looked about. You're making breakfast, right? Nearing three o'clock in the afternoon. Chapter16 I pushed by her and went back to the stove while shrugging my shoulder. "You have no idea how much I've wanted to make you breakfast. It's high time I brought it into being. As I prepared our meals, my desire for her to test my cuisine increased. I didn't lie when I said that I had always desired it. You should be prepared to never want to eat someone else's eggs again since Eva claims that I make the finest ones. Not even your own," I sternly cautioned her. I preferred that she not have any other cooks. I wanted to work there. She taunted, "I hope I am not disappointed then," and moved over to the table that was just a few feet away. I could feel her eyes on me as I sat down, watching every move I made. Have I ever let you down before? I inquired while bringing the two platters over. She shook her head while grinning, and I soon had a smile of my own. I sat down next to her after saying, "Didn't think so," since I was already eating my own food. I was going to need this meal to feed me after all the energy we expended the previous evening. Only a short period of time passed in quiet between us. She began to clean half of her plate before coming back to me. She remarked, "Let's go out," all of a sudden. I furrowed my brow and looked at the clock. "Where to?" I have to start getting ready for work in just a few hours. Her cheeks began to become a darker shade of red, which I noted. "No, not at all." I mean as a pair, she said after clearing her voice. Let's leave. If it's okay with you, that is. I became aware that the more I gazed at her, the redder she became, and my brows furrowed. Without without realizing it, I started grinning. If I'm okay with it?" I recited Ludacris' lyrics. I turned my head away from her and grabbed my phone. I looked back at her as I held the phone to my ear and quickly dialed the bar. The person to call was Cacy. Hey, Madison here. Inform Bill that I won't be coming in tonight. for private reasons. I informed her as soon as I saw Jane's surprised brows rise. I put the phone down after hanging up. Bill would get that I never cancelled. She questioned incredulously, "What was that for?" I reached over and squeezed her hand while enclosing it with mine. You believe that I will be able to put some space between us after asking me such a significant question? She bit her lip and clutched my hand. Was last night not a little much? I said, shaking my head, "I just can't get enough of you. I really doubt I ever will. So much for the meal replacing the energy lost from yesterday. We were going to need that later on. I didn't believe we could remain apart while we were all by ourselves. Would you want to spend an additional night? Her brows furrowed as she gave it some consideration. I'm all yours once I feed my cat, however. I nodded, unable to contain the grin spreading over my face. I told her, "I don't care if it's your house or mine, as long as I'm with you, that's all that matters." I had a good feeling that I did love her. I was a very patient guy, even if it took her some time to feel the same way. My own was her. The Epilogue for Jane: Two Years Later I sat at my seat and calmly observed the pupils in front of me practicing their arithmetic abilities while playing with little cubes. I chose a task for them to do in a single minute. They had to count the blocks on the sheets in front of them in order to get the answers. It was quite easy to do and efficient. I wanted an excuse to unwind as well. I hadn't been feeling well since this morning. Madison was confident in his ability to cook, but I had put the blame on just a lousy batch of waffles. I was still feeling lethargic and my stomach was rebelling. I lacked the resolve to fully commit to today's lesson. My day was destroyed the instant I left our home after puking once today. My fingers started brushing towards my lips like I was just thinking about earlier. Although I had never vomited in class before, I wasn't sure whether I would be able to control my body if it decided to do so. Softly sighing, I finally had to get myself up onto my feet since only a few minutes later, someone required assistance. More kids came to me for help as if it were some kind of domino effect. I kept working with a grin pasted on my face, knowing that I still had a task to accomplish. I had the ideal chance to puke in the closest restroom once it was time for their lunch and they had all dispersed to eat in the lunchroom. Unfortunately, it just marginally alleviated me. It enabled me to complete the remainder of the day. Madison insisted on taking us both up as school let out, just like Eva had done. She never resisted, even though she was 'too hip' to ride with her parents. Also, I didn't. I had to submit a request for a pit stop today. I wanted to quickly get a few things from the closest shop. I knew a little bit about why I was feeling this way without telling Madison. I fought to accept the notion even after finding myself gazing at many different brands of pregnancy tests. After spending this much time with him, I assumed it would never occur. What was the likelihood? I could have simply been panicking, but I made the decision to purchase many different ones. Madison greeted me with his friendly grin as I returned to the vehicle after checking out. He didn't even bother to inquire about my needs; he undoubtedly saw them on my face. He sometimes seemed to be able to read my thoughts. Or maybe I was simply simple to read. He gave no indication that he knew if such were the case. When we returned home, I snuck into the restroom without saying a word. I spent about thirty minutes in that room, tearing into boxes and reading various directions as I pushed myself to urinate. I found it difficult to leave, even after Eva urged me to join them outdoors while they cooked some hamburgers. Time seemed to go agonizingly slowly when it was time to put myself to the test. Every second seemed to last a minute. I struggled to contain my emotions as I found myself seated on the toilet. What would Madison do if I was really pregnant? Will he be content? Or maybe he'd sense pressure? What if he decided against having more kids? The more the time dragged on, the more stupid notions I had. As soon as I thought about the troubling ideas, I started to feel apprehensive. My phone's timer was ringing when it suddenly went off. Time had come. I was too afraid to look since I didn't know what to anticipate. Like with everything else that worried me out, I was overthinking everything. I got up from the toilet and decided to simply tear this off like a band-aid. I took a deep breath as I walked over to the sink, but it did not help me feel more at ease. I eventually realized when I glanced down. The vomiting, feeling awful, and the missing period all made sense. I was really expecting. I gathered the tests and eventually made my way out of the restroom, trying to maintain as much composure as I could. I moved toward the backyard in search of Madison after realizing that the house was deserted. Finding him wasn't difficult since he was too preoccupied fiddling with the grill to notice me approaching. When he finally did, his grin vanished in an instant. "What's wrong?" you ask. Madison knew me like the back of his hand, just as he always had. I scarcely even managed to get a word out when I opened my lips. My facade quickly disappeared, and I struggled to hold back tears. With this new information, I was able to say, "Don't be upset," since I was already addressing my worst fear. He ran towards me while clearly in distress, the grill seemed to be the last thing on his mind. He started out by asking, "What happened?" and "Are you hurt?" before asking a thousand more questions. He encircled me with his warm welcome, which was overpowering. He gave me a bear embrace and gripped me hard, making me remember to breathe. I apologized and was able to get away from him. I demonstrated the tests to him by lifting my hand. I watched as he looked down at them while wiping the tears out of my eyes. "You're expecting?" His voice matched his emotions as he inquired. I bit my lip while nodding. "I believed there was a chance, and I reasoned that testing wouldn't be harmful. I simply didn't" but before I could even continue, I felt myself being drawn back to him. He said it again, much gently this time, "You're pregnant." I'm not even the tiniest bit upset, Jane. Then, as usual, came the confidence. I adored children and had always desired children. That's why I choose this line of work. I knew I would spend my life with Madison because I knew he was a wonderful parent. Eva then appeared, running across the yard to investigate the disturbance. My tears were dried up by her joy, which also made me grin. Standing next to the two of them, I had confidence in my safety. I had the opportunity to see Madison's joy as he gave me a kiss. Even the term "excitement" didn't seem powerful enough to me. I abandoned the exams while lying close to him and was able to unwind. I could tell this was how it would always be as I leaned against him. Both of them would be there for each other no matter what. Another would become a part of our family in nine months. I snuggled up to him and quietly grinned, "Thank you. Saying "I love you." He always responded as if it were the first time, although having heard me say it a thousand times. He would never release me without informing me first. He would then express it via kisses and gentle touches after that. How on earth did I get to have a perfect man? Years ago, I stopped caring to ask myself that.