Homeless Heart

"I can't wait to get you home for a nap. Your parents tired me out, and I think we need some quality alone time."

She gave me a devilish grin. "You are incorrigible."

Lizzie did her best fake yawn and sighed. "I could use a nap too and sadly I've got work tomorrow."

I put my hand on her thigh as I drove across the Bay Bridge toward home. Today was supposed to be my last day with Lizzie, and I didn't want to leave. "Well, I am glad we're both sleepy." Her mention of tomorrow hit me hard, and it was a reminder that time was ticking by and decisions needed to be made.

When we got home, Lizzie went straight to the bedroom. She'd been quiet the last few minutes, so I wasn't sure if something else was bothering her or if she was feeling anxious like me. I took my time getting something to drink and tidying up from breakfast before finally heading toward our room. Calling it our room felt normal and natural.

I was excited to see her lying there naked, curled up in a ball looking like she was taking a nap. She sleepily opened her eyes. "Took you long enough. Now I am tired." My mouth was watering; she looked good enough to eat. Lizzie stretched herself for me. I admired her naked form in all its glory.

"Sorry, I had to clean up." I walked closer to the bed and started to get undressed. I pulled my shirt off in one swift movement and then slowly unbuttoned my jeans. She was mesmerizing. I worried my bottom lip as I admired her body, wondering where to start first.

"Phin, hurry up." I sped up my striptease. I was longing to touch her too; it had been far too long since this morning. I think we both felt the urgency of time slipping away from us.

We made love and napped into the early evening. I needed her to know how I felt. There were times when I was inside of her that I felt such a deep connection I couldn't breathe. All these emotions were overwhelming me. We needed to talk about the future.

Lying in her bed spent, we cuddled, needing to feel the warmth of one another. Eventually, I got up and went to the bathroom, then returned to bed, pulled her into my arms, and held her close. I needed to rip the Band-Aid off of what had me anxious all day. "Lizzie, I know you are tired, but it's Sunday. What are will we do next week?"

She rolled over and looked at me through a sleepy gaze. "Phin, you can stay as long as you want." She gave me a sleepy, sweet kiss. "Stay forever."

"Ahh, Lizzie, I wish I could,” I said, uncertain I could make her a promise I couldn't keep. I held my breath as I waited for her sleepy reply.

Before she passed out she whispered, "You can, Phin. Promise me you’ll stay."

"Lizzie, I promise."

I felt like a boulder was lifted off my shoulders. Lizzie wanted me to stay, so I kissed my favorite freckle on her shoulder. The thought of staying sounded like the best offer I'd had since Duke let me move into the bar. Could it be that easy to stay here? Lying here with her in my arms, I tried to let the doubts seep in and concentrate on the hope this gave me.

My stomach rumbled as I drifted off to sleep realizing we needed to eat. I’d close my eyes for a few minutes and then get up and make us dinner. I would worry about our future tomorrow now that we had one.