Disappointment hits me. I’m going to be away from him all day. I know I can’t be glued to his side, no matter how bad I want to be. I should probably call Tasha and ask her about all the ins and outs to being a girlfriend. I don’t want to come off needy and clingy.
“That’s cool. I’ve got some stuff to do anyway.” I try and play it off, but from the look on his face I think I failed. He wraps the towel around his waist and places his hands on either side of me on the counter.
“I have to take care of a few things and make sure it’s all good.”
“Okay, is something wrong?” I hedge, remembering the guy from last night. I got lost in the fog of sex. “Are you in trouble?”
“No, but even if I were, it was worth it.” His face is soft and he doesn’t look upset.
“Are you mad I opened the door for that guy?”
“No, doll face. I just want you to be more careful. No more giving out your address. You need to get a PO Box, but we can talk about all that later. Why don’t you go back to sleep.” He picks me up and carries me into the bedroom, laying me down on the bed. “I’ll be back this afternoon.”
“Sleep does sound good. Someone kept me up all night,” I tease. It’s true though. Plus, the sun isn’t even up yet. I’m never awake this early.
“Get some rest because I have plans to do it again.” He smiles so big as he kisses me again. “You staying in today?”
I nod. I want to be here when he gets back. I can’t think of anything I need to go out and do, and sleep is about to win out.
“Good.” He gives me another kiss. He has to pull himself from me. I watch him go and roll to my side, shutting my eyes when I hear the front door close.
I roll over and grab my cell phone to see I have a text from Bear. I smile when I realize he must have programed his number into my phone sometime last night or this morning.
Bear: Breakfast is in the kitchen.
I jump out of bed and pull on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. When I walk into the kitchen I see a box from Patty Cakes. I lift the lid, grab one of the pastries, then walk over to the sofa and sit down.
Me: Could you be more perfect?
I can’t believe I slept until almost one in the afternoon. I wonder when Bear will be done at the gym. Maybe I should try and make another dinner for us to make up for last night. I text Tasha to check in on her.
Me: Where have you been?
I want all the details about her date. She’s usually pretty blasé about guys, but she’s different when it comes to Rico. How fun would it be if we dated best friends! Maybe it’s silly and cliché, but I can’t help but get excited about the idea.
Tasha: Coming up!
I ring the doorman to tell him to let Tasha up and ask him to make sure she can come up whenever. He tells me he has to check with Bear first. I’m not sure if I want to roll my eyes or smile at his overprotectiveness.
I text Bear again.
Me: Miss you!
He doesn’t respond, but I’m guessing he’s working out and his phone isn’t on him. I spring up when a knock sounds at the door. I barely have it open and Tasha is pushing inside. I stand there a bit shocked. She’s in pajamas with her hair up in a ponytail and she’s not wearing a speck of makeup. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her like this.
“You look different,” I laugh as she plops down onto the sofa.
“That Rico has some energy, let me tell you. He kept me up all night.” She says it with a smile on her face, so I’m guessing she’s not mad about it.
“I know the feeling.” Her eyes widen and she wiggles her eyebrows.
“You gave it up, didn’t you!” She suddenly perks up. She doesn’t look so sleepy anymore.
My cheeks burn a little, but I nod as I sit down next to her. “He was wonderful. I’m really falling for him,” I admit, tucking my feet under me.
“First love,” she sighs dreamily.
“Have you been in love before?” I ask. She’s never mentioned anyone.
“Nope. Not yet.” But the way she says that makes me think maybe she and Rico are more than some hookup.
“I think he feels the same, too. To be honest, I’m not really sure how to act or what I’m supposed to do.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it. That man is head over heels in love with you.” She shrugs her shoulder like it’s no big deal she just told me Bear is in love with me.