I stand for a moment and take in the luxury of the bathroom with its marble flooring and countertops. After changing into my pajamas, I remove most of the pillows from the bed and climb in, sighing in comfort. As I’m ready to reach for the lamp to turn off the light, my phone chimes with a text message. I roll my eyes when I see that it’s from Colin.
Colin
Please don’t end things with me. I’m sorry for the things I said. I didn’t mean them. Please give me another chance.
Colin
Don’t let him do this to us. I know we can make this work. I love you.
Olivia
This isn’t love anymore. It’s too late. It’s time to move on.
Colin
How can you say that? Who the fuck does he think he is moving in and taking you from me?
Colin
This isn’t over.
Olivia
It is. You made your choice. You lost me all on your own.
Colin
He can’t have you. You’re mine. I WILL get you back.
Colin
He’ll pay for what he did to me. I could have died.
Olivia
Leave him out of this. Just let me go. It’s time to move on.
Colin
Never. I love you.
Fuck. I turn off my phone, and look up at the ceiling with a sigh. I have to think he’s just throwing around empty threats, and I’m too tired to deal with him right now. I take a deep breath and roll onto my side to get some sleep.
Ten
Olivia
“Good morning,” Ethan says when I come down the stairs. “I checked on you when I got up, but you were sleeping so soundly I didn’t want to wake you.” He looks freshly showered with his hair still damp. His dark jeans hang perfectly, and his light blue button-down shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, shows off his muscular forearms.
I meet him in the middle of the living room. “I’m sorry for keeping you waiting.”
He raises my chin to gently kiss my lips. “You will always be worth the wait. Were you comfortable last night?”
“Yes, everything was great.” He’s staring at me with a hungry grin and I feel my cheeks warming. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I’m just thinking how beautiful you look with no makeup.” He brings his hand to my face, his thumb softly caressing my cheek. “I love your face clean and natural. It’s impossible for you to be anything but stunning.” He leans in, placing the sweetest ofkisses on my lips. Even the smallest gestures with him make me feel like I need more of him just to take another breath. “Are you hungry? I can order some breakfast for you.”
“No, thank you. I’m not a big breakfast person.” We walk to the kitchen, and I sit at the island, crossing my legs.