Get it collectively, Spencer. I inform myself, clutching my palms into fists. It’s simply an journey, bear in mind? Momentary. Enjoyable. Nothing extra.

However deep down, I query if that’s actually true. Is that this a fleeting second of pleasure in my in any other case odd life, or is that this the start of one thing a lot, way more?

Chapter Twenty-Two

Spencer

Daylight leaks by way of the curtains, casting a heat glow over my room. My eyes flutter open as I stretch and yawn, all of the sudden conscious of the butterflies fluttering in my abdomen. Final evening with Percival remains to be vivid in my thoughts; our our bodies entwined, the sensual dance we shared. As nervous as I’m about confronting him, it’s time to face the music.

As I sit up on the sting of the mattress, my palms fidget nervously with the hem of my outsized hoodie. My ideas race with uncertainty, like a tumbleweed blowing throughout a desolate freeway. The place can we go from right here? I’ve at all times been cautious, particularly in the case of issues of the center. However there’s one thing about Percival that makes me wish to throw warning to the wind, and it’s each thrilling and terrifying.

I arise and wander over to the floor-length mirror, taking in my reflection. My inexperienced eyes are large and looking, reflecting the storm of feelings brewing inside me. The smudged mascara beneath them tells a story of ardour, but additionally vulnerability. My cheeks flush on the reminiscence of our heated encounter, and for a second, I’m misplaced within the sensation of his sturdy arms round me, the heat of his physique pressed towards mine.

However actuality shortly units in as I do not forget that he’s a infamous womanizer—a person who craves adrenaline, luxurious, and the finer issues in life. That’s not me. I’m only a easy lady who loves flipping furnishings and desires of portray masterpieces sometime. We come from completely different worlds, and but I can’t deny the magnetic pull between us.

“Okay, Spencer. Get it collectively,” I mutter to myself, decided to face the day. I fish out a clear pair of leggings and a t-shirt from my dresser and alter into them, making an attempt to shake off the lingering doubt and concern. “You’re stronger than this,” I remind myself, taking a deep breath.

I look on the door, figuring out that on the opposite aspect lies the reply to my questions—or possibly simply extra uncertainty. However I can’t disguise away eternally. So, with one final look within the mirror, I collect my braveness and put together to step into the unknown.

Gathering my braveness, I step out of my room and make my approach in the direction of the kitchenette. The aroma of freshly brewed espresso fills the air, guiding me to the place Percival have to be. As I not far away, I see him lounging towards the kitchen island, bare-chested, sporting gray sweatpants that cling low on his hips. He’s as attractive as ever, together with his sun-kissed pores and skin and tousled darkish hair.

“Morning,” I signal, making an attempt to maintain my expression impartial regardless of the butterflies in my abdomen.

Percival appears up from his mug, a scowl already etched on his face. After all, I can’t hear his response, however the stress in his physique speaks volumes. I brace myself for no matter comes subsequent, decided to face my floor.

“Look, about final evening…” I begin, my palms shaking barely as I signal the phrases. “I don’t remorse it, however we have to discuss.”

A spark of shock glints in his darkish eyes earlier than he takes a deep breath and nods, setting his mug down on the counter. “Alright,” he indicators again, his fingers shifting with practiced ease. “Let’s discuss.”

“First, I need you to know that I care about you,” I emphasize, my palms regular now as I specific my ideas. “However you must also perceive that I’m not considered one of your standard conquests.”

“Spencer, I by no means considered you as simply one other—” he begins, however I reduce him off, needing to get this off my chest.

“Let me end,” I insist, my inexperienced eyes locked on his. “I’ve heard all in regards to the girls who come and go in your life. And I’m tremendous with that, however I received’t share you whereas this lasts.”

For a second, he simply stares at me, his scowl changed by an unreadable expression. Then, he leans again towards the island and crosses his arms over his chest. “You’re proper,” he indicators slowly, his eyes by no means leaving mine. “I’ve had my fair proportion of enjoyable and don’t have anything to be ashamed of. I’m a single man having enjoyable with single girls.”

Ladies, as in plural. I received’t go there. There is no such thing as a level.

I look on the ground, tapping my fingers towards the kitchen island. My thoughts races with ideas of the uncertainty surrounding us. I look again up at Percival, his toned physique so shut and but emotionally nonetheless distant. “Hear…” I begin, signing my phrases with purposeful actions. “I wish to make one thing clear. If we’re going to strive, it’s going to be on my phrases.”

His eyebrows increase, curious as to what I’m about to say. I take a deep breath, gathering my ideas. “First, we have to be sincere with one another. Second, I need us to take issues sluggish.” I pause, gauging his response earlier than persevering with. “Lastly, I would like you to know that my duties come first, and I’m not keen to offer that up for anybody or something.”

The strain turns thick as Percival processes my phrases, his gaze intense. A wave of vulnerability washes over me as I stand there, ready for his response. I can really feel my coronary heart pounding in my chest, making an attempt to interrupt free from the cage of my ribs.

“Alright,” he indicators lastly, nodding his head. “I can conform to these phrases. Belief, take it sluggish, and assist your desires. However Spencer, it’s essential to know that I’ve my very own ambitions, too. We have to assist one another equally.”

I nod, understanding the significance of steadiness in any relationship. “Agreed,” I signal, permitting myself to smile. “Respect for one another’s life and bounds. Good.”

As I watch Percival’s face soften, the daylight pours by way of the window, casting a heat glow on his pores and skin. For a second, my world appears to be right here like a clean canvas ready for us to color our story. Collectively, we’ll navigate this step-by-step. And possibly, simply possibly, we’ll discover what we’re in search of alongside the best way.

A flicker of one thing indefinable sparks in Percival’s darkish eyes as he meets my gaze, and I’m wondering what ideas are working by way of his thoughts. His demeanor shifts, the stress between us seeming to dissipate like fog underneath the intense California solar.

“Alright, Spencer,” he indicators, his fingers shifting with a newfound ease. “I’m in. Let’s do that.”

We each stand there for a second, taking within the significance of our determination. The probabilities stretch out earlier than us just like the Pacific Coast Freeway. I really feel a thrill deep in my chest, the sort that comes from setting off on a brand new journey, the place the vacation spot is unknown, however the trip is exhilarating.

“Are you hungry?” Percival asks all of the sudden, his palms waving animatedly. “I’m fascinated with whipping up some breakfast tacos. You sport?”

Supply: www.seynovel.com