She’s taught me a lot over the last few years, but the biggest lesson of all came a few days ago when she ended up in the hospital.
Life is short.
I’ll say it again because it bears repeating. Life. Is. Short.
Don’t take anyone for granted because you have no idea how long they’ll be around. You’ll never know when it’ll be your last goodbye, last kiss, last hug, last everything. Cherish every moment, big and small. Take chances, chase your dreams, and live your life with no regrets.
That is what Edna has taught me, and I’d like to pass that same inspiration onto you because I don’t think it can be repeated enough.
On a lighter note, Edna is a huge fan of boyfriend #22. She knows him personally, and I’m pretty sure she played a part in pushing us together, although I’ve yet to get her to admit that. Every time I ask her about it, she clams up and tells me to just enjoy the ride…and I plan on doing just that.
As we speak, I’m sitting in a hot bath full of bubbles and lavender with a glass of wine in my hand, and it’s all thanks to the most amazing guy. The guy who went from being my best friend to my boyfriend. I know I haven’t given you the whole story on how that happened, and the more I think about it, the more I realize that there’s simply too much to tell. My love story with boyfriend #22 spans nearly two decades. It’s filled with twists and turns, laughter and tears, and so much love. And that’s really all it boils down to. Love.
I love him.
I’ve loved him since I was six years old, and I’m not letting him go.
I’ve found my forever, ladies, and I’m not afraid to admit it. Some of you may scoff and tell me I have my head in the clouds. You might argue that we’ve only been together for a short time—despite the length of our friendship—and you’re right, we haven’t been together long, but when you know, you just know.
I know.
XOXO,
Liz
Normally, I’d wait a few minutes, let the comments start to roll in, and read a few. But not today. I’m exhausted and ready to enjoy this wonderful bath that Aiden drew for me. Reaching over the edge of the tub, I set my phone down and finish off my glass of wine. I set the glass aside, lean my head back on the pillow, and close my eyes. I sink farther into the water, allowing the bubbles to slide over my curves, wishing it was Aiden caressing my soft skin.
I imagine him slipping his hand beneath the water and pushing his fingers inside of me. The vision takes over, and I glide my hand down my stomach and slip it between my legs. I drag a finger over my throbbing clit and suck in a breath. My heart is racing, and a fine sheen of sweat forms on my forehead as I slide my fingers through my folds and—
“How’s it going in here?”
I open my eyes in time to see Aiden walk into the bathroom. Gone are the jeans and shirt he was wearing earlier. Now, he’s wearing a pair of low-slung sweatpants and a smile. His bare chest is something to write home about: defined pecs, chiseled abs, and that perfect V I read about in books.
“Lizzie?”
“Yes,” I breathe, dragging my eyes up his body. My hand is still between my legs, the pad of my fingers making slow circles over my clit, and I’m grateful that Aiden can’t see clearly through the water.
Aiden opens his mouth to say something and then snaps it shut. He tilts his head to the side, and his lips curve into a devastating grin. His heated gaze never wavers from mine as he stalks across the small space and lowers himself to his knees beside the tub. He stares at the water contemplatively and then, without a word, drags his knuckles across my cheek.
“Your cheeks are flushed.” His voice is hot and raw as his hand trails down my neck.
“They are?”
He nods and skims his fingertips along the swells of my breasts. “Your pulse is racing, and do you know something I’ve already learned about you?”
It’s impossible to form words at this point, so I shake my head. Aiden leans down, the stubble on his jaw tickling me when he nuzzles my neck.
“Your eyes get darker when you’re turned on.”
“Th-they do?”
He nods again and sucks my earlobe into his mouth.
I pull in a sharp breath and lean into him, causing the water to slosh around. The fading bubbles disperse, giving him a clearer view of my body. I arch my back, lifting my breasts out of the water, desperate for him to do something.
Anything.
“Were you touching yourself when I walked in?”