I know what you’re thinking. I can’t stay here because I’ll be a working college girl. How am I supposed to get work done when Erik will be wanting sex with me all the time? How will I fight off such a sexy beast? Don’t worry, this door has a key lock just for you.
I love you.
Don’t go.
P.S. You sleep like the dead. I don’t know how you didn’t wake up with all the noise. Must be because I’m such a sexy beast who wears you out.
Excited tingles rushed through my body at what I’d find on the other side of the door. I took a deep breath and slowly opened the door. My eyes burned, tears making the world fuzzy.
“Oh my God,” I whispered, my hand moving to my lips.
Everything from the media room was gone, no more gaming systems and extra large couch with an oversized recliner. Instead, there sat a simple white desk and matching white bookshelves on the wall. My laptop was on the desk next to a vase of roses and a picture of Erik and I from the charity gala. On the wall behind the desk was a collage of sayings in frames.
Though she be but little, she is fierce.
I am powerful, beautiful, brilliant, and brave.
Don’t be afraid to give up the good to be great.
My eyes moved from one to the next. He chose them all for me. Before I crumbled there on the floor in a mess of happy tears, I turned and followed the path of petals to the stairs, noticing a note taped to the wall before going down.
If you stay, I will add a railing. I know you hate how open they are. But I will miss watching you walk down the steps, pressing your side against the wall.
I laughed and did exactly as he said I did: I pressed my side to the wall and followed the petals down the stairs. But my eyes were glued to the path that led to the kitchen island covered in candles. It was beautiful. My eyes scanned the room, but couldn’t find him, meaning he must be waiting for me in the dining room. It was the only place I couldn’t see from the stairs.
I wanted to run to him and throw myself in his arms, but I could see another note taped to the edge of the island and I needed more of his words.
I know you want your independence and your pride won’t take handouts. So, you can take care of the groceries and those chick-flicks you like to watch. Also, maybe the water bill too because, damn, you like to take some long showers.
Laughing, I wiped at my cheeks, ready to walk to the dining room and see him. I breathed in as deep as my lungs would allow, stretching them to the max, feeling like I could float away any moment. I needed his arms around me to hold me here with him.
When I turned the corner from the kitchen, he stood in the dining room, holding two glasses of wine, a slew of roses and a few candles decorating the table. His green eyes shined even in the dim lighting. I somehow walked slowly toward him and he met me halfway giving me a glass of wine.
“Erik.” I breathed his name, not wanting to break the moment. We stood there with dopey smiles on our faces, silence surrounding us like we were our own little bubble the world couldn’t touch. He lifted his glass and waited for me to tap mine against his before taking a drink. I went to speak when he held up a hand and began talking, his deep voice washing over me.
“I know you think I’m not a sure thing. But Alexandra, I’ve never been so sure in my life.” He laughed and shook his head. “Which is funny because I started all of this the most unsure I’d ever been about anything. You are my greatest risk.” He set our glasses aside and stepped close, framing my face with his strong hands. “You are my light at the end of the tunnel. I love you and no matter what happens—even if you dump my ass—I will always make sure you’re okay. I will keep you safe. I will make sure you never know hunger or unnecessary pain.” He pressed a soft kiss to my mouth and whispered his plea against my lips. “Stay with me, Alexandra. I love you.”
“Erik.” My voice cracked on his name and I had to swallow past the lump of tears. “I love you, too. But what do I have to offer you? I’m nineteen years old with a thousand dollars to my name and a shitty past.”
He listened to my worries and gave me a smile in return. “We all have pasts, some worse than others. But not everyone can persevere like you can. If I have to be honest, I’m only in this for one thing.”