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During dinner, the conversation flows easily between us, a mix of teasing banter and more serious discussions. The connection I felt with Tanya from the beginning has only deepened over time into something real and lasting. She’s smart, kindhearted, and passionate—everything I could ever want in a partner.
When the check comes, Tanya reaches for it, but I stop her. “I’ve got this.”
“But you paid last time,” she frowns. “I don’t want you to always have to pay when we go out.”
“You can get the next one.” I meet her gaze steadily. “I want this to be the first of many, Tanya. If you’re enjoying yourself, that is.”
“I am.” She smiles, covering my hand with hers. “I’m having a lovely time.”
Joy floods through me. “Then it’s settled. I got it this time.”
“Fine,” she says, giving me a smile. “Your place tonight?”
The next morning, I wake to find Tanya curled up against me, her head resting on my chest and one arm draped over my stomach. Sunlight filters through the blinds, bathing the room in a warm golden glow.
I brush a lock of hair back from Tanya’s face, admiring how the sunlight highlights the caramel tones in her skin. She stirs at my touch, blinking, and opening her eyes. “Good morning,” she mumbles.
“Morning.” I press a kiss to the top of her head. “Did you sleep well?”
“Mmm, I always sleep well with you.” She smiles, propping her chin on my chest and staring up at me. “You’re like my own personal space heater.”
I chuckle, wrapping my arms more snugly around her. “Glad I could be of service.”
We lie in comfortable silence for a few minutes, simply enjoying each other’s presence. I trace idle patterns along Tanya’s spine, marveling at how perfectly she fits against me.
“I could get used to waking up like this every morning,” Tanya says softly.
“So could I.” I tilt her chin up, kissing her tenderly. “In fact, I was thinking…maybe it’s time we had a conversation about what this is. Where it’s going?”
To my surprise, she frowns.
“What do you mean?” she asks, pulling away from me slightly.
“I mean…” I hesitate for a moment, unsure of how to articulate what I feel. “I mean, I care about you, Tanya. A lot. More than I’ve cared about anyone in a long time. And I want to know where we stand.”
Her expression softens, and she takes my hand. “I care about you too. But I don’t want to rush this, Brian. Can’t we just enjoy what we have without putting a label on it?”
I feel a pang of uncertainty at her words. Does she not want to commit to me? “Of course,” I manage, trying to keep the disappointment out of my voice. “I just don’t want to be in limbo forever, you know?”
“I know.” Tanya’s thumb strokes over my knuckles. “But let’s just take things one day at a time, Brian. I’m not going anywhere, and I do want to be with you, but let’s just see where things go.”
I nod, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. I understand where Tanya is coming from, but a part of me wants more clarity and commitment.
“Okay,” I say, giving her a small smile. “One day at a time.”
Tanya beams at me, leaning in to kiss me deeply. As she pulls away, I feel the tension in my body melt away, but my heart warns me to be wary.
I’m happy with taking things slow—but for how long?
The next day, Tanya and I meet at the gym for our usual workout. She says I look tired. I don’t tell her I was up all night, thinking about why she’s afraid to commit. Instead, I blame my fatigue on work. I don’t want to scare her off with too much too soon. We keep stealing glances and smiles at each other, giddy in our new shared secret.
After our workout, Tanya pulls me into the locker room. Before I can say a word, she presses me up against the wall and kisses me hungrily. I groan, pulling her closer.
“I’ve been thinking about this all day,” Tanya murmurs against my lips. She grinds her hips into mine, and I suck in a sharp breath.
“Me too,” I admit. “I couldn’t wait to get my hands on you again.”
“Then don’t wait.” Tanya reaches down to stroke me through my shorts, her touch sending shivers through me. “I want you, Brian. Right here, right now.”
