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“The shower or our little ‘gymnastics’ downstairs.”

“Both,” I chuckle. “But I was talking about the latter, obviously.

Second shower this morning, but I can’t even complain because I asked for this. My legs do feel slightly wobbly, though, probably thanks to the long evening I had yesterday with the job applications, then the run-in with my mom, and my breakdown. I guess this is why Aden insisted on taking a shower together. Part of me thought–or hoped–he might have wanted some additional fun, but Aden wouldn’t be Aden if he gave in to all of my whims.

I mean, somehow, he does, but not when he thinks it’s doing me any harm.

“I am fine,” I reassure him when we step out of the shower, and he towels me dry.

He looks me over with a frown. “Are you sure?”

When he looks that worried, I can only wrap my arms around him. “I promise, I am. I am going to get dressed and then come downstairs.”

“Fine, I will go ahead and prepare our breakfast. Any wishes?”

“Pancakes with maple syrup and berries, and I need coffee.”

“Alright.” Aden kisses the side of my head before leaving the bathroom. It gives me a moment to unwind and realize how much has happened yesterday and today, and during the last weeks.

Maybe my relationship with Aden is a whirlwind romance. I know everyone else would tell me to take it slower, but I don’t care for anyone’s opinion. Being with Aden feels so right.

About time I didn’t give a flying fuck what others think of me. I know that Mateo and Ster support me, and Aden does too. Everything else doesn’t matter.

The scent of pancakes startles me from my thoughts and makes me hurry to get dressed. I thought I was equal parts tired and hungry, but after catching this heavenly smell, it’s obvious hunger wins oversleep for now!

Once back in the kitchen, I notice that Aden has indeed fulfilled my wish. “You really are spoiling me,” I say while sitting down at the counter.

Aden cups the back of my head and kisses me. “Maybe I like spoiling you.”

“What if I feel bad about it?”

“Do you?” he asks.

“Not really,” I admit. “But I feel like I should.”

Aden blinks. “Who says that? I like spoiling you with little things. You are not taking advantage of me.”

“Then… when you come to the bar, I will make sure to mix you my best cocktails.”

He chuckles. “Deal.” When he brings us our coffee, he also has some paper in his hands. “Here.”

“My contract?”

“Yes, you left it out on the dining table,” Aden says. “I took the liberty to look at it earlier this morning.”

I eye him anxiously. “And?”

“It looks good,” he smiles. “Congrats, Noel.”

I jump down from my seat to grab the contract and put it away safely, when my legs suddenly buckle under me, making me drop onto the floor like a sack of potatoes.

“Noel!” Aden is instantly next to me, helping me up again. “Are you okay?”

I didn’t even realize how nervous I was until he said the wordsCongrats, Noel.“I am fine, just overwhelmed.” Aden takes me to the living room and makes me sit on the sofa, before bringing my plate of pancakes to me. I notice he has added some more to it. “And you think I can eat all that?” I laugh.

Aden doesn’t laugh, though, he just looks deeply worried. “I feel like I overstrained you.”

“No, you didn’t!”