Page 55 of Eat Your Heart Out

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Gerard

Being with Ali was heavenly in a way that was raw and intense. I lowered myself next to her on the slightly cold metal floor that seeped through the thick carpet and gazed at her. She was catching her breath too. I wanted to hold her, but I tensed and wasn’t sure if she would want me to.

A spasm rocked my spine, and I motioned with my head. “My back is hurting. Can we go to the bed?”

She pressed her hand to my back as if trying to cure the pain. “Okay.”

The only thing that would work was hitting the gym, but for the time being, we walked to the bed. I held the sheets up for her, and she dove in. I followed and wrapped my arm around her shoulders.

Her eyes widened, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she said, “We should go get our breakfast.” Then she rested her head on my shoulder.

I knew on some level she trusted me. She didn’t hold back.

My lips curved higher. “In a minute. They’ll keep it warm.”

For a few minutes, I held her. Her story cemented something deep in my core. Hopefully, with time, she would be less hard on herself.

She broke the silence. “I’m excited to go to port and try something new to eat.”

I nodded. “If you ever want something, just ask.”

She closed her eyes. She was so beautiful. Then, as she opened her eyes, she whispered, “When I met you and your mom, you both didn’t like how your ex asked for things.”

I kissed her forehead. The past wasn’t emotional for me. I’d never thought I would fall so hard, so fast. I hugged Ali tight. “It washowshe asked more than anything else. Ashley bargained affection for material things. You’re nothing like her.”

She curled her legs up next to me. “You’re nothing like John either.”

Adrenaline raced through me. I suspected the man had a shady personality. “I hope not.”

She closed her eyes again. “He… really didn’t touch me. He preferred to control me.”

My heart slowed as I took in what she said. Once I processed, I asked, “Were you a virgin?”

She shook her head. “No. I told you it hurt the one time before.”

I let out a breath I’d been holding and kissed her forehead. “Sweetheart, I’d never hurt you.”

She let out a small giggle. I wasn’t sure why until she said, “This conversation was probably inevitable. When I watched your parents and siblings at the party, it looked like they talked about whatever was bothering them.”

Good point.I nodded. “Talking is healthy.”

She curled our fingers together. “Well, I’ve not had a lot of practice at talking about my wants since my mom…”

I understood the pain in her silence. “Take your time,” I whispered.

Then she dozed off. I’d worked her too hard. And whether she realized it or not, I had faith she would be mine. I loved her enough to wait.