After finishing up, I was about to head to my room when I heard the sound of keys jingling at the door. I went to check, and it must be Arlo.
I turned on the lights, and when the door opened, my eyes widened in shock. Gilbert was struggling to help a clearly drunk Arlo inside.
“He’s drunk?” I asked, stunned. Gilbert almost didn’t recognize me.
“Who are you?” Gilbert asked, confused.
LILY
“It’s me, Lily,” I replied to Gilbert with a smile.
Gilbert helped carry Arlo upstairs and into his bedroom. He dropped Arlo onto the bed unceremoniously.
“You take care of him,” Gilbert said to me. I nodded.
We stepped out of the room for a moment, and he asked me how I was doing in Arlo’s apartment. When I told him I was fine, he bid me goodbye.
“Take care of him,” he repeated. I smiled as he left.
I returned to Arlo’s room and looked at him soundly as he slept. Why did he drink so much? Earlier, when he was with Valerie, it seemed like his day was complete.
I had no choice but to change his clothes. I started by removing his shoes. Then I unbuttoned his jeans and lowered the zipper. Accidentally, I brushed against his crotch—it was impossible not to notice its size and how prominent it was.
I pulled his jeans down, my eyes fixed on his front. Once the jeans were off, I exhaled deeply, relieved. I left his long-sleeve shirt on. Sitting beside him, I watched him sleep.
Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and pulled me toward him. One of my hands ended up on his groin, where I felt his arousal beginning to rise.
I froze, unable to remove my hand, as if it had a mind of its own. My body trembled with heat.
“OMG,” I thought as Arlo let out a soft moan. The vibration of his voice traveled through my hand resting on his groin.
“Ahhhh…” Arlo groaned softly.
“This is wrong. This can’t happen—he’s getting married,” I whispered to myself, my entire body tingling with heat. My cheeks felt like they were on fire. Suddenly, Arlo pulled me harder, and I fell against his neck.
“Shït!” I cursed softly.
LILY
I couldn’t escape the tight embrace of his strong arms. His eyes were shut, as if he was trying to say something but couldn’t put it into words.
I tried to free myself again, but his strength overpowered me. Suddenly, he opened his eyes and looked straight into mine. His gaze was heavy with emotion, and my heart raced as his warm hand touched my cheek. He gave me the sweetest smile I’d ever seen.
“I know you. Have we met before?” he asked.
“Do you recognize me, Arlo?” I asked hopefully.
He laughed softly. “No! But why are you on top of me? What are you doing to me? Did you know I’m engaged, but I’m not sure how I feel about her? I also don’t want to lose her. Ah, fück! It’s because I keep seeing this woman in my dreams. Then another one showed up. What’s her name? Do you know who she is? She’s messing with my mind,” he said, his tone laced with confusion.
“Is her name Lily ?” I asked. He smiled at me.
“Yes, Lily. Do you know her?” he asked before closing his eyes again.
“I’m the woman who’s been haunting your thoughts,” I whispered softly.
He was drunk, so he wasn’t fully aware of what he was saying. Slowly, he loosened his hold on me, and I quickly got up. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I watched his handsome face and his slightly parted lips.
I reached out and gently caressed his smooth cheek.
“I waited for you for five years, Arlo. The twins are now four years old. They ask about you every day and every night. Do you know that Grayson looks just like you? His movements and even the way he talks are no different from yours. They’re desperate to meet you, and I want to introduce you to them too. But I’m scared you won’t immediately accept them as your children. I don’t want the twins to feel disappointed,” I said softly.
I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his in a gentle kiss.
I was also curious when he said that he was not sure about his fiance. This morning, he was happy to kiss Valerie, and they even talked about it. They are both married. After a while, I stood up.
But he caught my hand again.
“Stay, don’t leave me, come back, don’t leave me.” He begged me.
