Page 10 of Bookstore Bliss

The sex was amazing, everything felt so natural. The balls of knots in my stomach made up of worries and concerns seem to be unraveling with each moment I spend with Kristen.

Maybe we are meant to be together.

Maybe we should give it a second chance.

Surely, she feels the same after tonight and how effortlessly things moved along. Nobody sleeps with an ex-partner without still having feelings for them. Right?

6

SETH

It’s been quite a while since I’ve woken up with someone next to my side. Kristen is nestled there, her head on my chest. I glance at the clock on the nightstand, just after eight. Not too early. I try to untangle myself from her without waking her but just as I pull my arm from under her eyes flutter open.

“Good morning gorgeous.” I kiss her forehead without thinking. “Want some coffee?”

“Yes please.” She stretches and yawns.

I pull on some boxers and head to the kitchen. Kristen joins me shortly wearing my robe. She comes into the kitchen and wraps her arms around my waist from behind. Her hands roam my chest before traveling south.

“If you continue with that then you won’t be drinking hot coffee.” I turn to face her and cup her face in my hands. I kiss her deeply as one hand goes to untie her robe. She laughs.

“Now who wants to drink cold coffee?” She nips my bottom lip.

“Shall we shower then?” I slip the robe off her shoulders and she lets it fall to the floor. Her naked body on full display.

“I suppose we should shower together. I could use some help with the soap.” She winks and heads back to the bathroom. Iwatch her hips sway as she goes. My cock is at full attention. Another round with Kristen? Naked and sudsy?

Yes please.

After a very pleasant shower, Kristen borrows a plaid flannel to wear over her dress. She tried some of my athletic shorts but she said they felt ridiculous. It feels as if we’ve fallen back into a relationship. I try to avoid thinking about all the potential outcomes and just enjoy the time we’re spending together.

Besides, the thoughts I had last time pop into my head again. I don’t think anyone sleeps with an ex without having some sort of feelings for them.

We get dressed and head to the bakery for an actual breakfast. Bethany is bright and cheery, greeting us as we place our order. As we sit with coffees I ask Kristen about her day plans. I try to work in the discussion for future plans on the possibility of her staying.

“Not much planned for today except cleaning out more of the store. I’m not quite done and I meet with my realtor this week.” She blows on her coffee.

“How long do you think it’ll take to sell?” I sip my coffee and try to decide how to phrase what I really want to ask.

“The realtor said with the right market, could be a quick turnaround. And I’ve been staying on the second floor so it’d be great to get it done quick and easy.”

She goes to the counter to get the food as I sit in the silence.

Quick?

She plans on leaving as soon as possible. As if there’s nothing between us.

“What if you stayed longer? I’m sure the closing will take a bit.”

“Maybe, but I can do a lot of the paperwork from California. Besides I’m sure my boss will want me back. We’re in the middle of a large project. I can work virtually for a bit but I prefer being in the office with everyone.” She dives into her ham and cheese croissant.

I close my eyes. My chest is tight, like someone is pulling at an invisible rope tied around me. Tighter and tighter, they pull, until I can’t breathe.

Kristen is running away. Again.

“You’re leaving then? That’s it.” I don’t know what else to say, my words curt and to the point. She looks down at her plate and then up at me.

“My life is in California. You know that.” Her voice is quiet as she picks her croissant apart. I feel the anger creeping in with each word she says.

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