Page 44 of Surviving Midnight

In a simple four days, I’ve been treated better than I ever have been by anyone, especially by anyone I’m kind of dating and it makes me feel cherished and special.

Could it be that honeymoon, puppy love phase that comes with new relationships? Sure, but my gut is telling me it’s not. I have a feeling Zak and I could be together for ninety years and he’d still make my coffee exactly how I like it, still ask me all about my job with eager enthusiasm, still humor and almost enjoy my cheesy movie marathons or sci-fi binges. I think Zak will always make sure to kiss me good morning and good night, will snuggle with me when I don’t even realize I need it, will endure all of my quirks and awkwardness because he finds them endearing.

He doesn’t so much as tease about either of those things or my wardrobe choices, doesn’t give me a hard time for liking things a certain way, or not leaving my house unless I have to. The list of ways that Zak is worth the possibility of never having sex again is endless really, and the more time I spend with him the more I’m ok with it.

He just needs to stop talking about his boners and I’ll be good.

“Theo?” Summer shouts. “Jeez, girl, you have it bad, don’t you?”

I shake my head and walk toward the bed, tossing my Spock blanket back on the end of it. “Zak is really great, Sum, but I’m not really sure what we’re doing outside of the whole protection thing.”

“He still kisses you, doesn’t he?”

“Yeah...”

“And he sleeps in your bed with you, cuddles you into oblivion?”

I chew my lip. “Yes...”

“And he’s super thoughtful and attentive?”

“Yeah but—“

“And he asked you to be his old lady for realsies?”

“That’s the only way the club will help keep me safe.”

Summer huffs. “That’s basically asking for your hand in marriage, Theo, and they don’t throw that term of endearment out to just anyone. I’m sure you read that while you Googled yourself into a panic like you shouldn’t have.”

I did and she knows it, but at the end of the day, it’s just that, a term of endearment used by hard men to differentiate between a monogamous fuck buddy and many fuck buddies. And Zak and I aren’t even fucking, so I’m not sure how much weight it carries.

“This is still new.” I sigh and start looking through my clothes again. “I’m just waiting to see where it goes before I get too excited, that’s all.”

“You, my dear sweet naive bestie, are an idiot.”

I frown as I grab the black mini dress. “I am not. I’m being cautious.”

“Which I applaud you for but you’re also being an idiot because if I can see that Zak is crazy about you, is serious about being with you, then there’s something wrong with you if you can’t.”

“Whatever. I need to finish getting ready though, we have a little over an hour and a half before we need to leave.”

Summer sighs, loud and dramatic. “Ok, babe. You gonna wear the black mini dress?”

“Yeah.” I hold it up and frown harder. “It’s the only thing I own that isn’t oversized and seems appropriate to wear to a biker wedding.”

“Good. Just wait until Zak sees you in that. You’ll get all the validation you need when your tight little body and adorable titties walk out in that.” I can hear her smile. “No panties, remember? Don’t want lines.”

“I’m wearing panties, Summer. I’m already going to feel weird enough without a baggy sweater or leggings. I don’t need to add to my stress by worrying about accidentally flashing someone my hoo-ha too.”

“Everyone that is flashed will be blessed to see it. You have a great hoo-ha.”

I giggle and shake my head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“But I’m right. At least do me a favor and wear a thong if you really don’t go commando, ok? Pantie lines are the worst.”

“Got it.”

“Text me later and let me know how things go.” Then my best friend giggles. “I won’t freak out if I don’t hear from you until tomorrow though; one look at you in that dress and I’m sure Zak will have you very preoccupied all night long.”

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