6. Seth
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. I watch 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.
People don’t change. Kristen has a plan and no one else can be a part of it.
“I assume it’ll be like last time then. You’ll leave without a goodbye?”
“You just don’t get it Seth.” She looks down, her hands in her lap now.
“No, I don’t. And I’ll save you the time, I’ll leave this time.” I stand and collect my items.
“Don’t be like that Seth, we can still have a good time while I’m in town.”
“Pretend you don’t have my number.” I turn to leave but stop. Her eyes widen, as if she’s expecting me to take it all back. “You can’t be around me and Riley. I’ll get over you, I’ve done it before. But you’ll break her little heart when you leave.”
I leave without another word. Kristen doesn’t follow. I head home, not caring about getting my favorite flannel back.
She texts me later that day and I don’t even open her message.
I swore I’d never go through heartache again after Kristen. But I was so young and na?ve then. Now I think I was too sentimental, clinging on to the chance that this time it’d be different. Maybe people don’t get a second chance on relationships.