Less Than Nothing

Chapter 43

Chapter 43

"I still can't believe you did that." I stare at the bold ink on Ryan's bicep.

"I'm surprised I didn't do it sooner."

Eventually, we found our way back to our suite at the resort. The last hour and a half didn't feel real. I am in true disbelief that Ryan decided to get my initial tattooed. And to think, it was only a short while ago we were arguing over I can't remember what. My head is in the clouds. All I can process is how in love with him I am.

"I hope you don't expect me to get your name tattooed next." I state, closing the door behind us.

"Oh, I fully expect you to get my name tatted." There's a certain smugness in his words. "Either on your forehead or your ass. Since I love you, I'll leave that decision up to you. But do note that I'm most partial to your ass."

"Ha," I say dryly, venturing off into our bedroom. "You're hilarious."

Today was a day. Somehow, within the span of twenty-four hours, I feel like I've lived twenty-four different lives. I don't have the slightest clue how I survived, I'm simply grateful that despite the shit-show, I emerged fairly unscathed.

Things ended up working out. Ryan and I didn't get exposed. And soon enough, Maggie's wedding will be over, we'll all be back in New York and I can go about telling Adrienne about our relationship in the way she deserves.

The way I should've two months ago.

I don't think too deeply about it, because if I do, I'll probably have an anxiety attack.

Here's one thing I will admit...amidst the fear, and angst lies a certain excitement.

I love the thought of not having to keep my relationship with Ryan a secret, and doing all the activities that most couples see as mundane. Like visiting each other at work...grabbing dinner with friends, even holding hands on the street. Knowing what it took for us to get to that point makes it all the more special.

I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that today was exhausting and that I deserve a hot shower to decompress.

There's nothing like scorching hot water to soothe the spirit after a long day. It doesn't take long for me to peel out of my clothes, and glide into the porcelain tub.

Once the hot water touches my skin, I can't help but sigh in relief. I feel every bit of tension my body was holding on to, evaporate. I'm in my own realm of relaxation.

As I'm in the middle of lathering soap on my wet body, Ryan's voice startles me.

"So you really weren't going to invite me to shower with you?" He grimaces, like I've committed the worst crime known to man.

"You should know by now that you don't need one."

"True."

The shower door opens, and soon, Ryan's naked body presents itself through the steam. Suddenly the temperature increases tremendously.

"Welcome." I grin, trying to maintain contact with his eyes, in an effort to keep mine from trailing lower.

"I should probably start off by telling you that I genuinely want to shower, so don't expect to fuck me or anything." I say.

Knowing Ryan's sex drive, I think that's a fair warning. And as much as I'd love to be bent over, I want to wash the sea salt out of my hair even more.

"I wasn't going to." He lies. "You're not the only person who enjoys showering, Alexandra."

"Mm hmm."

The innocent smirk on his face as he lathers his hair with shampoo tells me that he's not being truthful about his intentions. I find it all very amusing.