Translation of Love - By Alice Montalvo-Tribue Page 0,42

fluttering in my heart starts.

“Good morning,” he says, stretching his arms out.

“Morning. How do you feel?”

“Much better.”

“Good. I brought you up some tea and toast. I want to stay with you but I have to go in to work. If I could call out, I would but it’s been crazy.”

“No, it’s okay. I have to leave soon anyway. I gotta get back to the city today.”

Why do I feel disappointed that he’s not staying? The thought of coming home to this empty house depresses me. “Are you sure you’re up to going back to the studio today?”

“Yeah. It must’ve been a 24 hour bug. I think I just needed a good night’s sleep.”

“Okay. I have to go. Eat your breakfast and stay as long as you want. Just lock up when you leave.”

“Okay.” He tugs at my hair. “You look very pretty today.” His comment puts a smile on my face. “You know, I am actually still feeling a little weak,” he says, pouting his lips.

“You are?” I ask. Putting my hand to his forehead to check for warmth.

“Yup, but I think a kiss goodbye would make me feel better.”

“Well, how can I possibly deny you that?” I comply with his request, leaning down and placing my lips on his. He places one hand on the back of my neck and the other on the small of my back, effectively locking me in. The kiss intensifies and I know that if I don’t pull away soon, I may never. I break the connection, place one last kiss on his forehead and get up.

“I wanna see you this weekend,” he says before I reach the door.

The corner of my lips curve up and I do my best to control my smile, trying not to let him see how his words affect me. I just can’t help but be happy that he wants to see me. “You do?”

He nods. “I wanted to talk to you about this before I left on Sunday, but I wasn’t sure what you’d say.” I tilt my head to the side. What I would say about what? I’d already spent the majority of two weekends with him, what would be so different about us seeing each other this weekend? “Will you come stay with me? I’ll pick you up tomorrow after work and we can spend the weekend at my place in the city. I have to work a little this weekend but I still wanna see you and I really want you to see where I live.”

A weekend in New York with Victor, at his place, alone! It should be a no brainer. I know what I’m starting to feel for him and I want to spend time with him, but when he’s here I can control what happens. I’m in my element. If I go to him, I’m out of my comfort zone and basically at his mercy. There’s no escape. Would I even want to escape? He’s not yet given me a reason to doubt him or to think that he might hurt me. “Yes. I’ll go. I’d love to see where you live.” Before I can turn to leave, he calls for me again.

“Ellie?”

“Yes?”

“I know this is a big deal for you. I promise that you won’t regret it.” I nod my response. “Thanks for taking care of me, it felt good having someone looking out for me.”

My heart flutters again and just as quickly it hurts. I hurt for him and what he just said. I can read between the lines of his statement, it felt good to have someone looking out for him, the real him and not the singer. Someone who’s not out to protect their investment. I walk back to him and sit on the bed again, feeling both possessive and protective of the man in my bed. Looking into those chocolate eyes, I know that my defenses are slipping. I care about him and I haven’t allowed myself to care about anyone in a long time. I push a few strands of hair off of his forehead and brush my lips against his. “It felt good to have someone to look out for.” I flash him a smile, get up and walk away.

Coming home to an empty house last night was strangely disappointing. I mentally chastised myself for wanting Victor to be there. Even though he was long gone by the time I got home, he made sure that he left my house looking spotless, right down to