Helen and I parted ways, promising to reconnect soon. The drive home was filled with thoughts of Mr. Clinton, my sugar daddy a title that still brought a sly smile to my face. I wondered if he would truly earn it in the months to come.
I pulled into my driveway, got out of the car, and headed straight for Mr. Clinton’s room. It was six p. m., and usually, he wouldn’t be home so early, but I took a wild guess, and surprisingly, there were signs that he was home.
The moment I stepped into the living room, my eyes widened as I took in the sight. In the dim light, the small incandescent bulb hung from the ceiling, its gentle light a soothing accompaniment to the evening, casting a comforting glow over the room. Though it was extravagant, it was amazing enough to remind me of the luxury and comfort that came with Mr. Clinton’s hospitality.
I had more than two years to live with him, and I’ll make the most out of it. Perhaps I might never return to my father if I win my side of the bet.
I chuckled at the thought as I sauntered deeper into the room.
Speaking of the devil. He seemed to appear when I summoned him in my head. There he was on the sofa, his eyes lost in the light. I noticed the imperceptible smile curling on his lips as he gazed into nothing in particular. My heart swelled with the same familiar flutter as I drew a deep, cleansing breath. My smile bloomed, spreading wider as I approached him, gently tapping my foot on the tile floor.
His gaze instantly snapped to me as soon as he heard the faint sound of my footsteps. So much for a sneaky attack on him.
“Hey,” he said, his deep voice low and husky as he stood up.
I smiled, the flutter in my chest only intensifying as our eyes locked. His honey-brown eyes were now vibrant with a new sparkle that got me curious. Did something good happen? What’s the occasion? I shrugged off the thought and replied, dropping my bag onto the floor. “Hey, good evening, how was… the day?” The question flowed out of me seamlessly as my eyes crinkled at the corners.
“Been great,” he said, taking another step closer to me. His gaze fell to the floor for a split second before looking back up, his expression slowly turning serious.
“Is there a…?” I trailed off while he cut me off, shaking his head. Now he was only a few inches away from me, his deep gaze penetrating.
“Come here.” He held my shoulders, pulling me close, and I sensed a shift in his demeanor, a subtle tension underlying his relaxed posture.
“I know we agreed on that silly bet of yours,” he began, his eyes never leaving mine, and I was beginning to get an idea of where the conversation was going. “But I…” He continued but I interrupted him halfway.
I pulled his hands off me, my face twisted in a scowl. “I know where this is going,” I said, a hint of frustration in my voice as I felt stung in my heart. “You want to cut it off and tell me… we aren’t meant to be together, our relationship is wrong. All of those bullshit talks.” I said, trying to hide the tremor in my voice as my mind shifted to sour.
I couldn’t believe he was still holding onto that mindset of his.
“Sarah, I didn’t… say that.” His brow furrowed in confusion as he stared deeply at me. “Listen first before you jump to conclusions.” He added before chuckling. He then crossed the short distance between us and cupped my cheeks as his eyes bore into mine. My heart skipped a beat as my gaze wandered over him in anticipation.
“So… what’s this all about?” I drawled, still searching his eyes for answers.
The next second, he pressed his lips against mine, sending my mind into a backflip. The kiss was soft and gentle, yet more intimate than any we’d shared before. His mouth moved slowly, savoring the moment, as if reacquainting himself with the contours of my lips.
As his hand cradled my face, his fingers traced the curve of my jawline, and I felt the warmth, tenderness, and urgency all at once.
Another wave of flutter erupted in my chest as our lips moved in harmony, time standing still, leaving only the two of us, lost in this sweet, sensual moment.
Our lips parted with our faces hovering over mine, his breath brushing my skin as I closed my eyes, anticipating another kiss, yet it didn’t come. Instead, I felt his lips on my forehead.
Why do I have this good feeling? Was this some sort of sign?
“I love you, Sarah.”
My eyes snapped open as soon as I heard those words. Did he just say he loved me? I met his gaze and blinked as my mind raced with a thousand probing questions. What the hell happened? Why now all of a sudden? I shook off the questions and decided to focus on the moment. My heart seemed to be doing some crazy tap dance in my ribcage. My mind was misty and so clouded with skepticism that I didn’t know how to respond.
He let out a soft chuckle as he noticed my incredulous gaze, his face hovering close, further shortening the space between us. “You look surprised,” he said as his smile grew wider.
Was he serious? “Mr. Clinton…” I paused, short of words. I couldn’t believe my long-seeming outrageous desire was being fulfilled right in front of me. “But you were like holding back just yesterday and…” I trailed off again as I inwardly berated myself.
Why am I complaining? I should get this over with. He’s no longer holding back.
Immediately, I melted into his embrace, catching him off guard with my sudden reaction. I pressed myself tightly against his chest, inhaling every scent of his cologne. This was it.
Wish come true. Wow, unbelievable but possible. I couldn’t stop smiling on his shoulders as he allowed me to bask in the warmth of his embrace. I could sense he, too, was relishing the moment.
After what felt like an eternity, we parted, and he continued from where he stopped since I didn’t allow him to finish. “I am supposed to tell you at the end of the… bet, but I just… clicked,” he spoke in a whisper, his voice barely audible. Yet, his eyes spoke louder than words, reflecting the sincerity and depth of his words. “I felt it was better I realized sooner that I can’t hold back forever. I figured I should move on… with you.”
I couldn’t articulate a reply. It felt as though I had lost the ability to reason with words; only my expression spoke volumes.
“So I decided to make a little change…” he continued, his eyes darting to the new decor. “Nicole chose the decor arrangement when we were married, and I never took it off. I didn’t feel the need to, but now I do.” His gaze returned to me, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “I am moving on, completely.”
“I’m glad,” I couldn’t help but say, my eyes sparkling with delight. My insides were bouncing, and I didn’t know how much I could contain my excitement. This was it – we were finally taking the leap and nothing would ever be the same.
“So you aren’t worried about my father anymore?” I raised an eyebrow, seeking his reaction, my face lit with a warm smile.
He just shrugged casually, his shoulders sagging as though my father’s certain disapproval wasn’t a big deal, which was indeed the main deal.
“I’ll deal with him when the time comes,” he replied, grabbing my waist as he leaned closer, before adding, “He might understand…”
“That’s an understatement,” I rolled my eyes incredulously, chuckling between my words, and he nodded in agreement. Let’s not deceive ourselves; we have a great battle ahead of us. But that should be the least of my concerns. I should focus on this breakthrough, but I still couldn’t help but imagine how my father would react. ‘I shouldn’t care anyways.’ Only what I want matters. When that time comes, there’ll be a way to handle him, as Mr. Clinton had said.