Ella’s POV
harteen: No One But You
I stopped mid–step, my hand hovering over the doorknob as Keith’s next words cut through the quiet. “Please, wait.”
I hesitated, a knot of tension forming in my chest as I slowly turned to face him. Keith stood there, half–naked, the towel around his waist barely hanging on. There was something in his eyes–something vulnerable, almost pleading–that I hadn’t seen before. It made me pause, my thoughts racing with questions.
“The first day of next month is my birthday,” Keith said, his voice softer than usual. He sounded almost… nervous. “I want you to come over.”
I blinked, caught off guard by the invitation. “Your birthday?” I repeated, more to myself than to him. It wasn’t something I’d expected him to mention. “I don’t know if I can,” I said cautiously, trying to mask the confusion and hesitation in my voice. “Dorian usually doesn’t take me to places like that. It’s his favorite spot for dates with Jessica and the likes.”
Keith glanced around the room with a smug look on his face, and then back at me. “Ella,” Keith began, his tone sincere, “I would never deliberately provide Dorian with dating venues. It’s always been him who makes those arrangements. I don’t control where he takes her, and
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honestly, I wouldn’t want to.”
I studied his face, searching for any hint of deception. His words seemed genuine, but a part of me couldn’t help but be skeptical. It was hard to believe that there wasn’t some hidden motive behind all of this. “So, it’s just a coincidence then?” I asked, my voice tinged with doubt. “You expect me to believe that you had no idea he was bringing a woman here?”
Keith sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know it sounds complicated, but it’s the truth. Dorian does what he wants, and I’ve never had any say in it. I’m inviting you because I want you there, not because of anything to do with him.”
There was a sincerity in his voice that I found hard to ignore. “Since we’ve been together,” Keith continued, his voice dropping to a near whisper, “you’re the only one who’s been by my side.”
“You’re just saying that,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “I bet your girlfriend would be more than willing to join us if she knew what was going on.”
Keith’s eyes darkened slightly, and he took a step closer, his presence looming over me. “I don’t have a girlfriend, Ella like I’ve said before,” he said firmly, each word punctuated with conviction. “But if you were willing, you could be my girlfriend.”
I stared at him, stunned into silence. How could he say something like that? How could he suggest such a serious commitment when our
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relationship was far from reaching that level? The idea seemed almost absurd, given the casual nature of what we’d had so far.
“Keith, you can’t be serious,” I finally managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. “We’re… we’re not there yet. This–whatever this is- it’s not enough for that.”
Keith’s expression softened. “I know it’s a lot to take in,” he admitted, his voice gentler now, “but I mean what I say. I’ve never felt this way about anyone else before. Not even close.”
His words sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through me. I didn’t know how to respond–didn’t know if I could believe him or if I even wanted to.
The towel that had been barely covering him dropped off, revealing his erection and his perfectly sculpted physique. My breath caught in my throat as I took in the sight, my pulse quickening in response to what my eyes were seeing. Keith’s body was a masterpiece, and the way he stood there–so confident and unapologetic.
He stepped closer, closing the distance between us, and soon I could feel his body’s heat. Without a word, he buried his head in my cleavage, inhaling deeply as if trying to memorize my scent. His breath was warm against my skin, disrupting my sane thoughts, “I don’t want you to leave.”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. With a gentle but firm push, I created some distance between us. “Keith,” I said, my voice
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trembling slightly, “I can’t stay here. This–what we have–it’s too complicated. I need some space to think.”
Keith looked at me, confusion lingering in his eyes, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he reached for my hand. “I understand,” he said quietly, though his eyes told a different story.
Gently, I guided his hand down to his own erection, my fingers brushing against his as I whispered, “For this, handle it yourself.”
Then I quickly grabbed my coat from where I had left it and slipped it
- on.
