29

LUCIA

“Actually, Jeremy stocked my kitchen with groceries.” I said with a smug look on my face, crossing my arms over my chest as Beth’s brow shot up, her expression shocked.

“What?! He did?! Let me see.” She said and began stalking towards the kitchen, dragging me along.

She opened the freezer, and her eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. “What the hell?! Oh wow. This is great. You almost never have groceries!”

“I know!” I exclaimed with a chuckle, and Beth rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips as she checked through the cabinets, her expression getting more shocked the more she searched.

“Wow. I’m glad, Lucy. He is handsome, he has an angelic voice, and he is considerate, too. You scored a lottery on this one, girl. Your boyfriend is literally perfect.”

My cheeks flushed red instantly as a shy smile made its way onto my face. Hearing Beth call Jeremy my boyfriend did things to my insides that I really loved.

“He is perfect.” I responded, and Beth nodded, taking a step towards me. She placed her hand on my shoulder, her expression slowly growing serious.

“I’m really happy for you, Lucy. I know how much you pined for him. I’m happy you two are together, but at the same time, you know you have to be super careful.”

“Of course,” I answered, my tone solemn. “I remind myself to be every single day.”

She nodded, her expression satisfied. “Good. Now, shall we celebrate?”

“You bet.” I answered with a chuckle, and I stood by and just watched as she made us both dinner.

When it was ready, we settled down in the living room to eat while we watched some TV. While I was watching, my phone beeped, and I instantly reached for it.

My face broke into a smile when I noticed that it was a text from Jeremy.

“Hey, sweetie. I just got home, and I miss you already.” The text read, and my heart instantly did a flip in my chest.

I took out my time to type out a reply.

“I miss you too. I wish you were here.”

The reply came in mere seconds after I sent the last one.

“So do I. Do you want me to come over tomorrow?”

“Sure. You can come over whenever you want.”

“Good. See you then.”

“It’s a date.”

I wanted to tell Jeremy to be careful whenever he came around, but I decided to just enjoy the sweet moment. Besides, I knew he would be careful even if I didn’t tell him.

“Texting your boyfriend?” Beth teased, wiggling her brows, and I let out a chuckle, shaking my head at her silliness.

“Something like that.” I answered, a few strands of my hair behind my ears as my cheeks turned pink.

“Okay, lover girl.” She teased, and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

After we hung out and joked around for a few minutes more, it was finally time for Beth to leave.

I saw her off, and after saying our goodbyes, I watched her drive off.

The next morning, I planned to sleep in since it was a Sunday morning, but my plans were ruined when I heard my doorbell ring.

I let out a loud groan as my eyes fluttered open. Who could it be so early in the morning? Why was I being disturbed when I was just about to begin enjoying my sleep?

I let out another groan, turning around and covering my head with a pillow. Maybe if I just ignored whoever it was, they would go away.

Unfortunately, whoever was at the door did not go away, and they did not stop ringing the doorbell either.

Another groan escaped my lips as my eyes shot open. I flung the pillow away from my face and sat up on my bed.

It had to be Beth at the door. No one else would be crazy enough to show up so early and ring the doorbell in such a manner.

I threw my robe on and was tying the ropes around my waist when I heard my phone ring loudly.

My frown deepened as I approached my phone. My heart rate sped up when I saw Jeremy’s name flashing on the screen.

“Jeremy?” I whispered, eyebrows furrowed in confusion, but I couldn’t help the happiness which bubbled through my insides.

“Why is he calling me so early?” I muttered to myself as I finally picked up the phone.

“Jeremy?” I said into the phone once the line connected.

“Hey, Lucia. I’m at the door.” His baritone voice echoed through the phone.

A small gasp escaped my lips as one of my eyes twitched. “Wait, what? Are you the one pressing my doorbell right now?”

“Yep.” He answered, and even though I couldn’t see him, I could instantly tell that he was smiling sheepishly.

I instantly ended the phone call, my eyes still wide with disbelief. I checked the time. Why the hell was he here when it was barely 7 in the morning?

I instantly ran towards my mirror, checking my reflection. I paled in the horror at the sight. I looked like a mess.

My hair was tangled on the top of my head like a bird’s nest, and my eyes were still red from sleep. I was still in my robe and night dress.

I tried to manage to salvage the situation by getting dressed, but before I could get anything done, I heard the doorbell ring once again.

“Ugh,” I groaned, rolling my eyes. As much as I loved having Jeremy here, this just wasn’t the right time.

“Coming!” I yelled, begrudgingly making my way towards the door. There was no time to get changed anymore. He would have to see me all messy and stuff. It was my fault anyway.

Once I got to the door, I flung the door open, and once my eyes landed on him, the beautiful smile on his face slowly melted all the annoyance in my insides away.

“Lucia.” He said, breathlessly, pulling me into a hug without even caring that I looked like I just came out of a trash can.

I couldn’t help but sniff him as he smelled so heavenly. Once we pulled away from the hug, he planted a small kiss on my cheek, which made me giddy with happiness.

I looked around, making sure no one was in the vicinity before pulling him into the apartment and locking the door behind me.

“What are you doing here, Jeremy?” I asked once I turned to him. “I mean, I’m glad to see you, but you do realize that it’s 7 in the morning, right?”

Jeremy grabbed my hands, a puppy dog look in his eyes. “I really wanted to see you. I missed you so much.”

I raised a brow, my eyes still wide with disbelief. “You came to my apartment at 7 in the morning because you missed me?”

Jeremy’s face looked guilty as hell as he wrung his hands together nervously. “I’m sorry, Lucia. I know I crossed my boundaries, but I just couldn’t help it. I apologize for coming here early and waking you up. I could leave if you want.”

I instantly waved my hand dismissively. I was not about to ask him to leave when he came this far.

“Nah. It’s fine. You’re already here anyway. You might as well stay,”

Jeremy’s face lit up instantly, and I would be lying if I said seeing that did not put a smile on my face.

“Could you wait for a bit? I need to freshen up.”

“Of course. Take your time.” He replied, crashing onto the couch like he belonged there.

I couldn’t help the chuckle, which escaped my lips as I shook my head before walking away. I took a quick shower, changed into some decent clothes, and brushed my hair, and when I was sure I looked decent, I made my way back to the living room.

I wasn’t even in the mood to sleep anymore. I was just so glad to spend the rest of the day with Jeremy.

All of a sudden, I got shy, but his bright smile was the only encouragement I needed as I made my way towards him, sitting next to him on the couch.

The moment I did, he leaned towards me, placing his hand around my shoulders instantly. It was clear that Jeremy loved physical touch, and it was a good thing that I did too.

I loved and enjoyed that he touched me every opportunity he got. I revelled in it, and I hoped he would not get tired of it.

“I’m so sorry I dropped by so early and ruined your entire day.” He said once he turned to me, his expression filled with guilt once again.

“What?” I raised a brow, eyes wide with surprise. “You didn’t ruin anything, Jeremy. I’m really glad you’re here.”

His smile was bright as the sun, and it did strange and wonderful things to my insides.