"IT'S A DEAL”

“Thank you, Sam,” Marius said as we were on our way back, his voice carrying a mixture of sincerity and something deeper that made my heart skip a beat.

Not knowing exactly what he was thanking me for, I felt a blush spread across my cheeks. My mind immediately jumped to the most recent, intimate moments we had shared, and the thought alone made me feel warm all over. The lingering sensations of our time together were still fresh in my mind, and his gratitude seemed to amplify those feelings.

“F-For what? For that---” I began, my voice trailing off as my thoughts raced. I wanted to clarify but also felt a strange shyness creeping in, my words faltering as I tried to find the right way to ask if he meant what I thought he did.

I felt my heart swell with emotion, and I realized that this thank you went far beyond our physical encounter. It was about the closeness, the trust, and the moments that made up the intricate tapestry of our relationship.

"For coming with me, Sam," he said, his voice soft and sincere as he glanced at me with a warm smile. His eyes briefly met mine before he turned his gaze back to the road ahead.

His words lingered in the air, wrapping around me like a gentle embrace. I felt a rush of warmth flood my cheeks, and I couldn't help but smile. The excitement bubbling inside me was almost too much to contain, but I did my best to keep my composure, not wanting Marius to see how deeply his simple words had affected me.

As I sat there, trying to process the flurry of emotions his gratitude had stirred, it struck me how the smallest gestures—a smile, a laugh, a blush—could convey so much. These little moments, these tiny expressions of joy and nervousness, were telling signs of the feelings I was trying so hard to keep hidden.

I glanced out the window, the scenery passing by in a blur, my mind too preoccupied to register any of it. All I could think about was Marius, and how his presence seemed to amplify every emotion within me. It was as if his words had unlocked a door to a part of my heart that I had kept closed for so long.

In that moment, I realized the power of the little things—the fleeting glances, the shared smiles, the unspoken words. They were the foundation of something deeper, something more profound than I had ever imagined. And as Marius drove us back, the warmth of his gratitude lingered, making me feel cherished and special in a way that words alone could never fully capture.

In other words, it’s the small things—those fleeting smiles, soft laughs, and spontaneous blushes—that reveal a person’s true feelings. It’s quite ironic, really. Marius and I already have a child together, and now, we freely express and release our passion for each other through our intimate moments.

As I reflected on this, I marveled at the complexity of our relationship. Here we were, bound by the profound responsibility of parenthood, yet still discovering and experiencing the depth of our connection in ways I had never anticipated. Our past had been filled with so many unspoken words and hidden emotions, but now, each touch, each glance, was laden with meaning.

Despite the undeniable physical chemistry, it was the emotional resonance that struck me the most. Our ability to communicate without words, to feel each other's presence so profoundly, was a gift. It reminded me that love, in its truest form, was not just about grand gestures or dramatic declarations. It was about the quiet moments of connection, the shared silences, and the gentle touches that spoke volumes.

As I sat there, basking in the afterglow of our time together, I realized that our relationship had evolved into something beautifully intricate. We had moved beyond the superficial, delving into a deeper, more meaningful connection. And in that realization, I found a sense of peace and fulfillment. The small things, the little gestures, were indeed the true markers of our love, revealing the depths of our feelings in the most subtle yet profound ways.

When we made love, it was as if we were communicating on a level that transcended mere words. Each caress, each whisper, was a testament to our unspoken bond. It was through these acts of intimacy that we expressed the nuances of our emotions—the love, the desire, the unyielding connection that held us together. Every moment we shared in passion was a silent acknowledgment of our journey, our struggles, and our triumphs.

I knew it wasn’t just a simple physical attraction. It would be unfair to compare what we have now to Marius’s past relationships. But maybe I’ve simply matured. Or perhaps it’s the influence of the modern generation. Nowadays, casual sex seems almost normal. People even talk about one-night stands as if they’re no big deal.

In the intimacy of our moments, I discovered the true essence of our relationship. It wasn’t about the frequency of our encounters but the quality of our connection. The modern world might embrace casual hookups and fleeting romances, but what Marius and I shared was profound and enduring.

The most genuine emotions often find their way into the subtlest of expressions. They reside in the gentle curve of a smile, the warm flush of cheeks, and the twinkle in one's eyes. These nuances, these delicate indicators of what lies within, are what I guard most closely. I don't wish for Marius to catch even a glimpse of these telltale signs that betray my true feelings for him. Despite my playful demeanor and oft-repeated antics, I harbor a desire to keep my emotions veiled, shielded from his discerning gaze.

It was amidst this internal conflict that Marius's unexpected proposal threw me off guard. "Why don't we go on a date, Sam?" His words hung in the air, breaking the delicate balance of our usual banter.

"A date?" I echoed, my tone tinged with both surprise and curiosity. The idea was enticing yet daunting, an invitation to explore a realm beyond our usual encounters filled with unspoken desires and heated passions.

"Yeah, I mean, how about tonight? I miss dining out with you," Marius proposed, his voice carrying a hint of longing and excitement. As his fingers intertwined with mine, a surge of warmth and anticipation washed over me, though I made sure to mask my emotions with a composed demeanor.

I couldn't help but feel a flutter of happiness at Marius's suggestion. It had been a while since we last went on a date, just the two of us, away from the daily routines and responsibilities. The idea of spending an evening together, enjoying good food and each other's company, sounded delightful.

"Ah, that's fine with me. No problem at all. I am actually hungry, to be honest. So, are we just going to my place for some... ahem, intimate time?" I couldn't help but blurt out, followed by a hearty laugh.

Caught up in the moment and looking at Marius, I didn't notice the surprise on his face due to my unexpected remark. I shrugged it off, thinking it was just a playful comment, but deep down, I was also surprised at myself for saying it.

"Sam, I can't believe you just said that," Marius remarked, clearly taken aback.

I stood my ground, embracing my playful side. "Oh, come on. Why not? Wasn't it true? That's exactly what we did earlier, right? We went to my place just for... well, you know," I said, following it with a soft chuckle.

"Hey, that's not true," Marius protested, though he couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't pretend. You know, Marius, I'm serious about what I said earlier. I want to do again what happened," I confessed earnestly.

I found myself in a mix of emotions, unsure if my excitement stemmed solely from Marius asking me out on a date or if it was just the natural overflow of my talkative nature. Regardless of the reason, what truly mattered in those moments was the ability to convey my genuine feelings, even if it was through playful banter.

"Yeah? Well, same here. I want to do it again with you. And allow me to correct you," Marius interjected, his gaze briefly shifting towards me. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes, a playful glint that mirrored my teasing tone. "Would it be agreeable with you if we indulged in a meal at one of the restaurants inside the mall?"

We were just a stone's throw away from a renowned shopping center, which explained his suggestion. The casualness of his proposal contrasted with the underlying anticipation that lingered between us, adding a layer of excitement to the simple act of dining together.

"Of course," I responded with a smile, mirroring his playful demeanor. The prospect of spending more time with Marius outside of our usual encounters brought a subtle thrill to my senses, heightening the anticipation of what the evening might hold.

He nodded and continued with what he wanted to say. "As I was saying, allow me to correct you. But I don't like it when you refer to everything we do as just 'sex'," he said, raising the hand he held and planting a simple kiss on it.

Instead of feeling offended, I found myself even more delighted by Marius's words. It was as if I could anticipate what he wanted to convey. However, I made sure to control my excitement. It wasn't wise to assume, even though I had a strong feeling about what he was going to say. Just to be sure, I still asked, "Then what would you like me to call what we do?"

"Wait a moment, I'll just park," he said before pausing.

I eagerly awaited Marius's next words as he skillfully maneuvered the car into a parking spot. Once the engine was off, he unfastened his seatbelt with a fluid motion before turning his attention to me. His eyes, filled with a mixture of tenderness and longing, met mine, and a gentle smile graced his lips as he reached over to unbuckle my seatbelt. The touch of his hand on mine sent a shiver of anticipation down my spine, igniting a spark of desire within me.

As Marius leaned closer, his warm breath caressed my skin, and I could feel the intensity of his gaze as he spoke. "Sam," he began, his voice soft and full of sincerity, "there's something I want to clarify."

I held my breath, hanging on to his every word, my heart beating faster with anticipation. Marius's touch was electric, sending waves of excitement through me as he continued to hold my hand. Then, with a sudden but gentle movement, he reached for my face, his fingers tracing the contours of my lips in a tender gesture.

"There's a difference between what we share and mere physical intimacy," he explained, his gaze locked on mine, searching for understanding and connection. "I don't want to label everything we do as just 'sex'," he confessed, his voice filled with a hint of vulnerability.

I felt a rush of emotions wash over me, a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and a growing sense of intimacy. Marius's words resonated deeply within me, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for him. His honesty and sincerity were both refreshing and endearing, making me appreciate our connection even more.

"What would you call it then?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, my eyes never leaving his.

Marius leaned in closer, his lips hovering tantalizingly close to mine, sending a jolt of anticipation through me. "For me, it's more than just physical pleasure," he confessed, his voice low and intimate. "It's about the emotional connection, the passion, and the deep bond we share."

His words hung in the air, charged with meaning and depth, creating an atmosphere of intimacy between us. I couldn't deny the truth in his words, as every moment we spent together felt like a dance of souls, a harmonious union of hearts and desires.

With a soft smile, Marius leaned in and pressed his lips against mine, a gentle yet passionate kiss that spoke volumes of our unspoken emotions. At that moment, I understood what he meant by making love—it wasn't just about physical acts but about the profound connection and love we had for each other.

"Okay," I replied simply, smiling.

Marius nodded with a grin. "That's my girl," he said playfully, giving a gentle pinch to the tip of my nose. "Shall we?"

I nodded back and stepped out of the car. The truth was, Marius and I didn't have a label. But despite that, I was happy. I knew I wasn't in a safe zone due to my actions, but I decided to let things unfold as they may. What mattered most was that I wasn't confessing anything to him. He didn't know my true feelings, and that was what truly mattered. Somehow, I could still say I was in a safe zone.

As we walked inside the mall, Marius pulled me closer to him. Then, he wrapped his arm around me tightly.

"Sam, truth is, I really want to ask you to be with me, just for a week. You and MJ," his tone was pleading, causing me to look up at him.

I smiled, and Marius caught that glimpse as he glanced at me. "Honestly, there are many things I want to confess to you," he said, stopping in his tracks and looking directly at me.

We were in the mall, and he didn't seem to mind the people walking past us. I wasn't sure why Marius chose this moment, but the truth was, I felt a flutter of excitement.

"Please say yes, Sam. Please?" he pleaded with me.

Perhaps it was the sincerity I saw in his eyes that made me nod unconsciously, smiling widely. "Okay, make that two weeks, maybe? It can be extended if you behave," I said as we continued walking.

"Really?" Marius's tone reflected joy as he caught up to me and held my hand.

"Yeah," I looked up at him, my face bright with happiness.

Clearly pleased with my answer, Marius suddenly hugged me tightly, taking me by surprise. "It’s a deal, okay?" he said as he released me.

I nodded again. "It’s a deal," I replied.

Marius and I walked lightly inside the mall, looking for a place to eat. But truth be told, I was enjoying being with him. It felt like a teenager going on a date with their crush, and I loved that feeling. I actually really liked it.