LAYERS OF LOVE (LOL)

FADED

"There you are. I've been looking all over for you." My new husband comes over and pecks my lips before taking my hand and leading me further away from the ceremony. Pascal has never been the type of person who goes against the rules but seeing him break some for me is quite attractive. My body resonates with excitement as he breaks into a small run the moment we hear footsteps behind us. I splint together with him, escaping our own ceremony. I was wrong. This is quite fun, admittedly. We round a corner and find ourselves in a maze of doors. Taking a guess we pop one open and shut it just as fast, trapping ourselves within the confines of it. As he bolts the door shut, I take some time looking around the room. The floor length window with amazing black curtains, a floating bed with lights underneath it that has been dressed in all black. I feel excitement grow as I take in the black and red accents all over the room. Oh my love for black. Just then the curtains flutter an indication that a window is open. I make my way there wanting to shut it but I quickly realize that it is a door to a small private balcony, overlooking the vast city. I take a step out and a little tremor from the change in temperature hits me. As I rub my arms up and down to keep warm, arms wrap around me and we are both covered in a large blanket.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" His voice is just a little over a whisper. I nod leaning back into his arms wanting only to focus on him in that moment. I push the feel of Vincent's arms out of my head as well as the sexy blonde's lips on mine. At this moment the only thing I want to focus on is my husband and the way we are swaying in each other's arms. We soak in the warmth of each other's skin and the glow of the night beneath us, reminding me exactly how high above the entire city we are. I relish the way he holds me and it reminds me of why I chose him instead of any of the others. He has a way of making me feel at home.

I turn around in his arms and place an innocent kiss on his lips. He pulls me impossibly closer deepening what was meant to be just a chaste kiss but I love it. He bites into my bottom lip causing me gasp as we dance on the edges of a fire, threatening to consume us. I let my hands circle around his neck trying to pull him even closer. My lungs burn but I burn for his kisses more. Slowly I feel myself drowning in the abyss of sweet love that coats and surrounds me.

All too soon, he pulls away from me completely but he leaves the blanket covering me, before he leads me to a swinging loveseat. He sets me down before he walks back into the room with a promise of returning with goodies. I cosy up leaving just enough room for him to snuggle in, letting my eyes wander into the night. I can still hear the various sounds coming from below but it's all a bit faded. It feels like a backdrop of a romantic scene. He comes back again with full arms and places everything on the floor next to us before he starts setting and working things. As I watch him work, I can't help but admire how his muscles flex underneath his white dress shirt.

I let my eyes roam his body, from the way his hair bundles into coils at the top of his head. I let them wander to how beautifully the barber did his fade to the nape of his neck. I feel my mouth water at the little hairs peeking from the top of his unbuttoned shirt. I blush when my eyes meet his, which, have a mysterious glint in them. I avert my eyes to the floor where he has set out two wine glasses already filled with a few snacks as well. There's also a mysterious black box, which guessing from the ribbon on it must be a gift. Being curious, I find the question tumbling out of my mouth before I can stop it.

"What's this?" I blurt out. Pascal chuckles as he picks it up and hands it to me. I pick it and rest it on my lap. I feel curious but a little part of me still wants to hold on before I spoil the surprise. I angle my eyes to meet his taking hold of his hand and placing it on the gift that's sitting on my lap. I give him a smile as I rub his fingers this time the little band on his ring finger bringing the reality closer home. He is mine. We got married today and he is mine for life. I can't help but feel a little emotional as that notion strikes a chord in my heart. I got myself my own personal man.

"It is for you," He says with a smile and quickly opens it for me. Within the confines of the box lies a little book, looking faded and worn out. The leather looks ready for a coat of polish yet that doesn't make it any less enticing. I look at it with curiosity before I open it. On the very first page are details of the day we met down to the outfit I had on. Scheming through it tells me exactly what it is.

"No," I whisper shaking my head. There is no way this man did that. I have dated Pascal for seven years and he still doesn't show any signs of. "No way Pascal. How?" I ask as I peruse pages filled with our own love story unfolding from his Point of view.

"I have seven volumes of this babe. Every moment we've had. I know you know your side of the story but I wanted you to know mine. I love you and I want to show you just how much and since when." How is he so thoughtful. In that moment even with all the emotions swirling within me, any doubt I should have had about my decision to be with him slowly fade away.