Chapter XVII
1034 Words
Zelene lay back on her bed, still basking in the glow of Rowan's i********: post when her phone buzzed with a message. She opened it to see Rowan's name and a simple text: "Come to my room. I'll be waiting for you."
Excited and a little nervous, Zelene told her friends, "Hey guys, I'm going to see Rowan for a bit."
"Go get 'em, girl!" Tasha cheered, waving her off.
"Have fun!" Unity added with a wink.
Zelene made her way to Rowan's room and knocked on the door. Rowan opened it almost immediately, a playful smile on his face. "Come in," he said, stepping aside to let her enter.
Zelene walked in and sat on the bed, looking around. "Why do you get a room all to yourself while the rest of us are crammed in with others? It's unfair," she said, frowning.
Rowan laughed as he turned on the TV. "I can afford it, and I need my privacy," he said, pausing for emphasis. "We need privacy," he added, giving her a longing look that made her blush.
"Here you go again, blushing and looking even more beautiful," Rowan teased, making Zelene bury her face in one of the pillows to hide her embarrassment.
Rowan settled beside her and asked, "So, what do you want to watch?"
Zelene peeked out from behind the pillow and said, "I want to watch the Barbie movie."
Rowan frowned in disbelief. "Are you serious? You're 19 for f**k's sake. You should be watching porn."
Zelene gasped and playfully tapped his arm. "That's not appropriate for me!"
Rowan laughed, shaking his head. "What are you, a kid?"
Zelene stuck her tongue out at him. "I'm still a baby."
Rowan's expression softened, and he gently caressed her cheek. "You're my baby," he whispered, his eyes full of affection.
Zelene's heart melted at his words. "Rowan..." she began, but he interrupted her with a kiss, soft and tender. When they pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers.
"You know, I can get used to this," Rowan said, his voice low and sincere.
"Used to what?" Zelene asked, her eyes searching his.
"Used to having you here with me, just like this," he replied, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "No distractions, no interruptions. Just us."
Zelene smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. "I like that idea," she said softly.
Rowan grinned and leaned back, pulling her into his arms. "Good, because I don't plan on letting you go anytime soon."
They settled in, the TV playing in the background, but neither of them paid much attention to it. They were content just being together, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other's company. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their little bubble of happiness.
Rowan lay back on the bed, his arm draped around Zelene, who was snuggled against him. After a moment of comfortable silence, he spoke up. "Hey, why don't you get your things and bring them here? Stay with me tonight."
Zelene looked up at him, surprised. "I can't. I'm with my friends."
Rowan smiled mischievously. "Tell your friends that I want you to be with me in my room for our last night here. They won't mind."
Zelene chuckled and shook her head. "I'll try," she said, slipping out of his arms and heading back to her room.
When she walked in, her friends looked up expectantly. "So, what does Mr. Perfect want?" Tasha asked with a grin.
"Rowan wants me to stay with him tonight," Zelene admitted, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks.
Her friends burst into laughter. "Of course he does," Unity said. "It's okay with us. Go ahead."
"But what's the real score between you two?" Unity asked, her eyes twinkling. "Are you together-together?"
Zelene shook her head. "I told him I want to take it slow."
Nina laughed. "So, you're going to sleep in his room, but you're not official? What are we supposed to call that?"
Zelene laughed along with them. "We'll get there," she said, packing her things. "I just want to be sure about everything."
Her friends hugged her and wished her a good time. With her things in hand, she returned to Rowan's room.
Rowan looked up as she entered, a satisfied smile on his face. "Did they give you a hard time?" he asked.
Zelene shook her head. "No, they were cool about it."
"Good," he said, standing up. "Do you want to go to the beach? It's not that hot right now."
"Sure," Zelene agreed. She changed into a lavender two-piece swimsuit and put on a pair of shorts. When she stepped out of the bathroom, she found Rowan staring at her from head to toe.
"What?" she asked, feeling self-conscious.
Rowan grinned. "Maybe we should just stay in the room," he suggested, his voice husky.
Zelene laughed. "We need to go to the beach. I don't want this outfit to go to waste."
Rowan chuckled and pulled her close, whispering in her ear, "You look hot and beautiful."
Zelene's cheeks flushed as she felt his breath against her skin. She smiled and took his hand. "Let's go."
They walked hand-in-hand to the beach, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the sound of the waves. Once there, they found a secluded spot and spread out a blanket. Rowan lay back, propping himself up on his elbows, and watched Zelene as she soaked in the scenery.
"You know," Rowan began, "I've never felt this way about anyone before."
Zelene looked at him, her heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean?"
Rowan reached out and took her hand, his thumb gently caressing her palm. "I mean, I've had flings and casual things, but with you, it feels different. It feels real."
Zelene's eyes softened. "I feel the same way," she admitted. "That's why I want to take it slow. I want this to be something special."
Rowan nodded, understanding. "I can do slow," he said with a smile. "As long as it's with you."
They spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach, talking, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company.
- Writer
