The Escort: A Taekook Love Story, Season One

Part 29: First impression, shitty

I wake refreshed. It's been weeks since Kookie and I committed to each other. It's hard to believe how connected we are in such a short time.

There's still so much to do in preparation for my big move to South Korea. I continue to think about Lisa. I would love to be part of what she's doing in South Korea. She needs an answer and I haven't discussed it with Kookie yet. Well, maybe there's a bit of avoidance on my part. I know how he feels about me working. He's not a fan. However, I won't give up what's important to me. I trust we will find a compromise. We have to.

How many lives could I help change working with Lisa? She certainly changed mine, Jimin's, and so many others. It's about so much more than sex. A path to prosperity, freedom, and power. I'll talk to him today about Lisa's offer, and we'll come to a decision, together.

I slide back into bed after I shower and perform my skin care ritual. As soon as I place my head on my man's chest, I hear. "So did you make yourself perfect again?" His voice is raspy but contains a soft chuckle.

"Baby don't tease me. It's a habit and it makes me feel refreshed. Whether I was on a job or not, I like it." I say playfully defending myself.

"I just want you to know you're perfect for me no matter what."

He tosses his arm around me hugging me tight while pressing a kiss on top of my head. For some reason I'm reminded of what Lisa said in our meeting. Like Kookie getting bored with me or trading me in for a younger man one day. I don't believe any of this, yet it still haunts me. Why, after everything he's shown me?

"Really? You'd be with me no matter what?" I say sheepishly.

"Yes, Tae, I would." He pulls himself into a seated position and I join him. He then pins me with a quizzical look.

"What if you get bored with me?" I divert my eyes to folded hands, finding it unexpectedly difficult to meet his gaze.

"Tae, I'd never get bored with you." He smiles and lifts my hand, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss

"How do you know that?" He places two fingers under my chin and lifts. My eyes dart from his to seeking open spaces.

"Because you are the most amazing and interesting person I've ever known." His smile expands, rubbing my arm.

"Kookie?" My chin tilts downward again and I can't look into his eyes directly.

"Yes Baby?" He sits up taller with a slightly diminished smile.

"What if I get old? Would you leave me for a younger version of me?" My voice becomes meek.

"First of all, there's no other version of you and secondly, we'll grow old together." He's so confident and I love that about him.

"But what if..." My mind begins to swirl with assumptions based in fear. He interrupts.

"Babe, where is this coming from? And what's with these questions?" His voice slows with concern and care.

"It's just that when I met with Lisa, she said that you might get bored with me and that you might trade me in for a younger model. She also said that you've used The Agency for years and maybe..." My voice trails off slowly.

"Aw, Tae, you're scared. I'm sorry babe. I could tell you over and over that none of that will happen. But I won't."

My throat clenches hearing Kookie's response. It frightens me. My eyes burn with sadness. Kookie then holds my face with both hands and pulls me close and I'm unable to escape his gaze.

"What I will do is show you Tae. It takes something we don't have but can build. Something no amount of money can buy."

"What's that Kookie?" My eyes widen eager to hear this secret ingredient.