It's Always Been Briar

Chapter 17.

Walking over to the bed still shaking my head and smiling. I stop at the side and look at the damage. These sheets are a wreck! I don't think I've EVER made a mess like this before.

First things first, I grab the condom and go over to my desk. I grab some tissues and wrap it up, grab the wrapper, and throw it all in the bin.

Going back over to the bed. I strip it and throw the dirty mess in the hamper. I'll do the laundry in the morning. Over to the closet, I grab a fresh, clean set and make up the bed.

Once that is done, I grab a black tee and the sweats I wore yesterday (the ones Briar brought back). I take those over to the bed and lay them out. Then I pick up Briar's clothes, fold them, and put them next to the clothes I just put out for her.

Now what am I going to wear? I go to my dresser and grab a pair of boxer briefs, socks, a light grey tee, and a pair of black sweats. Just like the ones I gave Briar. They are the only kind I wear because they are so comfortable, so I have a bunch.

I get dressed and Briar is still not out so I walk over and lightly knock on the door before peeking my head in. She is leaning against the counter with the towel wrapped around her body.

And what the fuck, she is crying.

Busting in, she startles a little as I walk over, get on my knees in front of her, and take her hands.

'Briar, what is wrong?' She shakes her head. 'Tell me darlin so I can fix it. Please.' I plead with her.

'You can't fix it, Riv. Because I'm the one that messed up.' She finally says.

'What is wrong, sweetheart? Are you hurt?' I say with so much concern. She won't even look at me.

'Yes. I'm heartbroken that I was so stupid when I was younger and I pushed you away. I wasted so much time being absolutely miserable with both of my ex's when I should have been you the whole time.' She cries.

I stand up, letting go of her hands, and grab a washcloth from the rack. I go over to the sink and wet it with cold water.

Moving back in front of Briar, I left her chin for her to look at me. I hold her eye contact while I start to clean up her face.

'Sweetheart, I never want you to be heartbroken about anything that has to do with me ever again. I will never break your heart. You mean too much to me, I could never hurt you. So please, let's move forward from our past. We have mourned the time we lost but let's not have it ruin the time we have now.

Honestly, it is probably best that we haven't connected until now. I wouldn't have been able to be what you needed, I can now tho. I'm happy with every other aspect of my life and now I will hopefully have a gorgeous, wonderful partner to share it with. We can talk about your ex's later when we eat if you want, that way you can let them go, too.'

I finish wiping off her tears and cleaning her face. I give her a sweet kiss on the lips.

I go over to my sink and I pull out my toothbrush and toothpaste. I start brushing and Briar is looking at me. 'There are some in the closet.' I mumble and point. She walks over and grabs a brush and walks back to me and takes the toothpaste. That makes me smile and I move over so she can get some water.

After my teeth are all clean, I grab my toner, cotton round, and moisturizer. Briar watches as I do some skin care. When I'm done, I turn and look at her. 'Yes, darlin?'

'No wonder you're so handsome.'

I laugh and walk over and wrap her in a hug. 'Are you done in here?' I ask. She nods into my chest.