From the start (Joel Miller x Reader)

Chapter 2.

As you made your way to the bedroom, a sense of nervousness crept over you. The evening had been filled with unexpected twists, and now you found yourself about to share a bed with Dani, a situation you had not anticipated nor desired after the surprise introduction to his family on only your second date.

The room was dimly lit, and the cozy ambiance of the cabin surrounded you. You couldn't help but feel conflicted. While you had hoped this weekend getaway would provide inspiration and a chance to get to know Dani better, the way he had orchestrated the family gathering had left you with reservations.

You climbed into bed, the sheets cool against your skin, and lay there, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. The crackling of the fire in the nearby fireplace provided a soothing backdrop, but it couldn't dispel the unease that had settled within you.

Dani's actions had raised questions about his intentions and his understanding of your boundaries. Sharing a bed with him felt like an intimate gesture that you weren't ready for, especially given the circumstances of the trip.

As you lay there, you knew you needed to address the situation and have an open conversation with Dani about your feelings and the boundaries you were comfortable with. The weight of that pending conversation added to your unease, making it difficult to find rest in the quiet cabin.

With a heavy heart, you closed your eyes, hoping that the night would bring clarity and perhaps a resolution to the complex emotions that swirled within you.

As you lay in bed, lost in thought, Dani joined you under the covers. He moved closer, spooning you, and a feeling of discomfort washed over you. His closeness, especially after the events of the evening, made you grimace inwardly.

With a forced smile, you turned to face him, hoping to address the situation diplomatically. "Dani," you began, your voice gentle but firm, "I appreciate the invitation to this getaway, but I think we need to talk about what happened tonight."

Dani shifted slightly, his expression a mix of curiosity and surprise. "What do you mean? I thought you'd enjoy meeting my family. You seemed fine."

You took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Introducing me to your family on our third date was unexpected, and it's made me feel a bit overwhelmed. I wasn't prepared for this, and I think it's important that we communicate about our expectations and boundaries."

Dani's face grew more serious as he considered your words, but beneath the surface, there was a subtle hint of skepticism. "I don't understand why you're making such a big deal out of it. It was just a family gathering."

You nodded, slightly taken aback by his response. "Thank you for understanding. It's not that I don't want to get to know you better; it's just that I think we should take things at a pace that feels right for both of us."

Dani sighed, his arm around you loosening. "I guess I'll have to be more careful around you. I thought you were someone who could handle spontaneity and excitement."

In the middle of the night, a persistent thirst woke you from your slumber. Carefully, you slipped out of bed, trying not to disturb Dani, who was still sleeping peacefully beside you. The cabin was shrouded in darkness, and the only illumination came from the faint moonlight filtering through the windows.

As you tiptoed your way through the cabin to the kitchen, your steps light and cautious, you couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The unfamiliar surroundings and the unexpected family gathering had already left you on edge.

When you reached the kitchen, you fumbled for a glass and filled it with water, the cool liquid offering a welcome respite to your parched throat. As you turned to head back to the bedroom, you suddenly heard a rustling sound from the living room.