One Week To Love

Wednesday

Justin woke up with a start, blinking against the early morning light filtering through the curtains. He rubbed his eyes and realized he had fallen asleep on the couch. As he stretched, a soft smile spread across his face, recalling the beautiful dream he had. Ava had been in it, and they had a little daughter. He was free from all his charges, and for the first time in a long while, he felt genuinely happy.

He shook his head, bringing himself back to reality and remembering the deal they had made. Still, the warmth of the dream lingered, making it hard to shake off completely. He got up and made his way to the kitchen, the aroma of cooking drawing him in.

There she was, Ava, standing by the stove, her hair loosely tied back as she focused on preparing breakfast. She looked so beautiful, and for a moment, Justin found himself completely mesmerized. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice the edge of the rug and tripped over it, stumbling forward with a loud thud.

Ava turned around, laughing as she saw him struggling to regain his balance. "Be careful, Justin! You're going to hurt yourself."

Justin chuckled, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Yeah, I guess I should watch where I'm going."

He headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth, his mind still drifting back to the dream. As he brushed, he couldn't help but replay the scene in his head. In the dream, he and Ava had been in a cozy home, filled with warmth and laughter. Their little daughter had Justin's eyes and Ava's smile, running around the house with boundless energy.

It was such a vivid dream, and for a brief moment, it had felt real. He imagined himself free from the complications of his past, living a simple, happy life with Ava and their daughter. The thought brought a smile to his face, but he quickly reminded himself to stay grounded. They had an agreement, and he couldn't let his feelings get in the way.

After finishing up in the bathroom, Justin returned to the kitchen, trying to focus on the present. "Need any help with breakfast?" he asked, trying to keep his tone casual.

Ava glanced at him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I think I've got it covered, but you can keep me company."

He nodded, leaning against the counter as he watched her work. "Thanks for cooking. It smells amazing."

She smiled. "You're welcome. I figured it was my turn after the fantastic dinner you made last night."

As they chatted, Justin felt the familiar ease between them return. Despite his best efforts to keep his feelings in check, he couldn't deny the growing connection he felt with Ava. Maybe it was the dream, or maybe it was just the way she made him feel—special, understood, and appreciated.

Ava finished cooking and set the table, and they sat down to enjoy breakfast together. The conversation flowed naturally, filled with laughter and light-hearted teasing. Justin couldn't help but feel grateful for these moments, even if they were fleeting.

As they ate, Justin's thoughts wandered back to the dream. He couldn't shake the feeling that it was a glimpse of something possible, something he deeply desired. But for now, he decided to focus on the present and cherish the time he had with Ava, hoping that their unexpected journey might lead to something beautiful.

After finishing breakfast, Justin and Ava decided to finally complete the last episode of "Lovely Runner." They settled on the couch, their excitement palpable.

"Ready to see how it ends?" Ava asked, grabbing the remote.

"Absolutely," Justin replied with a grin, making himself comfortable.

As the episode started, they were quickly engrossed in the story. Ava couldn't help but steal glances at Justin, admiring his strong jawline and the way his features softened while he was engrossed in the drama. The way he lost himself in the storyline made her heart flutter.

Her gaze lingered a bit too long, and suddenly, Justin turned to look at her. Their eyes locked, and before either of them could react, Ava leaned in and kissed him. It was impulsive, but she couldn't resist the urge any longer.

For Justin, the kiss was like an electric shock, jolting him with a surge of emotions he hadn't anticipated. He froze for a moment, stunned by the intensity of the kiss, but then he couldn't help himself. He kissed her back, their lips moving together in a rhythm that felt both natural and exhilarating.

On the screen, the characters were sharing a tender kiss, their emotions spilling over. On the couch, Ava and Justin mirrored the scene, their kiss filled with unspoken feelings and a hint of the passion that had been building between them. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them and the connection they shared.

Overwhelmed by the passion of the moment, Justin picked Ava up like a baby, lifting her effortlessly. They continued to kiss, breathless and unable to stop, as he carried her towards her bedroom. Their kisses were fervent, filled with a mix of longing and newfound desire.

Once they reached her bedroom, Justin laid Ava gently on the bed. They were both breathless, their eyes locked in a shared understanding of the emotions swirling between them. He leaned down, their lips meeting again in a kiss that seemed to deepen with every passing second.

In the heat of the moment, Justin's hands found their way to the buttons of Ava's top. He started to unbutton it, his touch both gentle and urgent. But then, suddenly, Ava placed her hand on his, stopping him.

"We can't go further than this," she said softly, her voice a mix of regret and determination.

Justin pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers for a moment. He nodded, understanding the boundary she was setting. "I'm sorry, Ava," he said, his voice tender. "I got carried away."

Ava smiled, her hand gently cupping his cheek. "It's okay, Justin. I did too. But we need to take things slow."

Justin gently took Ava's hand in his, a nervous but determined look in his eyes. "Ava," he began softly, "there's something I've been wanting to tell you." Ava looked at him curiously, her heart beating a little faster.

"I fell in love with you the first time I saw you," Justin confessed, his voice filled with sincerity. "It was that Saturday I stalked you , when you were dancing to 'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran. You looked so beautiful and free, and in that moment, I couldn't help but feel something I've never felt before. This week might end soon but my love for you just started"

Ava's eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing slightly. She had always admired Justin's kindness and strength despite his condition, but she never expected this confession. Justin continued, his words gaining confidence as he spoke.

"I've always been afraid of falling in love because of my condition, but with you, I couldn't ignore my feelings any longer. You've shown me a different kind of courage, Ava, and I want you to know how much you mean to me. And the best and the most shocking part is I don't faint at your touch."

Ava squeezed Justin's hand gently, feeling a mix of emotions. "Justin," she whispered, touched by his vulnerability and honesty. "I never knew... I mean, I've always felt something too, but I didn't know you felt this way."

Justin smiled warmly at her, a weight lifting off his shoulders. "I understand if this changes things between us," he said softly, "but I couldn't keep it to myself anymore. You're special, Ava, and I needed you to know."

Ava shook her head gently, a small smile playing on her lips. "It doesn't change a thing, Justin," she replied, her voice steady. "In fact, I think it makes everything clearer now."