My dream life

2 • Zelah

I unlocked my apartment door and saw Xavier on the couch, smiling at his phone while the TV played loudly.

I shut the door behind me and walked over to the couch, flopping down and laying my head on his lap.
He looked down at me, smirking.

He bent forward and kissed me softly, letting his lips linger. I felt myself melt against him. "Hey, baby." He said quietly

"Hi..." I replied in a whisper, dazed by his affection.
"How was your day?" He asked. "Long and tiring," I answered. "But I did get a couple of dresses done." He nodded approvingly. "That's good." He said with a smile.

He leaned forward, kissing me tenderly once more. His hand brushed through my hair. I closed my eyes and melted in his embrace, sighing in contentment.
I loved him so much.

"Mmm, I needed that." I smiled, brushing his black hair from his green eyes. "Me too." He returned the smile. "You know, you're so beautiful, I can hardly believe it sometimes." He whispered, gazing deeply into my eyes.

"Believe what?" I asked, sitting up. He pressed his lips to my neck. "That you're dating me." I felt butterflies erupt in my stomach, a heat spreading across my cheeks.
He nuzzled my neck, his breath warm and tickling.

"You're unusually lovey; why are you in such a good mood?" I noted, trying to distract myself. "Seeing you made me happy." He said through kisses, his tone stiff.

His hands pulled my shirt up slowly. I smiled but pushed him away, "Hey, I don't remember you proposing, Xavier." I reminded him. He groaned in response, "You're killing me, Zee..."

"It's my beliefs, Babe, I can't change them just for you... besides, you'll propose eventually. Once you get your act together." I smirked teasingly, getting off his lap.

"Ouch, that was uncalled for..." He mumbled. "What? You can't bum on my couch forever." I rolled my eyes. Xavier sighed, "So you're opposed to having a house-husband?" He joked, caressing my leg as I stood up.

I swatted his hand playfully. "You barely do any housework, hence why I said you were bumming." I went to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and pulled out some leftover macaroni.

"Mmm, you're so harsh..." He whined, leaning on the side of the couch. "that's why you love me." I winked, popping the mac n cheese in the microwave.

Suddenly, Xavier's phone rang, and he looked over at it. He sighed and grabbed it, looking at the screen. His expression lit up slightly. "Oh, shit," he exclaimed happily. "What?"

He answered the phone, "Nicky, hey! What's with the random call?" Xavier said, and I perked up. Nicky was my best friend since middle school and the entire reason I started dating Xavier.

Nicky and I were always together and saw each other's worst phases. I couldn't help but eavesdrop. "You're moving to the big city?" "Wait, Nicky's coming here?" I blurted, and Xavier blinked.

"Sorry, sorry, I won't listen," I said sheepishly.
Xavier smiled, lowering his voice. "Yeah, we can meet up tomorrow," he murmured. I opened the microwave and took out my meal. I listened to the quiet, one-sided conversation.

"Zee? Yeah, I'll bring her."