Residuals (COMPLETED)

Chapter 18: Morning After Pill

Detroit, MI:

The warm, cascading water enveloped Ambrose and Isabella in the steam-filled sanctuary of the bathroom, creating an intimate haven that temporarily shielded them from the chaos of the outside world. As they held each other, the kisses they shared ignited a long-felt spark of desire a potent blend of yearning and affection that surged between them. In that moment, nothing else mattered; they were completely absorbed in one another, navigating the intricate dance of their complicated emotions.

Isabella nestled her head against Ambrose's chest, feeling the reassuring beat of his heart beneath her ear. "Ambrose," she whispered, her voice barely escaping her lips as they paused to catch their breath, their foreheads gently pressed together. "You always do this to me." She chuckled, she could barely feel her legs. She knew she would need another morning after pill, he never pulled out, and she knew he did it purposely. "We gotta slow down and you know what I'm referring to."

"I completely understand," he responded softly, his fingers tenderly tracing the delicate features of her face as the water hit both of their bodies. "But I can't deny my feelings for you. You mean the world to me. I missed a lot with Aries, and I don't want this with anybody else.

Her heart raced at his sincere words. The warmth radiating from his body felt comforting, as if he held the key to her most profound desires. Every word he spoke to her just made her fall back in love with him even more than she already had, this wasn't a difficult decision for her because she was confused about her feelings, she knew who she wanted, but vows, her kids, the life that she built is forcing her to feel like she had to make a decision about a life with Ben. She knew Ambrose was waiting to hear what she had to say next, and if life were simple she would give him everything he wanted and then some. Sadly, it just wasn't the time.

"I genuinely appreciate that, and you have no idea how badly I want that..." she replied, her voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. "But I need to carve out some time for myself. I've spent twenty years in relationships—four with you and sixteen with Ben. I need to rediscover my identity, to understand what it means to be alone and independent. I can't rush into anything new right now or not so new either."

"I know Bell, but I want something more than just us fucking. I wanna go out on dates, get to know you all over again.."

"And we will Bubba, I just need more time." she said, her tone shifting to one of seriousness. "Until then, I need you to be more careful, and pull out. I just quit my job, I don't know what's next, but I'll figure it out. In the mean time I need you to respect that, I promise the only person I'm with right now is you."

Ambrose sighed, "I'll be more careful, I just don't wanna lose you again. Basketball is about to start up, and I'm going to do everything in my power to spend a lot of time with you and the kids. I just wanted us secured, and I know that takes time. I don't want you to pick him, I can't lose you again. It didn't feel good the first time, I'll-"

"I love you, Ambrose. I'm here, with you and nobody else." She reassured him, and he nodded. She could tell how afraid he was to lose her, the idea of losing her just scared him. She cupped his face in her hands making him look at her, "I am in love with you, okay?" 

"I'm all in this time, I know you need time, and I'm gonna give it to you but I want one thing."

"What's that?"

"Let me take you on real dates." He looked into her eyes, she couldn't help but slightly smile. She couldn't fight the way he made her feel, she loved everything about him and she would do almost anything for him.