In your arms

Chapter 2: Get Ready

As Ako stepped into her cozy apartment, a giddy excitement bubbled within her. Meeting Rick had been a whirlwind of emotions, and the thought of him coming over the next day made her heart race. He'll be here tomorrow, in my home, eating the food I made, she thought, her mind flitting to tantalizing possibilities that made her cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and anticipation.

Her mood quickly shifted from joy to panic as she remembered a critical detail. "Oh no! Ingredients! I left the grocery store without buying anything!" She cursed herself softly, "Akomine, you klutz! That's what you get for thinking with your pussy!"

Ako hurried out for a quick grocery run. The bustling aisles were a blur as she grabbed the essentials, her mind racing with thoughts of the following evening. Once she was home, she cleaned and tidied her space, ensuring everything would be perfect for Rick's visit. The afternoon slipped away as she prepared, and by the time she was done, exhaustion tugged at her.

Collapsing onto her bed, Ako sighed deeply, her thoughts drifting to Rick. I wonder what he's doing right now? I hope he's had a chance to eat something. Her eyes flitted to the clock, and she gasped, "It's that late already? There's still so much to do!"

Just as her thoughts began to spiral, her phone buzzed with a new message. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw it's from a number she doesn't recognize. Quickly unlocking her phone, she opened the message, her breath catching in her throat as she read his words.

"Hi Ako," the message began, the warmth in his words almost tangible. "Thanks for sharing your number and address. It turns out we're practically neighbors—just a few minutes away from each other! I hope your day has been good. I'm so looking forward to tomorrow that I can hardly contain my excitement. I don't think I'll be able to sleep a wink tonight! Can't wait to see you soon!"

A radiant smile spread across Ako's face as she read Rick's enthusiastic message. The thought that he was so close and equally excited filled her with a fluttering joy. Clutching her phone to her chest, she felt a wave of warmth and contentment.

"Me too," she whispered softly, her gaze drifting to the ceiling as she envisioned their evening together. The promise of tomorrow and the genuine excitement in Rick's message gave her a newfound energy. As she set her phone aside, Ako settled into her bed with a contented sigh, her earlier anxiety replaced by a comforting thrill.

Her heart raced as she typed a reply, her fingers trembling slightly from the excitement. "Hi Rick! I'm thrilled to hear from you. It's amazing that we're so close! My day's been wonderful, thanks to you. I'm excited too—I've already started planning our dinner. Sweet dreams, and see you tomorrow!"

With a deep breath, she hit send, then hugged her phone to her chest, a soft giggle escaping her lips. She felt like a teenager with a crush, her entire body tingling with anticipation. As she lay in bed, her thoughts kept circling around Rick, imagining the possibilities of their time together.Sleep began to edge its way in, but her thoughts were still vivid, drifting into dreams where Rick's presence was palpable. Her hand lightly traced her skin, as if feeling his touch. She moaned softly in her sleep, lost in the sensation of his imagined caress.

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm, inviting glow across Ako's apartment. As she awoke, a rare sense of renewal washed over her, lifting her spirits and filling her with a light-heartedness she hadn't felt in years. The day unfolded with a purposeful rhythm as Ako busily cleaned every corner of her home, prepared ingredients with care, and chose her outfit with meticulous attention.

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Ako selected a dress that was both understated and elegant. The fabric, soft against her skin, draped gracefully over her curves, highlighting her silhouette in a way that was both sophisticated and subtly alluring.