In your arms

Chapter 5: A Closer Look

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, gently warming Ako's skin as she stirred awake. Her eyes fluttered open, momentarily dazed by the unfamiliar sensation of waking in a state of contentment. The soft rustling of the morning breeze through the open window blended with the quiet hum of the city outside, grounding her in the reality of her own bedroom. But as the haze of sleep lifted, fragments of the previous night began to flood her mind.

"Rick?" she called out, her voice small and uncertain, echoing through the quiet apartment. The silence that followed was deafening, save for the rapid beating of her heart. A mix of emotions washed over her—concern, longing, and a touch of confusion.

She quickly realized her state of undress and grabbed a nearby towel, wrapping it around herself before hurrying into the living room. The coolness of the wooden floor beneath her bare feet brought a shiver, but it was the sight that greeted her in the living room that truly caught her off guard. Her clothes from the night before were neatly folded on the sofa, an unexpectedly tender gesture that made her pause.

Her gaze fell on a handwritten note lying on the dining table. She approached it slowly, her heart thumping in her chest as she reached for it, her fingers trembling slightly.

"Hey, don't freak out, but I cleaned up before I left. There are leftovers in the fridge, and the wine is on the shelf next to it—still plenty left. I decluttered some things I figured you'd be tossing anyway and took the trash out too. I hope you rested well. Send me a message when you can." The note ended with a small heart and smiley face drawn at the bottom, a simple yet deeply personal touch.

As she read Rick's words, a warm, tingling sensation spread through her chest. "Oh Rick, you sweet, sweet man," she whispered, clutching the note to her heart. She couldn't help but smile, feeling a shiver of joy mixed with a touch of vulnerability as memories of their intimacy replayed in her mind, vivid and electrifying.

Her eyes drifted to the sofa, where a faint reminder of their passion was still visible on the fabric. Determined to clean it, she fetched some lemon and seltzer water, recalling their playful exchange. But as she dabbed at the stain, frustration mounted when it only seemed to spread. "No! Ugh... I made it worse!" she groaned, a bead of sweat forming on her brow from the exertion.

Catching a glimpse of herself in the hallway mirror, Ako froze. Her reflection, flushed and slightly disheveled, gazed back at her. For a moment, she hesitated, but then she whispered to herself, "I'm... b-beautiful," the words feeling foreign on her tongue, yet somehow more believable after Rick's reassurances. The admission brought a new warmth to her cheeks, a tender acknowledgment of the woman she was becoming with his encouragement.

Seeking solace, she decided to draw a warm bath. As she slipped into the soothing water, a soft "Ahh" escaped her lips, the heat easing both her physical and emotional tension. She took her time, letting the warmth seep into her bones, and as she began to cleanse and groom herself, the ache between her thighs was a gentle reminder of the night they shared.

Perched on the edge of her bed afterward, a fresh towel wrapped around her, Ako carefully dried her hair, lost in thought. Memories of Rick's gentle humor, his kindness, and his unwavering respect for her boundaries replayed in her mind, each one deepening her affection for him.

Finally, she reached for her phone, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nerves. As she opened a new message to Rick, a mischievous grin tugged at her lips.

"Hi Rick, come get your dick wet!" she typed, her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter at the absurdity of it. It was so unlike her—so bold, so uninhibited. The very idea of sending such a forward text to Rick was both thrilling and terrifying, making her feel alive in a way she hadn't in years.