Irish Whiskey - An Ex-Lovers to Lovers Standalone

6

I m o g e n

[18y/o, 2010, Burlington International Airport]

I stepped out of the plane, and a rush of familiar excitement surged through my veins. I had spent my entire summer in Manhattan, for a summer athlete's training program, courtesy of my resourceful coach. I trained every waking moment, with rivals and friends alike.

At first, I was overwhelmed to find some many local and international players gathered in one place. All were carefully selected, and all were extremely skilled. Some of them were prodigies who made world records when they were tweens. I was terrified.

But as the days passed, I eased in with them. It was a training program but even here the competition was cutthroat. One slip, and you were out. But I made it, to the end, and I couldn't be happier about it. I was immensely grateful to my coach who had recommended me for this program. It also gave me an excuse to get away from home, although I was worried about my sisters.

So, I was happy to be back. Due to some technical issue, the coach's and I's tickets were booked on two different days, so she's already home today, waiting for me to get back so she can start training me again. She's a stamina demon!

I was itching to get back home. I missed my sisters. I also missed another person, my boyfriend of three months, Ernesto Zelipe. I never thought I'd have time to date anyone with my hectic training schedule.

The time I was not studying, sleeping or in college, I was in the Gym, training my ass off. But he crashed into my life like a wrecking ball and stuck on to me like a leech. And now I'm too fond of him to let go.

I walked out of the airport and scanned the area for my taxi when my eyes landed on—

"Ernesto?"

— holding a bouquet of tulips, my favourite flower.

Joy flooded my veins as I dropped my luggage and rushed into his arms. Ernesto effortlessly picked me up and spun me around, making me feel dizzy.

"Did you lose weight again?" he asked with a slight frown as he put me down. "What are you doing here?" I asked at the same time with giddy laughter.

"I missed you too much." He said as pulled me by the waist and kissed my cheek. I giggled as his stubble tickled me. His words melted my heart and his arms felt like pure bliss, after being apart for so long. I was finally home. His familiar embrace chased away any lingering fatigue I was feeling.

"Always so sweet," I say as we part from the hug. He walks ahead of me and picks up my luggage.

"I'm serious, if you had stayed any longer, I would have flown to Manhattan myself just to be with you."

I blushed at his words.

"You always know what to say don't you, you playboy?" I touch my cheek with the back of my hand to make sure it's not too hot. Suddenly the fall breeze did nothing to cool the heat I was feeling. I was overwhelmed by the affection he held for me.

"But you're my first girlfriend." Ernesto looked stupefied, which made me laugh. How can such a bear-like man be so adorable?

Because bears are adorable creatures.

'It makes sense.'

"Pardon?"

"Did I say that out loud?" I asked mortified. Ernesto gave a slow nod and I covered my eyes and