From the outset

Seventeen

Scarlett's POV:

Night fell, and Ryan still wasn't back from Victoria's place. Did he decide to spend the night with her? Or was something holding him up? I tried calling him, but his line wasn't reachable.

My worries grew, and I confided in Emily. "Don't worry, Scarlett," she reassured me. "Maybe something delayed him on the way home. He'll be back soon."

But I couldn't shake off the unease. I stepped outside, deciding to wait for Ryan. The minutes ticked by, feeling like an eternity. Just as I was about to give up, Ryan's car pulled into the driveway.

As he stumbled out, my concern turned to alarm. His steps were unsteady, and I rushed to help him, noticing he couldn't walk properly.

"Ryan! are you ok" I exclaimed, grasping his arm to steady him.

I smelled alcohol on Ryan, so I asked, "Have you been drinking?"

He nodded, saying it was just a little.

"Let's get you inside," I said, helping him into the house and to his room.

As we reached his bed, I helped him sit up on his bed as he rested his back to the wall with his eyes closed.

"You want some water?" I offered.

He nodded, with his eyes still shut.

"Ryan." I said with a soft voice filled with concern.

He opened his eyes then our eyes locked.

"What happened?" I asked wanting to know what was off.

Ryan at first hesitated before revealing, "Victoria's been cheating on me."

My heart went out to him.

His eyes drooped. "I feel so hurt Scarlett, she's been making a fool out of me all these while." He said with a shaky voice.

"It's ok Ryan I'm here for you." I said assuring him.

Then he dropped a bombshell:

"Why do I feel this way anytime I'm around you, there's this connection I feel whenever I'm this close to you Scarlett, Do you feel it too?" He said.

I was taken aback, unsure how to respond.

To buy time, I made to get the water. But he grasped my hand, his eyes pleading.

"Stay." He said, his voice barely above a whisper.

I looked into his eyes with concern then nodded slightly.

He's gaze held mine, filled with longing. He pulled me closer our hands still locked.

"Ryan, you need water," I reminded him.

He agreed with me, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Then, he took my hand, inviting me to join him in bed. We sat there staring into each other's eyes.

My fingers traced the lines on his palms and I felt him shiver.

"Thank you for being with me, Scarlett." He said his voice filled with gratitude.

I smiled. "Where else would I be?"

My heart swelled with joy, every beat filling me with happiness as I gazed into Ryan's loving eyes.

"Ryan." I whispered gazing into his eyes. "I feel the connection too." I confessed my voice trembling.

The spark in his eyes when I said those words encouraged me to continue.

"I've been trying to ignore it," I admitted, my voice a whisper. "But being around you it feels right."

He pulled me close as he whispered my name then his lips met mine in a tender kiss. Time seemed to stand still.

He broke the kiss, but I pulled him back, our lips meeting again with urgency.

As we parted, I admitted, "I've wanted to do that for a while."

Ryan chuckled. "You could have just done it." He said.

"I couldn't just walk up to you and kiss you," I replied.

Ryan nodded, smiling. "You're right."

Our laughter filled the room, a joyful sound.

Ryan slept peacefully in my arms, his soft snores a soothing melody. I cradled him close, feeling his heartbeat sync with mine.

I didn't  believe this moment would ever come but here it is. Happiness overflowed in my chest, making it hard to breathe. This was a dream come true.

Sleep eluded me, but I didn't care. I lay there, watching Ryan sleep, his face serene.

It felt beautiful knowing he felt safe in my arms. His trust was a gift, and I vowed to cherish it.

As I gazed at Ryan, I realized my feelings went beyond friendship. This connection ran deeper.

As I watched Ryan sleep, I couldn't help but think about our future.

My thoughts drifted to Victoria. What if she tries to reconcile with Ryan? Would he take her back? Or would she seek revenge, trying to drive us apart?

I pushed the worries aside. No sense borrowing trouble. Tomorrow would take care of itself. All that mattered was this moment.

I focused on Ryan's gentle breathing, His peaceful expression filled my heart with joy.

"I'm going to enjoy this," I whispered to myself.

Ryan stirred, his eyes fluttering open. Our gazes met, and he smiled.

"Hey," he whispered, his voice husky.

"Hey," I replied, my heart skipping a beat.

His hand found mine, intertwining our fingers.

"I didn't mean to fall asleep," he said.

"You needed it," I reassured.

We lay there, hands entwined, the silence between us comfortable.

Exhaustion wrapped around us, soft and soothing. Our eyelids drooped, and we drifted into sleep, entwined in each other's arms.

The world outside melted away, leaving only the rhythm of our heartbeats and the rise and fall of our chests.

In this tranquil haven, I found solace, my heart filled with a sense of belonging.

Ryan's gentle snores lulled me deeper, our bodies synchronized in a peaceful slumber.