Kiss & Tell ( Asa and Chiquita)

Chapter 10: Falling Into Place

Chiquita's POV

The days that follow are a blur of emotions. Every time I think I've figured out where Asa and I stand, something new happens that shakes me — in a good way, in a way I never expected. For the first time, I feel like I'm on the edge of something that's not just about passion, not just about a spark of attraction. This... this feels like something deeper. Something I've been chasing for years, but never thought I'd find.

Asa's walls are still there, but they're different now. I've seen the cracks. I've felt them. And every time I see her vulnerable, every time she lets herself be with me, I see more of the woman beneath the suit, the one who's been trying to protect herself from the world, from everything she's afraid of.

And I think I'm starting to understand that fear. I think I'm starting to understand her.

The moment I knew we were both in this for real — the moment I realized this wasn't just some passing fling or a bit of fun — was when we sat together, just the two of us, in my apartment after a long night of talking. Talking about everything and nothing. About family, about work, about the future. About the things that scared us.

She told me more in those quiet hours than I'd ever heard her say before. And I couldn't stop smiling, couldn't stop feeling like I was seeing the real Asa — the one who had never let anyone in, not like this.

But I can't help the nagging feeling that I'm pushing her too far, too fast.

I know I'm starting to fall for her. And she's not there yet. She's still holding on to something — something I can't quite reach. It's as if I've taken a step, but she's standing still, waiting for me to come back.

I can't wait for her forever. But I don't know if I can walk away, either.

Asa's POV

The more time I spend with Chiquita, the harder it gets to pretend that I'm in control. Every moment with her chips away at the wall I've spent my life building, the one I thought would protect me. But now? Now I'm not so sure.

I've been trying to focus on my work, to drown out the thoughts that keep circling in my head, but it's impossible. Chiquita is everywhere. In the way she smiles, in the way she touches my arm when we're out together, in the way she looks at me like I'm something worth knowing. I never thought I would be the type of person to get lost in someone. But here I am, completely caught up.

Every time I see her, I feel a mix of desire and fear. It's like standing on the edge of a cliff, knowing that if I take a step forward, I might fall — but also knowing that falling might be the only way to finally feel alive.

She's right, though. She's right about everything. I've spent so long convincing myself that I could live without letting anyone in. That I could be this perfect, untouchable person, always in control. But the truth is, I'm scared. I'm scared of letting go. I'm scared of what will happen if I do.

But I can't stop thinking about her.

And that's the problem. The more I try to keep my distance, the more I realize that I don't want to.

We've been tiptoeing around it for weeks now. The tension between us is electric, thick, and I can't ignore it any longer. We've shared moments of laughter, of tenderness, of connection. But there's something still unsaid between us — something I'm afraid to face.

I think I'm falling for her. And I'm not sure if that's the worst thing that's ever happened to me or the best.

Chiquita's POV

It's Saturday evening, and I'm pacing around my apartment, trying to decide if I should reach out to Asa. We've spent the last few days apart, mostly because I know she's been busy with work, but also because I need some space to think.

I know what I want. I know that I want her. But I don't know if she feels the same way. And I'm not the type to chase. I've always been the one to pull back when things get too real. But with Asa? I can't help it. I want to be with her.

I pick up my phone, staring at her name in my contacts.

I could send a message. I could reach out, ask her how she's doing, let her know I'm thinking of her. But then what? What if she pulls away again? What if she's not ready?

I sigh and place my phone down, frustration bubbling up inside me. This whole thing is so complicated. It wasn't supposed to be like this. We were supposed to have fun, enjoy each other's company, and then move on when it got too heavy.

But now... I'm not sure I can walk away.

I glance at the clock. It's late, and I don't want to be impulsive, but there's a part of me that doesn't care anymore. I'm tired of waiting. I'm tired of wondering.

I grab my phone again and send a quick text: I'm thinking about you. Are you free?

I press send before I can second-guess myself.

Asa's POV

The message pops up on my phone just as I'm about to turn off the lights and call it a night. It's from Chiquita.

I'm thinking about you. Are you free?

I freeze.

She's thinking about me. And suddenly, everything feels too real. I want to reply, want to tell her I'm free, but I can't seem to move my fingers. The truth is, I've been waiting for this moment — the moment she reaches out to me, the moment she acknowledges what's between us.

But now that it's here, I don't know what to say. I don't know what I'm ready for.

I take a deep breath and type back, my thumb hovering over the screen. I'm always free for you.

The words are out before I can stop them, and I immediately feel the weight of them. I can't take them back now.

Chiquita replies almost instantly: Good. Then I'll be there in 30 minutes.

I stare at the screen, my heart pounding in my chest. It's happening. It's really happening.

I'm not sure what we're doing, or where this is going, but for the first time, I don't need to have all the answers.

Maybe we're falling, both of us, at the same time, in different ways. But maybe that's how it's supposed to be. Maybe the falling is the point.

I stand up and head for the door, ready for whatever comes next.