See you again ✓

• 26 • Would you rather hear or feel me •

Jamie's point of view

Time passed and the two hundred kilometers between me and Collin drew us even closer, paradoxically. Our relationship thrived through video calls, voice chats and texts. Sometimes I'd stay for weeks in Chaston and some other times, he came to Green Hill. I enjoyed this routine. Somehow it deepened our connection in ways I hadn't expected.

"You guys are really one of a kind," Anna said as she sat next to me, handing me a glass of juice.

"Why do you say that?" I asked, curious.

"While everyone is busy to get close to their loved ones, you two are making long-distance relationship. Who does that these days?" She took a sip of her juice.

"Collin and I do," I replied with a smirk. "It suits our pace. We're not complaining - well maybe a little bit sometimes, but that's the life we chose."

"Why don't you just move in Chaston?"

I had thought about it, but moving felt like a decision I shouldn't rush into even though I wanted to.

"I don't know. It feels a bit too soon."

"You love him, right?"

"Love alone isn't enough, Anna. There are many factors involved and you know that better than anyone."

"You're an independent artist. You love Chaston just as much as you love him. You've never lived anywhere else. Spread your wings and let the wind guides you. I'm sure you won't regret it."

"I'll think about it," I said, shifting the conversation.

After a while, I joined Collin in Chaston for a few days. It felt nice to reconnect with him, physically speaking. When the weather was nice, we would escape the city or spend afternoons reading and teasing each other, eventually cuddling up together. We'd spend evenings with friends or at home within the quiet nights only the two of us.

One day, on a spring afternoon I read pages aloud to Collin. It was Ernest Hemingway's. He was the first writer to ever show me the art of words and the magic of language. He could take me to a world different from mine, a world closer to my imagination that I could shape on my own. Collin and I were laying and facing each other on the couch, and teasing each other while reading books as the sunbeam streamed through the windows, lighting up the pages of the books we were lost in.

"You still owe me some reasons, sir," I declared suddenly, as I kept on reading.

"Reasons? What for?" Collin feigned ignorance.

"You tell me," I replied playfully, giving him a light kick.

"That's not the best way to jog my memory."

"That wasn't my goal."

"Are you really sure you want to hear it?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" I confusingly chuckled.

"Would you rather hear it or feel it?"

"Don't try to dodge the quest..."

Before I could finish, Collin suddenly threw his book away and jumped toward me to fill me with a demanding kiss. My cheeks flushed, our breaths intertwined and our kiss deepened until we pulled out for air.

"So, do you still think I'm trying to dodge your question?" he then stated with an almost whispering voice.

"You're cheating..." I brushed my cheek against his.

"No, I'm not. I just gave you your answer."

"I don't get it,"

"The reason why I love you Jamie. It's because you let me love you back."

I stared at him, at the deep blue of his eyes, like diving into an abyss where I didn't fear getting lost as I knew he'd pull me out if that day ever come. Victor Hugo was right. Eyes really were powerful. They never lied and each day we had that undeniable proof. It was a deep connection between our souls that could defied explanation. I felt my gaze drifting to his lips and my heart racing against his chest. I was about to give in, but he did it first, gently applying his lips to mine again. Softly, then eagerly. He got rid of the book I was reading and both of us laid down comfortably on the couch.

I clung on him as he unbuttoned my cardigan, exposing my chest to the sunbeam, to him. I felt his lips in my earlobe, then on my neck, then on my chest - warm and moist, before coming back to my lips again one more time.

"Collin?" I managed to state amidst this whirlwind of emotion.

"Jamie?" he whispered, unwilling to let go of my lips nor my body.

"I...I want to..."

"Tell me, sweetie..." his hands rushing down my pants.

His touches weren't really helping me though. Should I say it now or save it for later?

My God, I can't even think properly...

"I want to move here," I finally blurted out.

His pace slowed down and he slowly looked at me.

And the Awards for The Ruiner Of The Year goes to me! Congrats smartass! You just went from sweetie to sh**ty! Awesome! Applause!

"You mean...here in Chaston or here at my..."

"Here in Chaston and at your place..." I replied, hesitantly as I was afraid to make a blunder.

Collin stated no words and the more silent he was, the more anxious I became.

"You think it's stupid and too soon for a relationship that's only lasted a year, right?" I gave up that idea.

"No. Not at all," he replied, tucking my hair behind my ears. "It's not stupid or hasty. Quite the opposite, it's very noble,"

"Then say something," I whispered, resting my forehead against his.

He just kissed me before asking "What about your house?"

"I'll rent it out."

"Your car?" he pressed before another kiss.

"I'll bring it here."

"Your anemones?" he asked, a smile lighting up his face as he kissed me again, which finally was a total relief.

"They've bloomed and they'll keep blooming. I have faith," I replied, my smile growing. "No more questions?"

"No more questions," he smiled, pulling me closer for a more passionate kiss.

I responded eagerly as he caressed my hips and thighs before putting a heated kiss on my neck and belly. No words were needed. Just these simple touches, enough to conclude Collin's approval through this connecting spark between us and bringing us together as one.