Love is in the Air

Bookstore Love Part 3

Santiago's POV

I can't believe we've been dating a month. It feels surreal. I didn't ever think I would find someone to love; someone who understands me. The feelings I have toward him scare me because of their intensity. He's been patient with me even during my moments of doubt. I know he will not do anything to hurt me. I'm trying to get over the fear that I have toward people in general.

It's the first time I've invited him over to my house for dinner. Everything is prepared. I hope he likes it. I check that everything is as it needs to be as I turn to look at the clock again. He should be here any minute. I walk around one more time checking it all again. I'm exiting the room when there's a knock on the door. I freeze for a second before I'm opening the door. I smile when I see him.

He is dressed in dark color jeans with a blue dress shirt while I'm wearing dark color jeans with a red dress shirt. He has a book in his hand.

"You look handsome." He says before giving me a kiss.

"Thanks." I reply. "You know you don't have to bring a book every time."

"But it's how we met and how I got you to talk to me."

I smile. "You wouldn't have had to."

"Yes, I would have. You were so focused on your book. You wouldn't have even turned to look at me."

"I did glance at you."

"But that's all you did."

I smile, "You got my attention." I wrap my arms around his neck.

He returns the smile, his hands around me. He gives me a quick kiss.

"Let's have dinner." I say pulling him to the living room. I love being around him. It's so familiar and it feels like we've known each all of our lives.

"When am I meeting your sister?" He asks after I finish telling him about her persistence in trying to convince me to go with her to zipline.

"I don't know." I reply. "She's going to ask so many questions."

"But I want to hear stories about your childhood."

"You don't need to know any of them."

"I bet you were adorable." He says grinning. "Especially with the dimples."

I feel heat rise in my cheeks and I can't help the smile that forms.

"And the blush." He says before pecking my lips. "I'm surprised then that she hasn't forced a meeting."

"Because she doesn't know you're here, or she would be here." I state.

He smiles, "So if she knew where I lived she would have come to meet me."

"Maybe."

"So what is it going to take for me to meet her?" He leans closer. "I do want to hear--his lips are on mine--about your childhood."

My eyes close, my mind a muddle. I swallow trying to clear my brain. "I--"

He presses his lips to mine, his hand on the back of my neck bringing me closer to him. I pull him closer to me. I love his kisses. He pulls me to seat on his lap. I feel heat rise again at the position. He pulls away.

"You're beautiful."

The heat rises.

"I love the blush on your skin."

His words have my heart racing. Love. I've never felt like this before.

"Those dimples when you smile. The glow after a kiss. Your personality. Your shyness. I love you."

My eyes go wide. My heart skips a beat at his last three words.

"You don't have to say them and I know it might be soon, but I want you to know that I do." He says resting his forehead against mine. His lips a breath away.

I close the distance. He understands. I love him too. I want to tell him. I try to tell him through the kiss. I gasp for air. I don't move away. My eyes are close listening to our breaths. Can I say it? Will I be able to? "Leo." I whisper. "I--"

"I know." He whispers.

I can do this. I tell myself as I feel fear coursing through me. I deserve happiness. I know he loves me. "Leo, I love you too." I whisper opening my eyes.

He's grinning before he kisses my nose, my eyes, my cheeks, and my lips stopping my giggles. "You don't know how happy it makes me."

"I think I do." I say hugging him and placing my head on the crook of his neck. I feel him shiver as I place a kiss there. He wraps his arms tighter against me. "Can we stay like this?"

He nods. "I love you."

My stomach feels with butterflies.

"I'm not letting you go ever."

I smile remembering the line. "I'll be going wherever I want." I reply.

He starts chuckling.

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