Been You

Chapter 21: Say You'll Go With Me

ELYSANDRA'S POV:

I lean forward in the tub, inviting Justin to join me. After spending the whole day apart, I just want to have him close. I don't want to be too clingy, but I can't help myself. Every time I get him close to me, it still never feels close enough. He strips himself of his clothes, sliding into the tub behind me. The water is warm and pink from the bath bomb Justin bought me. The room is heady with the scent of roses, my favorite. I close my eyes, inhale, and lean back, resting myself on Justin's chest. He begins massaging my shoulders, making me moan in comfort. I hadn't realized the toll carrying my heavy Econ textbook around all day had taken on my back, but being massaged in hot perfumed water makes the tension melt away.

"You're so sexy when you moan," Justin whispers, making a shiver run down my spine, even as I'm sitting in scalding water. His hands continue to travel south, massaging as they go. Once his hands reach my waist, my squishier area, a pang of discomfort hits me, making me jerk away from him. My mind flashes with images: Selena's perfectly toned body, the oatmeal I scarfed down this morning, the sugary coffees I downed at Starbucks, the jiggle my thighs make when I move. I rush out of the water, quickly covering myself with a towel. It's still not enough, but it's all I can manage for now. Justin looks up at me worriedly. "Did I do something wrong, babe?" He questions, concerned. I blush, too embarrassed to draw more attention to myself.

"No, J, it's not you. I'm just too hot, that's all," I lie, brushing my disheveled curls out of my face. He looks at me still unconvinced, still worried. I continue talking in efforts to distract him from what I just did. "Come on, babe, I wanna cuddle," I whimper, pouting, hoping to guilt him into dropping it. I can see in his face that he's internally debating it, but thankfully, he gives in. He drains the water, exiting the tub. His glistening body is perfect from hours on the ice. It takes everything in me not to drool. He kisses me, then leads me out of the bathroom, placing a hand on my ass. I wince to myself, but thankfully he misses it. He's grinning widely. What is up with him?

Back in my bedroom, I go to my closet to grab clothes, but when I open the doors, all my clothes are blocked by a big mass of glittery, silvery fabric. It's a ball gown. My eyes go wide at the extravagance. I whip myself around to see Justin grinning wider than before, his shoulders shrugging as if to ask me what I think. "My heavens, it's beautiful," I let out in a breathy whisper, all that I can manage. I brush my hand down the luxurious fabric. This must have cost a fortune. Is this what he spent all day doing? A sudden pang of guilt hits me. I accused him of cheating, when he was really arranging this. I start to cry. He looks at me worriedly, but before he can feel bad, I say, "It's perfect. You're perfect. It's all perfect, Justin. I just love you so much. I'm so sorry for accusing you earlier; I don't deserve any of this. Why did you even do this for me?" I'm full on sobbing now. He comes over quickly, pulling my naked body close to his in a warm embrace.

"Hey, hey," he soothes, rubbing my damp hair. "I love you, too, baby. You do deserve this. You make me the happiest guy in the world. All I'm trying to do is make you happy in return. I love you," he affirms. He reaches for a card attached to the garment bag behind the dress, handing it to me. It's so official looking. I open and read it, the invitation to the homecoming ball. My heart soars. At first I assume it's a general invitation all of the hockey players receive, but upon closer inspection, I realize it is specifically addressed to me. I pull Justin in to hug me again.

"Oh, I love you so much," I speak into his chest. "This is the best night ever. There's no topping this, babe," I say, softly tracing a heart on his skin with my finger.

"Oh, you haven't seen anything yet, baby girl," he says, smiling widely again. I smile up at him. "Get dressed," he urges.