My Saving Grace

Chapter 17

My eyes were swollen when I woke up the next morning in Antonio's ridiculously large bed.

Alone. Just like I'd expected.

Last night was difficult, to say the least. Through the dark, lonely hours, I'd thought about Antonio and Veronica as sobs wracked my body, but in the end, I'd come to a decision that would be healthy for both of us.

Veronica wasn't just any woman. She'd been the best friend he lost over the years...and at one point in time, his fiancé, for Christ's sake. For all I knew, he could still be in love with her.

That's why there was no place in his life for me.

The raw pain of the truth hurt like hell, but I had to fully grasp it. Even my father had said that no one deserved to feel like second best.

At this point, I didn't even care how Antonio and Veronica had parted ways. I just wanted to talk to him about us.

Dragging my feet out of bed, I sauntered towards the bathroom, jumping in for a quick shower before changing back into yesterday's clothes. I skipped the bra and panties because I had no idea where Antonio had thrown them, and they were wet from swimming anyway.

After brushing my teeth with a spare toothbrush Antonio had left by the sink, I went in search of him as the mouthwatering smell of bacon filled my nostrils. In the kitchen, I found him expertly flipping pancakes at the stove, wearing only a pair of sweatpants that hung low on his hips, and my heart clenched at the sight.

How on earth was I supposed to walk away from this man?

I glanced towards the living room, where a wrinkled blanket lay on the leather couch, and I felt a pang of hurt in my heart. Antonio had slept there last night instead of with me...

"You're awake," he spoke, turning his head around to give me a smile. "And dressed already."

"What, did you expect me to come out here naked?", I deadpanned.

"That's what I was hoping." He winked.

I pulled out a stool at the island counter and sat down, watching as Antonio purposefully made his way around the kitchen. Ten minutes later, he slid a plate containing cheesy scrambled eggs, bacon, and chocolate chip pancakes in front of me. Once again, his culinary skills managed to blow me away.

"I hope you're hungry," he said, taking a seat next to me.

I managed a weak smile, bringing a slice of bacon up to my lips. Although the food looked and tasted amazing, I merely picked at it, my appetite lost from the turn of events. Meanwhile, Antonio was eating heartily, and I waited for him to bring up last night, but he remained silent, occasionally giving me a smile.

Growing frustrated, I set my fork down with a clang and turned in my seat to face him.

"What are we doing, Antonio?", I asked.

"Um, eating?", he said through a mouthful of pancakes.

I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

"You know that's not what I'm asking."

He swallowed, gazing at me warily.

"Are we friends? Fuck buddies?", I pressed. He flinched.

"What do you want from me, Sophia?"

"I want you. All of you. Not just bits and pieces. You won't fully talk to me about your family, why you and your brother don't keep in touch."

"My family is none of your concern," he stated coolly.