Not over you

Chapter 17

Aria's POV

I wake up to someone laughing and feel arms around my waist. At first, I panic but then I remember about yesterday and smile. It was perfect and Ezra remembering about the talk we had so many years ago was the cutest thing ever and the way he planned everything... just perfect. I couldn't have asked for more.

I turn around slowly so I won't wake him up, and I am facing him. I love how he laughs in his sleep... it's the cutest thing and I must say I missed it... a lot. I missed his laugh, waking up to him every day, feeling his scent, his blue eyes, his arms around my waist. His arms are my safe and happy place, and I haven't felt this happy and safe for years. I feel like this is where I am supposed to be... this... his arms, is where I belong.

I caress his cheek and for a few seconds wonder about kissing him but I decide against it. Not that either of us would mind, especially after our make out session yesterday, but I really want to take things slow... I want this too much to rush and ruin it.

I'd forgotten how easy it is to be around him, to talk with him or just to be in silence, enjoying each other's company, without it being awkward. I've never felt so comfortable around anyone. I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but he was always by my side and never judged me. He helped me through the hardest times of my youth and for that, I'll never be able to thank him enough. He was always there for me, whether it was 5pm or 3am, I always knew I could count on him.

Looking back, I realize how he saved my life. Without him and his love, I would have never overcome all of that. But he was there. He was always there... to comfort me, to wipe my tears, to hug me, to hear me cry and to assure me that everything would be ok and that there was no reason to worry because no matter what happened he would always be there for me... that no matter what happened he would love me and help me... that no matter how many times I fell he would always be there to help me get up, stronger. It might sound stupid, and maybe it is, but those afternoons we spend in his apartment watching old movies, cuddling on the couch, were one of the best times of my life. Back then, I felt loved and safe, just like how I feel every time I'm with him and that's how I want to live. I want to be with him every day, which is why we have to take this slow.

"Good morning beautiful" he says, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"It certainly is" I say, smiling. "Are you hungry? I could make us something to eat..?"

"I am, but... can I cook us breakfast?"

"And since when do you cook?" I ask giggling

"I haven't been eating take out for the last 4 years..."

"I wouldn't be surprised." I tell him, playfully.

"Very funny!" he says, sarcastically, "I took classes, and you'd be impressed... Ok, maybe not impressed, but a little surprised."

"As long as you promise not to burn my kitchen I don't see why not."

"Well, I can't promise you that, but I can promise that I'll do my best."

"Ok. Do you want to eat outside? I could set the table in the balcony."

"Whatever you want is fine by me."

"Ok, so balcony it is."

With that, we go downstairs and after setting the table Ezra asks me to leave the kitchen, as he wants to surprise me. Seeing as I can't be I the kitchen, I decide to go to the balcony and FaceTime Mara. We usually talk every day but yesterday I couldn't call her and I bet she's dying to know about the date and the girls. I sit down on the swing chair, hugging my legs. I dial her number and she quickly picks up.