LENNOX ▸ RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK

TWENTY-EIGHT • THE FIVE YEAR PLAN

"Babe... Babe... Lenny..."

Lennox ignored him as she exited the car, unlocked the door to their house and stomped in. She made her way through the foyer in a huff, tossing her winter coat onto the coat rack as she passed. Her shoes were lazily slipped off on her way to their bedroom.

"I did something, right? I did something bad? I should know what it is," he tried guessing as he caught up to her. She threw a glare his way, lips sealed as she started undressing right in front of him. Her sweater went first as she finally began to talk.

"I can't believe you told my dad about our plan!" she growled.

"He asked!" Ruben defended, sat on the bed in front of her as she aggressively and hurriedly undressed in front of him.

The plan they were discussing was a five year plan they'd come up with since moving in together. They'd decided that in five years time, they would both focus on their respected professions, get married and maybe have a kid. Ruben had accidentally let spill the marriage part to Lennox's dad when he asked. And Lennox was mad.

"I can't believe you told him!" she squealed, roughly pulling at the button on her jeans and coming up unsuccessful. Ruben pulled her closer as he took matters into his own hands and undid her pants as she continued to yell at him. "I can't believe you told my dad you wanted to marry me and didn't ask for his permission or even what he thought about it!"

Ruben pulled Lennox's jeans down her thighs before pressing a soft and sensual kiss to her exposed belly. Instantaneously, her eyes rolled to the back of her head as her fingers came up to tousle Ruben's hair. "Ru—Ruben." She hoped her voice would come out authoritative but knew that was probably not the case.

His fingers dug into her side as he pulled her to the bed behind them, rolling on top of her. "Lenny..." She stopped writhing under him when he used his free hand to cup her cheek.

Her eyes met his and she was immediately under his control. She listened silently as he continued.

"My love, I'm sorry I didn't ask for your dad's permission. I should have asked him what he thought..." She went to thank him when he placed his hand over her mouth, continuing. "But... it wouldn't have mattered either way." She furrowed her brows at him. "Don't look at me like that."

She pried her mouth free from Ruben's hand. "And why wouldn't it have mattered?"

"Because I am madly in love with you and nothing anyone says will ever stop me from asking you to marry me."

Lenny's heart melted at that. She pulled Ruben down, pressing her lips against his in an emotional kiss. "That may be the sweetest thing you've ever said to me, Ruben Loftus-Cheek."

"Well, I meant every word, Lennox Loftus-Cheek."

She gasped then, cupping her hand over his mouth. "Don't say stuff like that; it's bad luck and I'm superstitious!" She squealed.

Ruben rolled his eyes, backing off of the topic. "Fine, fine. But you better get used to it because it's happening soon."

"What?"

"The proposal."

"Why are you telling me this? The bride's not supposed to know. It's unconventional."

Ruben tilted his head to the side. "Baby, we're unconventional."

He had a point.

"You're right."

"I know," he grinned at her.

She rolled her eyes. "Don't get used to hearing that. It'll be a miracle if I say it again."

"Ah, there she is. My wife and her classic jokes."

She swatted him in the stomach. "Ruben!"

"What?"

"Superstitious! Remember?"

Though he'd already forgotten again, getting rather distracted by the infectious smile decorated on his girlfriend's face. "You're so pretty."

"Shut up," she blushed, pushing him away. She sat up in bed, back against the headboard as he sat in front of her.

"I love you," he tried again with the same amount of adoration he'd spoken with before. "I can't wait to marry you."

Lenny rolled her eyes, grasping a fistful if his sweatshirt and pulling him to her. "You're such a dork, Ruben Loftus-Cheek," she truthfully told him, placing her lips on top of his.

"You're the best part of my life, Lennox Loftus-Cheek."

And this time, she didn't argue with him about superstition.