Perspective

50- Flame

"Are you absolutely sure you want to work out with me?" Asher asks, opening the door to his home-gym.

"Yup," I say, tightening my ponytail.

We go inside and Asher closes the door behind him. He pulls out his baby monitor and places it near the weights.

"Don't hurt yourself," Asher says, connecting his phone to his headphones.

"I won't. Don't worry, baby. I got this," I assure him, picking up a dumbbell.

That's a huge lie. I just wanted to tag along and watch Asher work out.

"Yeah, I can see that," Asher says with a smile as I pick up another dumbbell.

Shit. Why are these so heavy?

Asher starts streching while watching me lift weights.

"Someone's stalking," I joke.

Asher cracks a grin. "I'm just waiting for you to drop the dumbbell on your foot."

"I'm very coordinated, baby."

"Right."

My arms start to get tired so I switch over to the treadmill, positioning myself so that I still can see my beautiful boyfriend.

"You're not even doing anything," Asher says, standing and picking up dumbbells.

"Yeah I am," I defend myself, putting in my headphones.

"The treadmill's not even on."

I look down and see that he's right. I switch it on and set it to the lowest setting.

Asher shakes his head with a smile and continues to do squats or something.

About two songs later, I get tired of the treadmill and sit down on the bouncy ball. I park my myself right behind my boyfriend.

"Ash," I say, taking out my headphones. "Babe?"

He's too absorbed in his music and workout to hear me.

Say it. Tell him that you love him.

He has a traumatizing experience with love. I can't just tell him!

Just say it now. He can't hear you.

"I love you," I say.

Asher doesn't hear me. Thank god, but I also wanted him to know.

The baby monitor starts beeping very loudly, making Asher take off his headphones.

"I'll be right back, baby," Asher says, kissing the top of my head.

"Okay."

He leaves the room, flashing me a smile. He returns a few minutes later with a tired Harper in his arms.

"Mommy?" Harper asks, lifting his head up from Asher's shoulder.

"Hey, buddy," I greet him, standing up.

"Mommy!" His face lights up and he reaches for me.

I take him and balance him on my hip..

"I'll finish my set and then we can go for breakfast," Asher says, gently kissing my lips.

Instead of the usual sparks that happen whenever we kiss, a flame occurred this time.

Was that because I said the three words? But does it even matter if he didn't hear me?

•••

Happy New Year!

Thanks for reading :)

~M