before he cheats | a.cole

thirty three

I catch Alexa and Nikki up on what has happened. I try not to cry but it doesn't work.

Nikki says, "He's trying to say that no one will let it get to the point of where she hurts you. He knows her well enough to know what she's going to do before she does it."

"He may know but Roderick may not," I say. "You guys may not."

Alexa says, "If Adam can't stop it then Roderick can. We can. Bobby or Kyle or Marina can. He'll tell us."

I say, "He may not-"

"Angelina," Nikki says. "That man will protect you with everything he's got. He knows Britt well enough to know if she's got a plan to hurt you. He's saying that when he sees that look or signal that she's going to do something to you, he's going to stop it."

Nikki's right. Adam does know Britt enough to know if she's planning something.

I look down at my thumbs and I say, "You're right. Now I just feel stupid for not getting that."

Alexa says, "Go tell him that you get it now. We'll wait and eat while you tell him."

I sigh and nod, getting up. I trek up the stairs and to the bathroom he's in. I open the door and peek my head in. I slide into the bathroom. The small room is hot and full of steam.

I begin to undress. Once I'm naked, I get into the shower with Adam. I let out a soft sigh. I stand behind him. I take a small step toward him and slowly wrap my arms around his waist.

Adam looks down at my arms and I press my body to his back. I close my eyes and say, "I'm sorry." He doesn't say anything. "I do believe you when you say you'll make sure nothing happens to me and I get how you'll make sure that nothing happens to me."

I feel Adam sigh in my arms and he turns around. I open my eyes and look at him. He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear, his hand resting on my cheek when he's done, and he says, "She always has a look on her face when she's planning something and I know what that looks like."

"I know," I say, leaning into his touch. "I never thought of that. I know that you know more about her than anyone."

Adam looks down at me and says, "I promise you that if she even looks at you the wrong way, I'll interfere or I'll get Roderick to interfere. I won't ever break that promise."

I nod and stare up at him. "I know you won't," I say, sliding my hands up his chest slowly. "I'm just scared."

Adam says, "I know you are. I wish I could ease your fears but I don't know how. Just know that I'm going to be right here for you, no matter what happens during that match."

He looks down at me and meets my eyes. I don't break eye contact.

Adam leans down and his lips brush against mine. I lean my head up and wait for him to kiss me.

He moves his other hand to my other cheek so he's cupping my face lightly. My hands rest on his chest.

Adam's thumbs gently brush over my cheekbones and I look up at him. He makes eye contact with me again.

I move to my tiptoes to give myself some extra height and to maybe get a kiss.

Adam's lips brush against mine as he whispers, "I won't let anything happen to you." He pauses and gives a shaky sigh before he finishes his sentence. "Because I love you."

I stare up at him. "Adam," I say.

He says, "I just thought you should know, even if you don't feel the same way."

I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck.

I think I love him back. I think I have for a while and just never realized it. Ever since day one, I've only seen myself being with him. He had a girlfriend at the time but he was the guy I saw myself getting married to and starting a family with. I don't go a day without thinking of him or talking to him. I love every second I'm around him, whether that's just cuddling or when we're out with friends or having sex. I love every single moment we're together.