Worth the Wait?

The Detour

Bonus chapter from my Episode story, "Nothing Can Separate". This corresponds to scenes in episodes 11 and 12. This chapter contains mature and explicit content. 18+ readers only!

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I glance over at the man to my left, gently caressing my hand while he holds it in his own as he drives us home. "This is my man," I say to myself as I look at him lovingly.

If you had asked me a few months ago if I thought I'd find myself sitting here in this car with him, I'd have probably laughed in your face; and yet, right now there's no where else I'd rather be. I've been used to getting what I want, when I want and everything in between, so to those who know me, a night out for dinner is nothing to write home about. Who would've thought that a dinner to celebrate me finally getting my license would be the highlight of my week. Yet this night means the world to me because of what it represents; accomplishing goals, achieving independence and finally believing in myself. And it's all thanks to him; the unexpected, but undeniable love of my life.

Stefan catches me staring at him and gives me his signature, heart-melting smile. "I'm so proud of you, mon coeur," he says with a smile.

"Are you now?" I ask cheekily.

"Of course I am," he replies.

"Then why didn't you let me drive home?" I retort back with a small pout.

He gives a hearty chuckle. "I have my reasons," he responds with a wink and slight squeeze of my hand.

We sit in a comfortable silence for a few moments. This is one of the things I love about him; his ability to make me feel comfortable in any situation. Just being in his presence is enough for me.

"Mel, do you have anywhere to be tonight?" Stefan asks as he looks over at me again.

"Where would I have to go at this hour?" I say with a small shrug.

"Do you need to go home?"

I scoff at him before replying, "You know that no one at home cares where I am or what I'm doing."

"Perfect. Well...not perfect," he hesitates. "That actually sounds sad...but...what I mean is..."

I look at him incredulously, not having seen this side of him since we first met. Actually, now that I think about it, he's seemed a bit off from his usual self all evening. "Stef, why are you so flustered?"

He sheepishly rubs his neck and his face starts to turn red. "I've got one more surprise for you; it requires a small detour."

I let out a small squeal of glee and he laughs. "Well, I love surprises, so detour away!"

"Yes, ma'am!" he chuckles.

"You did not just call me ma'am!" I say with a shudder. "Do I look like a 'ma'am' to you?"

"I don't know. I just know you look beautiful," he replies with a smile.

"Damn you, Stefan, and your smooth lines that still continue to get me weak in the knees," I think to myself. I decide this is the perfect moment to use a line his mother taught me last week, so I say to him, "La flatterie ne fonctionne pas sur moi! (Flattery will not work on me!)".

Stefan looks at me utterly shocked and proud at the same time and then he lets out a hearty laugh. "Hey! Where did you learn that?" he asks.

I look at him with a smug smile before saying, "Your mother figured it'd be a useful phrase for me to know."

I laugh as he covers his face with his hand in an over-exaggerated exasperated gesture. "I love that you guys get along, but remind me to keep you two apart," he says while laughing.