Our first date was perfect. Well, as perfect as it could be. We did have that one small snag thanks to that ex-client of his but thankfully all is good in paradise again, and despite that small fight we had, Nate and I are doing better than ever. And now I'm in the middle of getting ready for my second date with Nate in a row. The only difference is this time I'm taking him on a date. I already have everything planned and am so excited to get our date started, but it will have to wait until later because Nate had something come up last minute.

I have no idea what he has to do that's so important, but I told him it was fine and decided to take my sweet time getting ready since I have so much time to kill. Too much if you ask me. I just want to be in his arms already. Sadly, I have to wait a few more hours before that can happen.

"You look bored," Mia observes as she walks into my room and takes a seat on my bed.

"I can't help it. I feel like this day is dragging," I admit with a huff.

"Let's go out while you wait for Nate," Mia suggests and I actually consider it, needing the distraction.

"What did you have in mind?"

"Who cares?! Let's just go out and be spontaneous for once!"

"But...," I start and she cuts me off.

"Come on! It's been forever since we've hung out," she exclaims and she's right. The last time we really hung out was at Nate's housewarming party and that was forever ago. It's about time we make up for all the lost time, and spend some one on one time together like the best friends we are.

"Okay! Let's do it!" I tell her and she bounces up and down in excitement. "Just let me finish getting ready so we can get the heck out of here."

"Perfect! I'll go and get ready too," Mia tells me before running out of my room. I laugh at her excitement and get together a casual outfit since I'm not planning on going anywhere fancy with Nate for our date. I dress quickly and put on my favorite pair of skinny jeans, a black V-neck and my combat boots. It's simple but it's perfect for a casual Sunday.

I walk into my ensuite and choose to use my garnet earrings as inspiration for my makeup, and go with red eyeshadow for my eyelids. I create a smoky effect with it that really makes my hazel eyes pop. I finish off my look with a nude lipstick, and when I'm satisfied with how I look, I take a selfie and send it to Nate so he knows exactly what he has to look forward to today. Seconds later, I receive a text from him.

Goddam, babe! You look gorgeous! I can't wait to kiss those delectable lips of yours. ;)

I'm looking forward to it. :P

You're tempting me. Don't make me come over there and kiss you right this second.

You can't do that.

Says who? I can come over there for a few minutes if I want.

Then what are you waiting for?

I text back and when I don't hear anything else from him, I run out of my room and out the front door. I see movement from the corner of my eye and turn to the right to see him rounding the corner. I run towards him and he catches me in his arms, and hoists me up in the air, taking me completely by surprise. I giggle as I wrap my legs around his lower back and place my arms on his chest. He smiles up at me and lowers my head to his so our foreheads are touching.

"I missed you," he tells me, not even realizing just how much I had missed him.

"I missed you too."

"Prove it," he dares me with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes, and I am not one to back down from a challenge.

I cup his face in my hands and slowly lower my lips towards his, and stop a hairsbreadth away to look into his eyes. He's looking at me with so much intensity, I nearly shiver under the scrutiny of his eyes. I lick my lips without thinking and watch as his eyes zero in on my lips. He bites his bottom lip, and that is my undoing.

I close the distance between us and kiss him, tangling my fingers in his hair. He kisses me back with so much tenderness, I nearly melt into a puddle in his arms. He moves his lips in synch with mine, matching every kiss perfectly. It just comes naturally to us now. There's no hesitation, no mistakes, it's just perfect.

Nate pulls away, breaking the kiss and rests his forehead on mine with the biggest smile on his face. I mirror his smile and kiss him on the nose, making him chuckle.

"What?! Can't a girl kiss you on the nose?"

"Yes, it's just cute. I've never had a girl kiss me on the nose before."

"Oh..." I answer embarrassed and hide my face in the crevice of his neck.

"Don't be embarrassed. I thought it was cute," he insists, making me feel even more embarrassed.

"Just forget it ever happened," I groan into his neck and he squeezes my leg.

"No way."

"But..."

"But nothing," he interrupts. "I liked it and I'm not going to forget anything you do because everything you do is perfect in my eyes," he tells me as I lean up to look at him.

"You really mean that?"

"Yes, I do. You could do no wrong in my eyes, Alexa," he says sincerely and kisses me on the forehead. I close my eyes and stay like that, refusing to ruin this perfect moment that makes me realize I can never learn to love someone as much as I love Nate. There will never be anyone else like him and that scares me.

Deep down I know that our relationship can end just as quickly as it started.

I sigh, wishing it wasn't true, but that's just something I have to learn to live with because nothing is guaranteed in this life, not even my relationship with Nate.

"What's wrong?" Nate asks worriedly.

I slowly open my eyes to look at him and see the concern etched on his face. What worries I had dissipate in that moment, because I know he cares deeply about me just from the way he looks at me. I push my worries to the back of my mind and focus on what truly matters, the present.

I mentally shake off all the negative thoughts and smile up at Nate. "Nothing. Everything's fine," I reassure him.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Good. I was worried there for a second."

"You have nothing to worry about. Everything is fine now."

"Good," he tells me and kisses me on the nose, making me laugh this time. "What? Now I can't kiss you on the nose either?" he asks amused, making me crack up.

"Of course you can. It just made me laugh for some reason," I admit amused.

"Yeah, I noticed," he responds with a grin.

"Forgive me?"

"Yes but only because you're so cute," he tells me and kisses me on the lips before putting me down. "I have to go now, but I will see you later," he promises and I nod.

"Yes, you will. I can't wait to take you on a date!" I tell him excitedly.

"Me either. It's going to be my first," he confesses embarrassed.

"Are you blushing?" I tease and he quickly lifts his hand to his cheek. I laugh at him and he shakes his head. "Got you!" I exclaim rather proudly.

He darts towards me but I'm quicker on my feet and dodge him at the last second before making a mad dash for my apartment. I laugh all the way there. "See you later, babe!" I yell before rushing into my apartment and lock the door behind me. I hear him groan on the other side of the door and laugh out loud as I make my way to my room.

I have a feeling he's going to bring up the fact that I called him babe again when I see him later today, but I'm not worried about it. He can tease me all he wants. I will just tease him right back for falling for my lie and thinking he was blushing.

Nate: You're going to pay for that and yesterday's spanking, babe!

He texts me, making me feel so giddy, I actually giggle like a schoolgirl.

Me: Looking forward to it. ;)

I reply and lock my phone before grabbing my stuff and head towards Mia's room.

"Almost ready?" I ask, peaking my head into her room.

"Yup! I just finished!" she says cheerfully.

"Okay, let's go."

We walk out of our apartment and Nate is nowhere to be seen, which is probably a good thing because I really don't want to find out what he has in store for me until later. For now, I just want to focus on Mia and our one on one time.

"So what happened that you ran inside?"

"Oh, you heard?" I ask embarrassed and she gives me a look that says she had more than heard me. "Did you spy on me?" I say accusingly and she grins.

"I may have peeked out the window when you ran outside, but when I saw you practically run into Nate's arms, I went back to my room."

"So you didn't see anything?"

"No but I bet our neighbors got an eye full," she tells me with a cheeky grin.

"Shit!" I mutter embarrassed.

"Who cares?" she says brushing it off. "You're happy. That's all that matters."

"You're right! I don't care," I tell her as I put the car into reverse.

"And you shouldn't. Screw what people think!" she tells me and I nod, feeling grateful for the amazing and supportive best friend I have.

"You know Mia, I really missed you," I admit, bringing a smile to her face as I peel out of the parking lot.

"I missed you too. We really need to hang out more," she tells me and I nod.

"Yes, we do.

"So where are we heading?"

"I have no idea, but I'm up for just about anything," I tell her.

"Want to go watch a movie?" Mia suggests.

"Sure, that sounds like fun."

***

"I'm so excited to see this," Mia whispers as we find our seats for the newest superhero movie.

"Me too," I whisper back.

"I'm hoping to see a lot of manly pecks," she adds, making me snort. I elbow her and she laughs. "What?"

"I can't believe you said that," I whisper-yell, making her crack up.

"What? There's nothing wrong with appreciating a man's perky pecks."

"Oh God, just stop," I plead, my stomach hurting from laughing.

"Fine. Fine. Now catch me up on you your love life. How are you and Nate?"

"Good. Honestly, we're better than good. We're doing amazing," I confess with a big dorky smile.

"I'm so happy you two found each other."

"Me too. How are you and Matt?" I ask her, changing the subject.

"We're good. We're in a steady relationship, so I can't complain."

"But are you happy?"

"I am," she answers with a small smile.

"I'm so glad you found a good guy."

"Who happens to be good in bed," she adds, making me laugh.

"Well, that's good news too. Although, I would rather not have known that."

"You already knew that," she reminds me with a cheeky grin and I groan, remembering the night I walked in on them. Gross. I never want to see her like that again. No, thank you. "And when are you planning on sealing the deal with Nate?" she asks me, changing the subject.

"I don't know," I blurt embarrassed.

"Don't tell me you haven't thought about it."

"I don't think I'm ready."

"But aren't you even the least bit curious."

"Slightly," I respond honestly and she gives me a look that says she doesn't believe me. "Okay, maybe more than a little, but I don't want to rush things. I want to wait until I feel fully ready."

"Don't worry, I get it. Although, I'm a bit surprised that you've been able to resist Nate this long. If I were you, I would have jumped his bones already."

"Believe me, it has not been easy," I admit, knowing it's true. "He makes me feel things I've never experienced before. And the way he kisses me, it makes me desire him in ways I've never wanted anyone, but I try to stay levelheaded when I'm with him, because I know deep down I'm not ready for more than kissing."

"I used to be the same way. Don't worry. You'll know when you're ready."

"Will I?" I ask in disbelief.

"Yes, your gut will tell you. Don't let anyone pressure you, not even Nate."

"He wouldn't," I say defensively.

"I'm just saying, don't let him pressure you if he tries."

"He promised he'd wait for me."

"You definitely found a keeper then."

"I did," I say proudly, feeling happy that I found such an amazing man like Nate. Well, more like he found me but same difference. All that matters is that we're together now.

"Hold onto him and don't let him go."

"I won't." Not now. Not ever.

"Ooh, the movie's about to start," Mia whispers excitedly, ending our conversation.

I watch the movie intently or at least I try, but every now and then my thoughts drift to Nate, wondering what he's up to and whether he misses me or not. I personally miss him a lot, but try not to dwell on it too much, and focus on all the perfect washboard abs on the big screen. They're great to look at but I prefer looking at Nate and his amazing body. I sigh internally, wishing Nate was here with me so I could lean my head on his shoulder, and interlace my fingers with his.

I miss Nate more than I should.

I spend the rest of the movie thinking about Nate and when the credits finally start rolling, I'm honestly relieved. The actors were nice to look at but they weren't enough to make me stop thinking about Nate. Sorry, not sorry.

"That was so good!" Mia comments a little too loud when the credits start rolling. Some people around us laugh and I just shake my head at her. "What? I was simply stating my opinion."

"A little too loudly, I might add."

"That's a matter of opinion. By the way, did you like it?"

"I did. It was so much better than I expected," I whisper back, even though I know I missed like half of the movie while spacing out and thinking about Nate.

"It's one of the best I've seen in a long time."

"I agree."

"Do you want to go get some ice cream?" Mia asks all of a sudden, completely changing the subject.

"Sure. Ice cream sounds good."

"Great! Let's go!" Mia says animatedly and drags me out of the movie theatre by the arm.

"Slow down! The ice cream shop isn't going anywhere," I exclaim, bringing her to a halt.

"I know but I really want ice cream."

"Well hold your freaking horses."

"Fine," she says with a fake pout and lets me lead the way.

"I have a date in a bit," she finally confesses, refusing to look me in the eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was afraid you would say no to hanging out with me if you knew I had a date."

"I may have...," I stammer.

"No, you would have and you know it."

"Okay, maybe, but only because I wouldn't want to intrude on your time to get ready for your date with Matt."

"I don't need a lot of time to get ready, and today, you really needed the distraction. I could tell you were really frustrated because Nate pushed the date back, so I figured hanging out with me would be the perfect way to distract you."

"Well, you were right," I admit. "Thank you for distracting me and making me forget about everything for a bit."

"It's the least I can do for my BFF," Mia tells me, bringing a smile to my face.

"I love you, Mia. You're the best friend I could ever ask for."

"Same goes for you, Alexa. I wouldn't trade you for anyone in the world."

"Not even Channing Tatum?"

"Well...," she starts and I elbow her playfully. "I'm kidding. I wouldn't trade you for Channing and his hot bod. Ever," she adds for good measure.

"You better not."

"I won't. Now hurry up, I want my ice cream, woman!"

"Okay, let's go," I respond, laughing.

We walk into the ice cream shop and are lucky to find the place empty.

"I'll go first," Mia says animatedly and walks up to the counter to place her order.

"I'll cover you. It'll be my treat."

"Thanks! I'll treat you next time," she offers and I wave it off. She thanks me and smiles when the rather cute employee hands her her ice cream bowl.

"What can I get for you today?" he asks me next and I have to admit he's easy on the eyes.

"I'll have two scoops of rainbow sherbet in a cup."

"Would you like any toppings with that?"

"Yes, I would like one scoop of each of the popping boba pearls."

"That's so gross," Mia comments as she looks at my order in disgust. She hates popping boba pearls with a passion, but I personally love them because they come in different flavors that are the perfect compliment to my rainbow sherbet ice cream.

"If anything is gross, it's your mint chocolate chip ice cream," I retort and she sticks her tongue out at me.

"Ladies, will that be all for you today?" The employee asks, interrupting us, but he's clearly amused by our childish antics.

"Yes, that's it," I respond flustered and hand him my card as he rings up our order.

"Here's your card and receipt," he tells me, handing it over. His hand makes contact with mine, and it almost seems like he did it on purpose, but I can't be sure and pull my hand away before giving him my thanks.

"Yes, thank you," Mia chimes in and drops a tip in his tip jar.

"You're welcome, ladies. Enjoy," he tells us with a wink.

We turn away from him and make our way to the table in the far corner of the shop.

"He was nice," Mia comments with a grin as we take our seat.

"Yeah, I think he liked you."

"More like you," she says with emphasis.

"Shut up," I respond with a laugh. "That is so not true and you know it."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm plus sized," I tell her as if it isn't already obvious.

"Don't you dare start with that again," she scorns me. "You were doing so good and were finally positive. Don't let those negative thoughts surface again."

"Yeah, but that doesn't make me any less realistic."

"Has the fact that Nate loves you not taught you anything?! You are gorgeous, woman! Wake up and smell the freaking coffee!" she exclaims, drawing the attention of the employee, who smirks at me. I quickly turn away from him and realize that Mia may have been right.

"Okay, I get it. Now can you please keep it down," I beg her and she shakes her head.

"Only if you get it through that thick skull of yours that you are beautiful."

"Fine! I'm beautiful. Happy?" I ask her before taking a spoonful of my ice cream.

"Sure if you actually meant it, but I know you don't."

"Fine, I'm average. There you go."

"You are not average! You are fuckin' gorgeous!" Mia exclaims and I kick her under the table.

"Keep it down!" I threaten but I can tell she's mad at me for being so hard on myself and she has every right to be. I was finally starting to get better, but instead of moving forward, I'm taking two steps back.

"I'm sorry," I apologize. "It's just hard trying to see myself as something different than what I saw myself as my whole life. You know? I always go back to that old mindset, because I grew up believing I was the hideous fat girl. To see myself as anything different is hard," I admit and she gives me a sympathetic look that is full of anything but pity. Her expression shows me that she cares deeply and that she hurts because I hurt on the inside.

"Alexa, I'm sorry people made you feel that way about yourself, but you have to learn to see yourself for who you truly are. You need to realize that you are not the girl that society made you believe you are. You are beautiful inside and out, and anyone would be lucky to have you, including Nate. I know you believe that you are the lucky one for finding someone like Nate, but in reality, he's the lucky one."

I start to protest but she stops me.