“Yeah, let’s do that.”
The next timeI open my eyes, the sun is coming up and filling the room since we neglected to close the drapes. I’m not sure how much sleep we got, but it can’t be much, given we spent the rest of the night talking and making out before collapsing after an incredibly hot frotting session.
We covered everything from childhood to favorite foods to worst breakups, which I won hands down. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt as sated and blissfully happy with someone. I’m committed to blocking out the tragic fact that all of this is temporary. I finally meet someone I click with, and he lives in a different state.
“Hey,” Tigo says, whispering against my neck. “I can feel you thinking over there.”
I laugh softly, settling against his warm body. “Sorry. I’m in my head.”
“Stay here with me.”
“I wish I could.”
We’re silent for a few minutes until Tigo drops a bomb on me. “I don’t know if I can let you go.”
I exhale, hugging his arm closer to me. I’m glad he’s behind me right now so he can’t see my eyes tearing up. “Life is cruel sometimes. I finally meet someone amazing, and we live in different states.”
“Couldn’t you—?” He stops abruptly, and I feel him slide away.
When I roll over, he’s climbing out of bed, stretching and gazing out the patio doors.
“What were you going to say, Tigo?”
“Nothing. Crazy talk.”
I follow him, sliding my arms around his waist from behind and leaning my forehead on his back. “Please tell me.”
“Okay. What do I have to lose, I guess.” Tigo twists around, putting his hands on my shoulders. He looks nervous as he studies my eyes, his brow pinched. “I was going to ask you to, um, to move here. To San Diego. With me.”
My jaw drops.
“I know,” he continues. “It’s insane. We’ve known each other for less than twenty-four hours. I’ve just never had a first date as good as this one. I’d love to see where it can go. I’d move to Phoenix to chase you, but this job means a lot to me.”
When I still say nothing, Tigo continues.
“Did I just fuck everything up?”
“No.” I shake my head. “Not at all. It’s just a lot. Yesterday morning, I was planning a romantic weekend with a man who was cheating on me. Today, I’m with you. I’m just processing everything.”
“Right.” He drags his hands through his hair. “My bad. I should’ve thought of what you’ve been through. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I feel amazing. We could try talking and getting to know each other more when I go back.”
Tigo’s jaw tightens as he shakes his head, pulling his eyes from me. “I can’t. No long-distance stuff. It never works and only draws out the inevitable. Trust me. Been there.”
Sadness falls over me as I hear his words. Seeing him every day would be amazing, but I barely know him. It takes so much more than past history and attraction to keep two people together. I don’t know anyone here but him. My whole life is in Phoenix.
“Forget I said anything,” Tigo says, forcing a smile to his lips. “Let’s just enjoy the time we have left. Do you want to go to breakfast?”
“Do you work today?”
“Yeah, but I’m gonna see if someone can cover me. If you want that.”
“I do.”
He nods, his smile becoming more genuine. “Me too. I’m gonna go over to my room to change and freshen up. I’ll be back in an hour to get you. We can explore San Diego.”
“That sounds wonderful.”