Ana

***

When I wake up the following morning, all cuddled up against Pedro's body, him still fast asleep, I smile. He's so...achingly perfect that I feel so...inadequate by being in his presence. I remember my harsh words and immediately cringe inside.

Way to go, Ana. I mentally scold myself. Pedro is as good as you can get and how do you act? Like a complete psychopath.

My full bladder suddenly reminds me that I should use the bathroom so I slip out of bed. I hurry in the bathroom, eager to be back beside Pedro. I smile at my reflection in the mirror, feeling a little giddy.

As I exit the bathroom, I hear a phone vibrating and figure its mine so I check. No. It's Pedro's. I smile as I recognize the name on the screen: Bella Ramsey. I decide to answer.

Bella's face appears on the screen and she looks a little confused.

"Oh! I must have dialed the wrong number! Sorry!"

"No, Bella, you're good. This is Pedro's phone. He's asleep but I could let him know you called."

Bella's face breaks into a mischievous grin. I have a feeling Pedro's mentioned me to her before.

"Ana, right?" I nod.

"Yes."

"You're back with Pedro?"

"More or less," I reply, smiling.

"Brilliant!" Bella seems genuinely pleased to hear that bit of information. "I knew you'd take him back!"

"Er," I falter. "What exactly did Pedro tell you?"

"Not much," Bella repiles. "But I knew he had it bad for you."

"He said that?"

"Not flat out," Bella says. "But he was so bummed when he thought he screwed himself over again with you." Bella gives me a sweet smile.

"It's complicated." I put my thumb in my mouth and absently gnaw on the nail. It makes me feel weird, knowing that Pedro was discussing our relationship with a teenager.

"It's always complicated." Bella smiles again. If they weren't so damn adorable I'd probably hate them. But I like Bella (even if I don't know them all that well) so its hard to hate them.

"Are you talking about me?" Pedro rolls over, raising himself up on his elbow, looking beautiful as always, even though his hair is a mess and he's bleary eyed.

"No," I tease. "You're dreaming. Go back to sleep."

"Pedro, Ana and I are trying to have a private conversation," Bella chimes in. I laugh. Now I'm definitely Team Bella.

"Bella Ramsey, you little sneak!" Pedro tosses the blankets aside and climbs out, coming over to snatch his phone away from me.

"I'm not being sneaky," Bella insists. "I just wanted to speak with your lovely girlfriend without you interfering."

"You better be careful," Pedro tells Bella, casting a suspicious look my way. "Ana might look sweet and innocent but that's just a cover."

"She's perfectly lovely!" Bella sounds belligerent and I laugh. Pedro shakes his head, looking disappointed.

"No respect," he murmurs. I walk over to him, wrapping an arm around his waist and plant a gentle kiss on his cheek. Pedro blushes and Bella chuckles.

"I need to go," Bella says. "I just wanted to say hello to my favorite guy."

"It was good seeing your face as well," Pedro says, grinning proudly. "Thanks for calling."

"Definitely! It was nice talking with you, Ana," Bella adds. "I hope to see you again soon."

"Yes," I say. "It was nice talking with you, too."

"Goodbye, Bellie," Pedro says. "We'll chat more later. I love you."

"Love you, too, Pedro. 'Bye Ana!" I wave.

"Goodbye, Bella." The call ends and the screen goes black. Pedro tosses his phone on the bed and wraps his arms around me, lifting me up. I kiss him and he grins.

"Seems like Bella approves of our relationship," Pedro remarks.

"They're adorable," I say, hugging him tightly and resting my head on Pedro's shoulder. He plants a kiss on my neck.

"I knew you'd love Bella as much as I do." I look at him. His love is apparent in his eyes.

"Of course."

"I have another burning question for you, chica?"

"Yes, chico?"

"More cuddling or breakfast?" I kiss him again.

"I think I need more cuddles, Mr. Pascal."

"Same, mi amor."

***

Pedro has some interviews lined up, promoting his latest film and I have some photo shoots lined up. Isla joins me for the first one. I'll give her credit for not opening her big mouth first thing when she greets me.

"I wasn't sure you'd make it, chica." Isla is getting her makeup done and she looks, as always, drop dead gorgeous.

"I've been...occupied." I wink.

"No shit?" Isla pretends to look appalled and I chuckle.

"No shit." I head out front, preparing to pose with my best friend for the photo shoot. Isla comes out several minutes later and straight to me. She grabs my hand, tugging me around the corner, ignoring my protests.

"You're back with Pedro?" Isla gives me another look. This one is more concern than teasing. I look away.

"Maybe."

"Ana, you've hardly left Pedro's side the last few days. You ought to be able to give me a more definite answer."

"It's been sorta...complicated still."

"Are you two still arguing about everything?" I sigh, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

"Kinda."

"Ladies, we're ready!" The photographer calls out. Isla grabs my hand and out we go out.

"This conversation isn't over," Isla whispers to me as we get into position for the first photo.

"Of course it's not."

****

After the photo shoot, Isla declares she's starving so we go grab some salads at this chic little vegetarian restaurant and naturally, in between bites, she's grilling me.

My phone buzzes and I snatch it up, hoping that it's Pedro. It is and I can't help but smile.

Hola chica! How goes it?

Hola chico! Not bad. Except for...dun dun dunn...Isla.

I wait a few seconds before Pedro's next text comes in. I chuckle, covering my mouth with my hand as Isla gives me a suspicious look.

😝😜🤪As if I'm so shocked lolol

"Is Pedro mocking me?" Isla's eyebrows shoot up way up and I burst out laughing. Isla grabs my phone out of my hand, glaring at the screen.

"Gimme back my phone!" I snatch it away and quickly type out a new message to Pedro.

Oops! We're in trouble now Pedrito! Isla saw ur message 🤣🤣

"Stop making fun of me or I'm leaving!" Isla gets all huffy, puffing out her bottom lip.

"Oooh!" I tease. "You better stop pouting!"

"Or what?"

"It's kinda turning me on." Isla pouts further and it's honestly making me squirm. She lowers her eyelids, smirking seductively.

"Stop!" I complain. Isla starts laughing. I glare at her. Sheesh! So immature!

"I can play dirty, too you know." Isla looks pleased with herself.

"Obviously. Bitch."

"You know it!" My phone trills and I answer it.

"Isla's pissed?"

"Yes. But now she's playing dirty," I complain to Pedro.

"How?" Pedro asks.

"By flirting with me."

Pedro chuckles and immediately, I wish I was nestled securely against his chest, his strong arms around me as I hold on to his body.

"Tell Isla that flirting with my girl is strictly off limits."

"I will." I pause, turning around some. "I'm looking forward to us being together this evening, Pedrito."

"Me too, mi amor. Love you."

"I love you too, my Pedro."

"I'll be counting down the hours until we're together."

"Me too."

We finish the conversation and I click off, aching for more of Pedro. I turn back around and finish my salad.

"What message were you supposed to relay on to me?" I smirk at Isla.

"Pedro says there's a strict no flirting policy."

"Pedro doesn't know how to have any fun!" Isla pouts again but this time, it doesn't affect me. I'm too wrapped up with thoughts of Pedro.

****
I'm edgy by the time I reach Pedro's apartment, that earlier ache still gnawing away at my insides. I'm beginning to think that Pedro's presence is far more addictive to me than any drug could be.

I unlock the door with the spare key that Pedro gave me and hurry inside. Sadly, Pedro doesn't appear to be home yet. Sigh.

I drag my weary body over to the couch, tossing down my purse on the coffee table and kick off my shoes, plopping down on the couch, which Pedro's scent is clinging to and close my eyes, breathing it in.

I'm so exhausted that I'm nearly asleep when I hear a key in the lock and a second later, Pedro is walking in. I jump up and hurry to him, reaching out for Pedro and pulling his head closer so I can kiss him.

Pedro eagerly compiles as our lips connect, his tongue slipping into my mouth. I push my tongue into Pedro's mouth, clinging to his body, loving the feeling of it, solid against mine.

"Miss me, chica." Pedro is smiling as I finger his dimples, causing him to chuckle.

"A little." Pedro takes my hand, leading me over to the couch as we settle down, me snuggling against Pedro's side, combing my fingers through his already disheveled hair.

"I know I missed you."

"I think we both have a problem," I joke and Pedro laughs, the feeling of warmth washing over me.

"I think you're right."

"After we spoke, I couldn't hardly think about anything else."

"I know the feeling." Pedro kisses me again and I smile, stroking his facial hair.

"Are we gonna order something to eat?" I ask. "Because mama is hungry."

"What are you hungry for?"

"Wanna order some Indian food?" Pedro nods, looking up a menu for an Indian restaurant close by. He finds one and we quickly choose some food before getting back to some serious kissing. (There's some groping involved as well.)

"I could get used to coming home to this sight," Pedro tells me, touching my cheek.

"It sounds heavenly," I agree. "But what about when you start filming your next project?"

"Hey," Pedro murmurs, hugging me closer. "We'll figure that out when it comes time, all right?"

I nod, but that old resentment is creeping up on me. I can't lose Pedro again. I just can't. 

Don't go spoiling it, Ana, I silently scold myself. You have Pedro now and that's what you need to focus on.

"Ana?"

"Yes," I agree. "We'll figure that part out later."

****

After the food is delivered, Pedro and I change into something more comfortable: an old tshirt and shorts for Pedro; an old tshirt and boxers for me.

Then we cuddle on the couch, feeding each other and giggling when we accidentally drop something. (Along with more kissing!)

"Isla was actually flirting with you?" Pedro asks.

"Oh yes. She's such a naughty girl."

"Must be something in the water," Pedro jokes. "Because you're a naughty girl yourself."

"No. I've just been around Isla so often that the negativity is rubbing off on me."

"Excuses, excuses." Pedro shakes his head. I chuckle, grabbing Pedro's face and kissing him. Pedro trails a finger down my cheek and I shiver.

"I want to..do things to you, chica."

"Good," I say. "Because I want you to do those things to me." Pedro sets the food aside, reaching for me. We cling to each other, the kissing becoming more heated.

We slowly undress one another, tossing articles of clothing on the floor and the coffee table. Then I allow Pedro to have his way with me as I completely allow him to consume me.

***

Pedro is sound asleep, snoring next to me, my half naked body wrapped in a cocoon of blankets, pressed up against Pedro's body, the heat from his bare skin burning into mine.

As exhausted as I am, my mind won't allow me to sleep. I can't stop thinking about the what ifs with Pedro.

What if we really can't make it work?
What if we're really not meant to be together?
What if Pedro has to travel overseas to film a new movie and the only time we'll see each other is through a video chat?
What if I'm really not good enough for Pedro?

Pedro shifts beside me and I clutch at him. His hands find me, drawing me closer.

"Go to sleep, mi amor," Pedro murmurs sleepily. "I'm here."

"I'm glad," I whisper. Pedro drifts back off to sleep but it evades me, leaving me more anxious than before.