Marcus

I am on fucking cloud nine.

I can't shake the overwhelming sense of happiness that's been bubbling inside me since last night. And it's not that I want to, to be honest. It's like I'm walking on air, each step lighter than the last, a goofy grin threatening to split my face in two. Last night... man, last night was beyond anything I could have imagined.

I still can't believe it actually happened. That I was able to make love to Melanie, to feel her body respond to mine in such an intimate and passionate way. The memory of burying myself inside her, feeling her tightness envelop me, is etched into my mind like a permanent mark of bliss. And when she came apart in my arms, trembling with ecstasy... it was like a dream.

And then, waking up with her this morning, the warmth of her body pressed against mine, her soft breath against my skin... pure heaven. I made her breakfast, and we couldn't keep our hands off each other. It felt so natural, so right, like we were a real couple. And when she said she wanted me to stay with her again tonight, and the night after that, and the night after that... well, I couldn't have been happier.

But right now, I have to focus. I promised Adam I'd meet him, and I can't let him down, as much as I want to run to Melanie. Besides, it's been a while since we've hung out, and I don't want him to think I'm avoiding him. The worst part is having to hide my excitement, to pretend like nothing's changed between Melanie and me. I hope Adam doesn't suggest grabbing a drink after our coffee. I just want to get back to Melanie as soon as possible.

I arrive at the café and take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. No more goofy grins, no more staring off into space thinking about Melanie. I have to be present, focused on Adam and our conversation.

I push open the door to the café and step inside, scanning the room until I spot Adam sitting at a table near the window, his attention glued to his phone. I force myself to plaster on a neutral expression and make my way over to him.

Adam looks up as I approach, a smile spreading across his face. "Hey, man," he says, standing up to greet me.

"Hey, man, what's up?" I reply, returning his smile as we exchange a bro hug.

We both take our seats across from each other, and Adam leans back in his chair, regarding me with curiosity. "How've you been, Marcus?" he asks, his tone casual.

I take a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm. "You know, same old, same old," I say with a shrug, trying to maintain my expressionless facade. "What about you?"

Adam shrugs, a small smile playing on his lips. "Everything's good, thankfully. Ever since my parents' divorce, things have been pretty smooth sailing."

I nod in understanding. "How's your dad holding up?" I ask, trying to keep the conversation away from Melanie, although, I don't know how long I'll be able to do that.

Adam's expression darkens slightly. "He's good, I guess," he replies with a sigh. "Still hurt, of course, but he's managing."

"I can only imagine," I say sympathetically, feeling a pang of sadness for Adam and his family.

"Yeah," Adam agrees, his tone somber. "It's been tough, but we're getting through it."

I nod, not sure what else to say. The conversation lulls for a moment, and I rack my brain for something else to talk about.

A waiter approaches to take our order. After he leaves, Adam's expression shifts, a half-smile playing on his lips.

"I've got some good news for you, Marcus," he says, his tone teasing.

I try to keep my composure, my heart racing with anticipation. "You do?" I ask, feigning surprise.

Adam leans in closer, his voice lowered. "Yeah," he says with a grin, "Melanie broke up with Daniel."

I widen my eyes, trying to appear shocked. "She did?" I ask, hoping my voice echoes the disbelief I'm trying to convey.

Adam nods eagerly. "Yeah, a couple of days before she went to the lake house," he confirms.

I try to keep up the pretense. "So, she was single when she came to the lake house?" I inquire, trying to sound casual.

Adam grins even wider. "Yep," he confirms, his tone filled with satisfaction.

I lean back in my chair, running a hand through my hair as if I process this newfound information. "That's great news," I say, trying to sound genuinely pleased.

Adam raises an eyebrow, sensing my hesitation. "What's the matter, man? I thought you'd be more excited," he remarks, his curiosity evident.

I scramble to come up with an explanation. "I am," I assure him quickly, my mind racing. "It's just... I don't know if that's really good news."

Adam regards me with a curious expression, prompting me to elaborate. "What do you mean?" he asks.

I swallow hard, trying to find the right words. "Well," I begin tentatively, "if Melanie really wanted to be with me, wouldn't she have called or texted by now? Maybe she's not interested in me at all."

Adam furrows his brow, contemplating my words for a moment. I silently pat myself on the back for the deflection. Nice save, Marcus.

After a moment of thought, Adam speaks up. "The truth is," he starts slowly, "Melanie told Mallory yesterday that she needs time. She wants to take things slow."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. Melanie is not ready for a relationship yet. She's made that clear time and time again, and what did I do? I fucked her last night.

Adam continues, unaware of the turmoil raging inside me. "It's possible that she's just taking her time, leaving that toxic relationship behind her before moving on to a new one. It's only natural."

I nod slowly, trying to process his words. It's true, Melanie has been through a lot with Daniel. Maybe I'm just rushing things, expecting her to be ready for something more when she's not.

I force a smile, hoping to hide my inner turmoil. "Yeah, you're probably right," I say, my voice sounding hollow even to my own ears. "Thanks for the reality check, man."

"Don't give up hope, man," he urges, leaning in closer. "Mallory told me that she thinks Melanie may not admit it, but she's really considering the possibility of being with you."

Adam's words offer a glimmer of hope, and I feel a surge of optimism wash over me. "Really?" I ask, unable to contain my excitement. "Mallory thinks that?"

Adam nods, his expression serious. "Yeah, she does. Mallory knows Melanie well, and she's pretty certain about it."

My grin widens at the news. "Well, then I'll just have to wait," I say optimistically, "or maybe I should text Melanie."

Adam shrugs, offering his perspective. "I think you should. It seems weird that you haven't reached out to her already."

My smile falters at his words, and I shift uncomfortably in my seat. "I... I wanted to give her some space," I explain hesitantly. "I didn't want to come on too strong."

cocks his head, studying me for a moment. "I get that," he acknowledges, "but sometimes, you've gotta take a chance, you know? Show her you're interested."

A wide grin spreads across my face at Adam's words. Melanie knows I'm interested; she knows it really well. But I can't spill the beans to Adam just yet. I have to respect Melanie's wishes and wait until she feels ready to talk to Mallory about it.

"Thanks, man," I say to Adam, trying to keep my tone casual despite the excitement bubbling within me. "I appreciate you looking out for me."

"Don't mention it," Adam replies with a casual shrug, a small smile playing on his lips.

The waiter arrives with our coffees, and we both take a sip, the warmth of the drink soothing my nerves slightly. But inside, I still feel like I could burst with excitement. I need to find something else to talk about, anything to steer the conversation away from Melanie, because I fear I might blurt out the truth if we dwell on her too long.

Thankfully, as Adam puts his mug back on the table, he says, "So, I've been meaning to talk to you about something else too."