*One Month Later*

    Ever since we won three games of beer pong in a row, every Friday we have a party. Although, we have not won three games back to back, only two games. I never was use to partying this much, until I met Ray. And I never really had a real relationship either. In the moment, I thought it was love, but something kept pulling me towards him. Every time Ray touches me with his hands or lips, my body just suddenly collapse. My heart skips a beat when I think of his name. His smile sends shivers down my body. The feeling I get when I am with him, is it love or lust?
   I would be lying if I said, we have not made love already. Next month will be four or five months, I have been working. My job right now is quite simple. All you do is make drinks that pop up on a screen. School is the same. I honestly wish I could work full time, and not have to worry about school. Some people tell me that I wish my life away, by saying that. But only older people say it, I do not understand.
The only thing I could ever wish for would be, able to move into my own house. That way, Ray can stay anytime he wants to. I keep on telling my parents that I will get my own place, eventually. But like everyone else, they tell me the exact opposite. 'Whenever you do get your own place, your going to wish you hadn't. Bills are expensive.' Their voices keep on replaying over and over. My parents are old, they do not know what their talking about.

*Ring Ring Ring*

"Hello?" I asked pressing the green button.

"Hey baby, what are you doing?" Ray asked.

"Oh you know, thinking about you," I said, trying to sound sexy over the phone.

"Why are you thinking about me, when you can be riding over to me?" Ray laughed, I knew he was teasing me.

"On my way babe," I said ending the call and jumping out of bed.

I hung the phone up and changed into my comfortable clothes. Sweatpants and t-shirt, are always comfy.

"Mom, I'm riding over to Ray's house," I screamed.

"Be back by dinner time," Mom hollered back.

With that being said, I drove about three blocks down to where Ray way staying. As I put my Nissan in park, Ray was already opening my door.

"Hey beautiful, I missed you!" Ray exclaimed.

"It's only been a day," I replied.

"Come inside, I have a surprise for you," Ray said dragging me inside.

"What's the surprise?" I asked.

Ray hands me a piece of paper with writing on it. When I am done reading it, I am stunned by what I just read. He wrote me a romantic poem. Another secret I was learning about him. Just as I am about to speak, he takes the paper from me.

"What are you— ?"

And just like that, his lips were on mine. He slides his hands around my waist and pulls me closer. I wrap my arms around his neck and I passionately kiss him. He slowly walks forward, making me walk with him. Before I know it, Ray's lips are all over my body. And then back on my lips. I wish this moment could last forever, but I will never forget it. About an hour passes by and I am laying on top of him. I can feel the heat of his body against mine.

"Lexi, your so beautiful," he says moving my hair away from my face.

"Thank you, your handsome Ray," I said smiling up at him.

"I know it's only been five or six months, since we have been together but I think, I love you,"

My heart drops when he says the three words. How could he love me already? Do I say it back? With a million thoughts running through my head, I jump up. I start getting dressed.

"Lexi please wait," he pauses.

"Look, you don't have to say it back right now. I just thought you should know how I feel," he said. I could see the worry and pain in his eyes. I know he wants me to say it back, but is this lust or love?

"I really like you Ray, but I don't know if I'm ready for love yet," I replied.

"Of course I want you to say it back. But I'm not going to rush you. I will give you all the time you need," he explains as he leans in for a hug.

"Thank you. Thanks for understanding," I said hugging him back.

Since our little talk, I feel like it actually brought us closer. He is honest and real with me, as I am with him. Ray had a rough childhood. I would not want to get his hopes up, by telling him what he wants to hear. Although I feel bad for not saying it back, but at least I am honest with him. We both have been hurt and lied to in our past. I want to create a bright future with him. We should not have to worry about our commitment for one another. I might not love Ray just yet, but I do like him a bunch. Maybe one day, I can picture myself loving him. But for now, I want to know everything about him.

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Leave me some feedback! Comment & vote!
Comment "Lust" or "Love"! Which one do you think it is?

*Ray said the "three letter word", why doesn't Lexi feel the same?

*Will this affect their relationship at all?

*When will Lexi love Ray back?