Chapter 17 – Cole's POV

It felt like an entirely different experience to wake up with Beth in my arms after what had happened last night, like I knew a different side of her now.

I always thought I knew everything about Beth. I hadn't. I wasn't complaining about learning about this side of her though.

I loved the fact that we could share each other like this.

This side of Beth was only mine, and this side of me was only hers.

We should be getting out of bed. We should eat someting. Beth had wanted us to go to a museum today too. I knew she was a little disappointed that we'd been unable to do a lot of things together since she was so busy with university, and her hectic life in general.

Beth's eyes were still close and I was sure she was still sleeping by listening to her even breathing. I was rarely the one waking up first so I enjoyed this moment even more.

I held her more tightly against my chest, thinking about last night.

I still couldn't quite believe that this had finally happened. Part of me almost convinced myself it wouldn't happen for some reason, like waiting for her had become part of who I was at that point.

Our relationship had needed to stay platonic for so long that I'd gotten used to it, I'd become okay with it.

But now, holding Beth in my arms, feeling her skin against mine, I knew the waiting had been worth it, but there was no going back now.

This girl was my world.

I tucked her head under my chin, and Beth snuggled against me in her sleep.

We'd taken a quick shower after, more out of necessity than anything else. We were both a little tired at that point.

Beth's hair was still a little damp. She smelled like her shampoo. I couldn't tell the specific fragrance, but it was comforting because it smelled like her.

I couldn't believe that I had to leave soon, and I wouldn't be able to wake up like this with Beth in my arms.

I really hated this.

I could be patient. I knew how to be patient, but it didn't mean I couldn't be disappointed that we still didn't share a life together, that she couldn't be the first thing I saw every morning.

There were still so many things I wanted to do with her, I didn't want to think about the end just yet.

Thinking about the end made me sad, and I didn't want to be sad.

Beth stirred in my arms a little, her breathing picking up.

"Good morning," I told her, surprised at how groggy my voice sounded.

"Good morning," she replied softly, kissing the skin of my throat.

Her arms were squished between our two bodies, and she was stroking the skin of my chest with her fingers.

I kissed her temple.

"How are you feeling?" I asked her.

She chuckled. "You really need to stop worrying about me, I'm more than fine."

She'd bled a little last night, so I couldn't really help it. I knew that was quite common for a girl after her first time, but it still worried me.

"I can't help it, I don't want you to be hurt."

"Hurt is the last word I'd use to describe last night Cole," she said.

I loved hearing her say my name. I was so whipped.

Beth lifted her face to mine and pressed our lips together.

I kissed her back, a hand going to the back of her head and the other to her waist, keeping her close to me.

We kissed like there was nothing waiting for us, like we didn't have busy schedules or a deadline to these blissful days.

When we got out of bed, it was well past noon.

I got a good look at her in the daylight. I hadn't been able to see her clearly last night. What a shame.

"God you're beautiful," I couldn't help saying.

Beth smiled back, while putting on one of my shirts. "Right back at you gorgeous."

We went to the kitchen to fix ourselves something to eat.

Beth was walking around in my shirt, opening cupboards and taking out things, and cutting fruits and I didn't know what it was about it specifically, it was such a cliché thing, but something about it was just so attractive.

I had issues.

"It really is a good thing that Nikki didn't sleep here last night," I pointed out as I made scrambled eggs.

I was being a little lazy.

"She's a good wing woman," Beth agreed.

I chuckled. "Oh so you knew this was going to happen?"

Beth winked. I laughed more. "I wasn't sure, but I had been kind of hoping for it ever since you got here."

"Can't resist me, can you?" I teased her, wiggling my eyebrows.

"Absolutely not, and I'm not ashamed to admit it."

We ate smiling at each other like we both had a secret we weren't going to share with anyone else.

After that we got dressed and went out.

Beth wanted us to go to the Alte Nationalgalerie so we took a bus there.

We didn't let go of each other's hands and kept giving each other furtive kisses. It felt like we were two honeymooners out for a stroll.

I had no idea how people could take love for granted when it felt like this.

If there was magic in this world, this was surely it.

Once we got to the museum, we looked around the rooms, admiring the art. I hadn't been to a museum in a while so this was nice.

I had to admit I missed art. I loved my job, but sometimes I envied Jay and Maika and Beth who had decided to focus their work on things more artistic.

I thought I could keep art as a hobby, but I'd underestimated how much time law would take from me.

I worried sometimes that all my creative drive would disappear one day.

Beth took her time, taking some notes down sometimes while standing in front of pieces, and making quick sketches.

I just followed her in awe.

This woman couldn't be real and she couldn't really love me as much as I loved her.

She stood in front of Caspar David Friedrich's The Watzmann, her head tilting a little as she stared at the painting.

I just stared at her. I had no idea how I was going to go one with my life back in Brooklyn without her. It been difficult before... but now... I felt hollow inside just thinking about it.

Beth looked back at me and smiled. I smiled back.

I should not waste my time worrying about the future and just be grateful for the present.

So with that thought, I walked up behind Beth and wrapped my arms around her, resting my chin against her shoulder.

Beth wrapped her hands around my arms at her waist and leaned her head against mine.

Now was good. 

___________________

Hello my little Kittens! :D

Hope you enjoyed cozy Cole and Beth. This story is almost over now. Only three chapters left. Cole is feeling the end, because I was feeling the end nearing while writing these chapters. 

I hope you'll love the next chapters.

Thank you so much for coming back to this story and supporting me! I really love you guys!

See you tomorrow! <3