“Ya know, I’ve been thinking a lot about us...and I’ve decided I want you to move in with me,” AJ said.
It had been four months since Sarah's trip to New York and things were going surprisingly well. Her relationship with AJ was back to normal and all memories of their fight were forgotten.
Since she'd returned to Florida, Sarah had been working hard at the Daily Sun. Her boss had given her grace and allowed her to stay at the office - only, he said, because of her outstanding talent.
So, over all, life was good. But this - for AJ to ask her to move in with him - was too good to be true.
“Are you serious?” she asked him, shock etched into her features.
AJ brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes and smiled. “Of course I am. We’ve been dating for a while now and I'm ready to spend all the time I can with you."
Sarah smiled and pressed her lips to his. "Baby, I would love to live with you." AJ grinned and wrapped his arms around her waist. "But first, I've gotta find Brian a new roommate. I can't leave him all alone in that big apartment."
AJ frowned. He always wondered what kind of relationship Brian and Sarah had; they seemed so close. At times, he felt jealous of their friendship – not that he thought Brian would ever try to take away his girlfriend, but when Sarah and Brian were together, Sarah always seemed happier.
“Whatever makes you happy,” AJ said, rolling his eyes. Sarah punched him in the arm and stood up. “What did I say?” AJ asked.
“I saw that look, McLean,” she said with a wry smile, looking around the spacious living room.
“Already thinking of re-decorating?” AJ asked, following her gaze.
“Maybe.”
AJ looked over at her. "Good, because we're going furniture shopping tomorrow."
* * *
"Brian, I have fabulous news!" Sarah said cheerily as she walked into the apartment later on that afternoon.
"I'll be right there, Sarah," came the muffled reply. After a few moments, Brian appeared in the kitchen, looking flushed.
"B, you're all red. What were you doing?" Sarah asked curiously.
"Attempting to clean up my bedroom. I'm not doing a very good job," Brian replied, grabbing a water bottle out of the refrigerator.
"Well, wait 'til you hear what I've got to tell you." Brian took a swig of water and looked at Sarah expectantly. "I'm moving in with AJ."
Brian's eyes widened. "You are?" Sarah nodded her head enthusiastically. "Oh sweetie, that's...that's great," Brian managed to say, pulling her into a hug.
"Oh B, you don't know how happy I am to know that you approve. I was so worried that you'd be upset," Sarah said.
"Why would I be upset? When you're happy, I'm happy."
Sarah smiled and kissed Brian on the cheek. "You are such a sweetie, B. But now we've gotta find you a new roommie." Brian grimaced. "Oh, come on. I've got the perfect person. Her name's India and she works at the Daily Sun with me. She just moved out of her parent's house and is looking for someone to live with."
"I don't know, Sarah. I got awful lucky with you - I don't think I wanna push my luck."
Sarah laughed. "Two's a charm." Brian gave her a strange look. "Well, maybe not, but you're meeting India tonight. We're all going out."
Brian screwed the cap back on his water bottle and set it on the counter. "All right, girl. Whatever you say."
* * *
The next night, Sarah and AJ celebrated their seven-month anniversary. AJ took Sarah out to dinner at the restaurant where they had their first date. After a light meal, AJ got up and looked at her slyly.
“Close your eyes.”
Sarah looked up at him strangely. “Why?”
“Don’t ask questions, just close your eyes.” Sarah sighed and did as she was told. She felt AJ place something around her neck. "Okay, open." When Sarah opened her eyes and looked down, she saw a thin silver chain with a diamond heart hanging from it.
“AJ, it’s lovely, but...but I can’t accept this. It’s much too expensive.”
AJ laughed and sat back down across from her.
“Oh please, Sarah. You seriously think I don’t have enough money to buy you a nice gift?” Sarah blushed deeply. "So, do you like it?"
Sarah leaned across the table and kissed AJ softly. "I love it, baby. It's the most beautiful present anyone has ever given me. As long as I wear this necklace, you'll be my one and only."
"Promise?"
Sarah smiled and fingered the heart gently. "I promise."
* * *
Once they paid their bill, Sarah and AJ walked out to the parking lot slowly, holding hands.
"You've gotta take me home now," Sarah said.
"Why? Can't you stay at my house tonight?" AJ asked, unlocking the car.
"Nope, because you've gotta get your gift."
"My gift?" AJ asked dumbly.
Sarah laughed and climbed in the car. "Yes, your gift, silly. You'll get to open it once we get back to the apartment."
AJ looked at Sarah strangely, but did as he was told and drove back to Brian's place. After he had parked, Sarah took his hand and led him upstairs and into the darkened living room.
“Okay, where’s the gift?” AJ asked, looking around curiously.
“Stop asking so many questions," Sarah scolded. "Just come on,” she said, tugging him to her bedroom.
Opening the door wide, Sarah led AJ into the room. His mouth fell open.
Sarah's bedroom was covered with candles that gave off a soft glow and soft music played in the background. Her bed was covered with black satin sheets, and there was a single rose on the pillows.
“This is my gift to you,” she said softly, moving closer to him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Sarah kissed him gently, outlining his lips with her tongue. AJ wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close. He returned the kiss and sighed into her mouth as he felt Sarah stroke the hair at the nape of his neck.
Gradually, the two moved towards the bed until Sarah broke away from AJ and started to undress. AJ pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly. "Let me."
Still holding her close, AJ unzipped the back of her skirt and let it fall to the ground. He ran his hands up her smooth back and pulled her top over her head.
Standing back, he looked over the body he had longed to see since the first day they had met. He watched as Sarah turned her head, obviously shy. AJ held her chin and kissed her. "You are so beautiful, baby. I love you so much it hurts." Sarah smiled softly and then moved her hands to his shirt, fumbling with the buttons.
AJ held her by the waist as she pushed his shirt aside and ran her fingernails over his bare chest. He let out a sigh of pleasure. Sarah ever-so-lightly kissed along his jaw as her hands moved to the top of his pants, unbuckling them.
Finally, the two were undressed. AJ gently pushed Sarah back onto the bed, being careful to keep his weight on his arms. Kissing her cheek, he felt her tense up. Looking down, he smiled softly.
"Baby, just relax. I'm not gonna hurt you, I promise."
Sarah gave him a small smile and sighed as he bent down, his lips moving against hers expertly. And in that instant, AJ pushed inside her gently, making them one.
Sarah moaned and arched her back, digging her nails into AJ's back. AJ stayed still for a few moments, letting Sarah adjust to him. She started whimpering underneath him and he took that as his cue. Slowing, AJ began moving, listening to Sarah's sounds of pleasure.
After Sarah got used to AJ's movements, she wrapped her legs around his waist and moved with him. Revelling in the glorious feeling of AJ inside of her, his muscular body pressed tightly to hers, his raspy voice whispering words of love into her ears, Sarah lost herself. She ceased to think of anything but AJ, the man she loved and always would love. Her body was filled with an overwhelming feeling - as though she were drifting in an ocean of unmeasureable love. She never wanted the moment to end.
And suddenly, her orgasm hit her, spreading through body in a fire of passion. "AJ," she screamed, digging her nails into his shoulders. Her body shook and she arched her back, pressing against him.
AJ groaned deeply and released inside of her, gasping her name. Sarah tangled her hands in his hair as he climaxed and then sagged against her, his breathing ragged.
He laid on her for a few minutes as she stroked his head, smoothing his hair back. Then, he moved off of her body and settled next to her, curling her into his arms. Looking down at her flushed face, he smiled and kissed her gently. "I love you, baby."
Sarah sighed and closed her eyes, resting her head against his chest. "And I love you, too."
* * *
Brian came home later that evening to find the apartment deserted and dark. Heading to his room, he heard soft music and then the sound of a moan coming from Sarah’s room. Brian froze, his hand wrapped around the doorknob of his bedroom door. Listening for a few more seconds, he hurried into his room, hoping Sarah wasn't doing what he thought she was doing.