"What did you just say?" I stared at Scarlett, totally stunned.
Did I hear that right? Did Scarlett just say she liked me?
"I said, I like you." Scarlett grabbed my hand and repeated herself, dead serious.
"But you don't even wanna have sex with me." My voice was low, almost accusing.
"It's because I like you that I don't want to sleep with you." Sophia said.
"What kind of liking is that?" I asked, puzzled.
'Isn't the most straightforward way to show you like someone through sex? If Scarlett doesn't want to sleep with me, how much does she really like me?' I wondered, feeling a bit down.
"Because I like you, I don't want you to be labeled as just a lover, you get it? I want us to be together when we're both single. But I'm married, and my husband is your brother. If I sleep with you, it wouldn't be fair to Ryan, to you, and most importantly, to myself." Scarlett replied.
Now I got it. Scarlett's feelings for me were genuine; it was a normal romantic relationship, unlike Emily.
Emily also said she liked me, but she was more into my sexual skills. That's why she'd say stuff like finding a boyfriend just to sleep with me.
"But I don't mind being called a lover," I replied.
"But I do. I don't want the person I like to suffer because of me." Scarlett looked into my eyes, her gaze serious and determined.
"Okay, I'll wait for you to get over your psychological barriers, then we can sleep together." I said.
Since Scarlett said it was for my own good, I couldn't push it any further.
Scarlett looked into my eyes and asked, "I'll try to get over my psychological barriers as soon as possible. Can you give me more time?"
"Sure. I'll go upstairs and pack my things first." I nodded.
"Let me help you."
Scarlett held my hand, and we went upstairs together. She walked ahead, and I followed behind.
She hopped up the stairs while I walked steadily, watching her lively figure.
The sunlight streamed through the window, making her look almost ethereal, like a princess.
To me, she wasn't someone else's wife; she was my lover.
Once we were upstairs, I took a few quick steps to catch up with Scarlett, walking beside her with my arm around her waist while heading to my room together.
Inside my room, Scarlett quickly let go of my hand and walked to the closet, opening the door. "Do you want to take all these clothes with you?"
"No need, just a few sets. I'll come back on weekends when I have time." I replied.
Scarlett looked at me and asked, "Then take five suits, two sets of pajamas, and another two sets of casual wear?"
"Okay, I'll listen to you." I leaned against the desk with my arms crossed, smiling at her.
Even though Scarlett and I haven't slept together yet, hearing her say she liked me in person still made me really happy.
I believed there was nothing in this world more fortunate than having the person I loved reciprocate my feelings.
"You're grinning like a kid on Christmas morning. Can't wait to leave, huh?" Scarlett's voice was low, hinting she didn't really want me to go.
I walked over, wrapped my arms around her waist, and whispered, "Don't be sad. I'm not really moving out. I'm just leaving so we can have some amazing nights together. It's a win-win." I comforted.
"Just make sure you come back every weekend."
"Okay." I nodded, then grabbed the suitcase from the top of the cabinet, then unfolded it before laying it out on the floor.Scarlett pulled out two sets of pajamas from the closet, took off the hangers, folded them neatly, and placed them in the suitcase. Then she added five suits and two sets of casual wear.
She looked at the suitcase and asked, "Need any more underwear?"
"Yeah, but you can leave them here. I'll come back every night to play with your body, shower at home after, and you can wash them when you do laundry." I teased.
Scarlett rolled her eyes, "If you want Ryan to find out about us, just do it."
"I'm just kidding. Five pairs are enough. I'll buy more at the store." I said.
She nodded, grabbed five pairs of underwear from the drawer, and placed them in the suitcase's small compartment, then zipped it up.
"All set. Go ahead." She lifted the suitcase and pushed it towards me.
"Wait, can you give me a bottle of your perfume or body lotion from that day?" I said.
"Why do you need those?"
"So that I can keep your scent in my new room. When I'm busy and can't come back, I can still miss you by smelling it." I hugged her waist, holding her close, my chin resting on her head, occasionally inhaling her scent.
She said bluntly, "You're such a perv. I bet you're craving my body."
"Only because it's you." I kissed her earlobe and whispered.
Scarlett tiptoed and kissed my Adam's apple, her tongue lightly licking it.
A rush of heat surged in my heart as the itch spreading through my body, making my blood feel like it was about to burst.
I tilted her head up with one hand and kissed her.
This time, Scarlett didn't pull away. She kissed me back passionately.
Her hands gripped my waist, her palms flat on my back, caressing up and down.
As she tiptoed and tilted her head to kiss me, her tongue slipping into my mouth, gently licking my teeth.
My tongue slid under hers, into her mouth, lingering on her lower teeth. When she pulled back, I entwined my tongue with hers again.
After almost five minutes, Scarlett was out of breath. She pounded my back, wanting me to let go.
I didn't force it. I let go, pinched her nose, and said, "You're so bold, kissing my Adam's apple. Aren't you afraid I'll do something?"
"Of course not. I know you wouldn't force me." Scarlett put her hands on her hips, her tone playful.