Do You Want to be my Girlfriend?

"Urm maybe not that?" Pedro was lying on my bed, dressed and ready to go. He was looking at something on his phone, but kept stealing glances at me. I, on the other hand, had tried on many outfits and hated everything.

"Why not?" I snapped, trying to take a deep breath before I fully broke down. I was usually very simple with my clothing; jeans, T-shirt and trainers. But knowing I was about to meet Pedro's friends added a level of pressure.

"It's just, er, like, a bit booby for a casual dinner." Pedro smirked in between words, trying his absolute hardest to be sensitive and not piss me more.

"Well then, I can't go cos I have nothing to wear." I threw my hands in the air and crashed onto the bed. "I should have brought more clothes from home over with me."

"You've got hundreds of clothes in there. Wear whatever you want. You always look pretty." He gave me his best smile, but I knew he was trying to do whatever he could to bring me out of my mood.

"I was going to but apparently it's 'too booby'" I rolled my eyes and lay back so I was next to him.

"If you want to wear that, wear it."

"No it's fine. What you doing?" I asked, snuggling into his side. Pedro sheepishly looked at me and hid his phone away from me.

"I can't!" He started to laugh.

"Why not? Show me, please!" I pulled on his arm to bring the phone closer to me. My Instagram page flashed up. "Stalking my insta?"

"Yeaaaaah!" He burst out laughing, allowing the embarrassed blush to flush his cheeks. "You're so pretty. I like seeing your life, before me. Makes me feel like I can know you better."

"You're cute." I leant over him and kissed his lips. I lay back on the bed and I closed my eyes in defeat and tried to recall other clothes I had in my wardrobe. "Will a dress and trainers be too casual?"

"Nope. I've got sneakers on. Most people will be wearing sneakers." With those comments, I went into my wardrobe and picked a navy, long bodycon dress with a split down the side and some gazelles.

"This?" I held the outfit together for him.

"Lovely. I like it. I swear you have those shoes in about 50 different colours." His giggles were enough to bring me out of my bad mood.

"Not quite 50. I've got them in green, pink, yellow, navy and black. I love them. They're my favourite shoe ever." I stripped out of the current dress and tried on my last outfit, hoping it was a success.

"That looks nice. Your figure, my god."

"I've not been to the gym in weeks. Your fault. And you keep making me eat loads."

"I'd still fancy you, regardless." I smiled sweetly at his words and snapped a picture of my outfit. "Who are you sending that to?"

"Olivia. She'll give me a honest opinion."

"I just gave you my honest opinion."

"You tell me I look good in everything though."

"Because you do look good in everything."

"Absolutely not true. I'm not feeling this." I grabbed the hem of the dress and yanked it over my head, leaving me stood in the middle of my room in nothing but my lingerie.

"Now, I really like this outfit." Pedro locked his phone and sat up. His eyes darkened as I stood in front of him, making no effort to move or put on clothes.

"Thank you! Do you think your friends will like it too?" I placed my hands on my hips.

"Oh god, yes. But there's absolutely no chance they're seeing you like this." He was now sat on the end of the bed. He reached for my wrist and pulled me closer to him, splitting his legs so I could stand in between. "Hmmm."

"You're gonna make us late." I mumbled as he started to kiss the skin above the waist band of my thong. "Pedro." My fingers were twisting in his hair.

"We're already running late because you have tried on the whole of your wardrobe and still haven't settled on an outfit. But fine. You owe me." He stood up and kissed me hard. "I'm going to get a snack. Please hurry up. I'm starving. And we're going to be late." He kissed me once more before he left the room. I grabbed a top, jeans and shoes and breathed a sigh of relief when I liked the fit together. I took a quick outfit pic for my Instagram story.

@eleanorgraceparker

"You look so good, babe." Pedro commented as he got off the sofa and strode towards me. "Can't wait to show you off."

"You don't look half bad yourself. Love that shirt. You have such a funky collection." My hands skimmed the silky fabric of his shirt.

"Thank you." He pouted his lips for a kiss, and I happily planted mine on his.

"I like the feeling of your moustache on my mouth."

"The moustache likes the feeling on you, too." He joked before he kissed me again. Longer this time. His hands gripped my waist as he deepened the kiss and moaned.

"I'm nervous." I mumbled as Pedro let go of me. I started to mess with my hair, hoping for it to magically fall into place.

"Why?"

"Because I'm meeting your friends. I want them to like me."

"Babe, you've got a natural ability for everyone to love you the second they meet you." His words made me eye roll, knowing that was far from the truth and just him trying to make me feel better. "I'm serious. Everyone that you've met already love you."

"Yeah yeah, whatever. That's YOU! Honestly, I wish I had your people skills. That's why you're so loved."

"You do. You're far better than me. On our first date, my friends kept coming up to me to talk about you. Saying how great you are. How great you are for me. Oscar kept coming over and saying to me, 'She's great for you, man. You've done it. You've found her.'"

"He's just saying that because he wants you to be happy."

"Exactly. From the moment they saw you, they could see how happy you make me."

"You make me happy too."

"Good. So let's go so I can show you off. And finally get some food, because I am so hungry!"

The restaurant was busy and beautiful. The decor was very Italian American. Pedro didn't let go of my hand as we strolled over to his friends. There were about 15 people sat round, apparently we were the last to arrive. Pedro had told them we were 'fashionably late' and that 'tantrums over outfits' caused disruptions. His friend Joanna commented to me that she too understands how that feels but insisted I looked great. I took a seat opposite Joanna, and next to Pedro. He gently squeezed my leg under the table and asked me if I was OK. I nodded and thanked him for looking out for me.

"Whatcha going to order?" He asked, his fingers eagerly gripped the menu.

"I'm not sure if I want the mushroom pizza or mushroom pasta?"

"I'd choose the mushroom option if I were you."

"Sarcastic shit!" I smirked, but laughed at his humour. Pedro was intoxicatingly perfect. A goofy, loveable, sexy guy with the best personality and side splitting humour. It drove me crazy. "I think I'll go with pizza. What are you having?"

"Either pizza or steak risotto!" He didn't take his eyes off the menu. That man loved his food. "Probably the steak."

"Sorry, I have to interrupt and come say hi! Hi!" Sarah popped up between us and gave me a big hug. "I'm Sarah, it's so nice to finally meet you. I've heard so many great things about you." She was even more perfect in real life.

"I know who you are. I've spent many hours watching you in American Horror Story. You're incredible. So talented." It wasn't till I finished shutting up that I realised how embarrassing I sounded. "Sorry, that was so fangirly of me."

"Well at least she's a fan of your work!" Pedro joked as he rested his hand on my shoulder.

"Not a fan of Pedro?" Sarah laughed, grinning profusely at her best friend.

"Oh no, I'm a massive fan of Pedro. I just haven't watched anything he's been in!" I smiled up at him.

"Me either!" Sarah joked, causing both me and Pedro to laugh. "Pedro, she's gorgeous!" She looked at me then at Pedro, who was already looking at me. He grinned at me then spoke to his bestie.

"Yeah, I've done well for myself haven't I?"

"Most definitely! How are you finding L.A, Eleanor?" It warmed my heart to hear that she was eager to get to know me.

"It's been great so far. It's a beautiful place."

"Not as nice as England, I imagine. I loveeeee England. You Brits are so charming. I mean; I've not seen much outside of London. But I love it."

"If you ever want to venture out of the capital, I'd be happy to give you some recommendations!"

"You know, I might just take you up on that. Me and Holland are thinking of getting away soon. Somewhere quiet and green."

"I'd be more than happy to help." I smiled at her.

"Let me get you a glass of wine!" She momentarily left us. Pedro leant forward and placed a tender kiss on my lips.

"What was that for?"

"Man, I just really like you. Seeing you with my friends, it just, it's a next level of liking you." I swooned when I watched him place his arm on the back of my chair. "You gonna let me try a slice of your pizza?"

"You can have anything you want, P." I wasn't lying.

After dinner, we had moved to a bar not far from the restaurant. It was very busy. Fluorescent lights hung around the walls, and were great makeshift spotlights. I had been talking to his friend Derek about live music, and analysing the best concerts we'd been to. Pedro was standing behind me, talking to Lisa and Sarah. I couldn't make out much of what they were talking about, but had been too involved in my own conversations to pay any attention to him.

"Pedro? I thought it was you!" Someone calling his name made me turn around.

"Robin? Heyyyy, how are you?" Pedro stood up and hugged a pretty brunette woman. She said something to him that I couldn't hear, and he nodded as he gripped the top of her arms. She nodded too, and held onto his waist. Who the fuck is this? I looked over to Sarah who was staring at Pedro and Robin. She shook her head and whispered something to Derek, who both looked at me at the same time. Sarah gave me a small smile, and although I'd only known her a matter of hours, I could tell it was a sympathetic smile. What was going on? I looked back over to Pedro who was still speaking to Robin, with his hands still on her shoulders, her hands still on his waist. They started laughing. Then he caught me staring. Shit. He grinned at me, far bigger and better than he'd smiled at Robin. "Eleanor! Come here!" He shouted over to me. I timidly walked over, my hand shaking as I gripped my wine glass. "Robin, this is Eleanor. Eleanor, this is Robin."

"Nice to meet you, Eleanor." She smiled at me. She was pretty, sure. But not stunning. Yet, I couldn't shake off this weird feeling I had about her.

"Likewise." I managed to smile. Why don't you try and be less obvious you don't like her, Eleanor? "Sorry, excuse me. I need the bathroom." I didn't. But I didn't want to be around them. "Could you hold this, please?" I only momentarily looked at Pedro, who was staring at me confused and handed him my wine glass. I quickly hung my head and left to the toilet. I topped up my lipgloss and re sprayed my perfume. I quickly ran my hand comb through my hair and tried to make myself look more presentable than I did when I entered. After fixing my makeup, I washed my hands and left. When I headed back out into the bar, Prince's When Doves Cry blasted through the speakers. Robin was nowhere to be seen, and Sarah was recording Pedro singing the lyrics into her phone. Until he saw me, and started singing them to me. Of course, I sang back. My feet shuffled and my shoulders bopped as I moved across the floor towards him. My dance moves made Pedro belly laugh, and as soon as I got to him, he grabbed me and spun me around on the spot whilst still singing, almost shouting, the lyrics down my ear. "God, you're the best!"

"Who was that woman?" I didn't hold back. I wanted, needed to know.

"I love that you don't keep anything in. If you want to know something, you'll ask. Means you won't hide anything from me." He was still swaying to the beat as he spoke, itching to dance around.

"Are you going to answer or avoid the question?" I took my hands from his biceps, knowing they'd disarm me if I continued to cling onto his muscles and feel them move as he gripped me.

"She's just a friend. I've known her yearssss. We worked together on a show, years ago. And stayed friends since."

"Just friends?" My questions caused him to swallow hard. Fuck. I knew it.

"We used to have a little thing. Nothing serious."

"You said you never did the dating thing."

"I didn't. I don't. That was years ago. Like years ago. Maybe even like almost 10 years ago."

"Do you still like her?" Even I knew it was a stupid question.

"Actually, yes. I still love her. Madly in love. I miss her, so much..." he started to trail off and I knew he was being sarcastic. "Of course I don't. There's absolutely nothing for you to worry about. With her. With any woman. All you baby. I'm all for you. Though, I kinda like you being jealous over me."

"Hmmm."

"I'm serious. Seeing you all possessive. So hot. The way you get all worked up, because you like me so much that you're willing to behave that way. So. Fucking. Hot." Pedro emphasised every word as he brought his lips towards my mouth. "It was very obvious, by the way."

"What was?"

"That you wasn't keen on Robin. So obvious. You were all angry and pouty. Didn't smile once. And you're always so smiley. So I knew it. I knew you didn't like her. God, you're so hot."

"Are you drunk?"

"Nope. A little tipsy. But very much aware of what I'm saying and doing. I'm just incredibly happy and turned on by you right now." He wouldn't stop staring into my eyes, looking hungry.

"Weirdo."

"Maybe so. But I can't stop staring at you. You're driving me crazy tonight. So intoxicating, Eleanor. This outfit," his hands ran across the material that coated my hips and over to my ass. "Your figure. You look so hot. And you're here, with me, and everyone is staring at you cos you're so fucking hot and they all know you're with me and it's the best. It's the best fucking feeling." He brought his lips closer to mine so we were millimetres away. "You gonna kiss me?" I brought my lips up to meet his, feeling that instant happiness that his lips gave me. He moved one hand from my waist and gripped my head, deepening the kiss. "God I, I am obsessed."

"You sure you're not drunk?"

"Promise." He crossed his heart. "Anyway. You're going in a mood with me for a woman I had a small thing with a decade ago who was just saying hi, you didn't see me kick off when the guy you were talking to at the bar was all over you."

"Because there was no guy at the bar all over me."

"Yes there was. The guy you were speaking to earlier, in the denim shirt."

"Right, yes. I remember him. But he wasn't all over me."

"He kept gripping your head whilst he spoke to you."

"Because the music is loud. You're doing it to me now."

"Yes, but I can touch you. Wherever I want." Pedro wiggled his eyebrows as if to challenge me. "But he kept checking you out, he was very flirty with you."

"He was not! He was from England, too. We were talking about being Brits in L.A!"

"Still was being flirty with you."

"He definitely wasn't, Pedro."

"It worries me that you can't tell when men are all over you. Could be a problem for me."

"Stop! You're just being a jealous old man."

"I am that indeed, that's true. Yes. But I'm still new to all of this. I've never felt this way about anyone. Any woman. No one has made me feel the things you have. I'm still trying to learn to control it. Because it's not good, Eleanor."

"You're fine, Pedro."

"I'm not, Eleanor. It worries me. I know, I know that the things I think when I see you around other men are toxic. It's wrong. It's super possessive and I hate it. And I hate myself to think that way. I need to do better."

"I think you're doing great. Sometimes." I joked, giving his waist a gentle squeeze.

"No Eleanor. You need to help me to do better. It's not normal. Earlier, seeing you with that guy, I wanted to storm over and shove my tongue down your throat just so he knew you were taken."

"I wouldn't be opposed to that."

"It's not right though, is it? And, and when I see you moving around, and the guys, all the guys that stare at you and your face and boobs and your ass, it makes me wanna punch their fucking face in, then fuck you hard in front of them so they know every inch of you is mine."

"You're just behaving like that because you've had a bit to drink."

"I'm not drunk."

"I'm not saying you are. But we all feel things a little more when we've had a drink. You know, extra happy, extra angry, extra jealous, extra horny..."

"Oh I definitely feel all of those right now!"

"Which one the most?"

"Gotta go with horny. I wanna fuck you so bad. So hard and rough." I couldn't help but moan at his words.

"Well, if you promise to be on your best behaviour for the rest of the night, I'll let you do just that."

"Deal. Fuck. I can't wait. I don't think I've ever had so much sex in my life!"

"Well, we can cut down, if it-"

"Absolutely not. I want it all. And you promised. No breaking that now, Parker."

"Be good, then, Pascal."

"I'll try my best."

"You OK? You look lost in thought." Sarah commented, as she took the spare seat next to me. I'd been sat at a table, watching Pedro and his friends interact. He was memorising.

"Yeah, I'm fine thank you. Just taking it all in."

"It is a bit overwhelming, isn't it?"

"Just a little. My life has changed so much in matter of months, and so fast. And my awkwardness always finds the most inappropriate time to try and take it all in. You guys are lovely, thank you for being so nice to me. I was nervous to meet you all."

"You have nothing to be nervous about."

"You're so important to Pedro. Especially you, Sarah. Pedro adores you. And I care a lot about him. I wanted to make a good impression."

"Well you certainly have. Pedro has been inundated with everyone telling him how great we think you are, how happy and at ease you make him. It's hard, because you're so involved in your relationship. And if you're anything like me, you find it hard to sometimes see the bigger picture. But from the outside, looking in, you two are great together. I've been unfortunate to know Pedro almost all of my adult life," We both giggled, knowing the irony of her words, "I've seen him go through it all. There's been girls here and there, but nothing ever lasting more than a week or two. And never anything like this. I bet he didn't tell you how shocked I was when he told me about you, how he was dating someone. I hope he didn't, cos it made me choke of my coffee!" She laughed, making me laugh too. "They were words I never thought I'd hear Pedro say. I knew you'd have to be pretty special to break through to that man. Yet, you've done it so effortlessly without even trying. And you make him happy. And I can't thank you enough for that. That man deserves all the love and happiness."

"I'm sorry!" I tried to dab the tears in my eyes before Sarah could see them, but it was too late. "What a beautiful thing to say. You're so lovely. And I agree. I'll do my best to make him happy."

"You're doing great, sweetie." She gave me a sweet hug. "And I've just gotta say, you are such a gorgeous lil thing!"

"Stop, don't!  Thank you so much. But absolutely not true. You, you can't be saying things like that to me."

"Why ever not?!" Her bottom lip overhung as she pouted at me confused.

"Because I'm such a huge fan of you, it's hard for me to believe I'm here, never mind hearing those words from you. It'll go straight to my head!"

"Oh stop! You are gorgeous." Sarah continued with conversation, asking me various questions of home; where I was from, what I did, life in England. Until Pedro interrupted.

"Oh no, my two favourite ladies sitting together. Can only mean they're talking about me." He pulled up the chair next to Sarah and sipped his beer. He looked glorious.

"We are, absolutely. How rotten you are! The worst man in the world!!" Sarah joked, looking at me, then as Pedro, then planted a kiss on his cheek. "Sorry to burst your egoistic bubble, but we were talking about Eleanor."

"Oh, let me join in. I like talking about Eleanor, too!" Pedro's dark eyes softened and creased as he smiled at me with his puppy eyes. Sarah giggled at Pedro, who smiled back at her. Their friendship was adorable.

"Nothing exciting, we were just talking about life back home."

"Are you alright?" Pedro looked at me with a serious expression. I knew that whenever I talked about home, it was bittersweet. He knew how much I missed it. The concerned expression on his face matched my logic. He wanted to make sure I was still OK here.

"Yeah, I'm good." I grinned at him.

"Good. I got you, if you need anything." The way he spoke to me, like we were the only two around. More concerned over my well-being than his best friend sat between us hearing the conversation.

"You really care for her, don't you?" Sarah asked him. I watched her face lit up, obviously noting how Pedro felt about me.

"So fucking much."

"Gosh, you two are killing me. So cute!"

"If you'll excuse me, I need to use the bathroom." As I stood up to leave, I heard Sarah say to Pedro, "She cares about you, too, Pedge. She lights up when she speaks about you. I'm happy for you."

I went to the bathroom. I checked my phone to see hundreds of notifications from Instagram. I made a mental note to turn off notifications in the morning, when I was sober enough to work out how to do it. I saw that I'd been tagged in a story by 'mssarahcatherinepaulson'.

'ugh I love them @pascalispunk @eleanorgraceparker' with the video she took of Pedro singing Prince into the camera. I watched the story, obsessed with Pedro. How he moved, how he sang, how he just naturally oozed sexiness. How perfect he was. The video continued as she panned onto me, capturing the moment we started singing and dancing together. It was wholesome and made my heart burst. We looked so happy. I shared it to my story and locked my phone.

"There you are. Here you go." Pedro handed me a pornstar martini. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah I'm good. Real good. I'm having a nice night. A little bit drunk though. Don't let me drink much more."

"Same. I'm a little bit drunk too. Shall we dance?"

"Yes please!" I finished my drink in two long gulps, making Pedro laugh.

"You just asked me not to let you get more drunk, and you just saw off your drunk in two seconds. I fucking lov, like you, Eleanor. You're my favourite!"

We left the bar just after midnight and went back to Pedro's friend, Derek, house. Pedro was sat on a chair across from me, next to Oscar. His hair was messy, his eyes slightly tired. I could tell he was tired and needing bed, but he was enjoying his night too much. I was ready for bed too, but wouldn't tell him. I wasn't going to tell him because if I told him, he would take me home to sleep. And I wanted him to enjoy his night. He was talking to the others in the group, but I watched him. The way he'd give his whole attention to whoever was speaking, the way his whole body shook when he laughed. He was perfect. I was in awe. He kept stealing glances at me and smiling. A different smile to everyone else. It was loving and caring and made me feel amazing. "You OK?" He mouthed, when he noticed I hadn't spoke much. I smiled back and nodded, just appreciating him. Wanting to capture this memory, I took a sneaky photo of Pedro, and put it on my story:

I grabbed a can of Diet Coke from the side and headed out onto the balcony. The air was cool, but it soothed my heated face. I started to think about my life now. How I could never have pictured myself here, in L.A, with these people. With someone who cared for me in a way any girl could only ever dream. With Pedro. I wondered what mom would think of him? They'd get along. Too well. They'd have such a good relationship. She would be baking him all sorts of goodies, and inviting him for dinners and parties. She'd have him on karaoke, even though Pedro hated karaoke. He'd love spending time with her because she was the sort of person everyone wanted to be around. And Pedro was too. They were alike in many ways. Maybe that's why I attraction for him was so strong?

"You alright?" Pedro said from behind me. I turned around and saw him coming towards me. A glass of wine in his hand.

"Yeah I'm fine, just wanted some fresh air. How beautiful does L.A look from up here?" My eyes scanned the view, seeing the city lights buzz. "Think I prefer it at night."

"Yeah, I agree. Seeing it from up here, where it's quiet. It's a great city. Are you having a good night?" His arm wrapped around my shoulders.

"Yeah, it's been really nice. Thank you for inviting me. Your friends are great. Really nice people."

"Yeah I think so, too. I'm very lucky."

"No one is more lucky than us, to have you in our lives. You're so loved, Pedro. You can just see it. Every interaction with every person you come into contact with. You are so loved."

"I really fucking like you."

"I really fucking like you too."

"Dick!" He wrapped his arms around him and held me. His chin rested on my head as we swayed to the music from inside. We stayed there for a few more minutes, just swaying together. "Did I ever ask you to be my girlfriend?" I looked up at him as I placed my chin on his chest. He smelt heavenly.

"Nope."

"Do you want to be my girlfriend?"

"Hmmm I'll have a think and get back to you on that one."

"Too much commitment for ya?"

"Well, yeah. My other boyfriends wouldn't like it." He playfully smacked my ass.

"Shut up. Definitely no other boyfriends for you. Only me. You wanna be my girlfriend?"

"I'd love to be."

He gave me a glossy eyed, gorgeous grin before giggling, "Seems a bit redundant to even ask. I've been living as if you were my girlfriend since we started going on dates."

"But now you've officially locked me down?"

"Exactly. No backing out now. I think I wanna keep you forever." Same, Pedro.

I was awake, but yet to open my eyes. I knew it was still the middle of the night, or early hours of the morning depending how you looked at it. I could hear a mumbling noise, and soon realised it was Pedro. I lazily opened my eyes to look over at him. He was still asleep, with his back towards me. His body kept jolting. He was having a nightmare.

"Mmm no. Don't. No. No. No. shit. No. Please no. Please fuck no!" His voice was little and mumbly, but I could make out the pain. I had to wake him.

"Pedro. Pedro. Wake up. Babe wake up, you're having a nightmare." I continued to shake his tense body till I felt him jolt awake. His head almost snapped as he turned to face me.

"Fuck. Fuckkkkkk." He continued to stare at me. I'd never seen him look so frightened.

"Come here. You're OK. I've got you. You were having a nightmare. It's not real." I opened my arms and invited him to cuddle into me. He almost leap into the open space I created and tucked his head under my chin. "I've got you. It's OK. You're safe. You're alright." I let him lie in my arms I rubbed the exposed skin on his back and showered the crown of his head in kisses.

"I had a dream you were dead." He mumbled into my chest. Shit.

"Well, I'm not. I'm right here. With you. Safe."

"I know," He finally looked up and I could see he'd been crying. "It felt so real though. I, I." He looked pained and it broke my heart. Even in his sleep, he cared about me so much.

"You don't have to talk about it. It's OK. It's not real. And I'll hold you so you can go back to sleep."

"I had a dream you killed yourself. And I found you. And I couldn't help you. And I untied the rope and you fell into my arms and I couldn't wake you." Fuck. Fuck. My heart sank. I knew all too well how that feeling goes. I'd never spoken about my moms suicide outrightly to Pedro, but I think he had connected the dots. It wasn't something I was ready to speak about. And certainly not in the middle of the night. Not now. Maybe not ever.

"It's a nightmare. I'm good. I'm happy. I'm healthy. I'm here. With you."

"You'd tell me, though, right? If you didn't feel good. You'd tell me. You'd talk. You wouldn't leave me?" Ouch, this was too painful.

"Of course I would. I promise. Likewise, always talk to me."

"I promise."

"You should get back to sleep."

"I need the toilet." He got out of bed and fumbled into the en suite. The moment alone was needed. I had to steady my own breathing and collect my thoughts. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't let Pedro see that. He was already shaken up. I didn't want him to worry about me anymore than he already was. As if I conjured him up, he was back and making his way into the bed.

"Come on. You OK?" I asked, pulling back the bedsheets for him to crawl into my arms.

"Yeah I'm alright. Can I hold you?" We silently shifted so I was lying on his chest with his arms around me. I'd noticed they were gripping me slightly harder than usual. The physical grip allowing him to realise I really was OK, that I was really still there with him. "Man, I'm scared to go back to sleep."

"Think about something nice. A nice memory and replay every little detail in your head like you're watching it like a film. Or something you'd like to happen in the future and watch that like a film. That usually helps me. Though, I always fall asleep before they get to the good bits."

"That's actually a really good idea, Eleanor. Not just a pretty face, are ya!?"

"Nope. I'm the whole package." I sleepily grinned at him and tucked myself into his chest. I was trying not to think of mom, or Pedro's dream as I let my heavy eyes close. My breathing slowed in time with my heart beat.

"Hell yes you are, baby." I smiled at his words and lightly squeezed him. I could feel myself start to fall to sleep. Then I heard it.

"I love you, Eleanor."

Pedro's voice was quiet and thick with sleep. I wasn't sure if he said it in his sleep, so I didn't move. I soaked in the words, allowing myself to bath in him saying he loved me for the first time. Then a deep sleep. About Pedro.

I'd gotten up before Pedro and was cooking breakfast for him. Hoping I could surprise him with a breakfast in bed. But I'd just heard his footsteps across the wooden floor before his arms snaked around me.

"Hmmm barefoot and in the kitchen. Just how I like ya!" He nestled into my arm and kissed my neck. His hands locked around my waist, a grip that was almost too tight. Almost.

"Isn't the saying Barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen?" I leant my cheek against his, wanting to feel him close to me.

"Yep," He leaned over a stole a piece of kiwi I'd put in a serving bowl. "But I'm never going to get you pregnant, so that's a bit redundant."

"Did you sleep ok?"

"Like a baby." He leaned over again and stole a strawberry this time. I gently tapped his hand away to prevent him from stealing more. He hasn't made a comment on the I Love You, so maybe he'd said it in his dream. Either way, it didn't change how I felt about him and I appreciated it.

"Oh, well, I'm glad you did."

"Did I do anymore talking in my sleep?" He asked as he took a seat at the breakfast bar. Should I mention it?

"Urm, not that I'm aware of. I think I pretty much sleep through the rest of the night."

"I'm still convinced that you're pulling my leg with that. No one else has ever commented on me talking in my sleep."

"Maybe they're a bit more courteous than me."

"Maybe. What have you heard me say?"

"Nothing major. You thanked someone the other night. I've heard you ask for a coffee, too. They're usually just bits of a sentence."

"Ah that's funny."

"What is?"

"You know, I don't remember talking in my sleep. But I definitely remember telling you I loved you and you didn't reply." He narrowed his eyes and sipped his coffee.

"I thought you were saying it in your sleep?" My heart raced.

"Oh so you did hear it? It's fine. I get it. You don't love me." He threw his hands up.

"Stop. Don't say that. I thought you were talking in your sleep again."

"I don't talk in my sleep."

"Yes you do."

"Fuck, really!?" I giggled at his response. The thought being so unbelievable to Pedro that he did actually mumble in his sleep.

"Yes. And I thought that was what you did last night."

"Understandable. But for the record, I love you in my sleep and I love you consciously, too." My heart. My fucking heart.

"Do you really?"

"Yes. Are you just trying to get me to keep saying it?"

"Yes please."

"I love you. I love you. I love you. I lov-" I crashed my lips on his. Hard.

"I love you, Pedro."

"I'm the luckiest man in the world." I'd never known a love like this and hoped I'd feel this way for the rest of my life.

"I love this time of day." I mumbled to myself, watching the peachy pink sky start to turn a glorious eggplant shade of purple.

"Me too." Pedro mumbled, clutching his book. We'd spent the weekend at Pedro's. We went to the movies, grabbed snacks and groceries and planned our next few weeks going back to work. I was going back to a boring but decently paid job that allowed me to do the things I wanted to do, but gave me no inspiration or motivation in life. Pedro was going to be doing some promo stuff for The Last of Us, his new show that was premiering next week. Then he was off to New York from Thursday to Monday to do some promo stuff over there. We'd spent our last full day together for a while around his pool, chilling, eating, swimming and touching. A lot of touching.

"Ugh, I don't want to go back to work tomorrow." I placed my wine glass down and wrapped a throw around my shoulders, trying to take the chill of the evening off my bare skin. I was still dressed in my swimsuit.

"I'll pay you to be my girlfriend. Wouldn't have to worry about working then!" Pedro joked, looking up at me over his book. He'd ploughed through a good quarter of it this afternoon.

"I was only joking, before, when I said I wanted to be your sugar baby! I'd much rather be your girlfriend." I picked up my wine and took a sip, allowing my hips to sway to Whitney Houston playing through the speakers. Pedro's playlist was actually very similar to a Spotify playlist I had and I secretly loved that we had a similar taste in music.

"Me too. I was just thinkin'," he dropped his book to look at me.

"Did it hurt?" I smirked at him.

"Ha ha, very funny Parker!" He scrunched up his face as he sarcastically laughed at my immature joke, "I mean, I know you've only just had some time off, but reckon you could come to New York with me?"

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah. I mean, if you can't just come on Friday night through to Sunday? You said you'd never been and you've always wanted to? I'd like to be the one to take you."

"I'm not sure I could have time off cos I'll only just be going back. I'll have to check the costs of flights and-" I saw he going to protest but quickly stopped him, "No you are not paying for my flights."

"I can, though. Besides, you'll be saving money on a hotel cos you would stay in my apartment with me."

"True."

"I do have a busy schedule, but the evenings will be free. So we could do things together then. You'd just have to fill your days up. Or you could come with me? To the interviews and shoots and stuff. Friday is a day of interviews and shoots and I've got a meal on the evening with the cast and crew. Saturday, I've got a premiere, you know red carpet and stuff. Would you come with me to that?"

"I mean, sure."

"You don't have to if you don't want to?"

"No I'd love to come. I just, not sure how I feel about being on a red carpet. Could I come but not walk to the carpet with you?"

"Too embarrassed to be seen with me?"

"Exactly!! Gotta keep my options open if there's other celebrities there. No one knows I'm officially your girlfriend yet, I can play the field." I teased, taking another sip of my wine. Could I really make this trip to NYC?

"It's like you're asking me to get up and push you in the pool." Pedro's mouth twisted in jealousy.

"You wouldn't dare!" My heartbeat started to quicken as I watched him put his book down.

"I wouldn't dare, would I, Eleanor? It's like you don't know me. Cos you know I would dare!" He was getting up with a devilish smile plastered across his face. Moving slowly, stalking me.

"Pedro, no!" I started to walk backwards, trying to steal glances at anything that would be an obstacle, but keeping my eye on his movements. "Please."

"You should have thought about that when you used your smart ass mouth. It's all over the headlines, baby. They know you're mine." He lunged towards me, causing me to squeal and run. "If you surrender yourself now, it'll be quick and painless."

"Nope. You want me, you're gonna have to catch me!" I put my wine glass down and made a run for it, hearing Pedro coming up right behind me.

"Oh baby, I'll catch you. Never underestimate how much I want you." His bare footsteps smacked against the concrete as he ran after me. Then I heard a crash. I turned to see him on the floor, holding his foot.

"Are you OK?" I asked, stopping to see if he was alright.

"Kicked the table." He spat, holding onto his toes. "Fucking thing." I went over to him to see if he was alright and uninjured. Before I got chance to see his foot, he was up on his feet and grabbed me in his arms. "Ha ha! Gotcha!"

"You dick, I thought you were hurt! That's unfair!"

"I didn't think you'd be so gullible, Miss Parker." I was wiggling in his arms, trying to free myself from his grip as he stomped towards the pool.

"Please don't throw me in!"

"Actions have consequences, my darling. I told you my jealous, possessive side was lethal. Any last words?" He teased as he held me over the pool.

"Please. I love you." I looked him in the eyes and silently begged. I loved that I could use those words out-loud now.

"Oh come on. Don't fucking do that. You can't do that."

"Do what?"

"Look at me like that, with those eyes and say those words. That's not fair."

"I do though. I love you. And if you love me, you won't dunk me." Pedro sighed as he released me onto the ground and smacked my ass hard.

"Got me wrapped around your little finger." He huffed, adjusting the waist band on his trunks. The second he took his eyes off me, I lunged forward and pushed him into the water. I stood on the stage, feeling ridiculously proud of myself.

"I didn't think you'd be so gullible, Mr Pascal." I smirked as he resurfaced, pushing his hair off his face.

"You fucker!" He splashed me, causing me to dance on the spot. "God I love you. You just make my life so much fun. Come on in."

"Nope."

"Get in the pool Eleanor."

"Nope. I'll sit on the side if you promise not to pull me in."

"OK." He smiled sweetly at me. The power that smile had made me do anything for him. I knew the second I'd sit down, he'd drag me in, but I was too under his spell to fight against it. As soon as my bum touched the concrete, I was in the water. "Hey baby."

"Such a dick." I spat water out of my nose and mouth. I naturally wrapped my limbs around Pedro as he hooked his arms under my ass. "Talking of dick, I think you should fuck me. Now. In this pool. To make up for what you've just done."

"Hmm baby, you really want me to?"

"Have you had sex in this pool before?"

"Nope."

"Then please take this," I dipped my hand under the water and grabbed his hard crotch through his shorts, "and ram yourself into me. Use all that pent up lethal jealousy you have from my 'smart ass mouth' and fuck me hard and rough please." He was already moaning and moving through the water. He placed me on the steps of the pool and yanked the black swimsuit I had on off in one quick tug. He kissed me hard as he lined himself against me and rammed himself into me.

"Anything for you, my darling."

After our misbehaving adventure in the pool, we decided to get out and showered ready for dinner. I'd finished showering and I was procrastinating on the bed, flicking through my Instagram. I'd turned off my Instagram notifications, so I'd only just saw that Pedro had posted a story.

@pascalispunk

"Pedro?" I laughed out loud, knowing exactly what he'd done. He came from the en-suite with a towel around his waist and one rubbing at his hair. Looking like a god.

"Yes darling?"

"Did you put this on your story because I said the world didn't know I was your girlfriend?"

"Yes, that's exactly why. So now everyone one of 8.1 millions followers can see that you're officially my girlfriend. No flirty at any red carpets for you now." He grinned, looking ridiculously proud of himself.

"You think I'd want anyone else when I have you?"

"There's so many men out there, better for you. Hotter, richer, healthier, younger with knees that don't click when they sit down or a back that doesn't ache 24/7. Unfortunately for you, I shall never let you ever go."

"I wouldn't want to be with anyone else. I already have the best. Even if you're falling apart and make old man noises all the time."

"I love ya. Come give me a kiss, then we'll go make dinner together." He leant against the doorframe and smiled. I was so happy.