Page 34 of Imbalanced Minds

Breaking us out of our moment Cory pulls back and starts speaking. “Baby girl, I’m about to lose my control with you and I know for a fact last night was too much; don’t get me wrong, I have no regrets, but I think it’s best if we wait until you’ve processed this some more. How about I go make us some breakfast and you can come out when you’re ready.” He says, unwilling to take no for an answer.

As eager as I am to disagree, he has a point. Last night was amazing but it was as far as I’m willing to go for now, so I accept his offer. “That sounds lovely, thank you.”

Kissing me on the forehead, he gets out of bed and I’m greeted with quite the view. This man has one sexy arse. I get an even better view when he turns around at the foot of the bed and his smirk says he’s enjoying every minute of my ogling. “Take it all in, Iris, because it’s all yours now, baby.” Winking, he pulls on his sweatpants and heads out of the room.

I’m left hot, flustered and majorly frustrated. I never knew I’d love a dirty mouth as much as I love his. Not to mention the little seductress he brings out in me. All I want to do is pull him back to bed, consequences be damned.

I wait for the bedroom door to close then quickly and carefully reach under my bed for my journal. I’ve been avoiding it since I arrived home, but this is an occasion to write about. At least that’s where my thoughts start out.

Where do I start today? It’s been forever since I’ve done this, and I’ve lost my touch.

Maybe, just maybe… No, not going there.

I had the best night last night and holy fuck does that man have a wicked tongue. Swoon much!

I can’t stop thinking back to the day he brought me home and he let his heart out. I have a niggling feeling in the back of my mind he said those magic words to me, but I haven’t been able to ask him about it. I’m so sure I wasn’t dreaming about them but anything’s possible. I’ve been having very spaced-out dreams so it’s likely I’m overthinking this.

Although I know he won’t become controlling like my ex *shiver* I couldn’t handle that again. The time it took me to get out of the habits he’d create and the ways I’d feel when everyone else would tell me there’s nothing to be worried about. I lost my social life with him and maybe that explains why I partied hard in recent years “getting my life back”. He took away my decisions without me even realising. He manipulated me and groomed me into his own puppet to command. I came out of the relationship with not only no social circle, but my self-esteem was at an all-time low. What would you have done? I was barely an adult when I broke it off with him, and we’d dated for two years. So, I was young and naive. I’m pretty sure Cory left just as I started seeing HIM and he moved back after my horrible breakup. I swore Jay to secrecy about how HE treated me. I suppose I need to tell him that too. Gah! Why can’t life be simple?

Until next time,

Iris x

Hearing someone yelling along with loud banging I bolt upright, shut my journal in an uncoordinated hurry and slide it back under my bed.

“Yo, I’m home. I repeat, Nat is in the building, walking through the lounge and very much present.”

Hearing Natalie’s overdramatic voice travel through our apartment makes me laugh. She’s never been a subtle person; in fact, I’d go as far as saying she’s as flamboyant as they come. She is the most confident person I’ve ever met.

I manage not to hurt myself by falling out of bed from all the laughing—boy I’ve missed this.

I manage to stand up just as Cory pops his head into my room, shaking it in puzzlement. “I’ll never understand you two, will I?” he asks, all while trying to hold a straight face but failing miserably.

“Nope,” I reply, only making my laughter worse which then resembles a dying goat.

“Fuck me. Maybe it’s a good thing we’re switching. I’m not sure I could handle the two of you living together.” Cory says.

“I’ll have you know we’re just fine thank you very much.” I sass. “Besides, I’m truly grateful for having you stay with me and it’s been so amazing having you here, but… I think it’s time I get on with my life—the way it was before… this.” I wave my arm around my mostly healed body.

Frowning, Cory removes his head from the ajar door.

“Wait, where are you going? I haven’t finished yet.”

Confusion shows on Cory’s face. “I was going to add, I’d much rather start this new path with you in it. I know this is all new and I also know I could easily get used to waking up with you, actually, I already have but I need time to adjust, and I still need my own space—for now.” I sigh, wondering if I’m stuffing this all up.

“I need to explain that over, that didn’t sound right.” I quickly say, then hiding my face in my palms.

“No, you explained enough.” He speaks. He seems much closer than before, but I can’t stand to look. “I would love to wake up every morning next to you too, Angel. You’re right, we do need to ease up for a minute. Having our own space will give us time to adjust and get to know each other again. I don’t want to mess this up. Christ, can you imagine if I did again? I’m a dead man walking if that’s the case.” He chuckles, referring to Justin kicking his arse and possibly making him disappear if he ever hurt me again.

“Listen, if there’s anything you need then you call me. I’ll always answer for you. Me being here this last month or so was only a temporary deal, remember?”

By this time, I’ve uncovered my face and he’s now tilting my chin up with his finger so I’m looking directly into his eyes. His stare is so intense yet mesmerizing and I can’t help running my tongue over my lower lip.

“Damn, Iris, you definitely will be the death of me.” His lips meet mine in a hungry kiss. I can’t resist wrapping my arms around his neck and hold onto him as if this may be my last chance to keep him here—even though I know he must leave.

Pulling away, we share our last intimate goodbye and head for the lounge where the bellowing introductions are still going strong.

“Hey friend, and lover boy,” Nat says with a cheeky glint in her eye. “Iris, we need new house rules, so you know, neither of us walks in on you know what,” she keeps going, wriggling both eyebrows up and down in a fast, teasing motion.

“Nat, it’s a bit late for that don’t ya think. Remember the time I saw…”

“Woah, woah, woah, yeap, okay. It’s time to leave, lover boy. Thanks for looking after our girl but I got it from here.” Nat says, as she hastily pushes Cory out the door.

He motions with his hand, forming a phone-like signal and mouths call me as he’s shoved through the door.

Not being able to help myself, I blow a kiss toward him, but Nat rapidly bats it away.

I can’t wait to do life with that man.

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