Monday morning arrives, bringing with it the usual rush of getting ready for school. After my morning routine, I slip into a casual yet cute outfit nothing too extra, but enough to make me feel good.
Campus is alive with students buzzing about their weekend plans, but my mind is on Pedro. We've been chatting all weekend, and I can't deny that I'm starting to like him. Maybe a little too much.
As I walk toward my lecture hall, my phone vibrates. Pedro.
Pedro: Good morning, beautiful. Can I steal you for a coffee after class?
I smile at my screen before quickly typing back.
Me: You don't even know my schedule.
Pedro: I know enough. Just say yes.
Me: Fine. But I take my coffee with two sugars, don't forget.
Pedro: Noted, my queen.
I shake my head, biting my lip to suppress a smile. Angela, who just arrived, side-eyes me.
"Why do you look like a lovestruck teenager?" she teases.
Because I think I might actually like Pedro, I admit.
She sighs dramatically. Lisa, just be careful. You know his reputation.
I know. But maybe he's different with me.
She gives me a knowing look but doesn't argue. Instead, she just says, "Well, enjoy your coffee date. But don't fall too fast."
Easier said than done.
After class, Angela and I walk toward the campus gate, chatting about nothing in particular. Just as we approach, my heart nearly stops. A sleek, black Range Rover my dream car pulls up smoothly in front of us.
The window rolls down, and there he is. Pedro.
"Need a ride, ladies?" he asks, flashing a confident smile.
Angela raises an eyebrow at me, clearly unimpressed. But I? I'm trying not to melt.
"You planned this, didn't you?" I tease, crossing my arms.
Pedro chuckles. "Maybe. Thought I'd surprise you."
Angela sighs. "Fine, since I need a lift to town anyway." She climbs into the backseat, and I slide into the front. The car smells like expensive cologne and leather, and I let myself enjoy the moment as Pedro pulls onto the road.
We drop Angela off in town, and as she gets out, she gives me a knowing look. Be careful, her eyes seem to say. I nod, letting her know I understand.
Once we're alone, Pedro drives us to a reserved, cozy restaurant with soft lighting and warm decor. It's intimate but not overwhelming just perfect.
"You really went all out for this coffee date," I say as we settle into our seats.
Pedro shrugs. "Only the best for you."
The conversation starts light favorite drinks, childhood memories but soon, he grows serious.
"I like you, Lisa," he says, his voice steady. "More than I probably should. And I don't want to waste time pretending otherwise."
I take a deep breath. "Pedro, I won't lie I feel something for you too. But I need to be honest. People talk. They say you're a player, that you've dated half the campus. And I don't want to be just another name on the list."
His jaw tightens slightly, but then he leans forward. "That's not who I am, Lisa. I've only been in four real relationships. The first ended because she cheated on me with my own cousin. The second? She ghosted me—just disappeared without a word. The third one dumped me, and when I moved on, she spread rumors that I was the cheater. And the last one… well, she left too, because of all the drama the third one caused."
I watch his face closely, searching for any sign of dishonesty. But all I see is sincerity.
"I won't force you to believe me," he continues. "But I want you to know the truth. And I want to be with you."
My heart pounds. I know I should be cautious, but something about Pedro feels… real.
I.. I feel the same way," I admit softly.
His eyes brighten. "Then be mine, Lisa."
I smile, my fingers tracing the rim of my coffee cup. "On one condition this relationship can't get in the way of my goals. I want to be a successful lawyer, and I can't afford distractions."
Pedro nods without hesitation. "I wouldn't dream of standing in your way. I'll support you, always." and make sure you become a successful and best lawyer in town.
For a moment, I just stare at him, letting his words sink in. He's not just handsome he's thoughtful, honest, and willing to fight for me. My heart swells, and before I can second-guess myself, I smile softly.
"I guess we're giving this love thing a try then," I say.
Pedro's eyes widen in surprise before a huge grin spreads across his face. "Yes!" he shouts not loud enough to attract attention, but enough to make me giggle. He jumps up, practically glowing with excitement, and rushes to my side.
Before I know it, he's pulling me into a warm embrace, his strong arms wrapping around me as if he never wants to let go. I melt into him, my head resting against his chest. His heartbeat is steady, strong. Safe.
Then, slowly, he leans in, and our lips meet.
It's soft at first, hesitant, as if he's savoring the moment. But then, he deepens the kiss, his hand cupping my cheek gently. My entire body tingles. For the first time in a long time, everything around me fades. There's no campus drama, no rumors, no fear just him and me in our own little world.
When we finally pull away, Pedro exhales shakily, looking almost dazed. "Wow," he whispers, a boyish grin on his face. "That was… even better than I imagined."
I laugh softly, my cheeks burning. "You imagined it?"
"Of course," he admits shamelessly. "You're all I've been thinking about."
We share a look, and I know I just know that I've made the right choice.
We finish our dessert, talking about everything and nothing, and before long, it's time for him to take me home. As we drive, I realize I'm still not used to this whole princess treatment him opening doors for me, checking if I'm comfortable. It's new, but… I like it.
As we approach my street, I turn to him. "You can drop me here," I say.
His brows furrow. "Why? I can drive you up to the house."
I shake my head with a small smile. "Nope. My mom is still a Kwanyama woman, and trust me, she'll have a lot of questions. Let's not start drama before we even begin, okay?"
Pedro chuckles but respects my wishes, pulling over at the corner. He turns to me, his eyes softening. "I'll miss you."
"You just saw me a few hours ago," I tease.
"And I'll see you tomorrow," he counters, leaning in to place a lingering kiss on my lips. When he pulls away, he runs a thumb over my cheek. "Sleep well, my love."
I step out of the car, feeling lightheaded from all the emotions. As I walk home, I bite my lip, still feeling his lips on mine.
Inside, I find my brother, Romeo, sitting at the dining table, catching up on schoolwork. He looks up as I enter.
"Hello, kid," I greet him with a sly smile.
He squints at me, studying my face. "You're smiling too much. Suspicious."
I roll my eyes and ruffle his hair. "Mind your business."
But even as I head to my room, I know there's no way I'll be able to sleep without replaying every single moment of tonight in my head.