Never with Me

by Kaylee Ryan

“Never with me, Ramsey. When you’re with me, you tell me what you want. I don’t care if I hate it. If you love it, that’s what matters to me. I never want you to hide who you are.” His thumb traces my bottom lip. “I never want you to hide your needs, wants, or desires from me. Never.”

“Never apologize when you’re with me, Ramsey. Own how you feel. Let the tears fall, scream, yell, whatever you need to do. You do it.”

“We’re going to work on that, baby. I never want you to worry that I will ever hurt you. You never have to worry about that with me. I just wanted to feel your soft skin and explain to you that although you might feel as though it’s unnecessary for me to follow you home, for me, it is. I need to know you’re safe.”

“No, baby. This is where you choose me. This is where we stop worrying about anything that could complicate this and choose to be with each other.”

“Never with me. Never sensor yourself. If you’re pissed off, I want to hear it. I don’t care if you’re screaming and yelling at me. I want to hear it. If you want me to kiss you, I want you to tell me. If you want my hands on you,” he leans in even closer, “I want you to tell me. There is nothing that you could do or say that would cause me to put my hands on you in anger. I might get pissed off, and we’re going to argue, Ramsey. We’re human and emotional creatures, but I promise you, baby, I will never hurt you.”

One of these days, you’re going to trust that I will always stand beside you, behind you, and in front of you when you’ll let me.” “All three, huh?” I ask, fighting back the tears. I don’t know what I did to have this man come into my life, but I will forever be grateful. “Beside you because I want to be your partner in life.” He kisses my left cheek. “Behind you because you don’t need me to speak for you. You need my support, and you will always have it.” He kisses my right cheek. “In front of you because I want to protect you. I know you don’t need it, but I want to do it all the same.” He kisses my lips softly.