I had gotten used to hating Valentine's Day with a passion, and maybe that was because I had been single for the past three years, but driving up to Drew's I no longer despised the thought. I had planned to bring her eat tonight, but I wasn't planning to tell her where, simply because I wanted to see the look on her face whenever we got there.

Climbing out the cab I told the driver I wouldn't be long, and he was willing to wait a few minutes considering he left the meter running.

I ran up to Drew's door, knocking eagerly and not even having to wait ten seconds for her to answer. She opened the door swiftly, her immaculate blonde waves flowing over her shoulders that were covered with her leather jacket. Those silver eyes locking with mine and taking the words I had wanted to say right out of my mouth.

She broke the silence, "You look beautiful."

I frowned, "I was supposed to say that to you."

I felt her hand slip into mine, "Well, I beat you to it."

A huge grin spread willingly across my face as I pulled her towards the cab and ordered the driver off. I was excited to surprise her on my choice of destination, wondering silently if she had ever been to this place before.

"So where are we going?"

"It's a surprise," I teased.

Her hand just squeezed mine in excitement before she changed the subject, "So, I think I'm gonna finish the rest of my fights this month."

I sucked in a tight breath, remembering that she had fought two weeks ago and won. I had been a nervous wreck waiting for her at home but she had made it back with no damage done. The fight had gone over fairly well.

"When's the next one?"

"This Saturday," she answered as I felt the familiar aching of worry deep in my stomach.

I tensed, wishing I could just get used to the feeling already but it didn't look likely. I hated it, and I hated how dangerous it was and how she was so close to freedom that we could both practically taste it. The only thing that killed me was the fact that something could go wrong and she could lose, resulting in her ultimately starting over.

"It's gonna be fine, I promise," she reassured, but it didn't hide the worry in my eyes.

I decided to smile it off and rest my head on her shoulder, waiting impatiently for the taxi to come to a stop outside the restaurant. It didn't take long as we pulled up to the front, and I could see Drew's eyes gaze up at the building.

I paid the driver and climbed out, grabbing Drew's hand and smiling, "Remember, it's my treat tonight."

She just looked at me, and I could tell she wanted to protest but wouldn't. This had been my idea of a date, and I was determined to take the reins tonight, regardless of what Drew thought.

Walking up to the front of the building and right through the lobby I spotted the host podium. Drew radiated excitement and it reflected onto me as I proposed, "Reservation for Breanna."

The young man smiled and nodded, "I'll take you to your table."

Stepping into the elevator I could tell Drew was surprised, which I enjoyed because I had always wanted to come to this place but never had anyone to take. Now that we were here I couldn't be more excited to see her reaction when we got to our table.

We were brought up ten floors and then exited, trailing behind the host to our table. Drew leaned over and whispered, "How did you get this to happen?"

I looked up at her and smiled, "I called weeks before hand."

I could see a look of admiration grow on her face, and I was immediately satisfied with my decision for tonight. If Drew was already enjoying her night then I had really blown this Valentine's Day out the water.

We sat at our table that overlooked the city, but even though we were only ten stories up you could see quite a bit. The city lights were beautiful, and they illuminated the restaurant, setting a relaxed yet romantic mood.

I sat across from Drew who was gazing out the window, allowing me to admire her just a little bit longer. She looked so happy, a look that had been showing itself a lot more lately. I was doing my best to show her how much I cared, and I understood it was hard for her to accept, but right now I could tell she felt really good.

She turned to me as our server approached, opening the bottle of wine I had requested. It was the same wine we had drank the first night I had gone out with Drew.

"How are you ladies doing this evening?" he asked while proceeding to pour two glasses.

My leg came into contact with Drew's, once again reminding me of the chemistry we had between us. The familiar tingling sensation ran up my leg and spine, causing me to lose my words.

"Amazing," Drew voiced while eyeing me.

"That's great," he responded, "I'm going to give you two a few minutes to look over the menu."

Drew thanked him while I was still trying my best to catch my breath. Not only did she seem happy but it really made her turn into a completely different person. She was confident and sexy, something that reminded me of the Drew I loved a lot. I loved every part of her, including the insecure and damaged part, but this side of her... it was intoxicating.

I watched her lean forward on the table and smile, "You didn't have to bring me to something this fancy you know."

I shrugged, sipping my wine, "I wanted to."

It almost looked as if she hadn't expected me to say that, which made me feel like Drew believed she didn't deserve it, but I was determined to prove her wrong. She let her eyes fall from mine and to her own glass, "I think that came out wrong... but what I meant was – you don't have to. You know, to make me like you or whatever... Like I love this place and I love that you brought me here, I just want you to know I don't need... I don't expect you to-"

"Drew," I interrupted, "I know what you mean, and I know you don't expect this, but I believe you deserve something nice."

I watched a smile grow on her flawless face, a tiny hint of red emerging from her cheeks. It was so bitter sweet, mostly because I was so happy she was happy, but sad because it had taken her twenty-three years to find someone to appreciate her.

But I was here and willing to finally show her how she deserved to be treated.

She flipped open her menu, at a loss for words. I was internally celebrating whenever I heard her murmur, "I still don't understand how I got so lucky."

We ended up ordering the next time our server made his way over to our table, and then Drew's attention was all mine. Occasionally her leg would brush against mine, or she would touch my hand or arm a certain way and I would melt. I didn't understand how the feelings Drew evoked from me never died and always felt brand new, but I had a gut feeling this is what love was supposed to feel like. I wasn't shy or uncomfortable, I knew I could be my complete self, and on top of that Drew could literally set me on fire with one gaze. This was real, nor forced, and I loved every second of it.

She ended up asking, "So what made you pick this place?"

I smiled, "Well, it reminded me of the time you took me up to the roof that one night and we talked about Ashley. I don't know it just felt right."

She seemed to gush with appreciation, "I honestly love it."

"Like you love me?"

I watched her bite her lip as she smiled, "Like I love you."

This time it was my turn to beam, and I subtly sipped on my glass of wine while I studied her. Even though it was obvious Drew was attractive on the outside, her personality matched, which was rare in itself. She was so genuine and sweet, and although damaged she could still reach past all of her darkness and pull out some light.

Suddenly I felt like the lucky one.

"What are you thinking?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked into those marvelous eyes that had reeled me in the first time I had met her. I smiled, "Just how amazing you are."

She rolled her eyes as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "Oh really?"

"Really," I assured.

"Want to enlighten me then?"

I smirked, leaning forward, "You don't see what I see, which sucks but God Drew you're the whole package."

She just watched me, shrugging, "I'm damaged goods."

I grabbed her hand, "Stop. No you're not. You're perfect and I wouldn't change a thing about you."

My words seemed to render her speechless, so I took this as the opportunity to stake my claim.

"Yes, there are things about you that I like less that others," I continued, "But that doesn't mean I don't love that part of you. Your past, yea it's horrible but it made you into the person you are today – strong, independent, passionate... Not to mention that you're absolutely stunning. I mean c'mon, you think my obsession with Avril Lavigne is cute."

Drew just laughed, "It is, and besides, who isn't just a little obsessed with Avril?"

I just watched Drew, wondering how the hell she didn't see what I saw. I could talk about her to someone else from sun-up to sundown and not need to take a breath to think. Everything about the girl in front of me made me feel and beam with a feeling I had grown to love instead of fear, and she had to know that.

I just hoped I could get through to her, "You do believe me, right?"

Those eyes switched up to me, and I could tell she realty wanted to answer honestly, but wasn't sure how I would react. She sucked in a tight breath, "I do believe you think I'm amazing or whatever, but Bree I still believe you could find so much better. I'm grateful. Don't get me wrong, because you're the best thing that's happened to me – I truly believe that. But you... you can make anyone fall in love with you because you're so genuine and true and pure. I can't do that."

"But you made me fall in love with you," I answered, "That means something."

"I still don't understand how."

I shook my head, "Because you're you. You're authentic, raw, and completely true to yourself. You don't hide behind a mask, at least not in front of me, and when I met you, you could've very well have pushed me away. You didn't. You opened yourself up to me for a reason, because you felt something just like I did. That's why you're worth it, that's the reason I fell for you so hard. You didn't have to be someone else, you didn't have to hide, which is something you can honestly say that other people can't."

She just looked at me, as if she couldn't find the right words to reply with. I had allowed my heart to spill out onto the table in front of her, and she was coming to terms with my truth. She would probably never be completely whole again because of Evan but I I'd be damned if I didn't try my best to tell her what she deserved to hear.

"I trusted you not even a week after I had met you, after I had seen what you were involved in. You had something... something that pulled me to you, and I needed to understand it, I needed to hear your laugh and see your smile. We have something, and no, it may not have been the healthiest start, but you can't convince me that I was supposed to walk away when I met you."

I watched her silvery green eyes engulf me, her lips turning into a shocked smile. She was shaking her head but I knew it wasn't in a negative way, but more because she was surprised. I didn't blame her, I was surprised to, but I didn't regret it one bit.

"Can I ask you something?" Drew requested, and I wondered silently why she even felt the need to ask for permission in the first place.

I nodded a response.

"Do you believe in soul mates?"

My face probably gave her the wrong impression but I tried to redeem myself. I sighed, "I do... actually."

She refused to look at me as she smiled shyly at the table, "I remember when I first saw you standing at the front counter at the gym, and for some reason I found myself walking over to you even when I should've been leaving. It was like even when my head was like leave, everything else prevented me from doing so. But it wasn't until the night you caught me dancing that I realized that you were different. It scared me, of course, but even when I tried pushing you away there was always that little hint of something more. Something that overtook both of us that night, and after hearing you say what you just said it just validated my feelings even more."

I always knew Drew was intelligent and in depth with her thoughts, but this had really shocked me. She believed in soul mates, and so did I, so was that what this was? Did that explain the undeniable attraction we had? And did that explain the fact that I felt uncontrollably comfortable with her?

Was that what Drew was to me?

"I was scared for a long time, scared that I wouldn't find anyone to love me the way I needed so much. I still get scared simply because I feel dirty when I think about what happened to me... but then you came along. You stayed when no one else did, and every time you look at me a certain way, or kiss me, and hold my hand it's like the dirtiness I feel fades away. All the toxic thoughts that make me feel unlovable start to leave, and you're the only one that could do it."

I was shocked, completely speechless because I hadn't ever heard Drew talk like this. What she was telling me was so raw and heartwarming that I couldn't even pull my eyes away from hers. I was in another world right now, and the more I replayed her words in my head the more I fell in love with her.

"Did I freak you out?"

I shook my head, "N-No, I'm just... I've never heard you..."

She smiled shyly, "Yea, I know... but I feel the same about you, Bree. I feel the same things you do, and I feel comfortable and safe. I may not show it enough but... I do. I promise."

All I could do was smile like an idiot while our server walked up and placed our entrees in front of us. All I could see was Drew, and all I wanted right now was to tell her how much I loved her and how proud I was to call her mine. I didn't care if no one else understood her, or if anyone thought she wasn't good for me. I knew she was, and I swore to myself in this moment that I wasn't going to give up on the blonde in front of me. I would always catch her when she fell, and I would always love her no matter if we stayed together or not.

We were meant to meet and love each other, and I accepted it as soon as Drew's last sentence fell out of her mouth.

Dinner proceeded with ease, conversation never dying as we sat and talked for what seemed like hours after we had eaten. I didn't want to go home but I did, simply because I was ready to curl up into Drew and fall asleep in her arms. I loved talking with her but we were on the verge of shutting this place down and finishing this entire bottle of wine.

I paid and asked, "Ready?"

She took a deep breath, nodding, "Yes."

We made our way out of the restaurant and hailed a cab, climbing in willingly as I felt Drew's hand on my thigh. If there was anything I would always love it would be the way she could light up my entire being without even trying.

"Tonight was... amazing."

I smiled, resting my head on her shoulder, "Thank you... for opening up the way you did."

"Thank you for being patient."

Her words hit me hard, and suddenly I understood how hard it must've been for Drew to open up. Out of all the people she met and talked to, she had finally seen something different in me. She had worked with her heart in opening up and finally allowing herself to take a chance and it had taken a significant amount of bravery to do that.

I felt her kiss my temple then and I smiled like an idiot. I couldn't have asked for a better night, and when the cab pulled up to Drew's place I was suddenly wide awake. It was late but not too late, and the buzz from the wine was finally getting to me. She seemed to feel the same way as she eagerly pulled me out and to her front door.

She pulled me into her apartment, shutting the door behind me and taking my face in her hands. I felt her lips settle against mine, as if she was trying to tell me she loved me without verbally expressing it. She was gentle, her body pressed against mine in her best attempt to keep herself upright. My legs were elastic, and if it weren't for Drew's own support I would've probably fainted.

Her hands were cupping my cheeks, keeping my face close to hers as she pulled away. My eyes remained shut for a split second as Drew made no sudden movement away from me. There was something about tonight, something that was different but good, and when she started taking off my jacket I understood where this was going.

I watched her shuffle out of her jacket as well as her boots, and I did the same. Her hand held mine as she pulled me in for another long kiss, her lips lingering on mine just a little longer before she pulled away.

She didn't even have to say anything, all she had to do was kiss me a certain way and I immediately got the hint.

I felt my legs tremble, realizing I hadn't ever expected Drew to make me feel such a thing. I let my hands run up her neck and pull her face into mine, kissing her tenderly to let her know I wanted her too. There was nothing stopping me now, and the way Drew's hands snaked around me let me know it was the same vice versa. 

I felt her hand tug me up her stairs, the next few seconds turning into a complete blur. I couldn't focus, I was in a dream, and when we were in Drew's room everything seemed to intensify. My senses were heightened, my hands unable to disconnect with Drew. Our lips were mingling together in perfect unison, and I felt her hands travel up my body, slowly tugging my shirt off and over my head. My hands wasted no time unbuttoning her own shirt, but it took me more time because they were literally trembling against her chest.

We were both nervous, possibly for completely different reasons, and suddenly it felt as if I had never done this before. Even when I had had done this with Ashley countless times it felt like the very first time with Drew, and suddenly I was sixteen again.

I felt her push me backwards towards the nearby bed, my back coming into contact with her mattress as she climbed over me. Her movements were slow and sensual, but I felt the love pouring over me as she kissed on my neck. Bumps were rising on my skin as I felt her hair trailing over me, those perfect lips connecting right under my ear.

My hands reached up, touching her chest timidly as I trailed them down her stomach and to her jeans. I wanted to see her, all of her, and I wanted to show her what I had been feeling for what seemed like forever now. I had to be careful and go slow, I didn't want her to think something bad or make her cringe in disgust. Even if we were taking it further I had to continue to be patient, she needed it.

I snapped the button of her jeans open and unzipped it but let my hands travel up her sides after. I was eager but so was she, and when she started kissing down my chest and stomach I couldn't help but pray that she didn't stop. I was burning up by the time her lips met up with the waistband of my jeans, and then she began undressing me more. I allowed her to tug them off of me, giving me a perfect view of her immaculate body when she stood to pull them off of my legs.

As long as she continued doing what she was doing I was going to unravel immediately. The way her hands felt against my skin sent me over the edge, and when I was lying under in nothing but my underwear I felt pretty vulnerable to her. It had been so long since the last time I had been this exposed to someone, but even when I was nervous I knew deep down I had no reason to be.

Drew took it upon herself to remove her pants before climbing back on top of me, preventing me from taking the lead. I wasn't going to rush it, knowing we had all night and the last thing I wanted to do was end it too sudden. The longer she prolonged everything the better, because if she needed more time then I would give it to her. I would literally give her anything she wanted right now if she asked.

Our lips never really separated until I asked, "Are you sure?"

She nodded against my forehead, "More than sure."

Her hands slowly snaked under my back, lifting me up and onto her lap. My heart was slamming hard against my ribcage, and her hands quickly undid my bra, letting it fall between us. Her lips kissed my chest while my hands laced through her hair, my skin suddenly torched under her kiss.

Suddenly the outside world was melting away, nothing but Drew and I tangled in her bedsheets. Feeling every inch of Drew against my own was magical, something I had never felt before, and when she touched the most intimate part of my body it had been something completely foreign yet so familiar. I had let her take the lead, at least at first, but it hadn't taken long for her to send me over the edge, panting and moaning her name a million times.

But when I found myself on top I couldn't help but hesitate, wondering if she was comfortable with it. I knew I had promised to wait till she as ready, and she seemed it, but I looked to her for reassurance.

She nodded, "It's okay..."

I nodded, moving my lips over her neck and then back to her lips. I felt my hand trail its way down her stomach and down her thigh, not being able to get enough of her. I could feel the electricity flowing between us, the heat nearly suffocating me – but I loved it.

I took my time with her, not wanting to push her too far as I stayed on top, my lips staying connected with hers. I felt each one of her moans vibrate through my mouth as I continued, her hands tangling themselves in my hair as her hips moved against my hand.

I savored everything about this moment. The image of Drew's ocean eyes disappearing behind her eyelids as she closed her eyes in pleasure, the way her lips parted and provoked me to seal them off with my own. Even when I was on top I still found pleasure in her, and the fact that I was even in this situation still had me shocked.

And when she came I swear it was like nothing I had ever seen before, the elegant yet sexy way she moaned my name. The way her hands subtly tightened in my hair and the way she bit my lip just enough to elicit a slight amount of pain nearly sent me over the edge as well. Everything about tonight had turned into one of the best days of my life, and I wouldn't change a thing.

I was lying in her arms, her chest rising and falling quickly as I kissed her shoulder. Even though tonight had drained me I still felt mentally awake, "That was..."

"Amazing," she finished, as if she had been dying all night to say that again.

I looked up at her, "Are you...?"

"I'm perfect."

I smiled, seeing a look of admiration in her beautiful eyes. I was shocked that we had actually gone further but I didn't regret it at all. It had been everything I had expected and more, and it seemed the same way for Drew.

She whispered, "You're perfect."

She rolled on her side then, allowing us to face each other as I brushed a strand of hair out of her face. I shook my head, "It wasn't too much for you...?"

"I never once had a bad thought, and that says a lot..."

My smile widened as she pulled me into her, allowing me to feel the warmth of her naked body. I didn't want tonight to end but I knew it would soon, my eye lids were becoming heavy and I knew it was the same for her.

She kissed my forehead, "I love you."

"I love you," I answered,

And suddenly I understood what it was like to actually be in love again, a feeling I hadn't felt in years. I was in love with Drew, that was unmistakable, and when I told her I loved her I knew in my heart that I meant it completely.