Date with Carmen part 2

I was speechless for a moment, overwhelmed by her words. Carmen had always been someone special to me, and hearing her express her feelings so openly and sincerely touched me deeply. My heart raced as I tried to gather my thoughts, the emotions swirling inside me almost too intense to articulate. 

"Carmen," I began, my voice shaking slightly. "I know this all started as an arrangement. A way for both of us to gain something—me, some experience and confidence; you, someone to be with who understood your lifestyle. But somewhere along the way, things changed for me."

Carmen's eyes searched mine, her expression softening with understanding and a hint of vulnerability. "Elena, what are you trying to say?"

I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. "What I'm trying to say I'm willing to try. I've come to love you, Carmen. And I want more. I don't want this to be just an arrangement anymore. I want us to be together, truly together."