Gem in the Rough

Chapter 20

Kieran is waiting at my apartment door when I arrive, a bundle of purple sweet pea flowers in his hands. I freeze, remembering that a few days ago I made a comment about the flowers and how I used to always beg my dad to buy me some so the house could "smell pretty and purple". How he'd always get me sweet pea fragranced lotion instead because he didn't want me to be sad when the flowers died.

The scent always reminds me of how things were simpler then, when I was small and didn't know much about the world.

"Hey, stranger," he smiles, leaning against the wall. He notices my frozen body and a look of concern crosses his face. "Are you okay?"

My eyes involuntarily begin to water, and he rushes to me, unsure of what's going on. I barely know what's happening. All I know is that him having those flowers is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Someone bringing me flowers is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me, isn't that sad?

It's not even the flowers, but the fact that he listened to what I said and acted on it to make me happy. Who is this man?

In this moment, I don't care about pushing him too far or me being afraid. I care about making it known how incredibly thoughtful he is. His large, gentle hand is on my face, his eyes searching mine for an answer.

"Yeah, I'm great actually," I breathe, dropping my backpack behind me and grabbing his face, pulling it to mine. My lips crash into his and though it takes him a moment, he starts to respond. The kiss is sweet but hungry. No tongue, but still passionate. I break away slowly, making sure our foreheads are still touching. "Thank you."

His breathing is rapid, matching mine. "For what?"

"For the flowers. For listening to me when I talk. For being so fucking sweet." I laugh lightly and he joins me, a genuine smile on his face.

"Of course."

We're standing, breathing each other in for a few moments before the door to my apartment opens and Alice steps out, about to lock the door when she sees us. Our faces turn to her in a rush, our heads knocking together slightly. I rub my head and laugh.

"What's up with my head always being injured when I'm near you, Kieran?"

He's rubbing his head too and smirks down at me.

"Helloooo? I'm standing right here," Alice says in annoyance. She must see the flowers in Kieran's hand because she gasps and asks, "Are those what I think they are?"

"Purple sweet pea flowers, yes." Kieran answers her.

I grin so wide that my face hurts and Alice returns it with a smile just as wide.

"Well, I'm out to study with a few friends, so the apartment is all yours. Be safe." She winks at us, and I groan, heat rising to my cheeks.

She continues as she walks down the stairs, "Use protection! Safe positions! No babies!"

I shake my head in embarrassment as Kieran laughs loudly, apparently unable to feel shame today. His picks up my bag from the floor and throws it over his shoulder, his hand finding its way to my lower back. He guides me into the apartment and asks what he should do with the flowers.

I push my shoes off my feet and take the flowers from him, bringing them to my nose. I inhale deeply and then find that was a bad idea, as I sneeze three times in a row into my elbow. When I'm done, I bless myself and turn towards the kitchen to find a vase.

As I fill up the vase, I notice I haven't heard from Kieran in a minute. I look around and see that he's staring at me, my bag that he dropped by my shoes on the floor. I'll have to bring that to my room and put it in its rightful spot.