There's Always Second Chances

Chapter 32

"Back for a date so soon?" mused Natasha as soon as she sat down on the blanket. "I decided that I liked you," I responded. Nat laughed. Naomi babbled to herself as she stuck her hands in the sand. The endless baby talk coming from her mouth amused all three of us. 

"No really you're actually interested in me?" asked Natasha looking out at the sea, passed it almost. I hummed. "Of course. You don't care that I have a baby so of course I'm interested." I responded. I kept my eye on Naomi to make sure she didn't get any sand in her eyes or mouth or even ears. It was a pain washing her off but it made her happy. 

I couldn't help but feel close to Natasha after our other date. It was rare to find someone who wasn't bothered about my path in life and especially wasn't bothered about a baby. It was evident from how I was home late and talked so much to someone who wasn't who I trusted. It was a change and I didn't want that change to stop. 

Natasha smiled to herself. "What?" I asked softly. I watched as that smile turned into a small laugh. "Nothing," she responded. Her nose scrunched and she waved it off. I took her hand in mine. It was smaller, warm and seemed to fit in mine almost perfectly. I looked up at her face and she looked taken aback by the small action. "What is it?" I asked again. I wanted to know what she thought. 

"Just feels like we're a little family. It's a cheesy thought but that what I feel," she spoke and she turned her attention to Naomi. "It's also very stupid of me to say that on our 2nd date," she added quickly. I let her go and stood up. I pulled her up after me and we grabbed hold of Naomi's hands. 

"Seems too good to be true at first. You're gorgeous. You're perfect. I don't ask you to but you check in on me even if it is just a text. You even ask how Naomi is. You practically begged me to let you meet her. So here we are. We can either try and throw ourselves at whatever this is. Or we could just go slow and we might fizzle out." I voiced my opinion hoping that I wasn't overstepping. 

Natasha stayed quiet as we walked into the edge of the ocean, the waves lapping at our legs and feet. Naomi squealed with happiness each time we lifted her above the waves. This was one of those perfect moments that you wish you could just freeze in time. I couldn't help but feel happy myself. For the first time in a long time. 

By the time we finished, we walked back over to the blanket. Naomi toddled around for a little bit before standing in front of Natasha. "Uppie," she demanded, a pout forming on her tiny face. Natasha looked shocked and looked to me for help. I nodded and motioned for her to hug Naomi. As soon as Nat opened her arms, Naomi was already getting herself comfy. 

I don't think us dating was going to be a problem. At least not if Naomi was going to take to her so quickly. We sat for a while, looking out to sea and eating the food we brought with us. The silence wasn't so bad. It was pleasant even. "Adrian," Nat spoke, her words cut through the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. I looked over at her. Naomi had fallen asleep curled up in her lap and leaning against Nat's chest. Turning my gaze to the sky that had already started to turn shades of pink and purple, I decided that it was time to go. 

"Time to go home I'm guessing," I mused. I took Naomi from her once I got up and Nat immediately went to clearing up the picnic. Within minutes all that was left of our presence on the beach was a dip in the sand and some tiny sand castles. We walked to the car and I put Naomi into her car seat. 

I felt a tug on my shirt and I turned around to look at Nat. She looked shy. One foot rubbing the back of her leg and her hands behind her back. I moved closer to her and she looked at the floor, he hair falling over her face. "I- Nevermind." she said quickly. This was so different to how she normally is. 

I pulled her close to me, one hand resting on her hip. I cradled her face and brought it up so I could see her. "About what you said," she said, her breath catching in the back of her throat. The words she spoke were breathy and quiet. "Mhmm," I hummed leaning in just a bit closer. Her eyes darted down to my lips and then her tongue came out to dart across her lower lip.