More Than Friends

Part 36 (Tessa)

The school week goes by quicker than I imagined it would. Hardin was right. Things are getting better. The gossiping and whispering about me is dying down and Hardin helped me get through the hard parts of the week.

It's already Friday and today is my first shift at the book store.

As we get ready for school, I discuss my plans for the day with Hardin. "So, I was going to skip yoga today, so I had enough time before my first shift to complete some paperwork Kimberly has for me," I explain.

"Okay, sounds good. I can skip my last class and drive you," Hardin replies.

"Actually, it's not that far from campus and it's such a nice day, so I was just going to walk there."

"Oh, okay, Tess. So, what time should I pick you up?"

"I'll walk home, too."

"Tess, I don't want you walking home alone after work."

"Hardin, it'll be fine. My shift is short today and by the time I get off from work it will still be light enough to walk home."

"Why do you have to be so stubborn?"

"I love you, but you've practically had to babysit me for the last two weeks and I just want some of my independence back."

"Fine," he groans.

"Look at you compromising," I tease.

"Yeah... you know I hate this."

"A few hours apart won't kill you," I say as I kiss him on the cheek and grab my bag. "Let's go!"

"Yeah, well, I'm still spending every other minute of the day with you."

"I wouldn't expect anything less."

"Come here." Hardin reaches for my arm before I'm able to walk out the door. He brushes my hair behind my ear and looks at me with great intensity as he cups both my cheeks with his hands. "I love you so much, Theresa. These last few weeks have been the best of my life. I never knew my life could feel so bright and happy, until I met you."

"Hardin..." I'm left speechless.

Hardin gives me a single kiss, but I feel all of his passion and love for me through it. "Okay, let's go." He smiles.

I spend the whole drive to school watching Hardin. His feelings for me are so intense and passionate. I thought this kind of love would scare me, but it's exactly what I crave. I think to myself how safe I feel because of him and what it would be like for him to fully make me his.

Without taking his eyes off the road Hardin asks, "What's going on? Why have you been staring at me since we left?"

"Sorry," I mumble and turn away.

"Tell me."

"No reason. I just love how safe I feel because of you. I've never had that before."

"I will always keep you safe. You will never have to worry about anyone hurting you, Tess."

"I love you so much." I smile brightly at him.

"Okay, we're here. Are you ready for today?" Hardin asks.

"As long as I have you here for me."

"Always."

We walk through the hallway on the way to Literature and I see Neil walking toward us. As soon as he sees Hardin next to me, he turns and walks the other way. I'm relieved he finally got the message.

I spend the rest of the day excited about my new job and before I know it, it's time for me to leave early to go sign the paperwork.

"Are you sure I can't drive you?" Hardin asks for the hundredth time.

"I'll be fine. I'll see you tonight for dinner." I give him one last kiss before I leave for the book store. "I love you," I say as I turn to leave.

"I love you, Tess. Have a great first day."

The walk to the book store is short and I can't believe what a beautiful day it is. When I go inside, Kimberly waves me over to her desk.

"Hi, Tessa! Let's get all this boring paperwork out of the way and then I'll show you what you'll be doing."

Kimberly insists I call her Kim and shows me around the store. I've been in here a million times, but with all the employee only spaces this store is so much bigger than I thought.

My job basically consists of being where Kim needs me most that day. Some days I'll be at the cash register, some days I'll be arranging the book displays and I'm supposed to give book recommendations whenever a customer asks for help on what to read.

For today's shift I'm setting up book displays. My short shift flies by and I'm getting ready to leave for the day.

"Tessa! I'm so glad I caught you. One of our employees couldn't come in today. Can you stay a few more hours?"

"Oh, sure. Just let me call my boyfriend." I smile at the use of the word 'boyfriend'. Hardin's phone goes straight to voicemail, so I leave him a message. "Hey, um, Kim asked me to stay for a few more hours, so I need you to come pick me up at 8 . I'll see you then. I love you!"

A few more book displays later I look at the clock and it's finally 8. Hardin isn't here yet and hasn't called me. The store is closing in thirty minutes, so I decide to start walking home.

As I'm walking, I keep trying to call and text Hardin, but he doesn't answer me. I know that's not like him, so I start to worry. I'm so distracted by my worry for Hardin that I almost don't realize I'm being followed.

I try to call Hardin again. "Hardin! I think someone's following me and I don't know what to do. I'm really scared. I'm about halfway home, but it's so dark here and no one's around. Please pick up. I need you..."

I start to walk faster and hang up from my call to Hardin. I decide to try to call the police, but before I can dial I'm stopped by someone grabbing my arm and turning me around. "It's you! What do you want?" I gasp.