Escape

Chapter Nineteen

I grab my work clothes out of the closet as I hear Samuel refasten his belt. I get myself dressed in my work uniform and pull my hair into a sleek ponytail. I walk into the bathroom, brush my teeth, and add a small amount of mascara to try and bring my tired eyes to life.

I walk back into the bedroom and Samuel is standing by the stairs, waiting for me.

"Ready?" He asks as he holds his hand out for mine. I nod and place my hand in his and we walk down the stairs together. He gets to the door and shrugs his leather jacket on. I grab my thin black jacket and wrap it around me and drape my bag over my shoulder.

He stops at the door and turns around. He places my face in his hands and locks eyes with me. We hold still for just a moment before he smiles and places a kiss on my forehead.

I've never had this feeling. This feeling of peace and magnetism. Feeling as if my entire world has been disrupted, but in the best way. I'm so completely drawn to him that I feel as if I would lose the very drive to breath without him.

We walk out the door, and I turn to lock it. Our hands reconnect as we walk in the direction of the bookstore. We walk at a slow pace, enjoying each other's company, trying to spend as much time together as we can before my shift. His thumb rubs over mine and I lean in closer to him. His leather jacket is cold, but also soft and comforting.

We arrive at the bookstore and the sign on the door reads 'CLOSED'. Samuel unlocks the door with his bundle of keys and flips the sign to 'OPEN' as we walk in. The bell dings as the door closes behind us. The bookstore is dark when Samuels walks behind the counter and flips a bunch of switches, illuminating the entire store.

"I need to change, care to join?" He asks as he points up towards the ceiling. I glance at my phone, it's already 11:00 am.

"Um, sure. I have to leave soon though." The diner is just down the road, about a five-minute walk. But I do like to get there a bit early. Laura likes us ready to take tables at our shift time, not just walking in. She's a kind woman, but she runs a tight ship.

We walk to the back and up the metal staircase, Samuels hand gently guiding mine up the spiral. We walk into his apartment and remove our shoes at the door.

"I'll be right back," He winks, "Make yourself at home." He disappears into his bedroom. I walk over to the wall of windows while I wait. I look down at the busy street full of vendors, shops, and people. There's a park just across the street where mothers push their children in strollers and couples stroll alongside each other.

I hear Samuel walk out from his bedroom and into the kitchen. I hear the cupboards open and close, but I can't pull myself from the incredible movie of 'life' before me. I look down at a ledge at the bottom of the window and see an ash tray full of half-smoked cigarettes.

Samuel comes up from behind me and places a small kiss on the back of my shoulder. I turn and see him holding two mugs with steam coming from them.

"I made some tea, English breakfast." He offers the cup to me and I grab it. I can smell that intoxicating mint on his breath, the same scent I couldn't get enough of during our night in the bookstore. I smile at the memory.

"What?" He asks with a playful smile.

"Nothing," I laugh. I lean in and bring his lips to mine, just briefly. I wrap my hands around the hot mug, warming my cold fingers. It's not cold outside, but it's not exactly warm either. I close my eyes and take a sip, allowing the hot liquid to fill my stomach and bring warmth to my entire body. I hear Samuels rings clink against his mug as he takes a long sip, keeping his eyes on me. I smile as I run my fingers down the V-neck collar of his black t-shirt. I can tell he's had this one for a while. There's no print or lettering, but the black has faded quite a bit and I notice a couple small holes throughout the shirt. I poke my finger through one.

He laughs, "Yeah, I should probably toss it." He says and he scans his shirt, probably just now realizing how many holes there were.

I shake my head, "No, I like it." I smile.

"Well then, maybe I should give it to you." He says at a whisper, placing his hand at the small of my back, pulling me closer to him. I breath in his fresh cologne and minty breath as he takes my mouth in his. My one hand still holds the mug, but my other hand laces within his hair pulling his mouth deeper into mine. I hear the chime from the front door of the store, and we break our embrace. He groans.

"I should have left that bloody door locked," He laughs. I glance at the clock and it's already 11:45 am.

"Oh shit! I have to go." I laugh as I place the mug down on the coffee table and scramble to get my shoes on. I go to run down the spiral stairs before I pause; I turn back around and look at Samuel. He finishes lacing his second boot and stands, his eyes meeting mine.

"What?" He asks and runs his hand through his hair.

I plant a soft kiss on his lips and turn back as he follows me down the stairs.