Escape Across the Pond

Chapter 17

Dear Dad,

Is it possible to open your eyes one day and feel like a brand new person? Can you feel yourself come out of a long hibernation stronger and more resilient than the person you once were? Can you shed the old, scared version of yourself and be the person you always imagined you could be? Well, here goes nothing.

I wake the next morning with Alex's big strong arms wrapped around my middle with me held firmly to his chest and I sigh out in contentment with a small smile on my face. I'm so relaxed and comfortable. I don't want to disturb the bubble that I've found myself in this morning, feeling Alex breathing on my neck and him cradling me in his warmth. I could stay like this forever. Unfortunately, I have to use the bathroom so forever won't be possible.

I try to pull his arms from around me so that I can get up but he tightens them instead. "Where do you think you're going?" he says in a sexy, raspy morning voice.

I shimmy in his arms a little to get loose and chuckle, "I have to go to the bathroom so you better let me up."

He groans, "If I must." and lets his arms drop so I can scurry out of bed and grab an oversized t-shirt to throw on in the bathroom.

"Do you want breakfast? I'm sure I can find something to make." I call over my shoulder and catch a glimpse of him checking out my naked ass.

"Breakfast sounds great, love, but I'd rather you hurry your sexy arse up and get back in here. I wasn't ready to get up," he calls to me. I'm smiling the entire time I take care of business, brush my teeth, and wash my face. My hair is a lost cause so I throw it up into a messy bun and put on my t-shirt.

When I come out of the bathroom I pause and take in the sight of Alex laying naked in my bed looking edible, all rumpled, eyes half mast, and a mess of waves giving it that gorgeous bed head look. Alex is checking me out too, starting with my bare feet and working his way up my legs slowly. Then, he's taking in my old worn t-shirt and I see the crease in between his eyebrows so I cast a glance down at my shirt not knowing what it was right away.

"Did you go to university there?" he asks.

"Oh. No, this is my dad's. I like to sleep in it sometimes." I shrug one shoulder and pad over to the bed to climb back in.

"That makes sense. It's kind of like how I still like to drive my mum's car. I get it." he responds and pulls me close. I take in a deep breath and release it.

"Yes, I miss him all the time. For a while it was really hard for me to talk about him without getting upset. He was all I ever really had and then he was gone. But talking to you about him is a lot easier." I say while snuggling into his side with my head in the crook of his neck.

"I think I know what you mean. It's still hard to talk about my mum but I can manage more with you than anyone else," he said while rubbing a large hand up and down my spine.

"I have a photo album with pictures of all the trips we took together before he got remarried. I haven't looked at it in a long time." I say softly into his chest. He pushes up from the bed a little and I shift to sit up with him.

"Do you have it with you? I would love to see them," he says with more enthusiasm than I was expecting. A smile creeps across my face.

"Yes. Hold on." I jump back out of the bed and walk over to the closet and pull the book from the top shelf. It's been so long since I thought about all of our camping and fishing trips and I'm honestly excited to see Alex's face when I show him all of the cool stuff my dad and I did together.

That's how we spent the first hour or so of our morning, followed by some very intense and pleasurable lovemaking. Then, I baked some blueberry muffins and made bacon and eggs for breakfast. We also had coffee to refuel and then Alex and I attempted to christen nearly every surface in the cottage. Our entire day was spent tangled up in each other and it was the best day of my life. The day couldn't have been more perfect. I found myself really coming alive and Alex was helping me. I owe this man so much, but I can't tell him how I feel yet.

Grandmama called that afternoon. "Coraline, dear, I'm so glad I could catch you. I was planning to come in later on in the week. I have an event scheduled for this Saturday in Newcastle, and I thought I would come round Thursday to see how you're getting on." she gushes down the phone. A genuine smile crosses my face and I see Alex roll his eyes from where he's pressed up against me on the sofa.

"Of course, Grandmama. I would love to have you. I'll have to speak with Ollie on what day I need to take off work." I say.

"Well, darling, if it would be alright, I was hoping you would accompany me to the small party on Saturday. If you're available, I have an appointment for us at a dress shop not far from the cottage on Friday. The party won't be until later. What do you say, darling? Will you be an old woman's date?"

"Yes, Grandmama. I would love to go with you. I'll ask if I can have off work on Friday to spend with you, and Saturday when I get home from the coffee shop we can get ready for the party. Is that alright?" I ask unsure but thankful she cared enough to invite me along. I can feel Alex stiffen beside me.

"That's wonderful, darling. Thank you so much. By the way dear, have you heard from Alex? I've tried to ring him but haven't been able to reach him." she asks. I try to cover my chuckle with my hand when I see Alex shaking his head

"We were all out at the pub late last night, Grandmama. He may be nursing a hangover." I responded.

"Oh, dear. Well, I'm sure he'll return my call directly. Thank you again, darling girl. I'll see you Thursday afternoon. Take care." she says down the line. I tell her my goodbyes, and we end the call.

Alex groans and rests his head against the back of the sofa. Then, he cuts his eyes over to me, "Why did you let her guilt you into going to that boring party?" he grunts.

I turn toward him completely and look him in the eyes, "Guilt? She didn't have to guilt me into anything. When I got here I didn't have much but she welcomed me like family just because I was a friend of Kate's. I think she's absolutely wonderful and I would do anything she ever asked of me. I owe her more than just escorting her to some 'boring party." I huff. Alex studies me for a moment and then leans forward to place a gentle kiss on my lips.

"That's very honorable, love. I believe you're right. She's done a lot for me throughout the years and I probably haven't shown her the gratitude she deserves." he responds. I shove his shoulder and laugh.

"Oh, don't let me 'guilt you' into being nice to your grandmother." I laugh. Alex grabs me and pulls me back into his arms and kisses me. Before we get carried away, he pulls back.

"I really want to stay, but I need to get back to the flat and make sure one of the lads hasn't burned it all to the ground. And I guess I need to return a phone call," he says, winking at me.

He climbs off the couch and grabs a few of his things still lying around before putting on his boots at the door. I walk him out to his car where I throw my arms around his shoulders, stand on my tip toes, and give him a long passionate kiss. I hope he knows how reluctant I am to let him go. "I'll see you tomorrow?" I ask when I pull away from the kiss.

"Absolutely, love. But until then, you have my number. Use it." then he's climbing into his beautiful vintage car and pulled out of the driveway.

I let out a big sigh feeling like a part of myself is missing but not ready to admit that out loud to anyone yet. I think I'm going to call Kate later and see what she thinks about what I've gotten myself into. Then, tomorrow at work, I'll see what Charlotte has to say. Surely between the two of them, they can give me some solid advice. We'll see.