Cherry was anxious the whole day. Luke was working on different cars while she cleaned the office area. Her heart was heavy with the thoughts of Damien coming to find her. Cherry figured that Luke wouldn't mind her going for a walk. There was soft flakes drifting through the air and that is what enticed her to head out the back door.
Cherry's arms were covered with a thin long sleeve shirt as she hugged them close to her body. It was so quiet. The air that she inhaled was so clean and sharp. Walking a bit down the path aimlessly, Cherry saw a small animal jump up.
She smiled.
Her hair was now dusted with snowflakes and her nose was the shade of a ripe summer strawberry to match her cheeks.
Cherry continued walking down the trail, the shop had disappeared behind her. She approached a small stream that was surprisingly not frozen over. The distance that she had walked was further than she had thought. The way back was extremely cold.
Her body shivered as the path felt like forever. Cherry's heart fell to her stomach when a bird suddenly swooped towards her face.
Blowing out a shaky breath, she continued further. Everything was going to be fine. Cherry felt stupid for walking so far on the path, but the moment of peace was so comforting.
She had visual of Luke's shop in the distance. Dragging her feet the rest of the way, Cherry finally made it back to the door. Before she had the chance to open the door, Luke pulled it open forcefully.
Cherry heard him release an audible breath.
"My God. Get in here, it's fucking freezing." Luke said as he guided her inside the office.
Cherry stood beside him as he stood to his full height. She thought he must have to lean down to walk out of the door. Cherry did realize the building was older, perhaps the ceilings were lower.
"I was looking for you, where is your coat?" Luke said taking another breath before pulling an old blanket off of the old rocking chair.
Shaking out the quilt his grandmother had made so long ago, Luke wrapped it around Cherry. She stood there without saying a word. Cherry only realized that she had spaced out when Luke guided her to sit down.
"Sorry, I- I saw the trail.." Cherry said quietly.
"I cleaned t-the office." She added.
Luke just nodded, rubbing a hand over his chin like he was thinking. Cherry thought he looked stressed.
"Are you hungry for lunch?" Luke had asked next surprising her.
Cherry nodded shyly.
Luke tilted his head towards the doorway as if to say 'let's head out' and Cherry stood up.
Luke had made sure Cherry put on warm clothes, shaking his head. Why was he so attracted to her. It had been so long since Luke had ever felt this way for anyone. He didn't even know if he had it in him to ever been that person for someone again.
Cherry smiled at the small diner that Luke had driven them to. It smelled so heavenly and there was a small area with a book case and tables.
"Luke, how's my boy doing?" A older, short lady wearing an apron came around the corner to pull Luke into a hug. Luke's form toppled over the sweet lady. Cherry's lips tipped a little at the end.
"I'm fine, I'm hungry." Luke cleared his throat and began again.
"This is my friend Cherry. She's new in town for awhile." Luke explained in the safest manner.
"Friend, you say?" The lady looked at Cherry.
"Yes, Mrs. Williams." Luke said guided Cherry to one of the booths.
"The normal?" Asked the lady that was now known as Mrs. Williams.
"Yes ma'am." Luke responded looking up at Cherry, who was peering out the window. She was nervous. All of this was so new, it was intimidating.
"And for your pretty friend?" Mrs. Williams said looking between the two. Cherry turned her head and a light blushed dusted her cheeks. Cherry didn't know what she wanted, she looked towards Luke for help.
"Soup?" Luke asked Cherry. Cherry realized that soup sounded so great at that moment.
"Tomato soup and grilled cheese?" Luke said and Cherry nodded. Ms. Williams walked away with a huge grin on her face. No doubt about to call the whole town and gossip.
"What is your n-normal?" Cherry wanted to know what he got. Luke leaned back stretching his legs out until one of them brushed the outside of her leg. His broad back flexed when he crossed his large forearms over each other.
"You trying to steal my food?" Luke joked and Cherry smiled and shook her head 'no.'
"I got two of her famous turkey sandwiches and fries." Luke said and Cherry nodded.
"Why two of them?" Cherry asked.
"I've got a big appetite to fulfill." Luke smirked and Cherry nodded looking away from him.
He was so handsome, it made her inherently nervous.
Once Mrs. Williams brought them their food, Cherry was quiet. Her soup and grilled cheese brought her back to her childhood. Warmth flooded her body and relaxed her. How could a meal do that?
"Good?" Luke asked when Cherry was in the middle chewing a bite.
Cherry nodded quickly swallowing.
"Very. I-" Cherry was cut off by the ringing of Luke's phone.
"Hello?" Luke said into the phone, it was Ethan.
"We got his location. Once he stops, I will send my men. We have been looking for him for a while as you know. The fraud and wiring that he was doing. It's not in his name Luke." Ethan explained.
"Shit."
"Yeah, Luke. Shit is right."
Luke looked at a concerned Cherry.
"It's in her name. All of the transfers. This is federal level crimes that deal with international profits and organizations that have high titles." Luke hung up after that sitting his phone on the table. He'd stay calm, for now.
"What's wrong?" Cherry asked, rolling her lip between her teeth.
"I'll tell you later, finish your food for now." Luke said. He'd make sure that fucking idiot never saw her again. He calmed a bit when she took another bite.
Luke knew one damn thing, no one was hurting her.
