Against the Law

Chapter 13: My Own Person

Emily's POV:

I slowly opened my eyes, the morning sunlight gently streaming through the curtains. As I blinked away the sleep, I realized that James was still beside me, sleeping peacefully. The man I had the privilege of spending the night with.

Memories of last night and our time together flooded my mind. Our laughter, shared stories, and the way his touch sent shivers down my spine. It had been a magical evening, filled with connection and intimacy. It seems we feel more and more connected every day.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched James sleep. I admired his tousled hair and the warmth of his presence beside me. It felt like a dream, but I knew it was real. What we felt for each other was undeniable.

As James began to stir, his eyes futtering open, he noticed me watching him. A grin spread across his face as he moved in to kiss me, his lips soft. A big smile spread across my face too. "Good morning," he said, his voice husky with sleep.

"Good morning," I replied, my voice filled with joy. "Last night was incredible."

James nodded; his eyes filled with affection. "It truly was. I can't remember the last time I felt this close to someone."

I reached out, gently tracing my fingers along his jawline. "Me neither. It feels like we've known each other for so much longer than we have."

He took my hand in his, bringing it to his lips for a tender kiss. "I feel the same way. It's like we've found something special here."

As we lay there, basking in the afterglow of our night together, I realized I want this to happen more often, especially with James. What I felt for him ran deep, and I was a little eager to explore where this could lead.

___

A few days have passed now, and I've made a decision.

As I paced back and forth in the living room, my nerves were through the roof. I've been trying to find a way to tell James that I want to find a job. I hate being home all the time, especially when I'm alone. But one of James's rules was that I need to focus on getting better before I do anything that's going to put stress on me, like a job.

And of course, I was right, as I shared my plans with James, his expression turned into a frown, and a cloud of worry settled over his features.

"Emily, I really think you should reconsider," James said, his voice tinged with concern. "You have been through so much lately, and I worry about you taking on more stress."

I stopped my pacing, my eyes narrowing slightly, "James, I appreciate your concern, but I want to regain my independence, contribute some as well."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I understand that, but you've been dealing with so many challenges lately. I'm just worried that taking on a job right now might be too much."

Listening to him, my frustration only swelled, my voice rising slightly. "I don't want you to decide what I can handle or not. I know myself better than you, better than anyone, and I believe I can handle it. It's important to me, James."

Before James could say anything else, I walked out the front door, slamming it in the process. My frustration was boiling over, and I needed some air. I needed space to clear my mind and find a way to bridge the gap between my aspirations and James' concerns. A I walked along the familiar streets, my thoughts raced, desperately seeking a solution.

I walked to the park that James and I spent in not long ago. The serene surroundings offering a respite from the tension at home. I settled onto a nearby bench, taking some deep breaths to calm my racing heart. I acknowledged my feelings for James but also recognized my own need for personal fulfillment.

Lost in contemplation, I didn't realize the person who sat next to me. "Emily." I looked to find James sat down next to me. I gave him a small smile as an apology for walking out.

Taking a deep breath, James began to speak, "I've been thinking about what you said, and I want you to know I trust you and your instincts. I can see how important it is for you to have a job and regain your independence. I want to support you in any way I can."

My face lit up with both relief and gratitude. "Thank you, James! This means the world to me!" I threw myself into his arms for a hug then pulled away after I realized how embarrassing that was.

He reached out and held my hand in his, his voice filled with sincerity as he spoke, "However, I do have one request. I worry when you leave the house without letting me know. It would ease my mind if you could call or message me when you go out, just to let me know where you are and that you're safe."

I looked at him for a second before trying my best to explain. "I appreciate your concern, James, but I don't have a phone right now. It's one of the things I hope I can get when I do get a job."

James furrowed his brows in concern. "No phone? How have you managed without one?"

I smiled, "Trust me, it hasn't been easy."

"Em, I understand you desire to be independent, but I want you to have a phone for emergencies. I'd like to buy you a phone, as a gift, so that you can have a means of communication and stay connected." James told me.

My eyes widened in surprise. "James... I appreciate your offer, but I don't want to depend on you for everything. I want to stand on my own two feet."

James smiled gently, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Consider it a temporary measure to ease my mind, just until you start making your own money and then you can pay me back, if you'd like."

I smiled and nodded. "Okay, James. Thank you for your generosity."

___

Entering the store, we were greeted by a wide array of devices, each promising connectivity and convenience. I approached the display, taking my time to examine the different models and features available.

After a while, James helped me pick a phone since I didn't know much about them. James pointed to a sleek and practical smartphone. "This one seems perfect for you. It has the essential need for communication and work- related tasks without being too overwhelming."

Once everything was settled, I held my new phone in my hands, a sense of excitement coursing through me. I turned to James in gratitude. "Thank you! This means a lot to me. I promise to use it responsibly and pay you back."

James smiled at me. "You don't have to thank me. How about we go home, and you can learn how to use it?"

"Yes, please" I smiled and took James's hand.