Chicago Love ✔️

Chapter 22: Next Morning

Hailey opens her eyes, letting out a stretch as she glances over at the other side of the bed. There was nothing that could erase the instant smile on her face at the sight before her. She was certainly right about her words last night, and he was damn right stunning from head to toe. 

She then slowly makes her way out of the bed, being extra careful with each movement. She didn't know how light of a sleeper Finn was, and she did not need him waking up his daddy sooner than necessary. Alex had a big day ahead of him, and he could use every ounce of sleep that he could get with how late they were up last night.

Finding where she had thrown every bit of her clothes across the bedsroom floor, she makes her way into the bathroom and shuts the door behind her. She then climbs in the shower, turning on the water, letting it wash down her body. She almost regretted doing this, knowing it was also taking away every ounce of him that clung onto her skin everywhere. She should be trying to savor as much of that smell as possible after the fun they had together.

Standing under the hot water, maybe it was a good thing she had waken up before he did. It was giving her a chance to think about all of her thoughts that seemingly clashed together all at once right now. 

She loved every single moment she got to spend with him. She absolutely loved the chemistry they shared together when the clothes were shed away. She loved how easy the conversation was, and all the text messages traded. It seemed so easy to share things that never came out with anybody else. 

But she also knew that the end of this day would see them get on separate planes with different destinations in mind. She would return back to Chicago, while he would head home to Charlotte. She would go back to her job as a detective, while he would be locked in on team and sponsor commitments. The next time they would physically see each other was unknown. It could be possibly within weeks if either of them got away, but what if that didn't happen? 

She never allowed herself to fall for someone quick. She was afraid of love and being with someone. She was the queen of independence with having seen what her mother went through at the hands of her father. But yet here she was handing everything over to him with ease, and letting him creep into every bit of her with just a little bit of time spent together.

Was she desperate for something to replace the broken pieces from the divorce? Is this what a rebound was? Or was the connection between her and Alex so much more? Was this what true love actually was? How long could they make it work? Could they even make it work? What would happen a couple months from now, or more if this became even more serious? How would that affect decisions and their futures? 

There was no way he would ever give up everything he was doing - from the travel to living in North Carolina for work. Could she give up what she knew in Chicago? She had never lived anywhere else. No other unit she had worked with had offered the confidence and comfort of the 21st. Could she transfer to another unit and state and find the same comfort? 

She wanted to tell herself to stop thinking about this. She was getting ahead of herself. This was just the second time her and Alex had gotten together. There was so much other stuff to discuss and happen before any of the above would become a thought. But she couldn't ignore the thoughts on her mind in knowing what was possible down the road for the future. 

It was why she hesitated for the kiss last night - but now glad she ignored that after conversation as what happened amongst those sheets on his bed had been a dream come true. 

She could not allow herself to think about it any longer, as she could hear his alarm going off. It'd be moments before he was awake. She didn't want to affect the morning routine in anyway, not knowing if a shower or trip to the bathroom quickly followed. She wanted to him to be in the best possible mindset in hopes he had a good solid performance today to start turning things around.

It was why she quickly finished up in the shower, turning it off and climbing out. She quickly dried off her body, before putting on the clothes that she had packed for today. A glance in the mirror, and she hoped she had picked something appropriate to wear with her t-shirt and blue jeans. 

She makes her way out of the bathroom, catching the eyes of the man who had consumed every bit of her thoughts. He just smirks back in return, before heading into the bathroom for a shower of his own. Unlike hers, though, his was very short as he quickly exited the space about 10 minutes later, with just a towel wrapped around his waist.

"Coffee is made," he comments before heading back to the bedsroom to grab a t-shirt and pair of pants out of the closet. It was the same outfit worn each week, which was fine by him as it was comfortable and kept Ally happy with the relationship. "You look absolutely beautiful, by the way. I just want to say again that I am glad you accepted my offer and came. Hopefully the performance on-track delivers to your expectations." 

"I'm sure you'll do fine today," she replies as she pours herself a cup of coffee. She then grabs a second cup, pouring one for him in knowing he'd be looking for it as soon as he emerged from the back. She had already learned from their short time together just how much he was addicted to coffee. "I can take Finn for a walk so that way you can get something to eat and be ready to go."