The Hearts that Bind

Part 8

Author's Note:

Hello, to the readers who casually enjoy this little side story of mine. This one has been heavy on my mind, and inspiration for this chapter finally struck.

So, leave your thoughts in the comments, I'd love to know what you think. And I hope you all enjoy it.

Disclaimer: There is some adult content ahead, read at your discretion.

Song Rec: "Say Yes" by Floetry

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December 2013:

She sticks the key in the door lock, hearing the lock click as she turns the key

She pauses, suddenly feeling nervous. This will be his first time visiting her house.

It feels adjacent to letting him into a piece of her world. The real her, if you will.

She feels his eyes watching her like a hawk.

"I'm not going to run for the hills if you've got dishes left out. I have uncleanly moments sometimes, too." He jokes, and she snorts in response.

"I'll be sure to remember that, Baker." She notes, turning around to look at him.

"I solemnly swear, scout's honor. I was a boy scout once, so you should take me seriously here." He shares cheekily, winking at her as she rolls her eyes. He puts his right hand over his heart and his left hand in the air.

She can't help the laugh that escapes her lips because he looks silly, but she loves it.

"I believe you and I trust you." She shares, feeling the truth in her words as she shares them.

She turns back around and finishes unlocking the door. She takes a deep breath and lets it out before saying, fuck it, to herself and opening it.

"Welcome to my humble abode. Leave your shoes by the door here and follow me." She instructs, locking the door and changing from her heels to her fluffy bunny house slippers.

Her home has been her sanctuary this past year or so, and she doesn't let many people come over.

Though she's got them, the nerves aren't swaying her decision to bring him here.

She walks him down the hall into the open space that houses her living room.

"This is a nice space you've got." He says, turning in circles and taking in the surroundings.

"Thank you. You know my parents pay for everything, so I figured, why not get something nice?"

"Nice indeed, you've got good taste."

"Thank you." She answers.

"No problem."

They make eye contact and she sucks in a breath, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.

Sometimes, his gaze is so honest and so clear that it knocks her off kilter.

She can read every thought, every emotion right there in his eyes. It's the strangest yet most satisfying things she's gone to learn about him.

It also jumbles her brain. She loses complete train of thought.

The only thought that remains is usually the one where she wants to be in his arms.

She clears her throat, her palms getting sweaty, shyness staring the creep in.

"Uh, the kitchen is that way. The bathroom is that way. A spare bedroom on that side and my bedroom is over here." She says, pointing in each direction of the layout for his understanding.