Save Me

Chapter Six

The car comes to an abrupt stop in the middle of Dylan's house. It is a gorgeous cottage sitting on the lake with trees lining either side of it. A porch swing hangs gracefully in the rain, swaying with the wind. The sheer size of it blows me away as it could comfortably be home to dozens of people, but it doesn't look any less homey. It looks warm and welcoming with the storm raging on around it.

I stare out the window in awe of how beautiful it is, a small smile taking form on my face. I wish so desperately that I could go back in time with my happy loving family and live in this amazing place.

I'm shaken out of my daze when a hand gently taps my chin twice. Startled, I look up to see Michael looking at me with an unreadable expression on his face.

"This is pretty," he states, eyes roaming my face.

My smile slips from my face as his eyes move to my lips. "What?" I croak.

"Your smile," he says softly. "You have a beautiful smile. I'd love to see it more often."

I blush as I quickly evert my eyes. "Thank- thank you."

I glance up to see that Michael is still watching me with emotion-filled eyes. I have never wished more in my life that I could read someone's thoughts than I do at this moment. The deep blue pools hidden beneath his glasses hide so many unspoken words.

Michael shakes his head as if to clear a fog, as Eric speaks up from the front.

"Alright, ladies let's head out!"

Dylan grumbles something under his breath about ungrateful punks as we all quickly make our way inside.

The inside of the house is just as perfect as the outside with a warm and happy atmosphere. I immediately fall in love with the gorgeous place. The faint scent of cookies clings to the air as we step further into the house.

Just then, a middle-aged short woman with gray hair and an apron walks into the foyer. "Dylan, your home!" She exclaims excitedly as she runs over to plant a kiss on his cheek.

He cracks a smile, "Hey Ma, I brought the guys, I hope that's alright?"

"Oh of course! You boys are just in time. I just finished making a fresh batch of cookies," she claps her hands together happily.

"Score! Mama T cookies are the best." James gushes. He reaches over and places his hand on my lower back, causing me to stiffen but I don't move.

'Mama T' notices that I am here and her jaw drops. "What is this absolute stunner doing in my house?"

I give her a warm smile, "I'm Callie, I was hoping it would be okay if I studied here with them. You have a beautiful home ma'am." The words come out a little too fast giving away to my nervousness, but regardless I am proud I was able to word a couple of sentences.

James' hand tightens slightly on my back, helping to lessen my nerves.

"Why thank you, we sure are lucky. It is so nice to meet you, Callie! I'm Tessa, or Mama T as these boys like to call me." She giggles. "You are welcome here any time you'd like, I'd love to finally have a little female company around here. These boys tire me out." She smiles affectionately at the guys, contradicting her sentence.

I smile, taken aback by her kindness. She reminds me a little of my mom, with her warm heart. I already know that I definitely like Tessa.

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Oh please, just Mama T. Now come in come in! There are enough cookies to feed an army."

She leads us through the house to the kitchen, where the smell of cookies gets even stronger.