Healing In Love With You

Chapter 4: Steps Toward Trust

Lily sat in her office, staring blankly at her screen, her mind wandering elsewhere. Earlier in the day, Gabriel had sent her another text, asking if she was free for dinner that night. The thought of seeing him again made her heart flutter, but it was quickly overshadowed by the familiar gnaw of anxiety.

Why does he care so much? she wondered. Does he even know what he's getting into?

She sighed, pushing a strand of hair out of her face just as Riley's name flashed on her phone screen. Picking it up, she smiled softly.

"Hey, Riley."

"Lily, are you daydreaming again? I'm sure you're thinking about Mr. Flirt, aren't you?" Riley teased.

Lily chuckled. "Maybe..."

"I knew it! So, what's going on? Did he finally sweep you off your feet, or are you still keeping him at arm's length?"

Lily hesitated, her thoughts racing. "I don't know, Riles. He's different. He's kind and attentive. But every time I think about getting closer to him, I just... freeze."

Riley's tone softened. "It's okay to feel that way, Lily. After everything you've been through, it's natural. But Gabriel doesn't seem like the type of guy who would hurt you."

"I know. But what if I'm wrong? What if he finds out about my past and walks away?"

Riley sighed on the other end of the line. "Honey, you can't keep punishing yourself for what happened. What your brothers did was horrific, but Gabriel isn't them. You don't have to tell him everything now, but maybe you can give him a chance."

Lily bit her lip, feeling a lump rise in her throat. Riley was right, but the fear of vulnerability still gnawed at her. "I'm trying, Riles. I really am."

"Don't rush it. Trust yourself. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for."

That evening, Gabriel waited outside Lily's house. When she opened the door, she found him leaning casually against his car, a small smile playing on his lips. He looked effortlessly handsome in a simple black shirt and jeans, but there was something more—an air of warmth that made Lily's heart race.

"Ready for tonight, sweetheart?" His voice was soft, yet it held a certain intensity that made Lily's pulse quicken.

She nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Let's go."

They drove in silence for a while, the city lights flickering outside the windows. Lily stole a glance at Gabriel as he drove, his eyes focused on the road, his hands resting comfortably on the steering wheel. When he caught her gaze, he smiled.

"You're quiet tonight," he said gently. "Something on your mind?"

Lily bit her lip, unsure of how much to say. "I just... I'm not used to this," she admitted. "Dating, I mean."

Gabriel nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I can understand that. But you don't have to rush anything. I'm not going anywhere."

His words warmed Lily's chest, and for a moment, she considered sharing everything—about her brothers, her childhood, the weight she had carried for so long. But the words wouldn't come. Not yet.

They arrived at a small, cozy restaurant by the waterfront. The soft glow of candlelight reflected off the water, casting a warm, romantic atmosphere over the scene. Gabriel led her inside, where a table awaited them near the window.

As they sat down, Gabriel reached across the table, gently taking Lily's hand in his. His touch was warm and comforting, sending a shiver down her spine. She felt exposed, vulnerable, and yet... safe.

"Lily," Gabriel began, his green eyes locking onto hers. "I like spending time with you. You're funny, smart, and beautiful. But I can tell something is holding you back. You don't have to tell me anything you're not ready to, but I just want you to know that I'm here. Whatever it is, I'll be here."

Lily's heart pounded in her chest. She swallowed hard, feeling the walls she had built around herself tremble. Could she trust him with her truth?

For a long moment, she didn't speak. But then, slowly, she nodded. "Gabriel, there's a lot about me that I haven't told you. Things I've been through... things that make it hard for me to trust people."

Gabriel's expression didn't change. He didn't flinch or look away; he simply listened, his hand still holding hers.

"You don't have to say anything you're not ready to, sweetheart. But when you are, I'll be here."

Lily blinked back tears that threatened to spill over and squeezed his hand. "Thank you," she whispered.