The Road Of Autumn [Interracial/WWBM]✔️

Chapter Thirteen: The Photoshoot

I find it amazing how a woman can be so strong and weak at the same time. I find it baffling how a woman can be scorned and content at the same time. She can endure so much but still be fierce enough to keep abreast. This is the power of woman. But even with her resilience to the bedlam she faces, she will always fall weak for love.

"Are you ready Miss Heart?" He smiles wide, offering his hand.

My cheeks heat instantly. His soft gaze causing yet another case of swirling butterflies in my stomach. I don't know how he does it, but whatever he is doing he does it well.

I nod and allow him to take my hand in his.

"The question is... Are you ready?" I challenge with a quick wink.

He chuckles lightly before shifting his gaze to the building in front of us. I allow myself to stare at him a little longer before shifting my gaze on the building as well.

Today Timothy will finally be participating in a long overdue photoshoot for his article. It took a bit of pleading, due to the fact that he felt the pictures he submitted where befitting enough for the article, but eventually, he gave in.

I have finally completed his article and when this photoshoot is out of the way, I will be able to send the finalized draft to my subordinates. From there, it will be a waiting game.

I am not anxious about the product of this project, not the least bit. But I am afraid of what will be the outcome of Timothy and I afterwards.

Just last week he stressed his desire to continue our courting or what have you. Although his confession brought joy to my heart, it also gifted concerns as well. I am absolutely terrified still.

I want to pursue a relationship with him, I want to no longer be afraid, but my past still plagues me.

I have not mentioned this to a soul, but I have been experiencing nights of restlessness and anxiety, all because of this burning assumption that Jason is still around. Ever since my that emotional morning with my sister, my nightmares of Jason have returned.

The restless nights have not affected my worth ethic nor the way that I carry on throughout the day. But he plagues me at night. Every time I close my eyes I see those dangerously beautiful gray portals.

Those gray portals have never led to anything peaceful. And every night I try to find a different technique to rid myself of the visuals.

"Autumn? Sweetheart, can you please come back to earth?" Timothy rescues me from my wandering mind. "Are you okay?"

He is not coming back, Autumn.

I nod absently, recovering easily with a synthetic smile.

"Yeah. Yeah. I am perfect."

Timothy's smile widens before he leans into my ear and places a chaste kiss there.

"Yes, you are." He whispers lightly.

I chew on my bottom lip, forcing the warmly invited heat of my cheeks away. I am still not used to Timothy being so affectionate. We have not stamped a label for what we are to each other, but it surely seems as though he has decided for himself.

"Awe, she blushes. I guess it's kinda cute." He nudges me, forcing me to meet his soft gaze.

I squint my eyes at him, adding a playful scowl for a more dramatic effect.

He only chuckles before looking away, dismissing me completely. For a moment I felt the void of the lost eye contact, but all was recovered when he gave my hand a gentle squeeze.