Complicated

Chapter Twenty-Two

The bath felt so reviving, just being in the water in Chris’ arms made me feel complete. I sat on his bed, in his shirt, as he paced across the room while on the phone with someone. Though I couldn’t hear what the person on the other line was saying, I knew something was not right. Chris hadn’t stopped pacing since we came out of the bath, and he’s been running his hand through his hair, exasperated.

“No! I told them to send them last week. Why haven’t they gotten to it yet? That is no excuse! Damnit! Send it now and email everyone, letting them know everything will be delayed!” He shot through the phone before hanging up.

“What’s wrong?” I asked as he stopped pacing.

“The designs were never sent and now the entire show would have to be delayed”

“But at least they’re sent now” I tried reassuring him.

“They should have been sent on time!” He replied; he wasn’t shouting, but his voice was intimidating. “Sorry”

“No, it’s okay. I understand... this is a huge project for you and even the tiniest mistake can screw everything over”

“Yes, and your design is part of it”

Oh!

He ran both his hands through his hair and shut his eyes, “I need to go make a few phone calls. I’m sorry” He leaned in and pecked my lips gently before walking out of the room.

Glancing at the clock, I noticed it was 1PM and I still hadn’t had any lunch. I walked out of Chris’ room, still in just his shirt, and headed towards the kitchen.

I found some pasta and decided to make it for Chris and I.

“Smells delicious” Chris whispered in my ear as he wrapped his arms around me, making me jump.

I turned around and noticed him smirking at me.

“I decided to make some pasta for lunch. Everything okay with the designs?” I asked, distracting myself from his look. I know that look, and if I don’t distract him now, who knows when we’ll have lunch.

“Yes, it’s better now” he replied as he walked to the cupboards and took out two bowls and table mats, which he set on his island. He walked over to me, not taking his eyes off of me as he helped me take the pot off the stove and put the pasta in a serving bowl.

We finished eating lunch and cleared off the countertop before heading over to his grand living room.

“So you wanted to talk?” Chris spoke. He was sitting on the couch and I sat next to him.

“Only if you want to”

“What do you want to know MacKayla?”

I shrugged my shoulders, “Why are you so confusing sometimes?”

He tilted his head and I continued, “One day we’re in your car, next you block me out of your life, then later we get back to together, and then you just distance me even more. Why do you keep doing this?”

He was taken aback by this but replied, “I just don’t think you should stay close to me, but I just can’t seem to steer myself away from you”

I didn’t reply.

“You deserve so much better. You barely know anything about me. You -” I stopped him.

“Then tell me more about yourself. Let me in Chris” I reached out for his hand.

He shook his head, “If you knew everything, you’d leave”

“No I won’t”

“You don’t know what you’re saying”

“Chris, I’m not going anywhere”

“I hope you mean what you say” He said as he stood up.

“Of course I do, and where are you going?”

He took out his hand for me, “I’m going to show you something”

I grabbed his hand and he led me towards the staircase and we walked up slowly. I’m not sure why but my heart started pounding really loudly. What if he’s right? What if I should steer away? But I just can’t. In the short time that we’ve known each other, he’s made me a feel something I’ve never felt before.

He stopped in front of a closed door and looked down at me.

“I hope you’re ready”