Baby Steps

15.

B A B Y   S T E P S

[CHAPTER FIFTEEN]

♡

Siting on the bed the next morning, I stared at Brad's sleeping face trying to figure out the emotions that gripped - and before you ask, no we didn't sleep together.

Little breaths escaped his lips as they were slightly parted and every so often he would scrunch up his nose making crinkles appear by his eyes. A smirk made its way on to my face as I looked at Brad slightly snoring away.

He was way too good to me. The thought had me up all night. I didn't expect Brad to answer my call for help and definitely didn't expect him to come straight away to pick me up. He didn't ask any questions why I was leaving the party early nor why I was crying, he kept be safe and comforted me waiting for the time I was ready to talk.

Sighing, I rubbed my eyes until they were cleared from the blurriness. I knew my energy was going to be extremely low today. Getting up, I shuffled across to the bathroom and prepared myself for the day. Washing my face away from sleep, brushing my teeth with the spare brush Brad had given me and combing through the tangled of my hair.

"I thought you left without saying a goodbye." Brad grizzled as I entered back into the bathroom.

"I didn't want you to see how awful I look the second I wake up." I said as I began to feel self conscious due to only wearing a top of Brad leaving my legs completely bare. A sleepy smile broke out on his face.

"That top suits you more than it suits me." He commented making me chuckle to myself. "Keep it-"

"Thank you for last night, I didn't expect you to drop absolutely everything for me." I thanked quietly, siting on the edge of the bed.

"Did you seriously think I would of said no?" He gasped with a frown.

"I thought you were busy, that's what I assumed to you not being at the party." I explained, shutting my eyes as the memories from last night came flooding back.

"I didn't come because I had nobody to look after Arabella." He shrugged, removing the covers so his toned chest was on show. My eyes instantly widened before looking away again. "Mum forgot to mention she invited your parents around for a drink, she wasn't able to look after her for me to go out."

"You should of asked me!" I insisted strongly.

"James told me that he wanted you there." He said in a quieter tone.

"To embarrass me in front of Brooke and Tristan."

"What's up?"

"Nothing." I relied bluntly, not wanting to speak about last night.

"Smile then, your smile is beautiful." He whispered.

"I don't feel like smiling-"

Without giving me time to react, his arms wrapped themselves around my waist, flinging me onto the bed.

"What the hell are you do?" I squealed trying to escape his hold.

"I don't like seeing you sad." He pouted. "So I'm going to make you smile." He began to tickle me as I squirmed about the bed laughing.

"Let. Me. Go!" I demanded in between laughs as I kicked my legs in attempt to escape.

"Not until you're happy." He protested allowing his fingers to race around my stomach before reaching my neck.

"I am! I am!" I repeated feeling myself become flustered. "You've made me happy, once again!" He finally stopped and sat ack on the bed holding his hands in the air, surrendering.

"I'm glad." He said pulling an innocently. I gently nudged his shoulder causing him to lay flat on the bed so we're sprawled out giggling to each other. "So, are you going to tell me about last night?" Brad questioned as he moved closer towards me. "Was it really as bad as you originally thought, thinking about it now?"

"Worse." I muffled. "I don't know if I want to talk about it-"

"That's ok." He replied. "I just said it so you know that if you want to talk, I am here. No matter what time of day, weekday or weekend. Come and knock on the door or myself and Arabella can clamber over to yours."

"If you say so-" I laughed lightly to myself, biting my lip.

"Why are you laughing?" He responded as I poked his cheek a little bit, surprised by the warmth it held.

"Because nobody has ever something that kind and willing towards me before." I chuckled shyly, my cheeks burned as I felt my heart beat race. Did he really mean it?

"That because to me you're very special." He whispered, shifting his body so now he was sat up. His hot breath hit my face as I gazed up, unable to speak.

Thankfully, the sudden cries of Arabella broke the silence and the awkwardness growing between us.

Brad swung out of his bed sheets, landing with his bare feet on the ground. He reached his hand out for me and on impulse I grabbed it as he helped me out.

"I think it's your turn to change her nappy." He announced as a smirk made its way to his face. Mischief screaming as he raised a brow.

"She's your daughter!" I answered back making my way over to her cot, scooping the three month year old in my arms. "She said it's a present for you-"

"I'll let you handle this one!" He winked before rushing into the bathroom leaving me to change her.

I sighed and smiled sympathetically before arranging the changing mat. Arabella wriggled about whilst I revealed the present almost causing me to belch. Minutes later, she was fresh with a huge toothless smile across her forehead just in time for dad to appear.

"That's my little girl." He pinched her cheeks before mouthing a 'thanks'.

"I only did it to repay you for last night." I explained as I washed my hands in the bathroom.

"And to repay you, I want to ask you out." He said whilst rocking Arabella. "I was thinking about taking Arabella on a picnic this weekend, if you want to come."

"I love picnics!" I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with excitement.

"Don't feel the need to bring anything, just yourself, I have everything covered!"