Love for a Lifetime (a Chris Hemsworth Fanfic)

Chapter 3 - Chemistry

"So now all I need are nightstands here, a dresser for the guest room, and one sofa chair for my room, some mirrors for the guest bathrooms and then it's finally done", Chris said to Aria, who watched Chris make markings on his floor plan. Aria was Liam's 'secret lady' and new girlfriend. They had been dating secretly but since the paparazzi was hovering at his house for Chris' story, their relationship was plastered on all the tabloids. Aria was a up coming singer and was the same age as Liam. She had had 2 hit singles the last month and was being gossiped about heavily.  Chris appreciated the fact that Liam went public with his relationship, partly because he was falling for Aria but mainly because the timing was perfect, it took the heat off Chris and Sophie.

Aria was holding a cup of coffee and leaning over the kitchen island, watching Chris work on his floor plan. He was quite proud of himself, he hadn't really paid much attention decorating his house with Sophie but he felt a sense of accomplishment doing this himself. It gave him encouragement knowing that he could do things without depending on Sophie. "Here you are, when did you wake up?" Liam said, as he walked into the kitchen, shirtless in his pajama pants, rubbing his eyes. "A little while ago, there is coffee in the pot" Aria said, smiling at Liam. "You know Chris, my sister's friend from college had just opened a new store, it's really great, she has a lot of really beautiful unique furniture pieces and some really amazing decor accessories, you should check that out", she said, as Liam came up behind her and kissed her head.

"Yeah Chris, do what she says, or she'll make you do it, trust me, she knows how to make a guy do things he doesn't want to", Liam said. "Oh god, yes please! I will go right now and furnish my place if it means I can finally get away from you two", Chris joked, scrunching his face at Liam, as he poured a cup of coffee and walked away. Chris was to leave soon. His house was finally ready. The changes in the house were finally done, and he knew he needed to give Liam and Aria their privacy. He had been staying with Liam for about a month now till his place was finalized and his renovations were complete. He couldn't wait to go to his new house.

He parked his car on the street in front of the store "Sanctuaire". It had a large window with a beautiful display of a black sofa and some pretty cushions and curtains around. Chris had asked Aria to go with him, since she knew the owner and he wanted a woman's opinion of his choice. He walked in, breathing in a strong smell of coffee and caramel. "Hol!" Aria screamed as she jogged over and hugged a woman he assumed was the owner. "Ari! Hi! How are you, Gosh I haven't seen you in so long" she said, still in an embrace with Aria. "I know, it's been forever but we should definitely plan something this weekend" Aria said as they let go of each other. "Oh, this is Chris, I'm sure you know who he is, and Chris, this is Holly Bennett, my sister's friend and talented decorator and owner of this fabulous store.", Aria introduced them. Holly chuckled and said, "Hi, nice to meet you". "Likewise" Chris said, smiling and staring at her. She seemed to be in her late twenties, she had long wavy brunette hair, light brown eyes, which looked golden in the light. She was about 5'6 and very slim, the salmon button down shirt and black skirt looked fantastic on her.

"Uhh, sorry" he said as he realized he was still holding her hand after their handshake. He let go and blushed a deep red resulting from the embarrassment. "So Aria, it's true then huh? Liam and you?" Holly said as she turned to Aria again. Aria laughed and replied, "Yeah well, it just happened really suddenly, he's really nice, you'd like him". "So, what brings you here? Redecorating?" Holly asked. "Oh, no, not me actually, Chris just bought a new place and he needs a few pieces of furniture and some finishing touches and I recommended you" Aria explained. "Oh well then Chris, you have come to the right place" she said, smiling at Chris. "So what are the things you're looking for?", she asked. "Umm, I need a bunch of things, so maybe I'll browse around first and then I can let you know what pieces I really like?" He said. "Sure, that sounds perfect, would you like a coffee while you browse? I make a fantastic Caramel Macchiatto", she said proudly. "Sure, we'd love some" Aria said before Chris could speak.