Coming Home

Chapter 9.

As we leave the restaurant, I can't help but feel drawn closer to Adrian. "Thank you for such an incredible evening Adrian. You truly are incredible. I don't know how I got you, but I'm so glad you're here with me."

"The privilege and pleasure is all mine. Thank you for allowing me to bring you out tonight." He walks me to the car with a caressing touch on the small of my back.

The heat from his hand sends chills up my back and I shiver against his touch.

"Are you cold? Would you like my jacket?"

I shoot a grin up to him and flutter my eyes flirtatiously. "No, I'm not cold at all."

As we slide into the car, the air inside feels like it's charged. His hand is laced with mine. I look over to him with a smile, completely wrapped in my feelings growing stronger for him.

He starts the car and shifts to pull away from the restaurant. "Show me your favorite place in the whole world. I want to see more of you, more of what makes you who you are."

I look down, remembering the last time I was there with Luke but push it away from my memory. He doesn't get to ruin something so special to me. I direct Adrian to the small lake and the cars purrs off. Adrian gets out and opens my door, his hand out to help me out of the car. I accept it and walk over to lean against the hood of his car and he follows. It's still warm from the drive and we sit in silence, taking in the beautiful starlit night.

He breathes in deeply, taking in the night sky. "This reminds me of home. You didn't get stars like this in the city. This is incredible. Something about a clear starry night makes you feel so small, but like you're part of something bigger don't you think?"

I smile and look into his piercing blue eyes, staring as if they're searching deep into my soul.

"I love seeing the stars reflected in those gorgeous green eyes. I could stare at this forever with you."

My heart flutters at his words, feeling the butterflies fluttering furiously inside of me. "I could stay here all night. It's my favorite place. This was my dad's place and mine. He used to bring me here growing up, just us. It's my most cherished memory of home."

Adrian looks around, taking in the surrounding scenery. "It's definitely incredible here."

"Isn't it? I can't believe I almost let it get ruined." As soon as it comes out, I instantly regret it.

Why did I say that? He always makes me blurt things out when he looks at me like that. It's like I can't keep my thoughts in.

:

His eyes flash to meet mine, his body sitting straighter. "What do you mean ruin it?"

I shake my head shortly. "Nothing. I don't know why I said that."

He turns and looks at me fully, taking my hand, waiting.

I tense and prepare myself to tell him the full story of my foolishness. "Ugh fine. When I ran into you at Ray's and you acted like you didn't remember me, I was an idiot. I saw Emma all over you and I couldn't deal with it so I let me emotions get the best of me. I just wanted to go somewhere that made me feel better, and that was here."

A look of realization comes across his face, followed by one of anger. He speaks quietly, a muscle in his jaw twitching. "And Luke was with you."

I nod, waiting for his response. "Adrian, I'm really ok. It was a stupid decision. I know better. But I took care of it, and nothing actually happened. I just let things get a little out of hand, but I took care of myself."