Coming Home

Chapter 18.

The hospital discharges us and Adrian brings me back to my apartment. As I walk in, I feel a sliver of relief wash over me.

I know mom wanted to take me home with her, but I really just need to be back in my space. I feel secure here and comfortable in my own place, surrounded by my things.

Adrian kisses my cheek softly and heads next door to grab a few things.

I'm glad he wants to stay over here with me. It will definitely make me feel better having him in the condo with me.

Adrian helps me over to the couch and settles me in with a blanket and pillows. "I can get to the couch myself you know."

He smiles and strokes my cheek before moving to sit at the other end. "Yeah, well I believe I owe you."

I roll over to face the tv and press my legs against his hip, feeling comfort in the touch.

"What movie would you like to put on? Your choice of course."

I select one of my dad's favorites and smile. It's an old period film, full of romance and gentility.

Adrian gives me a questioning look and I laugh. "Dad loved this one. He said it reminded him of his grandparents growing up telling stories of the old times when men were gentlemen and women were ladies. They said it was a simpler time and there was courtship and romance instead of casual hook-ups."

Adrian laughs and runs his hand through his hair. "Then I guess they wouldn't love our first meeting."

I roll my eyes and smile, giving him a wink. "I would say not. We would have been quite the scandal. But it had its own romance in it."

Adrian looks over with a knowing look, sadness in his eyes. I drift off as the movie plays and I feel safe in my memories of my father.

I wish he were here right now.

As the credits play my eyes flutter open. I move my foot to the end of the couch, looking for Adrian. His voice sounds from the kitchen and I sit up to listen.

He must be on the phone.

As he walks back in, he catches my eye and his shoulders tense. His face is strained.

My stomach drops in anxiousness. "Adrian what is it? Is everything ok?"

He makes his way to sit down by me and rubs his hands down his face.

"Adrian, you look like you're carrying the world on your shoulders. What is wrong?"

He looks straight ahead, but reaches for my hand and my heart jumps.

What could have him this worked up?

He speaks quietly, anger rolling through him. "They just caught the last of them."

My eyes widen, and my grip tightens on his hand.

"Luke had been holed up behind his father's attorneys, but they finally got him. That bastard deserves more than jail time. I should have killed him for laying a hand on you." He looks over with eyes full of anger, but softens as a single tear drops down my cheek.

"Oh Adrian, thank you for handling everything. For being here."

He reaches up and strokes his hand on my cheek, brushing the tear away. "Caroline, where else would I be?"

His gaze is full of emotion, and I feel my heart swell. He looks as if he's holding something back.

"Is there something else you're not telling me?" He looks away, but my fingers catch his chin, pulling him back to face me. "Adrian, you can tell me. After all of this, I think I can handle just about anything. What is it?"