My Missing Puzzle Piece

Chapter 9

The following weekend, Claire ended up at Owen's apartment like she always did. It was really the only time they had to enjoy each other's company, and they made the best out of it.

Except that this time, Owen was pressuring her to get to some studying, since that long awaited exam was just around the corner and she wasn't ready for it yet.

She had her notebooks, laptop, and countless flashcards all over his living room while they sat on the floor against the couch.

"Can we take a break please?" She smiled softly, resting her head against the cushion behind her and looking at him with puppy eyes.

"We took one ten minutes ago." He shook his head, slowly caressing her lap before pressing a gentle peck on her lips.

Claire sighed and pursed her lips, "Since when are you so strict, anyways?" She flirted lightly before letting her fingers brush his hair back.

"Since you made me promise that I would force you study for this test until you were ready." He reminded her.

"Oh right." She rolled her eyes playfully and reached out for her notebook so they could keep studying. Her color coding was like a second language that Owen mastered after these months they had worked together on her thesis.

He had gotten to know her not only personally, but academically, and he knew her studying system back and forth, so he managed to get her to concentrate enough for her to be able to answer correctly the pop quiz he had put together for her while they went through her flashcards.

"This is an A+, Princess." He smiled, leaning down and kissing her lips lovingly a couple of times. "I think you are ready."

"Thank you, Pooky." She giggled feeling his warm lips on the tip of her nose before pulling her close in his embrace.

Owen pushed all the studying material away from them, glad they could finally relax and enjoy their weekend together.

"I'll go make some popcorn, wanna pick a movie?" He offered before tapping her knee softly with his knuckles.

Claire nodded and watched him stand up as she reached out for the remote. She got on Netflix and started browsing, looking for a movie they both could enjoy.

Owen smiled to himself, feeling her arms wrapping around him from behind while he waited for their popcorn be ready in the microwave. "Did you find something, babe?" He asked taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips for a soft kiss.

Claire shook her head as he turned around to face her. Owen wrapped his hands around her waist and held gently against him. He let his lips brush softly against her neck, taking in her scent for a few seconds before resting his forehead against hers.

She smiled against his lips and found her fingers brushing down his firm abdomen.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Owen wondered gently, looking down at her hands, a soft smile curving on his lips.

Claire tilted her head to the side and let her fingers play gently with his before they both fixed their eyes on each other. She nodded slowly and chewed on the inside of her lips.

"I think I love you." He murmured, his fingers now brushing her softly cheek softly.

She felt her eyes growing big and a bright smile forming on her lips. Claire had never felt her heart pounding as fast as it was right now.

This was a first time experience for her altogether, no one had ever told her they thought they loved her. She honestly had no idea what she was doing but could understand the meaning behind the saying that first love was always intense.