Adore

Chapter 4

"Oh, hey Tom! Fancy seeing you here" I greeted with a smile. The small conversation between us had caught the attention of the others in his group as they came over to see us.

"Oh uh, this is my best friend Harrison, and my brothers Harry, Sam & Paddy" Tom said, each of the others raising their hands with a small wave or a smile when their name was spoken.

"Hi guys, nice to meet you all" I replied.

"I'm gonna order, be back in a sec" Harrison said as he reached for his wallet. Toms brothers followed as well, leaving us to chat.

" No worries mate" Tom called out to the others as they made their way to the counter. He fell lightly into the arm chair, the leather creaking quietly. He leaned back into the seat crossing one leg over the top of his knee. One arm was caught around his ankle, the other slung over the arm of the chair.

"So, how've you been?" I asked him holding the cup of coffee in my cold hands. Taking a sip of the caramel flavoured drink, I instantly felt warmer. I let out a small contented sigh.

"Yeah good, just hanging out with some friends and seeing my family while I'm here" He said.

"That must be great" I nodded my head with a big smile.

"How are you finding London?" Asked Tom.

"It's amazing, I love that I'm so close to the city but also far enough away that I can have my space, ya know?" I spoke and took another sip of my drink.

The other boys joined us back at the table.

"Hey, How about we move to the booth over there, then we can all sit?" Harrison said while titling his head to the other side of the cafe. Two dark navy velvet couches were empty, offering a space big enough for us all.

I stood up and grabbed my coffee and muffin and Tom got up as well.

"After you" He spoke softly, placing a warm hand on my back as I stepped past him. His fingers skimmed my skin briefly between my shirt and the waist of my shorts. But just as his touch warmed my skin, it was soon gone again.

We took our seats on the couches as Lucy & Jace brought over the other things that were ordered.

"I'm just going to order something" Tom said heading over to the counter.

"So Rhylee, how did you and Tom meet?" The youngest boy, Paddy asked me.

"Oh I was at the park with my dog Archie when I found Tessa. I thought she was lost and was about to call the number on her collar when Tom found us." I stated, smiling at the young lad.

"I'm glad Tessa didn't run away" He spoke quietly, seeming sad at the thought of loosing her. He obviously cares a lot for her.

"Me too, Archie and Tessa seemed to get along quite well" I said to Paddy.

"What type of dog do you have?" Sam asked me, setting his take away cup back on the table.

"He's a tri coloured beagle, he's very cute"

As a group we continued chatting for awhile, sipping on our drinks and picking at the food we had ordered. The boys asked questions about me and my life. I told them about where I used to live in Australia and we talked about jobs and hobbies. I told them about how I moved not long after my 21st birthday.

"We should probably head off now if we want to make the movie" Harrison spoke up after checking his watch. The boys got up, stashing away phones and wallets and such. I stood up as well, awkwardly not knowing what else to do.

I hung back slightly while they collected their coats. When they were ready to go Tom turned to me.

"It was lovely to see you again" He said while taking a step towards me. He outstretched an arm gently pulling me towards him, enveloping me in a hug. I wrapped an arm around his waist, his body warming mine.

After our embrace, his hand dropped to mine quickly, with a small squeeze and a rustle of paper.

"It was nice to meet you all" I said to the others with a smile. I waved at them all, I wondered if they saw Toms hand take mine.

"See you round" Tom said as they made their way out from the cafe. He had a flirty smile on his face and just before he stepped out of the door, he sent a wink my way.

I took my seat back in the navy couch and I opened my palm to see a small torn off piece of napkin with a phone number written on it.

text me, x

A smile was playing on my lips. There was no doubt about it, Tom was definitely attractive and appeared to be the type of guy I'd usually be interested in.

I was lucky to have made friends with Jace and Lucy but it would be nice to expand that social circle.

I gathered my belongings and headed to the coat rack, sliding my arms through the sleeves and buttoning it around myself. The piece of napkin with Tom's number on it was tucked inside my wallet.

"Bye Lucy, Bye Jace!" I called out and waved goodbye.

I stepped out of the warmth of the cafe, the brisk air felt cold against the blush on my cheeks. My boots thudded down the path as I headed off home.

There were some small businesses dotted along the way. I particularly liked a homewares shop, I picked up a few new bits for my house and as I was leaving I noticed a sign in the windowing advertising they were hiring.

I thought to myself that it might not be a bad idea to apply here. With my bag of home goods on my arm and the prospect of getting a job on my mind I made my way home.