Adore

Chapter 16

I could hear Archies excited howls through the front door as I let myself in.

I dropped down to my knees as he jumped all over me and slobbered on my face.

"Hi good boy"

"Oh i missed you so much" I said in a silly voice ruffling his ears and rubbing his tummy.

"You must be starving lets get you some food"

I poured Archie a giant bowl of biscuits hoping to make up for my late arrival.

I sat down on my couch and pulled out my phone from the pocket of Toms shorts

Heya, I just got home. Thanks for a great night. And the clothes.. :) xx

My phone buzzed next to me, I unlocked the screen to show a message from Tom.

I'm glad you came, I'd like to see you again soon x

I'd really like that :)

Are you busy tonight?

Wow, he wanted to see me again tonight, already? I must be making a good impression then.

I've got a Dr's appointment later but no plans otherwise. What if I cook us dinner?

I texted back thinking what I could make for us.

I'm in! I have to pick Tessa up from my parents house at 5. Should I come round after that?

Sounds good, you're welcome to bring Tessa. How does Italian sound? x

Amazing, can't wait to see you x

I put my phone down and laid back into the soft cushions of the couch. I was feeling better than this morning.

•••

I took Toms advice about seeing a Dr. they said the cut was fine, I didn't need stitches but had a but had two butterfly band aids keeping the worst part of the cut closed.

Luckily my hair was thick enough to partially hide the ugly bandaid the Dr had stuck to me.

I stopped by my local Tesco's and bought all the ingredients I would need to much a delicious Italian meal.

All my life I had been interested in cooking. I did many units of Hospitality through school and enjoyed myself lots.

I stepped off the bus at my stop, swiping my card as I excited the doors, met by a gust of cool wind.

I decided to call in and see if Lucy was working at the cafe today before heading home.

The bell jingled happily above my head as I entered the warm, delicious smelling cafe.  Lucy was filling the glass cabinet near the register with all sorts of cakes and pastries.

"Hey Luce"

"Oh Rhylee hey!" She smiled up on me wiping her hands on her apron.

I ordered my usual and took a seat by the window in my favourite spot.

Luce brought my coffee and muffin to me and sat in the chair opposite me.

"Hows your weekend been?" I asked her.

Lucy was telling me about their busy days and how well the cafe was doing. She was also saying that her and Jace had found a new house to move in to that was close to their shop.

She asked me how my day was and if I had any plans. I told her all about the party and how Tom and I flirted, and danced and then how an old friend of his swilled me and I cut my head. Showing her the big bandaid under my hair.

"It's confusing.." I started.

"I feel really attracted to him and we've almost kissed, twice now but I don't want to rush things" I said holding my warm cup of coffee in my hands.

"Do you think he feels the same way?"

"I hope so" I admitted.

"I don't think its the right time to bring it up yet, we've only known each other a few weeks" My hands were fiddling nervously on the lip of my cup as I spoke.

"Maybe you should just keep hanging out and see where things go?" Lucy said.

"At least that way, you have more time together to see if you both feel the same way for each other, or if not, you'll have made a great friend"

"You're right, thankyou. It's been awhile since I've felt like this for anyone. I just don't want to screw it up" I said shaking my head remembering the last time I had a guy in my life.

That relationship was toxic and unhealthy. After I finally broke it off with him, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my heart. I was in love with him, deeply in love. He was sweet in the beginning, and then things changed.

He started to stay out all night, said cruel things when we would argue and would call me names. He would make me feel incredibly self conscious and guilty for things that were out of my control.

It took me a long time to get back to a healthy state of mind after two years of that.

A single tear had escaped my eye and rolled down my cheek. I quickly wiped it away, it had been years since I had cried over the memories of that difficult time in my life.

Lucy was looking at me with a small, knowing smile on her face. Patiently waiting for me to speak up again.

"I've been through some difficult relationships before. I can't see Tom being like anyone else I've dated but it's hard you know?"

"I get what you mean, from what you told me of him, he seems like a really great guy. Just take things slowly and let it happen naturally " She said nodding away.

"Thanks for listening to my babbling" I said.

"Anytime Rhy" She smiled at me.

"I should probably get going now, Toms coming over for dinner" I said with a light smile.

"Enjoy, come by again soon yeah?" Luce replied pulling me into a quick hug.

"I will, maybe after my first shift at the new job!" I said happily.

I waved goodbye and left the cafe towards home. I piled the grocery bags onto the counter and gave Archie a big cuddle.

Tom would be here soon so I quickly put away the groceries and dashed upstairs to get changed into something nicer other than my gym gear. For someone who rarely ever visits a gym, I sure had a lot of clothes for it.

From my closet I pulled out a burnt orange v neck sweater and a semi distressed denim skirt.

I applied some light make up and swiped a tinted balm across my lips. I slide my feet into my fluffy white slippers, my feet were still aching from the heels I wore last night.

I heard the faint chime of the door bell from upstairs and rushed out of my room to open the door.

Tom stood there wearing a a light grey t shirt, a dark tan coloured leather jacket and dark blue jeans. His shoes were a similar colour to the jacket and had a work boot vibe. Tessa was sat by his side her ears pricking up when she recognised me.

"Hi" I said greeting him at the door.

"Come in" Opening the door wide enough for him to come inside.

A/N another update! Let me know what you think x