Love on the Red Planet (COMPLETED)

Chapter 12

George lived in a huge apartment...alone? I didn't know if he was married or had a family. He must have. The apartment was too big for just one person. How could he possibly afford it?

"How can you afford this?" I asked. I knew it was none of my business but I needed a distraction.

"I work. A lot." He said with a hint of sadness in his voice.

"What's going on, George?"

His smile was gone and he ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm afraid I'm unable to say entirely but what I can tell you is that it's good for Cade to have you around. You're showing him that Mars is not such a horrible place."

"Do you think Mars is a horrible place?" I asked.

"No worse than Earth." I couldn't make out if he was joking or very, very serious.

"So, I'm just company for him? Maybe, if his father let him out of that apartment, he might have met someone other than me."

"Maybe he will." George agreed.

"Would you like that?" I questioned.

I was shocked that I had said it but I needed to know if what I felt between myself and George was real or just my imagination.

"Yes." One word. One very simple word. He said, "yes".

I moved closer to him. What was I doing?

"Emily, we should get you back to the apartment. Cade will want to know that you are alright." He took a deep breath and moved away from me. I had never made a man feel flustered. I could see a hint of blush on his cheeks.

Had I just made George blush?

George composed himself but his eyes still blazed.

He closed the distance between us and put his arm around my waist. I looked up at him and he took my breath away.

He leaned in as if he was going to kiss me but turned and spoke into the crook of my neck instead.

"Emily, I have no time for anyone else in my life. I've chosen my path and you can choose yours. On Earth we had dreams. Some of grandeur but dreams, nonetheless. You want to be a doctor. That will make you happy."

"I-I think so." Suddenly, I wasn't sure.

"If you find happiness, hold on to it. We didn't see much true happiness on Earth. People were ungrateful and had no compassion or empathy for their fellow humans."

His words hurt me and I didn't know why. It was a very different scene he was painting of Earth than Cade had.

I shook my head, trying to push the sadness I felt in his words, away.

His cologne invaded my senses and I could feel the electricity between us.

I was crossing all kinds of lines. I needed to walk away from him before I did something stupid and ruined both our lives.

"I think I need a little time alone. I'd like to go for a walk." I said rubbing my temples.

"Of course." George's smile was back. He motioned for me to leave the apartment.

"I'll be back in an hour or so."

"That's fine, Emily. I will let Cade know that you will be back soon." He started to walk back down the hallway.

"Why do you need to let him know where I am?" I asked after him.

"I have many responsibilities, Emily. Enjoy your walk." He turned and walked away.