Tripped By A Dog

Chapter 16

When we got back to Tom's house, his friend was still there. "Oh, hey Tom. Ooh, who's the pretty girl?" Tom gently nudged me forward. "Derek, this is my gorgeous girlfriend, Kara. Kara, this is one of my best friends, Derek." Derek reached his hand out and shook my hand. He was a fairly tall man with very dark hair and a full beard. "Nice to meet you, Kara." He smiled at me. "You, too, Derek."

Willow came trotting over to us. "Hi Wills. Did Derek behave himself?" Tom teased as he loved on his dog. She barked as if to say yes. I giggled as Derek grabbed his stuff. "I'll see you guys around. Tom, make sure you treat this girl well." Tom smiled at me, "I will, no matter what."

After Derek left, I walked into the bathroom. I sighed heavily as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I ran my fingers along my neck, missing something there. That thing being Tom's touch. As if he knew what I was thinking, I heard him get off the floor and walk over to where I was. "What're you doing, my love?" He asked, resting his hands on my shoulders. "Just looking at myself." "I have a better place." He walked me to his bedroom, in front of mirror he had in there.

"Do you trust me?" He questioned before doing anything else. "More than anything or anyone else." I responded then watched as he discarded my shirt while I kicked off my shoes and sweats. I was left in my undergarments. Tom got on his knees in front of me. Seeing all the scars that were unnoticeable last night. He ran his finger gently against every single one, making sure he wasn't hurting me.

"You have been through so much, darling and I am so proud of you. Whatever made you keep fighting did an amazing job because I don't know what I would've done if I never met you." Tears filled my eyes, "It was all you, Tommy." His eyes met mine, "What do you mean, princess?"

"I mean, watching you act and listening to you sing and laugh in your lives made me feel whole. Alive. Every single night I wished and prayed that I could meet you. To tell you thank you for saving me. I never thought in a million years that we would meet, let alone that you would fall in love with me. I love you so much, Tommy." He stood up and hugged me tightly. "I am so glad I met you, Kare bear. I love you just the same, if not more. Never, ever forget that. Okay?" I looked up at him, "Okay." He smiled softly before kissing me.