saving us || sequel to 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦.

11 - lunch date

jade lockhart

It's been a week since the banquet at the Ministry. Work has been piling up recently due to some of Hermione's new laws, but I don't mind.

I like keeping busy with work. Especially when I love what I do.

However, as I'm sitting at my desk, looking over some files to finalize the corrections before I return them to Lillian, my head swarms with the memories of the banquet.

I can still feel the butterflies I felt out in the garden as I walked with Ryder. They way he looked at me as I fell into the fountain. The way he kissed me-

He hasn't talked to me since that night.

I went to his office the next day to see if we could talk about what had happened the night before, but he wasn't there. Draco told me that he had to leave for a small work trip and would be back in week.

He should be returning today.

To be honest, I'm not even sure what we are. We always seem to be on and off, whether it's for the better or for worse.

When i watch the clock strike noon, I clean up my desk space, putting the files I've been working on into a folder and get up to grab my coat.

And then, I pick up the folder and make my way to exit my office.

"Lillian, I edited the files you gave me earlier-"

I pause when I see Ryder talking to Lillian, a bouquet of roses in his hand. They both turn their heads to look at me, but each with different expressions. Lillian is looking at me with a soft smile, one that expresses gratitude while Ryder looks like he's just seen a ghost, his eyes wide and shocked.

I clear my throat as Ryder stands up a bit straighter, now only looking at me. "Good afternoon, Mr. Thorn. I'll just leave the files on your desk, Lillian and I'll leave you two alone-"

"No, we were just finishing our conversation." Ryder smiled weakly as he looks over at Lillian giving her a slight nod of his head. "I- um came to see you."

"Oh," I whisper, the volume of my voice now dissolving as I'm at a loss for words. I walk over to hand the folder to Lillian before turning back to face Ryder and asking, "Well, Mr. Thorn. What is it that you wanted to see me for?"

His brows furrow at my question, a flicker of emotion crossing his eyes that I can't quite understand. But as I watch the seconds pass by that he doesn't speak, I grow impatient. "I have work to do, so if you don't mind making this quick."

"But, Jade. It's your lunch break-"

"Yes, well I have a lunch to get to. What do you want?" I reply quickly as I cross my arms in front of me.

"Oh, sorry." He frowns slightly as he looks over my defensive demeanor. "I just came up here to see if you wanted to get lunch together?"

I press my lips together tightly, desperate for my cheeks to not flush pink or any sign of of a smile appear on my face. Ignoring the butterflies in my stomach I take a deep breath before sighing, "Fine. Let's go."

A smile instantly appears on his face as he holds the bouquet to his chest before turning around and following me out the door.

"So where are we going-"

Before I can even finish my sentence, he's grabbed my wrist and turned me around abruptly to face him, the momentum causing me to fall against his chest. And then, he cups my cheek and kisses me urgently, his other hand making it's way to the back of my neck to hold me steady.