Chloe
I am in the room, trying to find something to wear. I didn’t have much, only what Blake had bought me. I am freaking out about meeting his mom. I don’t do well with strangers. I also don’t know what her thoughts are on me staying with her son and him taking care of me.
“Chloe, you have been in there a while. Are you okay? Can I come in?” Blake asks from the other side of the door.
“No! I am not coming! I have nothing to wear, and your mom is going to hate me.” I whine, overly dramatic.
I hear him chuckle before coming in. I turn to glare at him.
“It is only dinner at her house, angel. You can wear whatever you want.” He smiles.
I shudder when he calls me angel, as I always do when he does.
“I can’t just wear whatever!” I protest.
Blake comes over, standing in front of me. He rests his hand on my hips, connecting his eyes with mine, “Yes, you can.” He states firmly.
I went to argue with him, but he gave me a stern look. I roll my eyes and sit on the bed, defeated. Blake stands at the bed, staring at the clothes on the bed. He reaches out, grabs a couple of items and lays them out.
“How about this?” he asks.
He had picked out my skinny black jeans and a red top. He has good taste. I stood to take a proper look and liked it. I could pair it with my black ankle boots and coat.
“Thank you. I was stressing out.” I sigh.
“I know, but honestly, Chloe, you have nothing to worry about. I promise.” He smiles, resting his hand on the small of my back.
I rest my head on his shoulder, “Okay.”
Blake slips his arm around my shoulder and kisses the top of my head. I close my eyes, draw in a breath and smile. I like when he does that. I am not used to a man being so sweet to me, and we aren’t even dating. He really is my real-life hero. I am just waiting for all hell to break loose still.
“Do you want some tea before getting ready? It might help calm you.”
“Yes, tea sounds nice. I would say coffee, but I believe it will make me worse.” I snicker.
“I think you have had enough caffeine today, anyway.” he teases.
He has a point; I have met my daily caffeine limit.
I laugh, “Yes, you are probably right.”
Blake kisses my cheek, exits the bedroom to make tea, and I put my clothes away before I join him. I take a seat, letting him do his thing. He is rather specific when it comes to making it. I don’t ask questions or interfere.
I watch him in awe. He is such a beautiful man, inside and out. I still don’t know why he insists on keeping me around. I am sure he has better things to do with his time. He should be out dating, not caring for me. I am sure he has plenty of offers from women.
I sigh, turning away before he catches me staring at him. There is a slight chance I like him and more than a friendly way. I wouldn’t dare share it with him, though. He doesn’t see me in the same way, and I am not ready for anything else. It will take time for me to heal and get over my relationship with my ex. Not like it matters because Blake would never be interested in someone as broken and weak as me.
“Chloe, are you okay? You seem to be somewhere else.”
The sound of his voice breaks me from my thoughts.
“I am fine,” I answer casually and put my attention back on him.
He sits next to me and sets a mug in front of me.
He raises his brow at me, “Promise?”
I smile and nod, not wanting to lie to him with words. I pick my mug up, hug it and take a sip.
“How are you doing, angel?” he asks softly and strokes my hand.
“I am getting there. Every day is a step in the right direction.” I answer honestly.
“If I can help in any way, please don’t hesitate to ask.” He smiles.
“You have done enough, Blake. Thank you, though.”
He removes his hand and takes a drink of his tea. A silence comes between us. I don’t know how it feels for him, but I am for me, it is slightly awkward.
“So, I have been thinking, would you like to get away this weekend? I have a cabin in the woods, by a lake. It is about a two-hour drive from here. It is beautiful, and we could go there for a couple of nights. Would it be something you are interested in?”
There is a hopeful look in his beautiful eyes.
“Would you not rather take someone else?”
I don’t want to be the one taking up all his time. He has friends and family. He can’t spend it all with me.
“No. I want to take you. You will love it. It is peaceful and away from everyone and everything. I try to go as often as possible because it is a good place to clear my mind if work has been stressful.”
I can hear in his voice he is eager for me to join. It would be lovely. I have never left the city. It would be nice to see somewhere new.
“Okay, then, yes,” I reply brightly.
Blake grins widely at me, happy with me agreement.
“Yay! We are going to have a lot of fun.” He celebrates.
I giggle and playfully roll my eyes at him.
“You sure you aren’t tired of me yet?”
“Not at all. I like having you around. I enjoy the company.” He smiles.
“Please promise me that you will tell me if I start to get in the way. I don’t want you to end up resenting me.” My words come out in more of a whimper.
He reaches over, places his hand over me and looks me straight in the eye, “I would never, Chloe. I am not going to get tired of you. I promise, so please stop thinking like that.” He says firmly.
“Sorry. I can’t help it. I will try.” I reply.
“Don’t ever think I don’t want you around, beautiful.”
I blush when he calls me beautiful. I smile awkwardly at him and put my attention on my tea.
I need to try and relax before heading to dinner.