Blake
Chloe and my mom were getting on great. I knew they would. My mom was upfront with her, telling her everything she went through, so Chloe knew she understood. It is what Chloe needed because she opened up back. Yes, she has told me some things, but she seemed more at ease with my mom, which I understand.
“Mom, do you think Chloe will be okay?” I ask as we make coffee for everyone.
“In time, yes, I believe so. Please keep a close eye on her, though. She is struggling, and I can tell she still loves her ex, but it hasn’t been long since she got away from him. Try to make sure she stays away from him, Blake. No matter what it takes. She is still vulnerable.” Mom answers honestly and softly.
“I promise I will make sure she stays away from him. Chloe can stay with me for as long as she needs. I think I am going to give her a job too at my company. I worry when she is home alone. It makes her rather anxious. At least if she is at work with me, she won’t be alone.” I reply.
“Good idea. I can sense she is still anxious and scared. You are a good man, my boy. I know you will take care of her.” She smiles and gives me a side hug.
“Thanks, mom. Yes, I will. We are going to the cabin next weekend. A change of scenery, away from the city, will be good for her.”
Hopefully, it would help her relax since she is further away from that bastard.
“Yes, that will be good for Chloe. Can I ask you a question? And if yes, please don’t be offended in any way if I am wrong, okay?”
She sounds a little nervous when she asks. I nod and smile.
“Do you have feelings for Chloe? I see the way you look at her.”
I draw in a breath before answering.
“Honestly? I am not sure. We have become close, and I like having her around. Chloe is beautiful inside and out, but I am still working it all out. And if I do, I would never dream of doing anything about it because of everything she has been through. I know she is still vulnerable, and it would be like I am taking advantage, and I don’t want her to feel like that.”
I don’t lie to my mother. We promised we wouldn’t lie or keep secrets from one another years ago. My answer is honest.
“Thank you for being honest, Blake. Yes, it would be way too soon for Chloe to get involved with anyone again. Though, I do believe she feels something for you. I don’t know if it is in a romantic way or because of what you have done for her or how you protect her.”
“I don’t know, but if there is something between us, it will happen when she is ready and not before it,” I reply.
I would never dream of making a move on her in any way.
We left the conversation there and returned with the coffee and some cakes. I take my seat next to Chloe. She turns her head to smile at me, and I return it.
“You doing okay?”
I want to make sure she isn’t overwhelmed.
Chloe nods and rests her hand on my knee, squeezing it, “I am fine, thanks.”
I place my hand over hers and gently squeeze her hand, “Any time you want to leave, let me know.”
“Promise.” She replies.
I will leave any time she wants. My mom would understand.
****
Chloe and I just arrived back at my place. It is after ten. It had been a great night, but I could tell Chloe was tired.
“Do you want to go to bed, angel?” I ask.
“Yes, please. Can I stay in your bed again?”
Her words come out in a whisper, and she rocks nervously on her heels. She asks the same question every night. And every night, I give her the same answer. She doesn’t need to ask.
“Of course. Do you want to head straight to sleep or watch an episode of our show?”
We have started watching White Collar. A couple of episodes every night.
“We can watch an episode. I think I will manage one tonight.”
“One is fine. You get ready for bed. I will make us some hot chocolate.” I smile.
Chloe heads to her room to change. I stroll to the kitchen and start our drinks. It doesn’t take long for her to come back through, and climbs straight into my bed. I finish our drinks and join her. I pass her one mug and sit the other down. I grab a pair of sweatpants and head to the bathroom to change.
I don’t sleep with a shirt on, and I made sure Chloe was okay with that, which she was. I usually sleep in only boxers, but I don’t like doing that when Chloe is next to me in case, it makes her uncomfortable.
By the time I return, she has the episode ready just to hit play. I slip in next to her, and she scoots closer to me. Chloe likes to snuggle up at night. I don’t mind because it makes her feel safe, something she told me.
I smile and slip my free arm around her shoulder. She rests her head on my shoulder. I hit play, and we sip our drinks as we watch. Once we are done with them, I lie down, and Chloe does the same, her head on my chest.
“I had a good time tonight at your mom's, Blake. Thank you for taking me.” She says softly.
“Good. And you are welcome anytime, angel. My mom seems to like you.”
“I really like her. She is so strong even after everything she went through.” She whispers and draws circles on my stomach with her fingers.
I swallow hard but then pull myself together.
“Yes, she is. You are too, Chloe. One day you will realise that.”
I kiss the top of her head.
“Maybe…”
She doesn’t sound convinced.
“You will,” I reply confidently.
Chloe doesn’t respond; instead, she puts her attention back on the TV. I sigh but leave it there because I know she isn’t ready to believe it yet. One day she will!
Silence falls between us. It isn’t an awkward one, though; it is a comfortable one. We don’t get to the end of the episode before she falls asleep on my chest.
I switch it off, along with the light and settle down. I don’t move, and I won’t unless Chloe moves first. This isn’t the most comfortable position for me, but I don’t mind because I know she is. She will move, eventually.
I bring the covers up to our necks, ensuring she stays warm. I plant a soft kiss on her forehead.
“Sweet dreams, beautiful,” I whisper.
I close my eyes and let sleep take over me. I like her next to me at night. I always seem to sleep better. I wanted to discuss a job with me to her tonight, but it can wait until tomorrow.