Chapter Nineteen - Last night (Weekend away, part four)

Blake

Our weekend at the cabin has been incredible. Sadly, it is our last night here, and we head home tomorrow. Our time here seems to have brought us closer, and I don’t just mean romantically. I mean in all ways. The connection, the bond we seem to have had since day one, has grown. It is crazy how much has changed in the space of a few days.

We have the log fire going, and I am in the kitchen making us some hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows. Chloe is already sitting on a blanket in front of it. She couldn’t wait any longer. Her excitement over it was cute.

I grab the mugs and head through to join her. Chloe seems to be lost in the flames. I smile and stroll over.

“Your hot chocolate, beautiful.”

The sound of my voice pulls her from the trance she had fallen into.

“Thank you, babe.” She smiles and takes it from me.

I can’t help but smile when she calls me that. I still don’t know exactly what is happening with us, but I am okay with that. We know we like and care for each other, which is enough.

I sit down next to her, and she rests her head on my shoulder the second I do. I slip my free arm around her and kiss the top of her head.

“Do we need to leave tomorrow?” she sighs.

“Sadly, yes, I need to return for work and things.”

I would offer her to stay here longer, but I know she wouldn’t, not alone.

“I know,” she replies sadly, “And I need to find a job.”

“About that, how about you come and work with me?” I suggest.

I haven’t had a chance to discuss it more with her.

“What? Doing what? I have no education or skills that would make me suitable to work for your company.”

“You could start as an assistant, either to me or someone else. We have a lot of training programs to help people build their skills.” I smile.

I could put her into some of those programs if she is willing. There is everything from computing programs to business ones. Those are only two of many. We have scholarships available for workers too.

“Wouldn’t it be too much for you? Seeing me at your place and work?”

“No, not at all. I would like to have you around, and you wouldn’t have to be home alone. I could find someone else for you to assist if that would make you more comfortable.”

I rest my hand on her knee and squeeze it.

“I would rather work with you because I don’t do well with strangers.”

I would prefer her to work directly for me because I know what she has been through and how anxious she still is. Someone else may be too hard on her, and I don’t want that.

“You can be my new assistant. My current one can only do certain hours anyway because she is at college and also has a kid. So, it would be split between you and her. Would it be something you are interested in? Please don’t tell me yes because you think that is what I want here. I need you to make this choice for you, beautiful.”

There have been enough people dictating her life in the past. I refuse to be one of those people. She is free from all that and can do what she wants.

“Yes, I do. I need to job and money.” She smiles.

“Great! And if you want, we can take a look at the programs we offer and see if you would like to try any when we arrive home. They won’t cost you anything. The company pays for it all.”

“I would like that. I want to do something with my life, and that would be a good start.” She smiles.

“Perfect! We can work all the details out tomorrow. Tonight, let’s enjoy our time here.”

I don’t want to spend the night discussing work. Chloe nods and smiles brightly. She reaches in and presses her lips to mine. I groan and rest my hand on her cheek. I love her kisses. Her lips are so soft and warm.

“You are amazing, Blake.” She coos.

I smile and stroke her cheek.

“I try my best. I just want you to be happy and safe. Make a life for yourself that you want. That you deserve, angel.”

“I will get there one day, and because of you, I am one step closer to it. I will be forever grateful.”

“I can’t wait to watch you shine, Chloe. And I hope to be right next to you when it happens.” I say softly and kiss her cheek.

“I hope so too.”

Chloe turns her attention back to the fire and rests her head on my shoulder and her hand on my thigh. It is the perfect way to end our last night here.

****

“Blake, hurry up and come to bed. I want cuddles.” Chloe whines from the bedroom.

“I am coming. I am cleaning up.” I call back, laughing.

She has been waiting for me to join her for the last ten minutes. I hear her snicker at my response. I finish up cleaning, take a couple of bottles of water from the fridge and join her.

“Finally! I have been waiting for ages.” She teases.

“Yes, because ten minutes is ages,” I reply sarcastically and laugh.

Chloe rolls her eyes and sticks her tongue out at me. I do the same to her, and the room fills with laughter. She smiles sweetly at me and pats the spot next to her.

I strip down to my boxers, Chloe watching my every move. I smirk and climb in next to her.

“Oh, don’t you smirk at me, Mr.” she huffs.

“I don’t know what you mean, sweetness,” I reply innocently.

“Of course, you don’t. Now can I have my cuddles, please?” she pouts.

“You can always have your cuddles from me, angel.”

I lay down next to her, and she snuggles in. She places her head on my chest, and I wrap my arms around her.

“You give the best hugs.” She whispers and kisses my chest.

I close my eyes and moan softly. It makes her stop quickly.

“Sorry,” she says.

“No, it is okay,” I reply and kiss the top of her head.

“I don’t want to seem like I am teasing you even though we know I am not ready for any physical.” She whimpers.

I glance down at her to find her staring up at me with a worried look in her eyes.

“Hey, now, my lovely, you do not need to worry or become upset. It doesn’t seem like that at all. I know you aren’t ready, and as I previously mentioned, I am okay with that. There is no rush or pressure for anything. We can share moments without them seeming sexual or leading to anything sexual.”

I kiss her softly, only for a second and pull back.

“Promise?” she asks.

“I promise, Chloe.” I smile.

“Thank you for understanding and being patient with me, Blake.”

“For you, always,” I say honestly.

Chloe relaxes quickly, and we settle down for the night. We have an early start tomorrow and a busy day ahead.