We arrived within 5 minutes, turning off the car and exiting so I could open her door. We walked into the diner and sat in a booth.
After the server takes our orders, we continue chatting and getting to know each other.
The food arrives a little later, though we still make small talk while we eat.
Hearing her talking about her mom, I knew exactly why she didn't want to go home. I could see the fear in her big doe eyes and her hands shaking.
I swear to god if I ever see one mark on her beautiful skin I will lose control.
I take some time to breathe, hoping to calm down. The last thing I wanna do is scare her. Or make her afraid of me, jus the thought of her being afraid of me makes my fists clench and my chest tighten.
Seeing her in that dress tested my self-control. She looked so good. It held her slim waist against the dress, her perky breasts lifted, and her smooth legs showing.
Jesus, I grunt and readjust my shorts, trying to hide the fact that she gave me a boner without trying or knowing.
I arrive back at the estate, pulling in; I turn off the car and head inside. I grin at the thought about the possibility of her coming here soon.
I ran into Eden, heading into the kitchen to get water. He looks at me with a raised brow, wondering what's got me like that.
I glare at him and he puts his hands up and says, "Got it, no questions."
Heading upstairs to take a much-needed shower as I feel gross with all the sweat still on me from my run.
After finishing my shower, I dressed in sweats and checked my phone, deciding on messaging Vera.
***
Me: Hey darling, are you home? It's getting late outside, and the sun is almost gone.
I set my phone down, waiting for her to respond, but before I could even set it down, I heard my phone ding.
Darling: Hiii! Yeah, I'm in my room, I just finished some school work and am eating dinner.
I smile at her response, knowing she ate, which gives me a feeling of relief.
Me: That's good, sweetheart, you get some good sleep. Text me when you wake up."
Darling: I will and okay!! Good night.
I smiled at my phone and finally responded once I realized I hadn't yet.
Me: Good night, darling.
***
Setting my phone down, I headed to my desk and began doing work, as I didn't get any done today.
I was so excited to text Holden; I woke up extra early. Checking the weather, I open the app and see it's going to be like yesterday. Meaning I can either wear a skirt or a dress. Hmm, which one?
Going into my closet, I browse through my clothes, trying to find what to wear. Spotting a lace floral off-the-shoulder dress, I smiled.
I added some earrings and a necklace with it, and my sandals. Leaving my closet, I walk to the bedside table and pick up my phone, remembering to text Holden that I'm up.
Normally I would forget to, as I was told last night and I don't remember things well.
But when it comes to him, it's natural. I have this urge to be around him, talk to him, see him, and honestly it's really hard to understand why.
***
Me: Hi, I'm up!
Setting my phone down, guessing he was asleep or busy, I walked into the bathroom to put on lip gloss, deodorant, and perfume.
I heard a ding which made me smile and speed walk to my phone to see what he said.
Holden <3: Good morning darling, what are you doing up so early?
Me: I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep.
I left out the part where I was too excited to sleep anymore because I wanted to talk to him.
Holden <3: Hm, what are you going to do today? If you're not busy, I'd love to have your company.
At that, I smiled, happy I had no plans and didn't want to be home since I heard my mom coming home last night.
I know some might think I'm crazy meeting up again with a stranger, but I have no one else besides Nadia who is always too busy.
He makes me feel safe and calm when I'm around him. I don't know why, he just does.
Me: Nothing. Where can we meet up???
Holden <3: Do you want to go to the park again? We can walk on the trail and get to know one another better? I'm finishing up some paperwork right now but I'm done at 45.
Smiling, I responded.
Me: Yes, that sounds like fun. See you there!
***
After reading my book for half an hour to pass the time, I get up from my bed, open my door, look to see if my mom is up, and then make my way out of the house, making sure she's still asleep.
Walking to the park takes about 15 minutes, so that should be enough time so I'm not too early, but I can't help it. I'm excited and just want to leave my house as well.
I arrived at the park 17 minutes later as I got distracted by nature while walking. Making my way to my signature tree, I sat down and waited for Holden.
I was sitting in my office when I got the text from Vera saying she was up, which surprised me, as it was only 8 am. I thought she would be asleep at this hour.
She said she couldn't go back to sleep, but I have a feeling that's not the only reason. I shrug it off, trying not to read into it too much but with my line of work I have to.
After texting for a little while, we planned to meet up at the park and take a walk on the trail so we can get to know each other better.
I had to finish some paperwork before I could leave, so I told her I'd be there in about 45 minutes.