The Bodyguard

Chapter 30 - The L Word

We are travelling back to my place before I pluck up the courage to bring up the situation again.

“Gabriel?”

“Yes beautiful.”

“Would you really have hit David back there?”

“Without a second thought. I would do anything to defend or protect you. No one will do or say anything that isn’t respectful to you in my presence and if they do they will be taught a lesson.”

“Right,” I gulp.

He sees this has bothered me so his face softens and he smiles at me.

“Kristen. You have no need to be worried about anything or anyone around me. You’ve never been safer in your life than with me. I will always love and protect you for as long as you’ll let me. Sometimes people just need a not so gentle reminder that you are mine and the most precious thing in the world so should be treated as such.”

Love? Did he just use the L word?! He slipped it in so casually but my mind is in overdrive. He obviously sees my face and decides to clarify.

“Yes, I did say that I love you and I do. I can’t help it Kristen, I’ve totally fallen for you. I’m sorry if that scares you or it’s a bit sudden, but it doesn’t change how I feel. I love you with every fibre of me.”

WOW! I was not expecting that. I’ve been holding back even analysing my feelings because I was sure this was all way too soon. I’m now stressed because I want to say it back, but I’m not 100% sure. I haven’t had chance to really unpack what this is for me, I’ve been far too busy trying to bury it.

He sees I’m having an internal conversation with myself and smiles warmly.

“Don’t worry, I’m not expecting you to say it back. I’d rather you waited and said it when you really feel it than to save my feelings,” he admits. “That way I’ll know it’s really true.”

I sigh with relief. I’m not ready to rush saying something I might later regret. I decide to be honest and just tell him where my head is at.

“I do have strong feelings for you, I just figured it was all a bit soon and you’d think I was nuts so I’ve spent the last week or so burying and ignoring them. It’s going to take some time to acknowledge my feelings and work out what they actually are. I’m not where you are yet as a result, but I’m on the way so just be patient with me.”

“Of course baby, I’d never rush you into anything.  Just to know you have some feelings means the world to me.”

We change the subject and talk about the week ahead. I talk about my painting that I must make headway with this week to stay on track and Gabriel tells me he has a quiet week for a change.

“So... I’d love to see you in the week if you’re not too busy? Let me know when you’re free and I’ll arrange something,” he tell me excitedly.

“I work Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mondays are a full day as you know as are Wednesdays, but the rest of the week I can work around.”

“What time would you be free Tuesday?” He asks me and I can feel my heart racing. That would mean only Monday without him!

“I finish classes at 4pm so I’d be home by 4:30 latest.”

“Ok, can I meet you at yours then?”

“Sure, sounds like a plan,” I say smiling.

Before long he’s turning into my street and my heart sinks. I don’t want to say goodbye, even though I know I’ll see him in two days time.

He opens my door and takes my hand to help me out. He closes the door behind me then leans me against it as he kisses me. It’s full on and I hope no one can see us from the house. The thought leaves my mind quickly and all that’s left is Gabriel. How much I ache for him even when he’s this close, how badly I want to be with him all the time, how I can’t focus properly because he’s on my mind at all times and I miss him every second we are apart. How passionate we are together, how his kisses consume me and I behave so unlike me, so out of control and desperate for more. Then it hits me, if this isn’t love then what the hell is? I love him! Of course I do, even Jason spotted it.

I gasp suddenly as the realisation hits me and Gabriel pulls away confused. He looks at me frowning, clearly wondering what is wrong.

“I love you?” I say as if it’s a question, which I suppose it is but to myself.

Gabriel sees what’s happening and his frown transforms into a smile, “I don’t know baby, I can’t answer that for you. Do you?”

“I do,” I sound totally shocked and I am. “I love you!”

“I said I was willing to wait and I was, but hearing you say it has made me the happiest man alive.”

He kisses me harder still and I enjoy it, giving in to the heat of it no longer worried about anyone watching or not being a fan of public displays of affection.  It's different with Gabriel, everything is different with Gabriel including me.

We’re in love.