The Bodyguard

Chapter 32 - Who is in Charge

Gabriel texts as soon as I arrive home to say that he's arriving at 4:30pm and my heart stops.  I don't know why, but I assumed it'd be evening before he arrived, I'm sure I told him I was going to be home by 4:30pm, but in my mind I had envisioned an evening date.  All of a sudden, time is speeding up now and I have to have a shower and get ready for god only knows what we're doing.  I still have no idea where he's taking me.

My palms are sticky and I feel my heart racing, I run home as fast as I can after my last lecture and I arrive home within 10 minutes.  I tell myself to get a grip, I have 20 minutes and decide that the best place to start is with a shower.  I grab my towel and robe and run upstairs, everyone else is out so at least I don't have to worry about hogging the bathroom.

I undress at lightning speed and step into the shower, the water is really hot and it relaxes my tense muscles.  I allow the spray to pummel my tight shoulders for a few minutes before wetting my hair.  I shampoo it quickly and manage to get some in my eye.  I curse as I wash it out laughing at how my speed is actually slowing me down, then use the conditioner to detangle my locks, which really need a trim.  I love how the conditioner makes my hair feel silky and smooth and I leave it on while shaving and washing everywhere.  

After scrubbing and rinsing I get out quickly drying off and wrapping my hair up in a towel.  It's 4:15pm so I smooth a face mask across my skin, praying he isn't early while rubbing moisturiser into my skin.  I want to look my best. 

Once I've rinsed off the mask, I head to my room to dress.  I've no idea what he wants to do so I decide to dress casually since it's afternoon.  I slip into my light blue jeans and add a crisp white shirt with pearl buttons.  It's a look that's casual enough to look like I'm not trying too hard, but smart enough to wear on a casual date and I can always dress it up a bit with wedges if I need to.

By the time I've done my hair and make up and tidied everything away it's 4:27pm and he will be here any minute.  I decide to look like I'm not just waiting around for him and watch something on my laptop.  I put on a film I've seen many times before so I won't have to pay attention to it or have to turn it off just as I'm getting into it.

Just ten minutes into the movie the doorbell goes so I leave the film on, take a last look in the mirror brushing my fingers through my hair to smooth it and run down the stairs.

I open the door and he greets me with one of his dazzling smiles.  I rush into his arms, my head on his chest, inhaling his familiar scent.  He smells amazing and I feel myself finally relax after all the rushing around.  

"I've missed you so much," he tells me in his deep, sexy voice as he continues holding me tight to him.

"I've missed you too," I tell him shyly.  I'm still not totally comfortable with the intensity of my feelings, but him being so open about his is certainly helping.

He comes inside and we head up to my room.  I stop the film on the laptop and we sit together on my bed.  

"What do you want to do today beautiful?" He asks me.

"Errrr... I've no idea,"  I respond honestly, I just assumed he would have today all planned out as usual.

"Well, I'm all yours so whatever you want to do is fine with me."

"Really?" I retort with a cheeky grin.

"Oh, it's like that is it?" He smirks.

"Well, we do have the place to ourselves..."

He pulls me onto the bed kissing me and I waste no time unbuttoning my shirt and removing his.  I mentally pat myself on the back for initiating this for once and go to climb on top of him, straddling his waist while I'm feeling so confident.  He shakes his head and flips me over in one smooth movement so my back hits the bed.

"Not today beautiful.  You need to be reminded who is in charge."

Ok...

After he has spent an hour reminding me who is in charge and he's kissed my nose and told me he loves me a thousand times, I decide to broach the subject of my Mom.

"I spoke to my Mom today and she is keen to meet you.  I know we haven't been together long so please don't feel under any pressure, she's quite overbearing so I just said I'd mention it.  We really don't have to go though, I'd be happy to put her off for now." I'm rambling because I don't feel quite ready to do the parents thing yet so I'm pretty sure he isn't either.

"I'd love to!" He says enthusiastically. 

I'm totally shocked and he laughs seeing my face, his laugh is the best sound and it lights up his whole face.

"What?  We're serious about us aren't we? So what's the worry?  Do you think she won't approve of me?"

"No, I thought you'd think it was all too soon and run a mile." His laugh is infectious and I find myself smiling in spite of this conversation.

"I'm not going anywhere beautiful.  I love you so whatever makes you happy is fine by me."

"Ok then I'll get back to her with some dates so she can stop bothering me."

"Great.  Ok, while we're on the subject of parents, I know mine would love to see you next time you're at mine.  Would you be ok with that?"  He asks, suddenly his tone is more hesitant.

"I guess so, I can't really say no now can I?" I tease.

"Not really, but don't worry.  They are going to love you almost as much as I do."  His words reassure me, but this all feels like a lot.

"How about we get a takeaway and spend the day here?  I don't want to spend a moment away from your side or see anyone else or even wear clothes today!" He suggests cheekily.

"Sounds like a plan," I smile back.  This no pressure date is ideal for me after the heavy conversation.

"Speaking of coming to mine, I'm working away this weekend so I won't be able to see you sadly.  I'm so sorry baby, it's why I wanted to come up and see you today." 

My heart sinks, being without him for two days was bad enough, how will I cope with a whole week and a half?