falling for you

chapter 3

Corbin pov.

I made it through the weekend mama could tell something was wrong when I walked through the door but she didn't push it. thankfully the meds helped with the leg pain but I still felt like s**t for yelling at Emma, she didn't do anything and I had no right.

I had been texting mark and he'd mentioned they were doing a lake get together for forth of July this weekend. honestly wasn't sure if fireworks was a good idea and he understood better than I thought he would. said we could find a place a little further away during the show so it wouldn't be as loud.

I haven't given him an answer yet just told him I'd think it over. it feels good to be back in contact with him. he didn't say anything about Emma so I'm assuming she didn't tell anyone I had gone off on her for no reason. Sunday he came over to have dinner with me and Mama which she was over the moon for.

I showed him my scars and he didn't look at me like I was messed up he just told me he was proud of me and happy it wasn't any worse, that I'd made it home.

Monday Morning once I hit the shop I still couldn't get what is done to Emma out of my mind so once I was done looking over her car I found her number with her paperwork and send her a text.

me- hey sunshine any chance I can buy you lunch today. I was out of line the other day and really would like the chance to apologize.

I waited for what seemed like forever for a reply

sunshine - Corbin?

me- who else calls you sunshade, sunshine

sunshine - ( laughing face) true. honestly you don't have to buy me lunch. I shouldn't have barged in. and for that I'm sorry.

me- please don't be apologizing. let me buy you lunch

sunshine - shouldn't you be working on my car

I couldn't help but laugh she's still a little feisty.

me- I'll give you an update over lunch

sunshine - ( eye roll). meet me at the diner at 12

me- see you then sunshine.

I was glad she finally agreed to meet me even if it was just for an update on her car. I needed to keep reminding myself she had a boyfriend and she was my best friends baby sister I can't step over that line. I can't let her into my messed up life even if she wanted it

before I knew it I was pulling into the diner. I had tried to clean up from being in the shop the best I could but I of course still look like I've been working all morning. getting out of my own head I make my way into the diner, scanning the area to see if she arrived before me and my eyes land on her looking as beautiful as ever in a light blue dress with her hair thrown up and her glasses on. shes laughing with Mr hodge he and his wife have owned the diner for ever. me and the guys spent many late nights trying to eat away the alcohol we had drank before going home. they have always been friendly and i hope the food is as good as I remember.

I make my way over as Mr hodge sees me.

" Corbin! it's great seeing you back in my diner!"

he says cheerfully as he brings me in for a hug which I some what return

" can't wait for a big burger Mr hodge"

he laughs patting my back and nodding at Emma before leaving

I take my seat and she watched me closely. I have been uncomfortable with people's eyes on me lately but for some reason when it's her it doesn't bother me

we were both ready to order once the waitress came over giving the menus when she walked away Emma started giggling. I raised a brow at her

" care to share?"

I asked playfully and she giggled again

" she was totally trying to get you to notice her but you were so focused on your order"

this made both my brows lift

" uh well I haven't had one of these burgers in I'm not sure how long. plus I'm sure she isn't my type"

I replied and Emma shook her head slightly

" so updates on my car?"

" well it's definitely just the starter, I placed the ordered for the new one I should have it back running by the end of the week as long as I get the part in on time"

she was bouncing in her seat she did a small clap

" yes! thank you so much!"

I couldn't help but smile at her excitement

but quickly looked down taking a breath in

" look sunshine I need to tell you how sorry I am.."

she cut me off

" no you really don't I shouldn't have walked into your room Corbin"

I sigh out

" yes Emma I really do. it's been a struggle being back home. I got hit with a bomb and it messed me up pretty bad so I'm not exactly comfortable in certain situations yet, therapist says it'll come with time. but me yelling at you was out of line I should've never raised my voice you didn't know any better"

I could feel her eyes looking over me and I took the chance and looked up into her eyes I expected to see pitty but to my surprise they were still just as bright as she smiled at me softly. she took my hand I had resting on the table giving it a squeeze and I don't know what came over me but I held her hand back in return. her small soft hand felt nice in my large rough one

" honestly corb I knew you had a story. I'm sorry you went through that and I'm always here if you need someone to talk to. as for the rest forget about it really. but thank you for actually taking the time and explaining and apologizing"

I gave her hand a squeeze as I looked into those beautiful green eyes. we were brought back to reality when the waitress cleared her throat before placing our food down

" anything else?"

she asked a little shortly and I pulled my hand back from Emma's looking at her as she looked over her cheese burger and chocolate shake shaking her head

" no this looks great thank you"

she said sweetly the waitress just nodded and walked away.

Emma.

it's been a couple days since my lunch with Corbin and honestly I don't know if I should be feeling the way I do about him. he makes me smile without even trying. we've been making small talk over text messages and they always seem to start with either him or me about an update on my car but we don't ever actually seem to stop talking after I get the update.

I can tell he always has alot on his mind with the explosion he went through but he hasn't opened up much about it. just that it happened and he messed his leg up and has scars that he isn't happy with.

steven hasn't been speaking to me as he says he's busy I'm almost hundred percent sure he's cheating on me but at this point it's like we're more friends that in a relationship. when ever he started working with his dad a couple years ago he changed. Casey says he was this way before and I just didn't see it but either way I've been thinking of asking for a break for the relationship.

my last state was last night when he called me late after I'd sent him a message about my family going to the lake for forth of July. to say he has no interest in going is an understatement.

he said he'd try to make it but he wasn't sure because he had plans with his friend John and that I should just join them. but honestly car Hoping isn't something I'm interested in and Miley is already expecting me to be at the lake with them.

he had a few choice words to say about that but I just ignored him and told him I had to sleep.

I've got a busy day at the bakery today and the weather is nasty out as I sip my coffee looking out the kitchen window my phone chimes and I think maybe Steve is sending an apology for being so rude lately but of course it isn't him it's Corbin which makes my heart flutter

Corbin- good morning sunshine. your car should be ready for pick up this afternoon. also just a heads up as I was leaving this morning the radio said the roads were gonna get pretty bad so please be careful driving into work .

my feelings are everywhere. he's so sweet with his words but I was to remind myself he's being nice because I'm marks little sister. but at the same time I can't help the feeling of wanting more with him wanting to get to know him wanting him to hold me close in his large arms. it's been so long since I've been held. like really held.

before Steven and I drifted apart when we were intamite there wasn't any spark or passion it was just the act then he was ready to leave.

I let out a sigh shaking my head I e gotta get out of this stupid fantasy of Corbin wanting more.

me-yes watching it pour as I'm drinking this coffee if I didn't know I was so busy today I'd just call in and wrap up in my blanket with my kindle

I wasn't expecting a reply but I got one.

Corbin- yes it's definitely a good day to be lazy. unfortunately for me my leg seems to bother me more in this weather.

me-I hate that for you. I read up on your type of injury and saw where warm baths and Epson salt might help relieve some of the pain.

I push send before I realize what I've said and I want to die. I wish I could unsend it.

I quickly send another message

me-I'm so sorry! I know that probably sounded so weird!!!

dad's already gone into he station this morning so I put my phone in my pocket and quickly get the umbrella and make my way to his truck he's been letting me borrow thankfully so I can get back and forth to work.

my phone chimes and I don't even want to look at it he probably thinks I'm a crazy lady reading up on his injury it's none of my business. sighing I open his message.

Corbin- thank you for the advice. honestly it isn't weird it's refreshing you haven't been pushing for information or asking every 5 minutes if I'm okay. I love my mama but some days I swear she's gonna kill her self with worry

that makes me smile.

me-well she is your mama she is supposed to worry. you know she is so proud of you.

I make my way to work and get started on the orders in the back while sage helps with the costumers up front today. she is just a part time while she is in college but she is a life saver on days like today. she's a beautiful girl but I know she doesn't actually like me very much, being as I'm very simple and refuse to go out and party with her. she has even made side comments about how Steven will get bored of me one day. yes we all went to highschool together and I'm positive she has always had a thing for him. and he probably for her.

I'm sure on one of our many breaks in our relationship we've had he's slept with her but I just don't care anymore. I really need to talk to Casey about all this she can help me figure out my feelings on the situation

Corbin and I texted back and forth most of the day he let me know he maybe coming to the lake and even went as far to ask if it'd make me uncomfortable. I'm unsure as to why he asked me that and really the thought of being with him all weekend gives me butterflies which I know isn't good.

then after I finish work the rain has slacked off I grabbed some burgers from the diner for me Jim, me and Corbin as sort of a thank you for the quick work. I also swing by the pharmacy and grab him some Epson salt. I tell myself this is what friends do for each other and there is no other reason.

as I pull into the shop driveway I'm over thinking this whole thing I'm probably gonna look so stupid walking in there with food and f*****g bath salt!!

ugh!!

I bite the bullet and hope out hands full and jog towards the door. Mr Jim is sitting behind the front counter and he looks up and gives me a big smile

" ms Marshall here to get your car?" he asks and I give him a big smile in return

" well not exactly"

I hold up the bags of food

" my dad's gonna drop me off to get it in the morning but I figured I'd bring y'all some dinner "

he smiles real big. he's always been the sweetest old man and honestly without his little shop here half the cars in town wouldn't be running or they'd have to go the town over and get ripped off with jacked up pricing.

I set the food down getting it out

" also brought some sweets"

I grin at him and he sends me a playful wink

" you know no one can stay away from those sweets"

we both chuckle before the side door opens

and in walks Corbin in all his glory. dirty from work, slight limp. cleaning his hands on a rag

" alright me Jim everything is settled for the day"

he looks up and looks shocked to see me as a smile makes it's way to his face and our eyes lock

" sunshine I thought your dad said he was bringing you by in the morning?"

he asks and I know I'm blushing I really had no reason to come to day other than wanting to check in on him and see him. I know I'm still with Steven but I can't help but be drawn to Corbin even though I know he would never think of me that way.

I look down trying to hide my embracement

" I uh brought y'all some dinner. as a thanks, you know for getting the car done so quick"

he nods making his way to me

" smells great I'm starved "

Corbin pov.

I was shocked to see her here. and I'm a little taken back as she seems to blush as she's talking to me.

my leg has been bothering me all day but our texting back and forth has helped keep my mind off of it. just a minute ago all I wanted to do was go home and relax in a bath and take my meds but now that I've seen her beautiful smile I can't say I wasn't that anymore.

we take a seat and she gets the food out.

she reaches for the other bag

" oh I almost forgot. I didn't figure you'd want to go to the store after working all day so since I got off a little early I grabbed you some of that salt for your leg"

she says never making eye contact with me. I look between the bag and me Jim and the old man sends me a cheeky smile and a wink.

oh boy my heart might be in trouble.

I take the bag looking inside

and grab her hand giving it a squeeze making her look at me

" thank you really"

she only nods.

so we dig into our food making small talk between us and if course we enjoy the sweets she brought over from the bakery.

she hugs mr Jim goodbye as he makes his way to his small apartment leaving us to lock up.

the rain has most cleared away as we make our way outside and it's gonna be dark soon. she turns and looks at me with a small smile

" so I'll be by with daddy in the morning"

I nod

" yeah it's ready whenever you get here"

there's a moment we are both just standing there looking at each other and I want nothing more than to pull her into my arms and kiss her like she's never been kissed before. the thought of her body pressed to mine as our lips dance.

I give my head small shake. after she picks the car up tomorrow we probably won't even talk much unless we're together with mark.

fuck mark he'd flip s**t if he knew the thoughts I had I'd his baby sister. and I also need to remind myself she has a boyfriend. an asshole if a boyfriend but still.

" let me know when you make it home roads are still wet"

I say and she smiles nodding. yeah you be careful and rest that leg"

she gives me a wave and walks to her dad's truck as I watch in a daze. she mentioned my leg and I was really brought back to reality I wouldn't ever want her to see that part of me. or deal with the mood swings that come with my pain.

I take a big breath before making my way to my truck and heading home.

of course mama was hovering because she could see the pain on my face.

I relaxed in the tub best I could after taking my pain medicine.

it was getting late and I hadn't heard from Emma which made me worry a little but then again she didn't really need to check in with me.

once I got mama to calm down a little I laid in my bed. I had texted mark telling him I needed help house hunting. I love mama but having her hover and worry Everytime mu leg is giving me trouble isn't good for her.

he thinks it's hilarious I'm secretly trying to look for a house like I'm running away.

I was a little surprised when my phone chimes again and it was Emma

sunshine- hey made it home a while ago. I meant to text you earlier but something came up. hope you are feeling better. sorry

.

I wasn't sure if it was just me reading to much into it or if something was bothering her. I know I was overstepping but I asked anyways

me- feeling better. glad you made it home.

is everything okay?

the 3 dogs appeared and disappeared a few times like she wasn't sure what to reply and I felt bad because I knew I shouldn't have been in her business

but then the reply came

sunshine- relationship problems wouldn't want to bother you with it

me- it isn't a bother. what's wrong sunshine?

sunshine- positive he's cheating. well the thought isn't new but it's kind of been proved a little more tonight.

that f*****g i***t! I'm gonna kick his ass

me-what makes you say that? surely he isn't stupid enough to cheat on someone like you.

sunshine- I'm nothing special Corbin. hell I'd rather work at that bakery and hide in the back than actually go out and do anything.

he told me he's working late and sage tagged him in a picture together on f*******:. looked like they were in the club. I called and asked him what it was about but he is drunk and told me he's an adult he has been working hard he deserved a night out.

I read her message. and reread it. I'm honestly lost for words. one she doesn't think she's anything special? hell I know for a fact she's fun and the life of any family get together. mark has told me how she and her and go shot for shot of whiskey like it ain't nothing.

and dancing the girl has always loved dancing. she and her dad used to two step around their kitchen together. honestly he's the one who even taught me to dance.

two. sage I remember the name but not the person probably someone she went to school with so younger than me. but why would he be out with another girl when he has a girl and not tell her about it.

and three. for him to talk to her like she isn't anything special makes me want to kick his ass even more than I already did.

I'm lost in my thoughts when. another message comes through

sunshine- I'm sorry I should'nt have ranted to you I know you probably think I'm stupid. goodnight

shit! I didn't realize it's taken me so long to reply

me- darling I know for a fact that you are fun. just because you don't like the club doesn't make you and less fun. if he wants to be stupid and ness up with a great girl like you then he doesn't deserve you. don't let him get in your head. you are way better than him.

sunshine- thank you corb. really. I think I'm gonna call it a night. I'll see you tomorrow or if not at the lake this weekend.

me- sweet dreams sunshine. and please think about what I said. I will definitely be seeing you.

I know I shouldn't have called her darling I don't know what I was thinking. but I also know she has got to get away from that punk before bindings her down

I wasn't sure if I I was going to the lake but now I think I am. I wanna spend time with her. I wanna see her. even if I can't have her I think having her around will help me more than I know