Fallen From Grace

Coffee Date

Lily’s POV

I woke up practically bouncing off of the walls, unable to contain my excitement. Today was the day we would meet up and finally be able to have a proper conversation. The day I’ve waited for, for what seemed like forever. I looked over at my phone and noticed a message from Caleb. Just his name brought butterflies to my stomach and for my heart to leap. He was asking if we could meet up at 11. I responded telling him that it works for me and asked him if there was anywhere in particular he wanted to meet up. If things went well today, we could maybe spend the whole day together and nothing excited me more than that thought. While waiting for a response from Caleb, I found myself fantasising about how amazing it would be to kiss those perfect lips of his. My mind drifted to thoughts of us together in the bedroom, but they were soon interrupted my the sound of a message on my phone. I leant over and read the address he had sent. It was only 9 now so I still had plenty of time before I had to leave.

I quickly hurried out of bed and carefully shaved and showered, ensuring that I felt the best. After I got out of the shower and moisturised, I wrapped myself in my comfy cotton robe while I contemplated what to wear. A dress seemed too formal but jeans and a jumper just looked like I didn't care. I internally screamed as I started stressing out. I had to look good for our first date, I didn't want him to reject me because I made no effort. Finally, after a very stressful time rummaging through my clothes, I found the perfect outfit for wear. I opted for a white cropped long sleeve top paired with a light blue summery skirt. Together they looked like a summer dress but it was perfect. The sun was out today and I could pair it with my white sandals and a nice pair of sunglasses which I would place in my brown wavy hair once I dried it.

After picking out my outfit, I looked at the time to see I still had half an hour before I had to leave. I sat in front of my big mirror and started applying my make up, hoping that I would achieve a natural look. I didn't wear it enough to know a lot but it just had to be good enough to give me the flawless look I wanted. I then quickly got changed and made sure I had everything I needed in my handbag before I left.

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Caleb's POV

I sat in the café, taking in my surroundings. I knew someone was here watching, I could feel it. I just couldn't seem to figure out where they were or why they were watching me. Before I could dwell on that thought for much longer, my eyes caught an incredible sight. Lily walked in and she looked absolutely breath-taking, it only made my attraction to her increase. I stood up as she walked towards me and pulled out her chair for her as she approached.

"You look amazing, I'm glad you came." I spoke, unable to keep my thoughts to myself.

"Thank you" she replied as a blush formed on her cheeks. It only made her look better in my eyes. "I'm glad I came too."

She sat down as I asked her what she wanted to drink. After I ordered for us, we fell into a comfortable conversation as I asked about her job and she told me all about her training. Lily spoke with such passion that I couldn't help but smile as her enthusiasm rubbed off on me.

"What about you?" she asked once she was done. "I've told you what I do for work, what do you do?"

I was uncertain to answer, unsure of what to respond with. One thing I knew for sure was that I could not tell her the truth, not until I knew what or who she really was.

"I'm taking a break from my business at the moment" I lied, hopeful that she wouldn't ask any questions. "There's just a few disputes to be worked through before I can get back into it". I guess what I was saying was partially true, the disputes just weren't business related as such.

"Oh what kind of business are you in to? I have some friends who used to be accountants but I don't really take you for that type, you're too hot for that" I noticed the blood drain from her face as she realised what she just said. This only made my smirk grow more as I relished in her compliment. I knew I was attractive but hearing her say it just felt so different.

"So you think I'm hot?" I decided to taunt her. She looked so cute when she was speechless.

"No, I didn't mean that. I just meant that you don't seem like an accountant" she quickly corrected while trying to compose herself after that confession.

"Oh so I'm not hot now?". I loved seeing her blush as I teased her. Not many would say I'm playful but being around her just made me want to be.

"I didn't mean that either! Just, let's forget that happened, please?" I looked at her pleading embarrassed face and nodded while lightly chuckling. I couldn't stop staring as I took in her shy features. "Anyway, you never told me what kind of business you do"

"Just a mixture of things really, usually whatever is needed." I noticed she seemed confused and I tried to change the conversation before she read too much into it. "How about we get out of here anyway, maybe go find somewhere nice for lunch?"

That seemed to distract her from her earlier embarrassment as she beamed at my suggestion and eagerly agreed. I was glad she did, I wanted to get out of here quickly. Whoever was watching us hadn't stopped and I knew it was safer to leave and see if they followed rather than jump to conclusions.

As we made our way towards the doors holding hands, I saw him walking in. Of course he was nearby, they were rarely not together whenever I had watched her. I prayed she wouldn't see him but that was false hope. Just as I thought that, I heard her voice call her name as she let go of my hand to run towards him.

"Mike!" I heard her happily call as I watched her embrace him. "What are you doing here?" she asked as she stayed close by to him. I felt my jealousy grow as I watched his filthy hands stay on her.

"Just wanted a coffee while I was out. What are you doing here princess?" he enquired as he looked between her and me. Unconsciously, I balled my hands into a fist as rage consumed me upon hearing him call her that. I locked eyes with him as unspoken words passed between us, telling each other we knew what the other person was.

"I was just out with Caleb. Caleb this is Mike, my best friend. Mike this is Caleb, my date." We both shook hands as to not raise questions with Lily but I knew that he hated the thought of being friendly with me just as much as I hated the thought of being nice to him. I held back a smirk as I noticed the shock on his features when he heard Lily call me her date.

"Yes we were just about to head out. Are you ready Lily?" I wanted to be away from him as soon as possible.

"Yeah lets go. I'll talk to you later Mike" she spoke while making her way to hold my hand again.

"Oh Lily," I heard him call out before we left. "I was going to help you practice for your chef assessment later, remember?

"Was that today? I thought we agreed to do it tomorrow"

"No I couldn't do it tomorrow, remember? So we ended up moving it for today"

"Oh shoot. I totally forgot." She turned to me before she spoke. "I'm really sorry Caleb but I won't be able to come to lunch with you. I need Mike's help. Can we reschedule if that's okay?" I looked at her apologetic face as she spoke.

"Of course that's okay, I know you want to do well on your assessment next week. We can reschedule whenever you're free"

"Thank you Caleb". she spoke while looking up at me.

"It's okay. I'll see you soon Lily". I saw Mike staring at us, knowing that he disliked my presence around her. I leant down to kiss her softly before I lifted my head to see anger flash across his face.

"See you soon Caleb" Her voice was so soft as a blush came across her face. She looked so happy and I was glad I could have that effect on her. I walked out of the café, intent on finding out everything I could about that filthy angel. I was too drawn to Lily to forget about her. Instead I needed to know what he wanted with her so I could get him out the way quickly.