Their Loving Solitude

Chapter 9 Car Ride

Mia's POV

We drive for only a little bit before he pulls up to a park, but right after we decide no parks, I'm confused. I look over at him as he puts the car in park then letting out a deep breath. "I know we decided no parks but I wanted something nice to look at as we ate so I figure this looked nice.

I understand that logic so I smile and nod letting out the nervous breath. "I'm sorry if I have freaked you out at all." He apologizes getting the wrong idea about this. I shake my head as I hand him the Togo box from the bag. "Don't be.. I'm sorry if I made you feel that way.. I have been pushing back a little with you because I feel oddly comfortable when I'm around you, and I have to keep reminding myself that you're a stranger." I declare as he looks surprised but nods.

"You feel comfortable?" He curiously asks as I smirk at him and nod while I watch him open his box. I also open mine to see we got the same thing. "Did you get the same thing as me?" I ask as he sheepishly smirks back at me then rubs the back of his neck. "Yeah it sounded good and my mind turned to mush once I got into that place that I couldn't even process anything but your order because I didn't want to mess it up."

I giggle at that as I glance back up at him as he still smiles over at me making my insides heat up from his breathtaking eyes and ice melting smile. "I do feel comfortable around you.. I don't know why.. I just do." I state keeping my eyes glued to the burger being too afraid to look at him after that confession.

"I.. um.. don't mind that all.. if that's what you're afraid of." He states, but I just shake my head, because that's not why I'm scared. "I just don't want to get hurt again." I say under my breath before taking a bite of my burger as he does the same. There is just a moment of silence before he asks. "But I'm not the kind of person who likes to hurt anyone." He says to me as I glance up still chewing my food.

"Well.. most men run after meeting me.. and I don't know why.. So I would tell you what's wrong with me if I knew, but the men who ghost me know and refuse to say anything to me after.. about what happened or why? but it has been about 4 years of silent rejection from every man and woman I have tried dating.. so.. I'm just more afraid that you will do the same." I declare to him, telling him the truth.. it's not like we are seeing each other yet, but we are mature enough to at least talk about this honestly and like adults.

"Oh, that's awful.. that must hurt, not knowing." He responds to me as I just sadly nod while still eating more food. "It would take a lot to make me go away.. I'm a committed type of man.. not controlling or obsessive or anything like that.. but more of a man who sticks to his word.. when I say I'm going to do something, I do it. So I'm just saying right here and now.. I have never ghosted before, and I won't start now.. and I'm man enough to talk about my feelings and discuss issues.. my mother was a therapist, so I had to learn very early in life to not let things build up and just let them out." He explains as I stare at him for a long moment.

He turns to face me as much as he can while still being comfortable. I do the same turning to face him, which is easier for me since I'm smaller than him. "Well, it would be hard to ghost me anyways.. I know where you live." I playfully state as he chuckles before looking over at me. He finishes the last bite of burger, and as he swallows, then he asks. "Can I.. um, see you tonight? If you feel comfortable with that." He asks, and I wish I could say yes.

"I would.. I really would.. but I have to work tonight.. it's a fight night, and that's means a busy night, and I close." I try to explain that it's not him. "Yeah, I remember you saying that in the restaurant.. I just have a short shift tonight, too, and I was hoping I could maybe come see you at work.. since I know where you work now." He casually replies as I bite my bottom lip, thinking about that.

"And why would you want to do that? Are you a big UFC fan," I ask while taking another bite. "Yeah.. sure.. uh, huh." He says not even remotely convincing me as I shake my head at that comment. So I'm going to call his bluff. "Ok then who are you going for tonight?" I ask him as he freezes up. "Uh.. well.. um.. I can't remember his name.. but he is this big guy." he says stuttering through as I know I caught him.

"Well I'm pretty sure you're lying because it's women fighting for the main fight tonight." I declare as he huffs out laughing to himself as he states. "Ok you caught me.. I don't know anything about UFC.. There is just this unbelievably stunning woman who had a great sense of humor.. and makes me laugh.. and I overheard that this particular woman works there.. and I really want to get to know her better, so since we both are busy people I figured the best way to get some time with her is by seeing her at her work.. any hints on how to win her over? that would be very welcomed... have you met her? Her name is Mia?" He asks me this with so much humor, knowing he is caught in a lie.

"I hear she is kind of a b*tch.. she has been messed with by too many people.. so to gain any of her trust, you would have to be willing to actually put in some work for it.. so if you're not willing to work, then just stay away." I declare as he nods, thinking about that. "What if this guy is willing to work for it? Do you think that woman would be willing to even give him a chance?" he asks as I smile then break his hypnotizing gaze to look out the window.. This is cute but will it be worth it?

"Maybe she would.. maybe he needs to prove he is around for her and not planning on ghosting her like every other man and woman out there.. just a thought.. but I know she works hard and has a lot going on so she doesn't need anyone there who isn't in it for the long haul.. just warning you." I declare as he smiles at me.

"Ok.. only time will tell.. and I hate to cut this short.." He states sitting in his seat correctly before he puts into into reverse, backing out of the parking spot. "But I have to work in a little bit.. I was only planning on going out and getting some groceries and then my plans were thrown out the window when I saw this sweet girl that looked like she might need help and now my day has just flown by having fun with her." He declares causing me to smile. It has been a fun couple of hours.

"Well I'm sorry I interrupted your plans but I appreciate you coming to help me.. I don't want you to think that Naomi is a bad person.. because she really isn't.. I just think she might have stronger feelings for me than I'm hoping.. but she doesn't do that stuff all the time.. that's the first time she has ever gotten mad at me like that and that's only when I made a stab at her.. Just don't hold this against her.. she really is a good person.. good people make mistakes sometimes.. and she is paying for it." I try to explain as he nods.

"You're so sweet and understanding. it's refreshing.. But yes.. you're correct.. People make mistakes when they're in love. That's not your fault, but it's also nothing you need to explain.. your life is your own.. just be safe and know that if you don't know where to go, you can always come to my place." He declares as I smirk at him before glancing away. "Thanks that's really sweet of you... you... huh... um.. this is awkward but I just realized I don't know your name.. I'm so sorry."

I'm mortified until he replies. "That's because I haven't given it to you yet." We pull back into our parking lot as he turns the vehicle off. "It's Caleb.. My name is Caleb and it's a pleasure to formally meet you, Mia." He states as I reach over, extending my hand for him to shake. "Caleb.. the pleasure is mine."

We shake for a second before I feel him letting go of my hand and getting out of the car. I get my seat belt off and turn as my door is opened for me. He extends his hand for me to take, and of course, I don't turn that down. I like how polite he is. It's refreshing. I stand up, but he doesn't move, so by the time I'm standing straight up we are only a couple inches apart, staring deep into each other's eyes.

"Mia, I had a lot of fun hanging out with you today." I smile and nod. "Me too Caleb." He clears his throat, looking as if he is trying to get his confidence up. "So I was thinking.. that maybe.. if you wanted to.. no pressure or anything.. but maybe we.."

"Mia? Can I talk with you?" We hear from afar and it's Naomi. She is glaring daggers at Caleb as he hovers over me, probably because she can tell I like this. I can feel his finger rubbing over my hand still in his grip.

"Yeah Nay give me a minute." I yell back as I look up at him. "Yes Caleb?" he shakes his head.. before he says. "I.. um.. nevermind.. I'll see you tonight beautiful." He says to me as I instantly shake my head. "No, seriously.. what?" I almost beg wanting to know what's on his mind.

"You have more important things to talk about.. she is your best friend, and you need to get that figured out and I will harass you later." He says to me, leaning in and kissing my cheek. I feel my eyes closing, as I breathe in his musky scent and living every second of it. When I see him pulling back to look down at me, I nervously squeak out. "Ok.. but to be continued on this conversation? Maybe later.. after I'm done with my shift?" I ask him as he nods without a second thought. "I wouldn't have it any other way.. good luck Mia." He states as I walk away from his car, I hear him shutting the door as I wave at him and walking over to Naomi.