A Bitter Coincidence

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

(Skylar P.O.V.)

Two weeks flew by since the night of my first visit to Crushed Velvet and one wonderful week of being with Sam. Since I had the easter break off from my teaching job, I spent almost every day at the hospital, designing and I started drawing out on the walls of the halls and social room. I also spent time kissing, hugging, laughing and just being happy with Sam in and out of work. We’ve spent time together in the hospital, having meals out and spending time out in the sun in the park. I’m taking whatever we have slow, simply because I have no idea what I’m doing, but also because I need to. Whatever I feel for Sam is overwhelming and I enjoy how we are together. Sam is caring, patient, thoughtful and funny, he makes me laugh like no other and has already captured my heart, which completely makes me s**t my pants.

We’ve been texting back and forth and since I’ll be back in the college tomorrow, we’ll be seeing less of each other during the day. There was still a lot to do at the hospital, but I already planned to put hundred percent in the hospital work. It was a Sunday night around 9pm, I was settled on the couch watching tv when my phone buzzed, receiving a message from Sam.

Sam: Did I tell you I’ll miss you tomorrow?

Skylar: I’ll see you in the evening haha.

Sam: Still, would rather see you for the whole day. It’s going to be strange.

Skylar: I’m sure you’ll feel better for not seeing me the whole day, haha. You’ll actually get work done ;)

Sam: I won’t survive. I’ll miss our office rendezvous’. My couch will never look the same.

I blush, thinking back to our last kissing session on his office couch. When I came in Friday morning, I managed to get an hours work done, before he grabbed me and hauled me into his office, kissing the living daylights out of me. His tongue tangling with mine, his breathe had a hint of mint and coffee and I was entirely under his spell before I realised I was under him on the couch. He’s body was sculpted like a God, large shoulders and arms that made me feel so safe and secure. He engulfed me with his body and I loved the feel of him. Although we’ve never gone beyond of kissing and feeling each other over our clothes, I knew I could burst with just the feel of his hand on me.

Skylar: Damn, I don’t’ know what to say to that.

Sam: That’s what I like about you, that I can still make you speechless. Are you ready for work tomorrow?

That’s another thing I liked about Sam, he never pushed for a conversation about intimate subjects. Although we’ve only been together for a week and we’re both adults, I’ve never had s*x and I had no idea how to act with someone who wanted to touch and feel each other. I was scared of reaching to that point. Whenever we were together it was always a forethought in the back of my mind. I was petrified of him seeing my scars, spots, stretchmarks on myself that I had a knack of stopping our kissing sessions before it got too far and he noticed. However he was always considerate on where he placed his hands, how far we would go as he never pushed me and always made sure I was okay, which melted my heart into a puddle daily.

Skylar: I am, I can’t wait to go back to see my students and the other teachers. It’s going to be crazy helping the students for their end of summer show.

Sam: That sounds awesome, if the public are allowed to go, I’d love to see it.

Skylar: Really?

Sam: Absolutely, especially when you’ve helped them and I love art and education. Since I’ve met you, I’ve gained an appreciation for everything art.

Skylar: I have no idea if you’re being sarcastic but I’d love for you to come to the show. Are you at the hospital every day this week?

Sam: I’m being 100% truthful angel. I’m there tomorrow and Friday. I have some meetings in the city and another one up in Glasgow Wednesday night, till Friday morning. Catching an early flight. Think we could see each other before then?

Skylar: Sounds fun, I hope it all goes well for you! Are the meetings stressful? Yeah, of course we can. I finish work at 5pm tomorrow and we could have dinner if you want.

Sam: Seth and I plan in advance and we can handle anything thrown at us, these meetings are just going over contracts with who we work with in Scotland, we could do it over online but we prefer to meet in person. Dinner at mine at 6? You can come straight to mine from work.

Skylar: 6 is perfect. I’ll have to grab the tube so I’m not sure how long it’ll take for me to get there from work. What would you like me to bring?

Sam: No need, Willy will be waiting for you outside the college at 5 and bring you to my apartment. I’m not letting you grab the tube that late Skylar.

Skylar: I’ve been getting the tube later than that Sam, I can handle myself. I don’t want to put you or Willy out because he has to pick me up.

Sam: It’s not putting us out and I want you safe, you don’t have to take the tube all time. I just want to make sure you’re safe and if that means Willy is picking you up at work to bring you to mine, then so be it.

Skylar: You’re really sweet you know. What can I bring? x

Sam: Only to you. Nothing, just yourself. Let me figure it all out. x

Skylar: I’ll bring something, I have to. Have you ever cooked dinner for someone else before?

Sam: There’s a first time for everything. If it burns, I have pizza on standby.

Skylar: Haha, I don’t believe you. I can’t wait for tomorrow. I’m gonna get ready for bed now so, I’ll see you tomorrow. Hope you have a great day! X

Sam: I’ll see you tomorrow, goodnight angel. X

I put my phone down and jumped up from the couch. I needed to make something for Sam tomorrow. I hated not contributing to when people are being nice and my Grammy has installed manners into me to always come prepared and offer something when someone is doing something nice, like cooking you dinner. I’ve never been to Sam’s apartment before and he hasn’t come to mine as we’re taking things slow. George is more impatient than me and has pouted like a child that he hasn’t met Mr God (his words not mine) yet and that his fantasies only take him so far.

After shuffling through the cupboards, thankful my bubble brain wanted to bake a cheesecake over the weekend bur I got busy with work to do it that I had the ingredients to make it fresh for tomorrow. Yes it was almost 10pm, but I couldn’t sleep or relax knowing I was going to be at Sam’s home tomorrow. I had no idea what to do or except and my mind was on overdrive. Did we eat and talk? Eat and then I had to go home? Did he expect me to stay? Did he expect more than what pace we were going at? I was nervous and it hit me how just unsure and silly I was being. Sam’s never pressured me for more, in fact he’s always let me take the reins on our kissing and contact. We haven’t had any privacy yet, apart from his office, so I know that something is going to change tomorrow night. After making the toffee cheesecake, cleaning the kitchen and getting my work prepared for work, it was just after 11pm by the time I was in bed and ready for the craziness of a new school term and a date with the God.

My first day back at work was amazing, it was great to see the students after two weeks off and getting back into my photography lessons was crazy and helping them was rewarding. I love being a teacher, it was something that I enjoyed in school when I was younger and from there I knew it was what I wanted to do as a career. The dark room was my hide out place, it was where the magic happened when I use cameras to capture the pictures I take from my time from work. I develop them and love the process of it, taking my mind of the stress of my job and memories of the past. I had a ton of pictures I wanted to develop from my time off work but that would have to wait because now it was 4:45pm and I had Willy waiting outside to take me to Sam. I had marking and work to finish up and was currently at my desk in the staff room when another employee named Hani the 3D teacher who worked in the Design and Technology department and who was a great work friend.

“Hey you, how was your first day back?” She asked, leaning over my table.

“Hi! It was wonderful thanks. I enjoy being back, I missed the rush. How was your holiday?”

“Ugh, painful. Family drama was not what I needed.”

“I’m sorry Hani, didn’t you go abroad though?”

“Yes but with the family. They’re just pressuring me about why I’m not married yet.”

“Say no, you don’t have to do it yet. Wait till you meet someone you want to marry.”

“I wish it was that easy Skylar, but in my religion they want me married and with children by now, they want to rush it.”

“But you have a say Hani, it’s the 21st century. I’m sure you’ll meet someone worth the wait and your parents should respect that. If you need anything you know where I am.” Hani’s religion meant she should have had an arranged marriage by now, but she’s refused, wanting to meet someone the old fashioned way, no matter their religion. I hate seeing people stressed out over their free will and all I wanted for her was to meet her soul mate.

“You’re amazing Sky, thank you. What are you doing tonight, want to go for a drink?”

“uh… I can’t, I have plans…with someone…with a man…” I struggled to even admit that, since I’ve never had plans with a guy before.

“Well, slap me silly. Are you kidding me? Who is he? When did this happen?”

“No I’m not kidding, his name is Sam and it happened in the holidays. It’s new and really great. We’re having dinner tonight, actually I need to get going if I’m gonna make it to his on time. I’m sorry Hani, Maybe the end of the week or something?”

“Don’t apologies girl, I’m happy for you. Keep me updated and stay safe.” She winked at me before she left the office.

I finished my reports, packed my things and took the cheesecake out of the staff fridge, thank god it was there to keep it cool. Once I made it out of the college entrance I immediately found Willy standing by the BMW, waiting for me. He saw me and tipped his head down and we exchanged greetings.

“It’s great to see you Willy, how are you?” I asked once he pull off the side of the path into the London traffic.

“I’m very well, Miss Skylar. How was your first day back?”

“Great thank you! Thank you for picking me up Willy.”

“You’re very welcome Miss, Mr Anderson wants to make sure you get to his home in one piece. I was all too happy to make sure of that too.”

I smiled at him through the mirror and looked out the window, we were going the opposite direction of my apartment and I immediately noticed we were going towards the new apartments and expensive part of the city. This wasn’t my territory and I wasn’t accustomed to the rich life. I didn’t grow up poor and my Grammy did everything to make sure she provided me with anything I needed but we still struggled and I did all I could do to support her now I was earning and she wasn’t getting any younger.

“Miss, may I say something in private?”

“Sure, okay.”

“Mr Anderson… I’ve known him since he was a boy, he is nervous for tonight and I’ve never seen him like that before. He’s like the son I’ve never had and he’s been through a lot, please be sure you’re friends with him for the right reasons.”

“Willy, I’m not friends with him to hurt or use him. I can see you care about him and I admire that. I couldn’t care less about his money, just the type of man he is. I’m normally a good judge of character and he’s a good’n. Whether he knows it or not and I know I haven’t been around for long but I like spending time with him. Please know I won’t ever hurt him.”

“I know Miss, I can see how you two are together. I haven’t seen him smile like that since his Father was around.”

I grinned at him, thrilled I could make someone smile and know that people are noticing the change in him. “I’m happy he’s happy. Now, I have a question for you. Does Sam like Toffee?”

“He has a raging sweet tooth Miss, anything with sugar he’ll devour it.” He smiled at me through the mirror.

“Great, I made a cheesecake and I was hoping he’d eat it. I’ll save you a piece Willy.”

“Thank you Miss, I can’t wait to try it.”

Willy was slowing down and turned left into an underground car park, he stopped the car, left to open my door and guided me to an elevator, pressed a button and a code and waited for it to arrive.

“It’s floor 11th, the top. It’ll open to his foyer. Just walk right in, he knows you’re on your way. Have a good night Miss.”

“Bye Willy, thank you.” He nodded once and made his way back to the carpark. I turned to the elevator and walked in, pressing floor 11. There was a ball of nerves in my stomach and I didn’t think I’d be able to make it to dinner, I was so nervous. About 15 seconds after, the doors pinged and opened up to a spacious white walled and dark wooden furniture room. There was a vase of lilies on one table and hooks with coats and keys on the next. There was another door on the other end of the room, slightly opened with soft music coming through. I had no idea if I should take my shoes and coat off, since I wasn’t completely comfortable making myself at home. “Shit.” I whispered. Since all I was carrying was a small bag and the cheesecake, stepped out of the elevator towards the other door.

Once opened, the music got a bit louder the door came to a large living room area, there was a staircase to the left, a room going off to the far left and I think the kitchen was to the right, if the smell of food was any indication. The living room had white walls with one wall a dark green colour. There was a large dark oak fireplace with a matching bookshelf and small table between the fireplace and brown leather couches. A large flat screen tv was on one wall and there was a number of black picture frames on one of the white walls. It had a homey feel to it and it brought me a sense of peace. “Hello?!” I shouted out.

Sam came from the direction of the kitchen with a tea towel on his shoulder. He was dressed in dark navy jeans and a grey long sleeved top, his feet bare. I had no idea a man could have sexy feet, but here we are. Everything about him was sexy and I suddenly wish I changed after work. His hair tussled and he was smiling so wide, which brought a smile to my own face and it made my heart skip several beats, please lord do not let me have a heart attack at this moment. He came over to me and kissed me, long and slow on the mouth, tangling our tongues enough to make me want to curl my toes if I could. Realising I still held a dish in my hands, he said “Hey, I’m glad you’re here. What’s this?” He gestured to the dish, taking it from me.

“I know you said not to bring anything over but manners are engrained in my brain and I had to bring something. So I made it last night, it’s cheesecake, toffee flavoured. I just thought…if you don’t like it, it’s okay, I’ll give to a shelter or George and Willy could eat it-.”

“I love toffee, thank you, you shouldn’t have but I can’t wait to eat it.” He kissed me again, “come through to the kitchen, dinners going to be a little while longer, I hope you like salmon.” I followed Sam to the kitchen and I instantly knew this was my favourite part of his home. The kitchen was small but cosy, he owned modern appliances that had a red theme and had an island in the middle of the kitchen that housed four stalls. His countertops were black marble, his chair a matching colour and the largest fridge I’ve ever seen. I wanted to bake and cook in here every day. I don’t think I would leave here. I hadn’t realised I said the last part out loud and Sam laughed. “I like this room too, although I don’t cook all that much in here.”

“Do you have a favourite room?”

“Yeah, it’s my library/study. I’ll show you around in a bit and you’ll see why.”

“It smells really good in here. You said salmon? I love salmon.”

“Good, it’s a wellington, with white wine sauce, new potatoes with herbs and vegetables.”

“Mmm, that sounds delicious, I can’t wait to eat it. Do you normally cook?”

“No” He laughed, “I’m hardly ever home and I only know how to cook a few things and that’s if I don’t burn it. I take it your bake?” He indicated to the cheesecake.

I shrugged “My grandmother taught me how to cook and bake from a young age, saying it was a good skill to have when you lived on your own. I love baking more, it soothes my soul.” We smiled at each other and Sam turned to sort the meal out, which gave me time to check him out. Damn that man has a peachy ass, but it was his t-shirt I noticed. Whenever I’ve seen Sam in work clothes and now casual clothes, he’s always covering up. The neck part of his top is slightly higher than normal and he covers his arms. I know he has burn marks but that was no reason to hide them and I immediately wanted to see what was underneath the clothes and the man. All I wanted to do was hug him and tell him he was perfect, because to me, he is. I guess we’ll have to wait until after dinner.