Found You

Chapter Eleven: Longing

Emma awoke to the soft hum of her alarm, signaling the start of a new day. She stretched lazily, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Today, Tom was supposed to come back. The thought sent a shiver of excitement through her, but it was tempered by the lingering guilt she felt over Mark. She hadn't reached out to him since he left her apartment in anger, and the memory of his hurt expression haunted her.

Determined to push past her emotions and focus on the day ahead, Emma moved to her closet. She selected an elegant outfit: a tailored navy blue dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. It was sophisticated yet subtly seductive, with a neckline that hinted at her collarbone and a hemline that stopped just above her knees. She paired it with black stilettos and delicate silver jewelry, hoping the polished look would help her maintain her composure.

Poodle looked up at her as she was done, it was as if he approved of her look or maybe he was hungry. She walked to where his food was stored and opened a tin can of it and poured it into his plate. He rushed it almost immediately, she chuckled at the sight as she stood ready to leave for work.

At work, as she entered the lobby of her office building, Emma took a deep breath, steeling herself for the day ahead. She walked toward the elevator, her eyes scanning the familiar faces of her colleagues. Just as she reached the elevator, she spotted Michy, a short, merry-looking man in his early thirties. He always seemed to have an unsettling air about him, his eyes lingering a bit too long whenever they crossed paths.

"Good morning, Emma," Michy greeted, his voice dripping with forced cheerfulness. "Need any help with your bags?"

Emma gave a polite smile, clutching her purse a bit tighter. "No, thank you, Michy. I've got it."

He stepped closer, his eyes never leaving her face. "You sure? It's no trouble at all."

She nodded, her discomfort growing. "I'm sure. But thank you for the offer."

Michy leaned against the elevator wall, his gaze unrelenting. "You know, Emma, you look really nice today. That dress suits you."

"Thanks," she replied tersely, avoiding eye contact. The elevator doors slid open, and she stepped inside, praying he wouldn't follow.

To her relief, Michy stayed put, though his eyes followed her until the doors closed. She exhaled deeply, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. The ride to her floor was mercifully quick, and she hurried to her desk, eager to immerse herself in work.

The day passed in a blur of meetings and deadlines. Emma focused on her tasks with a single-minded intensity, using work as a refuge from her emotions. Her mind, however, kept drifting back to Tom. She wondered how he was holding up and if he had managed to find any peace amidst the turmoil.

As the workday ended, Emma gathered her things and made her way home. The evening air was cool and calming, a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the city. She arrived at her apartment, eager to shed the day's tension. After a quick shower, she slipped into something more comfortable—a silky, emerald green nightgown that clung to her body and highlighted her curves. The fabric felt luxurious against her skin, and she couldn't help but admire her reflection in the mirror.

Climbing into bed, Emma felt a mixture of anticipation and hesitation. She wanted to call Tom, to hear his voice and know if he was back, but she didn't want to intrude. With a sigh, she turned off the lights and nestled into her pillows, willing herself to sleep.

Just as she was drifting off, the doorbell rang, pulling her from the edge of slumber. Groggily, she made her way to the door, her mind still hazy with sleep. When she opened it, she was met with the sight of Tom standing there, a look of exhaustion and relief on his face.

"Tom," she whispered, her surprise evident. "You're here."

Tom's eyes widened as he took in her appearance. The nightgown clung to her body, accentuating every curve. He was momentarily speechless, his eyes tracing the elegant lines of her figure. "Emma," he finally managed, his voice thick with emotion. "You look... amazing."

She blushed, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. "I didn't expect you so soon. Come in."

Tom stepped inside, his presence filling the room with a sense of familiarity and comfort. He closed the door behind him, his gaze never leaving hers. The air between them was charged with unspoken words and unresolved feelings.

Emma felt her heart race, her pulse quickening as she stood there, unsure of what to say. "How... how are things with your dad?"

Tom sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's been tough, but he's stable for now. I couldn't stop thinking about you."

Her heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. "I've been so worried about you," she admitted, stepping closer. "I didn't know if you were okay."

Tom reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I missed you, Emma. More than I can say."

The tension between them was palpable, an electric current that seemed to draw them closer. Emma's breath hitched as she felt the heat of his body near hers, the longing in his eyes mirroring her own.

Just as they leaned in, the moment heavy with anticipation, Tom's phone buzzed loudly, breaking the spell. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting to one of concern. "It's my mom," he said softly. "I should take this."

Emma nodded, stepping back to give him space. She watched as he answered the call, his voice low and urgent. The conversation was brief, but the worry etched on his face told her everything she needed to know.

"I have to go," Tom said, his voice heavy with regret. "There's been a complication."

Emma's heart sank, but she nodded in understanding. "Go. Your family needs you."

He pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as if he never wanted to let go. "I'll be back as soon as I can," he promised, his voice thick with emotion.

Emma watched him leave, the weight of the evening settling over her. She felt a strange mix of relief and longing, her heart torn between the past and the present.