His second chance at a happy life

Living beings

"Sup, girly?" Taking the latté, she bought it for me and took a long sip. I slipped into the seat across from her in the food court. She had rounds at the hospital today, but she sent an s.o.s message this morning to meet her here before work.

"What do you work tomorrow?" She asked energetic her eyes were sparking, and I took a moment to drink my sugary caffeinated cocktail,

"I have a morning shift," I finally answered hesitantly. Her smile widens and lends back.

"Good, we are going to the mall then after you get out." I rolled my eyes.

"Why? I already have an outfit for your parents' party." I gulped down more of my drink before crossing my arms, giving her a look of curiosity.

"Stupid Emilio said he had to buy something for his girlfriend. He forgot about their anniversary. Anyway, he was stupid and has to go buy a gift and wants some help." She sighs and shrugs, then perks back up.

"Why do I have to go?" I asked. I love Emilio, he is like a brother, an annoying elderly older brother, but malls were not my favorite places.

"Because... his friend Trevor is coming with but only if you could tag along." She stressed the word because as she spoke. I bite my lip before drinking more of my coffee. Trevor is Emilio's best friend and my magic teacher. He is drop-dead gorgeous. He had deep green eyes, dark brown hair and a large muscular build with a charming smile that makes one weak in the knees. He is smart, funny, flirty, sexy, and bad for me. It wasn't just the fact that he was a tall, dark, handsome man that made my body melt and another part wet when he looked at me. Ever since we met back when I was in high school, he always liked to joke around with me like he did with my protector Grendel. However, his new favorite thing lately has been telling me in all different ways of how beautiful I look, saying things like; I walk like royalty or that my willow frame was elegant. My favorite has been the way he complemented my strength during practice or how he held me close as we spread, but I would never act on these feelings, especially with how he was flattering me too much lately. I would be lying if I said I didn't like it. He was a charming man. He had a way with words. It was easy to be swept away by him. Along with being kind, there were almost no flaws about him. The one thing I knew that stood out was the secret he had been hiding. He seemed to lie to me easily, so I didn't trust him enough to believe in his words. He could have anyone, and by the company he has throwing themselves at him, he probably does have his pick. That is why I refuse to go along with the flirting. I will not be another notch in his belt. He might know the Sanchez's and Grendel well, but I wouldn't fight the wall I built, and I kept him on the other side. I even reduced the number of times we meet for practice, starting with seeing each other once a month. I don't know if I can fully trust that he wouldn’t just leave me once I started to open myself to those thoughts. Not if it meant getting in the way of our goal.

"And?" Was all I could say without letting myself give away too many emotions.

"We all know he's crushing on you Hun." She sighs lend forward.

"And how long do you think that will last?" I look away and spot the ghost hovering by the second story window. I sigh and look back at the obviously annoyed Ellie.

"Well, whether it's for him or for you to come and tell me no to things you are coming with."

"F*ck off." I mumbled, "I don’t want to have a date with him, he is just an old friend and nothing more. I am not even dating, anyway." She waves a hand dismissing my comment, then gets up to throw out her empty cup. I followed to toss mine. As we get to our seats, she pats my shoulder.

“Okay, whatever you say, sweetie.” Looking down at her watch, “Let’s go. You have to get to work, and I need to get to my next round.” She groans as we part ways at the entrance.

"I'll come get you after you get out of work tomorrow, wear something cute. If not for him but for an amusing time of f*cking with Emilio." I rolled my eyes and headed to my car. I was able to get back to my house and change into some work clothes before heading to the Dragons hoard bookstore. There I was welcomed at the small hole in the wall bookstore/café. The entrance was in the alley, but we had enough steady customers thanks to the amazing pastries and coffee that the owners were happy. There were several hanging plants, and the brick wall had a rustic old pub look that, with the softer lighting in some areas, had a medieval feeling and was soothing to the eyes. It was mostly bookworms today wandering the store looking lazily at the shelves. It was like this most of the time, and it was a peaceful setting, leaving the place in a soothing and calm atmosphere. I smile and head to clock in.

I was two hours into my shift when the doorbell chimed, and I turned to welcome the customer. My words fell short on my lips as I made eye contact with the tall, sun-kissed broad-shouldered man. He looked out of place here. His leather jacket and biker boots stood out even more since he was towering over everyone, and his shoulders could hardly fit through the doorway. His hard ridged look softens as he spots me. Unconsciously, I step back and grasp the shelf next to me to stable myself. I felt the need to run away as he made his way towards me, a big smile on his face blinding all that could witness such beauty.

"Samantha." He calls out to me with his deep-based tone, the way he said my name felt warm, and I wanted to melt in my spot. I mentally smack myself to respond.

"Trevor? What... what are you? No... what can I help you with today?" I stumbled over asking why he was here but thought about it. This is a bookstore where people shop here every day.

"Nothing." Smiling, he stops and looks down at me, "I found what I came here for right away." I bite my lip to stop myself from smiling at the cheesy line. I could barely hold it in, so I turned and continued to put books on the shelf. Hoping he didn't see the smile, I couldn't keep to myself, I asked,

"Didn't know you were interested in teen romance." I stole a glance as I grabbed another book. He had a confused look on his face, so I pointed to the display by the door on it had the latest best teen rom-com books for this month, voted by local teens. His cheeks went a shade darker as he shook his head.

"Beautiful and funny, there is no end to you." He smiles a small laugh escaped his lips as he looked back at me. I roll my eyes and get back to work.

"Can I help you find something? Or maybe place an order for a book? If it's sweets, you have to order at the counter over there." I point to the far right where there was a sign that had 'order here' on it.

"I came here because I thought I could ask you to dinner tonight?" I looked over at him and shook my head.

"I need to go get my laptop before they close, and it'll be a close one since they close at 8:30, and I'm out at 8. Then I have to get home and get some sleep before tomorrow; god knows I'll have to prepare for it." I mutter the last part as I squat down to the bottom row.

"Does that mean you are going to the mall as well?" His voice was a bit hard to hear as he lowered his tone while people passed by. I go to look up at his face and end up staring right at his crotch. My mouth goes dry as I try to swallow the non-existing spit. He was in tight jeans, and his package was slightly bulging against the fabric. If I looked long enough, I was certain I could see it twitch. Biting my lip, I tried and failed to stop my imagination from turning into dirty thoughts. I could see myself taking it out in the middle of the isle to witness the obviously impressive size and I wanted to watch it grow while I stroked it. I stuck in a deep breath as I tried not to picture wrapping my mouth around it. I was curious if I could even fit it all in my mouth at all. He was a burly man, and I could only imagine how big his rod could get. I stood up fast, trying to take a step back but lost my footing.

"F*ck." I said softly as I began to fall. Trevor, however, was faster and saved me from bothering the quiet serenity of the others around us.

"Easy does it." He whispers in my ear as he helps me regain my balance. His large arm wrapped around my waist. He held me close to his rock-hard chest. He had a fast-beating heart, or was mine. Honestly, I didn't know which beat was whose.

"Um, thank you," I pull out of his grasp quickly, making sure to keep the same whisper, "And yes, I am going to make sure Ellie doesn't spend all her money." I rolled my eyes to avoid making contact, then I rest my gaze on his chest to embarrass to look him in his eyes. I could feel the heat in my cheeks rise as he glanced down at me from only a foot away.

"Sounds like we are babysitting the kids together tomorrow." I could hear the warmth in his words, I couldn't stop the smile from appearing.

"So, it appears." I took another step back and bent to get the book I dropped, careful to angle away from him.

"Would you like a late dinner with me? I'll pick you up from work and take you to the electronics store." I let out a sigh as I turned a grin on my face when I looked at him. He looked calmed but the tint of blue and red around him showed he was a mix of emotions. I closed my eyes for a second and then looked at him again. His aura gone allowing me to concentrate on the conversation.

"What about afterward?" He grins, his eyes shined with a touch of mischievous.

"Well, I can drop you off at home after." He looked at me with a look of challenge as he spoke. I took a step forward accepting his invitation, I saw his grin grow a bit and I smiled back.

"But my car is here," I say, tilting my head and holding the book close to my chest, giving me a barrier between us.

"I'm free in the morning, I can pick you up." I rolled my eyes. We were inches away from one another. We talked in lower whispers.

"That sounds like a lot of trouble just for dinner."

"If it means more time with you, it's no trouble at all." His low voice was husky, and the warmth of his breath washed over me.

"Well, sweety, you'll just have to wait for me tomorrow. Thanks for the offer." I go back to my job and put more books away.

"If you change your mind, you can always give me a call." He smiles at me, kissing my hand before heading to the café in the back. I finished restocking and went to take the rolling cart back when I saw Trevor at the counter with two to-go cups.

"I got you a tea, don't need to be up all night because of me." He grins, "Well, I don't think that would be entirely bad though." My face flushes and I scowl at him. The corner of my lip twitches as I suppressed the grin. I take the closed cup of cold tea and roll my eyes.

"Thanks for the tea, you may go now," I waved him out as I took a sip of tea from the straw. He takes the hand

I waved about and kissed my fingertips, then left.