Chapter 56: Back home

KRIS:

Rays of light streaming into the room hit my eyes that were still closed, making me turn my face to the opposite direction. Stretching out my limbs, they fell on an empty bed.

I opened my eyes to see I was alone on the bed. Stretching some more, I lifted my lazy body from the bed and got into the bathroom to clean my teeth.

Thereafter, I made my way to the kitchen in search of food and there he was. Seated on a stool at the kitchen island, sipping coffee. He was dressed for work in a navy blue suit with a white dress shirt, no tie. His hair was in its usual messy form with a few strands falling on his face. Looking at him from the doorway, he looked like a pure work of art in its exquisite form.

I could stand there and watch him all day but the hunger I was feeling propelled me forward.

"Good morning baby.” He greeted me when he saw me.

"Morning.” I muttered.

My eyes scanned the counter but it was clean so I walked towards the fridge.

"You're hungry.” His voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Very.” I said as I got to the fridge. Opening it, there was food sealed in different containers.

"Did you make all these?” I asked, turning to him.

"No. I have a maid.” As if knowing my next question, he added: "I gave her the week off.”

That said, I returned my attention to the mini food fest, trying to decide what to eat. My eyes roamed the fridge till they landed on a container of pasta and that of meat sauce close to it.

Without wasting any more time, I took them out, placed them in the microwave to warm them. Thereafter, I ditched the meal into a plate with a glass of juice and settled down to eat at the island. All the while, he was staring at me with an amused expression.

I ate while he continued watching me. He was long done with his coffee. Once I finished eating, I took the plate to the sink to wash it.

I felt my arms circle around my waist while I was rinsing the plate. He rested his head on my shoulder and sighed.

"I'm going to the office. I'll be back by noon then I'll take the rest of the week off.” He nuzzled my neck.

"Okay.” I replied nonchalantly. I could have told him not to take the week off on my account but that would lead to an argument, one that I wasn't ready for. And again, I needed some time alone to digest everything and to know what I wanted. I couldn't keep letting him make decisions for me.

He placed a sloppy kiss on my cheek before pulling away.

The last thing I heard was the slamming of the door, announcing his departure.

_______________________________________________

I heard the sound of the door opening but I was too focused on the movie I was watching to check who it was. Although, I knew it was Lucian.

He came into the living room and walked towards me. Getting to me, he crouched down to my level and placed a hand on my chin, pulling gently till I was looking at him. Without warning, he took my lips in his. I returned the kiss but he pulled away.

Standing up, he walked towards the bedroom while I continued with my movie.

Minutes later I heard him calling me.

"Babe.” I heard his voice before seeing him by the doorway looking at me intently. I gulped.

Time to tell him.

"Why are your bags packed?” He asked, walking towards me.

I jumped down from the couch and ran in the opposite direction, needing enough space between us. If I was going to speak with a functioning brain, I needed the space.

"Please listen to me.” I started. "I need some time away from you. Everything is moving too fast. I want to know what I want. I want to be happy with whatever decision I make and I don't want to stay with you while I do that.”

It was hard for me to do all of that with him around me.

I watched as his Adam's apple bubbled. His eyes were still on me but they were expressionless. His face showed no emotions so I couldn't decipher what his next move would be.

"Fine.” He said, surprising me. I stared at him with wide eyes and mouth agape.

"You're gonna let me go?” I asked, still in doubt.

"Yes. Just for a month. After that I'm coming for you and I won't listen to whatever excuses you give.” He stated firmly.

Somehow, my heart dropped. I didn't think he'd let me go so easily but he did.

Maybe he's tired of everything.

Isn't that what you've wanted? For him to let you go? My subconscious asked.

"Okay.” I replied in a small voice.

"Get changed and pack your bags lemme drop you off.” So soon? I screamed in my head. Tears stung my eyes but I willed them to go back. Luckily, they didn't fall.

Stop it Kris. This is what you wanted. Now you have it. Make good use of this opportunity.

But why does it feel like I'm losing him already? Why does it hurt to feel that way?

It's probably pregnancy hormones.

I tried to dismiss the unusual feeling with that notion but it still didn't feel right.

I found it hard to come to terms with the fact that he was letting me go just that easily. But I couldn't question him. It was what I wanted.

I tried moving but my feet suddenly felt heavy. Ignoring them, I trudged into the bedroom, changed into a green strapless dress and left the room, pulling my suitcase behind me.

He was still where I'd left him, dressed in his slacks and dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. I wanted to throw my arms around him and hug him tightly but I didn't. Instead, I passed him and rolled my suitcase to the door. He was right behind me.

The elevator ride was silent. I mainly stared at the floor because I couldn't handle the intensity at which he was looking at me.

When the elevator finally came to a stop, we left for his car. Getting to it, he collected my suitcase and carried it into the trunk before getting in. I was already seated. He started the car and zoomed out of the parking lot.

With the speed at which he drove, it made me feel like he couldn't wait to get rid of me. Throughout the drive, my eyes were looking outside the window. I didn't want to look at him and confirm my fears.

Finally, he got to my apartment. Getting out, he got my suitcase and followed me in.

I was about opening the door when he grabbed my arm and said, "One month.” The look in his eyes was unfathomable.

He moved closer to me. Just when I thought he was going to kiss me, he turned and left.

Still an asshole but I was missing his presence already.

Get your head straight Kris. You have important decisions to make.

With that in mind, I got into the house with thoughts of Lucian almost forgotten.

I wish!