Chereads / One step at a time. / Chapter 11 - Chapter 11: New Feelings.

Chapter 11 - Chapter 11: New Feelings.

Tessas cheeks started to heat from getting caught staring at him sleeping. She looked away until Aiden gently grabbed her chin to look at him.

" You don't have to be embarrassed. We barely know each other, plus I'm sure you weren't in a good place last night to get a good look at me. How are you feeling?" Aiden examined her face, looking at all the scratches. Seeing the pain and devastation in her eyes. Her family is gone, she would be gone too had she not snuck out.

Tessa thought about it for a minute, "I think I'm still in a little bit of shock but I mostly just feel numb to it. I don't know how to feel right now." Tessa began making small circles on his chest with her fingers without realizing it. Once she noticed the heat returned to her cheeks. "I'm so sorry, I don't know why I did that."

Aiden laughed and realized they were still tangled together. "I'm going to use the bathroom and head downstairs to let Beau out and start breakfast. My clothes may not be your taste or size, but you can wear whatever you want. I can try to steal some of my sisters clothes today."

Tessa smiled not understanding why he was being so kind to her. "Thank you, but I dont want to be a burden. Once I get a little more strength I'll figure out where to go. I don't want to put you out." The last thing she wanted was for him to think that she was using him or taking advantage of him.

Aiden looked at this fragile yet brave woman in front of him and knew that he had to help her, whatever it took.

"You're more than welcome to stay here as long as you like. It is no imposition at all. You have just lost everything and I can only imagine how youre feeling. If no one else will be there then I will. You can count on me for anything you need."

Tessa was surprised by his offer. He just met her lurking outside of his home last night, dirty and all scraped up. In less than 24 hours her world was shattered and somehow partially held together. She could never repay him for his kindness and generosity, but she would do everything in her power to try.

All she could do was hug him as she started to cry. He smoothed her hair and held her as she softly sobbed into his chest. How was she so broken yet so strong at the same time? If Aiden admired anything about Tessa, it was definitely her strength.

After a while Tessa calmed down. Aiden had moved them to the bed so Tessa would be more comfortable.

Aiden began to speak once her breathing returned to normal. "I would like you to tell me what else happened last night, if it's not too much on you. Whenever you're ready of course. I'll be downstairs, with that he gave Tessa a small squeeze and released her walking out of the door.

How did life get so crazy for Tessa?