"Um, yes of course." Adrian stumbles over his words as he get's up from the sofa.
I follow him up to his bedroom.
Black accents the room, accompanied by dark wood furniture.
His king sized bed backs onto a feature wall with burnt wood panelling.
I think he might like timber.
Everything blends in with each other seamlessly, apart from the bedding.
The bedspread is a dark emerald green, the only thing deviating from the colour scheme.
Adrian returns from his walk-in wardrobe.
He hands me a white t-shirt. My fingers play with the soft material.
"Thank you." I watch my reflection in his eyes. "I'll see you in the morning."
"No problem." His deep voice resonates in my chest.
I turn to leave.
"Um, Evelyn?"
"Yes?" I look back from the doorway.
Adrian squeezes his bottom lip between his teeth.
"Sleep well."
"You too." I smile at him before heading back to my room.
I lean against the door, holding the top to my chest and grinning like a fool.
Calm down Ev. You're only here because he helped you out of a difficult situation.
My heart gives a rebellious thump.
I don't like it either! But, nothing's changed.
I exhale deeply.
I let the towel fall to the ground and slip the t-shirt over my head.
It's softer than anything I've ever owned. I squeeze myself in a hug, enjoying the fabric against my skin.
As Ade had said I would, I found a new toothbrush and toiletries in one of the drawers in the bathroom.
I brush my teeth, admiring myself in Ade's t-shirt in the oversized mirror.
The top swallows me, landing about mid-thigh.
After brushing my hair through, I find a dependable lamp on the bedside table.
Flicking it on, I feel happy enough to turn out the main lights.
I clamber into the bed.
The mattress absorbs me in the best way possible and I get snuggled up in a duvet burrito.
Once I've checked my phone for any messages, I pop it under the pillow.
No sheep counting is needed when my head lands on the pillowy cloud.
A shout shocks me awake.
However, I'm even more startled when I realise it wasn't mine.
I slip from the bed and plod into the hall.
Another shout sounds, rattling my core. So, I decide to intrude.
I slowly turn the door handle and quietly open the door.
I'm surprised to find the room illuminated by a soft glow from an elegant lamp.
Tip-toeing across the room, I notice Ade's hands are tightly balled into fists.
He's thrown most of the covers off from on top of him, revealing perfectly sculpted abs.
His chest heaves unevenly.
I carefully sit on the bed and take one of his hands in mine.
Using my thumb, I massage circles into his wrist.
I can feel his pulse pushing against my hand.
With my spare hand, I stroke the side of his clammy face.
Leaning over I press a kiss to his forehead.
An arm falls over my back, pulling me against his chest.
I rise and fall with his slowing breathes.
After kissing his collarbone, I rest my head on his shoulder.
Absorbing the warmth radiating from his bare chest.
Within a few moments, his pulse calms beneath my fingers.
If this is what you need right now, then I'm not going anywhere.
I wriggle into a comfortable position and fall into a deep slumber.
Shuffling in the hallway disturbs my sleep.
I begrudgingly roll away from Adrian and go to seek out the source of the noice before it wakes him.
Opening the door, I see a rail full of clothes being rolled into my temporary room.
I follow it to find a women, not much older than me, standing there in a pantsuit.
"Hey." I nervously call out.
"Oh you must be Evelyn! Hello, I'm Angela one of Mr Carter's assistants." She bounces over to me and I shake her outstretched hand.
Taken aback, I ask "You know who I am?"
"Of course, Mr Carter called last night to ask me to bring you a selection of clothes." She beams at me as if it's nothing out of the ordinary. "I hope these will be to your liking!"
"Thank you, they look beautiful." I filter through the rail until a price tag catches my eye, "Oh my, these are so expensive, I can't accept these!"
"Please, they're a gift."
I whirl around on my heels at the sound of his voice.
"Sorry, did I wake you?" I guiltily lower my volume, "Thank you, but it's too much."
Adrian raises an eyebrow at me and smiles, "It's fine, I wanted to make sure you were comfortable after last night."
His sincerity wraps around my heart and I fold. "Thank you, that's really kind."
"Don't mention it." He strolls over. Brushing my hair to the side, he places a quick kiss to my temple.
Tingles shoot across my forehead and a blush creeps up my neck as I look back at Angela.
"The other items are in the kitchen. Give me a call if you need anything else." Angela chimes, remaining nothing but professional.
We thank her as she takes her leave.
I turn my attention back to Adrian.
He has donned a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. His gorgeous body has been tucked away out of sight.
Suddenly I become all too aware of my state of dress. I quickly fold my arms across my braless chest.
"Did you sleep okay?" Ade asks with a lopsided grin.
I wonder if he recalls last night.
"Yes, thank you." I watch his eyes as I ask "Did you sleep well?"
They crinkle slightly as his dimples blossom.
"Good. I must've been worn out from the antics, I didn't stir once." He heads for the door, "I'll make some breakfast, join me when you're ready."
He must've slept through the nightmare.
I decide not to mention it to avoid making him feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. He'll probably tell me about it when he wants to and is ready.
After quickly showering and brushing my teeth, I sit on the plush bed.
The weather app on my phone tells me today is meant to be quite mild for April.
Bearing this in mind, I sort through the clothing rail.
Nearing the end of the rail I notice a stack of boxes, each with a neatly tied ribbon.
I carry a few over to the bed and gently tug the ribbon undone.
I find a striking selection of bras, most with lace detailing.
Removing one from the tissue paper, I inspect the label.
How did he know my exact size?
Placing it down, I move onto the others.
They're filled with matching underwear in varying styles.
I stare at a loss for words.
So, then what's in the boxes still on the floor?
They are taller than the first few.
I lift the lids to find a pair of white ballet pumps with intricate cutout detailing and a pair of simple black heels.
Glancing at the rail, I realise at least one of those options would go with any of the outfits.
I pick out a black, borderline mini, pencil skirt and a white silk blouse.
Emergency medical care has never called for formal or office wear, so it's fun to dress up a bit for once.
I match a not overly textured white bra to the blouse and a black thong for discretion under the tight skirt.
I study my reflection in the floor to ceiling mirror.
The clothes fit my body better than most in my own wardrobe.
I tuck the top into the high-waisted skirt. I then pull a small amount of material free to ensure the blouse isn't taut and has some give.
I hardly recognise the sophisticated young lady staring back at me.
I let my straight hair hang loose, adding a slight pop of colour.
Slipping on the pumps, I head downstairs.
Adrian has the mixer whirring and doesn't hear me come in.
Mango sorbet, a white chocolate bar rapper and a dismembered jar of marshmallow fluff sit on the counter.
No way!
"You remembered?" I ask, completely astonished.
"Of course, I had to see what all of the hype was about." Adrian cheers as he focuses on pouring the milkshake into two cups.
My heart does a little hop, skip and a jump.
Before my brain chirps in, I wrap my arms around his waist from behind.
I just about reach the tip of his shoulder blades.
Brushing my nose lightly against his back, I rejoice at the smell of lemon and lavender.
"Thank you."