I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. It was the bar's owner, informing me that Shawn was drunk and repeatedly calling my name. I drove there immediately.
As I entered the dimly lit bar, the neon lights casting an eerie glow, I couldn't help but think back to the last time we were at Velvet Lounge with our friends. Back then, laughter echoed off the walls, glasses clinked in celebration, and Shawn's smile was radiant, free of the weight he now carried. The air was filled with the scent of cocktails and cologne, not the heaviness of alcohol and despair that lingered here tonight.
Spotting Shawn slouched over a barstool, I felt an ache in my chest. The man who once danced with me to jazzy tunes under the golden light of Velvet Lounge now looked like a shadow of himself, his shoulders hunched and eyes clouded.
"Shawn," I said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. His eyes, clouded by alcohol, slowly focused on me. I helped him up, offering a steadying arm as we made our way back to the car. The drive was quiet, Shawn's gaze lost in the city lights that mirrored his internal turmoil.
At his condo, I guided Shawn inside. The air was heavy with the scent of alcohol, and each step revealed layers of vulnerability I hadn't fully seen before. His tears spoke of unspoken struggles, and amidst the haze of alcohol, a sense of shared understanding emerged.
"Please don't leave me, Ann. I love you so much," Shawn's voice was a fragile whisper. His plea resonated deeply, and I knelt beside him, offering a comforting embrace.
"I'm here for you," I murmured, my voice gentle but firm. "Get some rest Shawn"
Shawn nodded, his gaze filled with gratitude and vulnerability. "I'm sorry, Ann. I've been struggling, and I didn't know how to ask for help. But being with you is the only thing that makes sense. You're my anchor, my light."
Tears glistened in his eyes, and I brushed them away, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows. "You don't have to apologise, Shawn," I said softly. "We'll get through this together, one step at a time. Let's focus on getting you some rest tonight. Tomorrow, we can talk more."
After tucking him in, I headed to the door, but Shawn grabbed my arm. "Please stay with me, love."
His plea was filled with vulnerability, and I settled back beside him, acknowledging his silent request. The room, once heavy with unspoken emotions, became a sanctuary for shared confessions.
Shawn caressed my cheek. "Do you know how much I love you?"
Caught in his touch, I felt a rush of emotions. "Yes, I do," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "And I can't deny what I feel for you. You mean everything to me."
Shawn's touch was tender as he leaned in, pressing his lips to mine in a soft, affectionate kiss. His hand rested lightly on my thigh, his touch both reassuring and intimate. The kiss deepened, and I felt a rush of warmth and closeness, my hands finding their way to his hair as the connection between us grew. Breaking the kiss, Shawn looked into my eyes with a mixture of love and vulnerability.
I met his gaze with a shy smile, feeling the heat of the moment intertwine with the emotional depth of our bond.
Shawn's hand continued its gentle exploration, and the kiss that followed was filled with a passionate yet tender intensity. Shawn's breath was warm against my skin as he whispered, "I've never felt this way before, Ann. You make me believe in something better—something I don't deserve."
I placed my hand gently on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart. "Shawn, don't ever think that. You deserve all the love in the world. And I want to be the one to give it to you," I said, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions.
We sat there for a moment, wrapped in each other's warmth, the room cloaked in silence except for the faint hum of the city outside. Shawn's head rested against mine, and I could feel the tension slowly leaving his body.
"I'm so scared sometimes," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Scared of losing this, of losing you. You're the only thing that feels real to me right now."
"You're not going to lose me," I promised, cupping his face in my hands so he could see the sincerity in my eyes. "Whatever comes our way, we'll face it together. But, Shawn, you need to trust me with your fears, your pain, and your struggles. You don't have to carry them alone anymore."
Shawn's hand tightened around mine, his vulnerability making him look younger, more fragile. "I'll try, Ann. I'll try for you."
I nodded, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his lips. It wasn't hurried or desperate but filled with an unspoken promise of unwavering support and love. When I pulled back, Shawn smiled—a small, genuine smile that warmed my heart.
"Let's get some rest," I said, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.
Shawn nodded, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. I lay beside him, his arm draped protectively around me as we settled into the quiet comfort of the moment.
For the first time in what felt like forever, I saw a flicker of peace in Shawn's expression. And as I closed my eyes, I realized that, despite the challenges ahead, we were stronger together.
The morning sunlight painted the room in hues of warmth and promise as I stirred awake, greeted by the gentle embrace of a new day. The reality of the waking world slowly replaced the remnants of dreams, and I found myself cradled in Shawn's arms.
As I opened my eyes, Shawn, with eyes softened by the morning light, met my gaze. His tender smile added a touch of serenity to the room. "Good morning, sleepyhead, take a shower and I'll go make you breakfast" he whispered, his voice carrying the warmth of a shared moment and the promise of a day unfolding together.
I took Shawn's offered towel and made my way to the bathroom. The gentle sounds of a new day coming to life filled the air, and the promise of breakfast being prepared added to the warmth that surrounded us.
In the bathroom, the refreshing cascade of water offered a moment of rejuvenation. The day seemed to bloom anew as I let the water wash away the remnants of sleep, embracing the renewed energy that comes with the start of a day.
As I stepped out of the shower, wrapped in the towel, I could already sense the inviting aroma of breakfast wafting from the kitchen. I wore Shawn's t-shirt and head to the kitchen.
Shawn, bustling in the kitchen, turned and smiled as he saw me. "Breakfast is ready," he said. The scent of coffee mingled with the warmth of the morning as Shawn flipped an omelette on the stove. The soft clatter of utensils was soothing, a rhythm of normalcy that made me smile.
But then his phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a name or number I couldn't see. Shawn froze mid-motion, his jaw tightening as he glanced at it. His smile faltered, replaced by a shadow of tension that hadn't been there moments ago.
I walked over, my bare feet making soft sounds against the floor, and placed a hand on his arm. "Is everything okay?" I asked, though the shift in his expression already told me the answer.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's... a message from home." His tone was heavy, laced with frustration and something else—resignation, maybe. "I need to handle something. I'm sorry, Ann."
Disappointment flickered in my chest, but I pushed it aside, nodding. "It's okay," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Family comes first."
Shawn's eyes softened as he looked at me, his gratitude apparent. "You're incredible, you know that?" he murmured, brushing a kiss against my forehead. "I'll explain everything when I get back. I promise."
As he grabbed his phone and keys, I watched him go, a faint unease settling in the quiet kitchen. Whatever had pulled him away, it was clear it weighed heavily on him.
My phone rang, and Tyler's name flashed on the screen. Answering it, I was greeted by his warm, teasing voice.
"Could you do me the honor of spending time with me today?" he asked, his tone playful yet sincere.
I couldn't help but chuckle. "How could I say no to that?"
"Perfect," he said. "Let's meet at the café next to the bookstore. Isabelle needs some novels, and since she's tied up in a business meeting, I thought we could pick them up for her."
"Sounds good. See you there," I replied with a smile, already looking forward to the day ahead.
As I neared the café, the air was filled with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the faint chatter of passersby. The soft sunlight filtered through the trees lining the street, casting playful shadows on the pavement.
Before I could reach the door, a familiar presence enveloped me. An arm wrapped gently around my shoulders, pulling me into an embrace. Startled, I turned my head to see Tyler's mischievous grin.
"I missed you so much," he exclaimed, his voice filled with warmth and enthusiasm.
A surprised laugh escaped me. "Tyler! You scared me," I said, lightly swatting his arm.
"Sorry," he replied, though the glint in his eyes suggested he wasn't. "But I really did miss you. And seeing you here makes my day already."
His sincerity softened my heart, and I smiled up at him. "Well, it's good to see you too. Let's not keep Isabelle waiting for her books."
He nodded, his arm still draped casually around my shoulders as we walked into the café.
The café door jingled as we stepped inside, the cozy interior inviting us with its warm tones and soft music. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the faint aroma of pastries, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.
"Why don't we grab something to drink before heading to the bookstore?" Tyler suggested, guiding me toward the counter.
We browsed the menu, and Tyler turned to me with a playful smile. "Let me guess, a caramel latte with extra foam?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Impressive. How'd you know?"
"I pay attention," he said with a wink. "I'll have an americano."
We found a cozy corner table near the window and sipped our drinks, chatting about everything and nothing. Tyler had a way of making even the simplest conversations feel special, his laughter contagious and his presence comforting.
"So, Isabelle's a fan of novels, huh? What does she like to read?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"I'm not entirely sure myself; she just gave me a list of book titles," Tyler admitted with a shrug.
"Can I see the list?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
Tyler handed me a neatly folded piece of paper. The moment I opened it, I couldn't help but chuckle. The titles screamed dark romance—stories filled with passion, betrayal, and forbidden love.
"Interesting choices," I said, raising an eyebrow. "Did Isabelle give you any context, or is this just her way of spicing up her reading collection?"
Tyler shrugged, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "She just told me she needed these specific books. Knowing her, it's probably for one of her creative campaigns. She likes tying themes to her brand launches."
I smiled. "Makes sense. A makeup line inspired by dark romance would definitely stand out."
"Dark romance?" he asked.
"Yes, dark romance," I replied, holding up the list. "It's all about intense emotions, morally gray characters, and usually some kind of forbidden love. You know, the kind of stories that leave you questioning your life choices after reading them."
Tyler raised an eyebrow. "Sounds… dramatic. Is it really that intense?"
"Oh, absolutely," I said with a playful smirk. "The stakes are always sky-high. Think brooding antiheroes, complicated relationships, and a whole lot of 'will they or won't they.' It's not for the faint of heart."
Tyler leaned against the bookshelf, his arms crossed, a curious expression on his face. "And you? Are you a fan of this 'dark romance' genre?"
I hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I've read a few. Sometimes it's fun to escape into a world that's so different from reality. But it's not just about the drama—it's also about the vulnerability and the emotional intensity."
Tyler grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye.
We wandered through the aisles, searching for the books on the list. It felt almost like a treasure hunt, with Tyler reading out the titles and me scanning the shelves.
"Twisted Obsession," he read aloud.
I spotted it two rows up, nestled between other darkly alluring covers. "Got it!" I said, reaching for the book and handing it to him.
"Next, Shadows of Desire," Tyler continued.
"That sounds intense," I said with a smirk.
"Oh, you think so? Wait till you hear this one—The Devil's Bargain," he said, raising his eyebrows dramatically.
I laughed, shaking my head. "These titles sound like they could double as Hollywood thrillers. Isabelle clearly has a taste for the dramatic."
As we found the final book, Bound by Blood, I couldn't help but tease him. "You sure these aren't for you, Tyler? They sound exactly like something you'd secretly read."
He feigned a scandalized expression, clutching his chest. "Ann, I'm wounded. Do I look like someone who reads steamy novels in my spare time?"
"Hmm," I said, pretending to study him. "You do have that mysterious, brooding vibe sometimes. I could totally see you as the hero in one of these books."
Tyler burst out laughing. "I think I'll stick to my business journals, thank you very much. But if you want to cast me as a hero, I won't argue."
We carried the stack of books to the counter, where the cashier gave Tyler a knowing look. "Some light reading?" she teased.
"Not for me," Tyler replied with a charming grin. "I'm just the messenger."
As we stepped out of the bookstore, Tyler turned to me. "Thanks for helping me with this. Isabelle's lucky to have someone as patient as you guiding her clueless brother."
"It was fun," I said, smiling. "Besides, it's always nice to spend time with you."
Tyler's expression softened, and for a moment, the playful banter faded into something more genuine. "The feeling's mutual," he said. Tyler chuckled and said, "She owes me big time for this."
"Or maybe you owe her," I teased. "She just got you to spend an afternoon learning about dark romance."
"Fair point," Tyler said, laughing. "But honestly, I'm not complaining. This has been… unexpectedly enjoyable."
As we walked out of the bookstore, the late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the street. The scent of freshly brewed coffee from the nearby café mixed with the crisp air, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
We settled into a quiet corner of the café, the hum of conversations and clinking cups surrounding us. Tyler ordered two lattes, insisting he knew the perfect drink for me.
As we waited, I couldn't help but notice the way his eyes softened when he looked at me, as if he was silently trying to figure me out.
"Can I ask you something?" Tyler said, breaking the comfortable silence.
"Of course," I replied, curious.
He leaned forward slightly, his tone more serious now. "What made you smile like that earlier? In the bookstore, when you were explaining the dark romance thing. You looked… happy, like you were in your element."
Caught off guard, I felt my cheeks flush. "I guess it's because I love books and stories. They take you to a different world, you know? It's like living a hundred lives through someone else's eyes. It's… freeing."
Tyler's expression softened even more. "That's what I like about you, Ann. You find joy in the little things. It's rare."
The sincerity in his voice made my heart skip a beat. "Thank you, Tyler," I said quietly, feeling both flattered and a little vulnerable under his gaze.
The drinks arrived, breaking the moment, and we sipped in companionable silence.
But as the warmth of the coffee spread through me, I couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't just a simple afternoon. Tyler walked me to my car, his signature grin making me smile despite the thoughts swirling in my head.
"Thanks for today," he said, leaning casually against the car door.
"No, thank you," I replied, my voice tinged with sincerity. "I actually had a lot of fun."
Tyler tilted his head, studying me for a moment. "Well, maybe we can do this again sometime—minus the dark romance mission. Your call."
I nodded, offering a small wave as he got back into his car. As I unlocked my door, the weight of the day settled over me. Stepping into the quiet of my apartment, I set down my bag and slipped off my shoes, my thoughts immediately shifting to Shawn.
He hadn't texted or called since he left to handle the family issue, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. Was he okay? Did something happen? My fingers hovered over my phone, tempted to send him a message, but I hesitated.
Give him space, I reminded myself. He'll reach out when he's ready.
I changed into my comfiest pajamas, trying to shake the lingering worry. Curling up on my bed, I stared at the ceiling, my thoughts tangled in the emotions of the day. Tyler's kindness, Shawn's absence, my own uncertainties—it all felt like too much to unravel tonight.
Sleep eventually claimed me, but my dreams were restless. Flashes of Shawn's troubled expression, leaving me more confused than ever.