Chapter 2

When I woke, my hair was in knots and my shoulders ached from sleeping in an awkward position. I pulled myself out of bed and got dressed. I grunted, today I had to go see Melanie; I didn't start work for another 3 hours. My new job was teaching a class of kindergarten kids, I love my job.

I ran down the stairs, hoping that my parents would have left for work already, but no such look. As soon as I reached the kitchen, my parents trapped me in the kitchen.

"We need to talk to you Wanda." My dad instructed, motioning for me to take a seat. I mentally groaned.

"What really did happen in Washington, honey?" My Mom asked. I scowled at her. Another memory came back:

"You're too clingy Wanda, ever heard of personal space?" Burns screamed in my face then pushed me over, onto the hard, concrete pavement. I stood up and he hit me in the face, knocking me back down again. He breathed in and out of his mouth looking as if he wanted to punch me again, while I just lied on the floor, bleeding and sobbing. He stormed off and didn't look back in my direction.

I jumped back out of the memory and ran from the room and charged down the stairs. Grabbing my coat and pulling on my tennis shoes; I ran out of the door and slammed it behind me. I dashed down the road, desperately in need of a coffee, and turned the corner. I sprinted round the bend and slammed full on into someone, he grabbed my shoulders to stop me falling over. I looked up to apologise but I found myself speechless as I stared into his eyes; he was so raven black hair that complimented his ice-blue eyes.

"I'm sorry, I... uh."I stuttered.

"We're good, are you okay?" I just stared at him. "Hi, my name is Ian O'Shea, and you are?"

It didn't register that he had asked me a question until he waved his hand in front of my face, as if to say is anyone in there? "Um, Wanda Meyer. Hi."

"Hello Wanda, well I hope you're alright. Bye." He said as he walked off. I stared after him until he turned round and caught me looking; I blushed and shook my head as if trying to clear my mind.

I walked into Costa Coffee and ordered my hot chocolate with extra cream. Grabbing a free newspaper from the top of the counter, I flipped to the back pages and started scanning the page for some good (cheap) apartments. There was no way that I was staying with my parents for longer than I had to. I pulled a pen from my bag and circled some that caught my eye; grabbed my drink and went to find a table. When I moved my hand, from the corner of my eye, I noticed that my arm looked strangely bare. I could have sworn that I had put on my bracelet this morning. Ohmigod, I'd lost it! I started to panic and almost started crying because it was a family heirloom given to me by my late grandmother. I searched the floor, getting down on my hands and knees to look. Something silver and shiny was lying on the floor a little way over, I scrambled over to grab it but before I could reach it, it was gone. I looked around but didn't see it until it was dangled in front of my face. I stumbled back and almost fell over but a hand on my shoulder stopped me. It was like déjà vu. I tried to grab it but as soon as I reached out my hand, it was gone. I turned round and there, standing behind me was that same guy, Ian.

"Did you follow me in here or something?" I asked.

He chuckled but shook his head. "No, I didn't. But if I had to stalk someone, it sure would be you, beautiful." He grinned and I blushed a deep shade of red, I giggled. Stupid, that's what Brandt said to you and look where it got you? Back in New York! I told myself. I sighed and Ian had a puzzled look on his face. I opened my hand, and stared at him until he realised and dropped the bracelet into my open palm.

"Thank you Ian."

"That's alright Miss Wanda," he said bowing and taking off his invisible top hat. I giggled and sat back down. "Do you mind if I join you?" I shook my head and Ian walked off.

"Where are you going, I thought you wanted to sit down?" I asked and in answer, he held up his coffee that he had just collected from another table. I sipped my hot chocolate (with extra cream) and Ian started laughing. I asked him what was so amusing and he wiped a dollop of cream off of my nose. I blushed but started giggling with him. I don't know how long we sat there, but soon his phone was ringing. He answered it and a man's voice roared through the phone. Ian! You were supposed to be at work half an hour ago! You better have a good explanation for not turning up, or I'll fire your sorry ass! I gasped but he tried to keep a straight face.

"I'm sorry Sir, but a family emergency's come up. Um... My Grandma's had a stroke and had to be rushed into hospital. I'll be in later," He lied through his teeth and I tried to keep the giggles quiet.

He sighed and hung up. "I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"For holding you up, you should go to work." I didn't want him to leave but I had only just met him and I didn't want to ruin his career already.

"It wasn't you. I really hate my job." I raised my eyebrows and he explained. "I hate my boss, she makes my life hell. She was my ex and hasn't yet got over me. Oh, but I am well over her. God! She's crazy!" I giggled and checked my watch. Ohmigod! I was late for work.

"I'm sorry, you may not have to go but I do, goodbye Ian." I said and got up to leave but he grabbed my wrist.

"I hope to see you around," He said and the sight of him takes my breath away. I nodded but started walking away; I look over my shoulder and stare wistfully back in his direction but push myself to walk away. No! I screamed in my head and abandoned my hot chocolate on the table, and ran out into the street. I whipped my head from side to side and searched for the mass of black hair and the piercing blue eyes that were Ian. I couldn't see over all of the heads, so I gave in, defeated, and started back towards the restaurant.

Suddenly, a voice from across the street boomed and I spun around, startled. "Wanda!" Ian was running across the road towards me and I felt a large grin spread across my face, which reflected his. He ran up to me, almost knocking me over, and I was happier than I had ever been. But I had no idea why.

"Ian, I couldn't find you," I crooned.

"Wanda, I'm sorry. I'm not usually as forward as this, but will you go out on a date with me? Tonight?" I gasped and nodded my head vigorously. "Can I have your number?" I handed him my phone and he furiously typed in a phone number, giving it back to me, which I slipped back into my pocket.

"What time should I pick you up? 2 o'clock?" He asked.

"No, sorry. I'm at work then, but I don't mind what time. I get off work at 3," I said, walking back into the cafe and Ian following me in. I grabbed our previous table and sipped my warm drink. He pulled out my chair for me then grabbed one opposite, I nodded gratefully at him, my smile widening.

"What work do you do then Wanda?"

"I'm a kindergarten teacher. I know the money's not brilliant, but I love my job, and my pupils." I started babbling on about my work, and as soon as I realised that I was doing it, my cheeks burned red. "I'm sorry, I'm rambling on." He nodded.

"No, don't stop. I think it's cute. You look pretty when you blush, you know?" I blushed harder and he stroked his hand down my cheek. I looked over at the clock on the wall and let out a small squeal, I was late for work! "What is it?"

"I'm going to be very, very late for work. Sorry, can we finish this tonight?"

"Sure. Do you need a lift?"

"Yes please. Thanks," I said, jumping up and grabbing my coat, practically running out the door. Ian only took a few steps before he had caught up with me.

"You're going the wrong way, it's here." He put his hands on my shoulders and dragged me back towards a large, red Harley Davidson. I gasped and he grinned, grabbing a spare, black helmet for me, with flames curling upwards. I climbed on and wrapped my arms tightly around his waist. "I guess I should have told you about this first."

"That may have been a little helpful piece of information."

"But, do you like the bike?"

"No. I love it," I said. He sped down the road, and I let the wind whip through my hair. "I've always wanted a Harley, ever since I was a little girl; I saw them on TV once and had to have a big, shiny red one." I grinned and he laughed, but he was also smiling. "With a handsome man on it, exactly like this one." I blushed but he couldn't see because I was sitting behind him.

He parked the bike and I jumped off, pausing to hand the helmet back and smile at him, savouring the last few moments. "Bye Ian."

"Bye Wanda." I grinned and ran up to the school building.

"Sorry I'm late class, but get out your aprons and the paper. Today we will be painting!" My whole class cheered and I grinned, they were the best class.

By the end of the day, I was splattered with rainbow-coloured paint and my class had run off home. I was left alone to clear up the mess. I sighed and started on the huge splatter left on the floor by Penny, one of my students. I rolled up my sleeves and walked over to the tap, dampening a cloth and walking back over to clean up the mess. As I spun round, I noticed a tall, dark silhouette standing in the doorway: I gasped and almost fainted.

"Ian, what are you doing here?" I asked and he grinned.

"I thought I'd come pick you up, you don't mind do you?" I shook my head and continued wiping the floor. He watched for a while then came over and took the cloth from my hands, crouching down to clean it up for me.

"Thank you," I sighed and swept all of the dolls, toys and crayons into a large box, stuffing it into the cupboard.

"So, are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, I just need to quickly run home and get changed first," I said, showing him my dirty shirt.

"Sure." He grabbed my hand and I gasped. He saw my hesitation and tried to pull it away but I didn't let go.

"No, it's fine." He smiled and pulled me out of the door and towards his bike. "Wait, what about my car?"

"I can drive you to work tomorrow morning. If you want, that is." I nodded and climbed on.

I scrambled off of the motorcycle and ran up the porch steps, with Ian following behind me. I jumped up; trying to reach the spare key on the hanging light, but it was just out of my reach. I grunted and jumped again, as if I thought that in a few seconds, I would have grown about 3 inches taller. Ian looked amused as I tried one final time before realising that I wasn't getting anywhere.

"Ian," I said, reluctantly, "Would you please help me?"

"Of course, Wanda." He easily reached up and handed it to me, smiling. I glared at him and pushed open the door.

"Wait here, I'll be right back," I said, showing Ian to the front room and taking his coat. I ran off towards my bedroom, taking one last look at him before I shut the door. "Bye."

"Okay, goodbye," he called back to me, just after I slammed my door shut. I sat on my bed and took deep breaths, is this really happening? Am I actually going on a date with the hot, sweet, sensitive man that is sitting in my front room? I only just met him, but I think I could be falling for him... I sighed and got up, grabbing my favourite shirt and skinny jeans and pulled them on. Running to the bathroom, I splashed water over my face, trying to get off all of the paint. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and groaned: my hair was wild! I quickly pulled a brush through my hair and tied it up with a band; trying to tame it, then hurried out the door and to Ian.

"I'm ready," I sung and jumped into his lap, I didn't realise until after I had done this that it was maybe too forward, but Ian didn't seem to care. He seemed to enjoy it actually. I smiled and nestled into his chest.

"Are you ready to go?" He asked me and I sighed.

"Five more minutes?" I agreed.

"Of course, Wanderer." I rolled my eyes: did he really just call me Wanderer?

"All in good time, my Wanda, all in good time." I gasped: did he just call me his Wanda? His Wanda!? I quickly recovered and scrambled off of his lap, grabbing my sneakers and his coat from the cupboard. He slipped his own coat on then grabbed mine and slipped it on my shoulders.

"Thank you," I said and slipped out of the door, locking it behind Ian. I climbed onto the back of the bike and slipped on a helmet.

"Would you like to drive it Wanda?"

"Are you serious?!" I screamed and he nodded. "Hell yeah"-I blushed-"I mean, yes please." He beamed and lifted me up, from under my arms. I slid forward and Ian sat behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist to keep me on the bike, and because he just felt like it.

"I love your blush." I could imagine the corners of his mouth turning up into a smile. "Ready?"

"Yeah, here we go," I said and revved the engine and started the bike, screaming as the bike jolted then sped down the road.

"You're a natural!" Ian shouted over the whistling of the wind. Somehow I didn't believe him because he rested his hands on top of mine and guided me, doing most of the work. That and also the fact that I could hear him chuckling.

After what seemed like forever, Ian directed me over towards a parking spot, and we got off of the bike. I pulled the helmet from my head and shook out my curls-I had lost my hair band a long time ago. We were parked outside a large restaurant called La Lune Belle. My mind translated it into English automatically.

"The Beautiful Moon," I whispered. "Ian! If you'd of told me that we were coming here, I would have dressed better." He grinned and pulled me under his arm.

"That's exactly why I didn't tell you; I like how you dress," He said, gesturing to my laid-back clothes. "Besides, I haven't dressed up." I just rolled my eyes and started up the slope towards the double doors. He pushed them open and held it out for me.

"Ladies first."

"Such a gentleman, Mr O'Shea," I said and walked in.

"O'Shea," Ian told the waiter, who ran off to find us our table.

"You reserved?"

"I thought to plan ahead." He grinned and put his hand on the small of my back, pushing me off in the direction that the waiter had run off in.

We were given a small table for two in an empty corner of the restaurant. It was sat under a window with a beautiful view: a tiny garden of plants and bushes, and bushes, and bushes of white peony flowers. Ian pulled out my chair for me and waited till I sat down to push it back in. I picked up a menu and handed one to him, but it was all written in French. I mentally groaned because I had basically forgotten how to do French.

When I had only gotten about half way down the first page of the menu, the waiter came back and asked-what I assume-was what we wanted to order. Ian answered fluently while I stared at him, mouth open and eyes wide. Luckily for me, he ordered for both of us so I didn't have to get all embarrassed and flustered.

"I didn't know that you speak French," I questioned but he just shrugged.

"I could say the same here." He brushed his hand down the side of my face like he had this morning, and I leaned into his palm.

"I also know Spanish, Italian, Latin and Russian." He looked genuinely impressed, so I smiled and waggled my eyebrows at him.

I leaned in towards him and rested my head in my hands. Ian did the same and soon we were so close, I could feel his warm breath on my face. He leaned in a bit closer and whispered something in my ear, "Sto avendo il maggior tempo del mondo con la ragazza più bella che abbia mai visto." My breath caught in my throat. Even though I didn't need it, he translated for me. "I'm having the greatest time in the world with the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."

"Really?"

"Of course, I never lie." We were only millimetres apart when the waiter came back with our food and pulling us apart. I sighed and grabbed my plate from the handheld tray he was carrying, but there was only one plate.

"Spaghetti and meatballs?" I giggled.

"For two." I blushed for no reason. "I thought that we could have our own little lady and the tramp moment." I giggled again and pushed the plate into the middle of the table, taking two forks and handing him one. I spun my fork round and round, often nibbling at the pasta; Ian ate most of it. I took a bite of some but it wouldn't come out, it turns out that we did have a lady and the tramp moment. I smiled as our lips got dangerously close, my breath hitching in my throat and my pulse raising. Stop! My subconscious screamed. What about Burns? Remember what he did to you Wanda?

Shut up! I shouted in my head and pressed my mouth to Ian's before I changed my mind. I grinned against his soft lips and moved my mouth in rhythm with his, our tongues dancing and my teeth lightly biting his bottom lip. I tangled my hands in his hair as he pulled away and started trailing kisses down my neck. I groaned as he pulled back, but we were both panting for breath.

"Wow," I whispered.

"Yeah, wow," He agreed. "We're finished"-he gestured to our empty plates and glasses-"so do you want to get out of here?"

"Please," I breathed a sigh of relief, Ian hailed for the bill and our coats. "Ian, let me pay."

He shook his head when I tried to protest. "Wanda, ever heard of chivalry? Well I try to stick by it. Plus, I don't feel right about you paying; it is a date after all." I sighed but reluctantly nodded.

"So, where shall we go now?"

"What did I say earlier? 'All in good time.'" I grunted as I slipped on my coat and waited for the waiter to leave and give us some privacy. When he did-and after Ian had put on his coat-I leaned up for a kiss and he surprised me by sweeping me up into his arms and setting me down on the wobbly table. I encircled his neck with my arms and brought him closer; savouring the moment.

All too soon, I broke away as I was running out of breath, but I didn't move away-just my lips. Ian was practically glowing, but who am I to judge as I was too?

"Do you want to go now?"

"Sure," I agreed and grabbed Ian's hand. We thanked the waiter on our way out and made our way over to the bike. I grabbed the helmet and struck a pose: hips out, arms in the air and a huge (genuine) grin plastered on my face. Ian chuckled and pulled me in close for a kiss.

When we pulled away, I blushed and climbed onto the back of the bike because I really didn't want to have to humiliate myself again by trying to drive. He grinned but didn't say anything, just climbed on and started the engine-driving to somewhere I didn't know.

He lifted me off of the bike and set me down on the small, winding path in the deserted park. We had stayed out so long, that it was dark outside now, but I didn't care because I was having the time of my life. I smiled and handed him the picnic without taking my eyes off of my surroundings: it was amazing. The park was lit up by little lanterns that trailed round the edges of the grass, and the cherub fountain in the middle of the whole park, still squirted out water, looking heavenly in the moonlight. Obviously we were going for a romantic stroll in the park, how romantic.

Ian came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into his chest and warming me up.

"God you're freezing," He announced and rubbed small circles on my arms to get rid of the goose bumps.

"Ian, I'm fine," I lied through chattering teeth. Ian grunted and pulled off his own coat, sliding it on top of my thin leather one. God, I suck at lying. "No Ian, you must be cold. I have a coat anyway." He rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, but I still don't want you to get the flu."

"I won't get the flu," I said, but just as it came out of my mouth, I sneezed. He stared down at me with wide eyes as if to say I told you so. Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. "Coincidence."

"Nothing is a coincidence Wanda. Do you think it was a coincidence that we keep bumping into each other? And the fact that you are the most beautiful, kindest, sweetest, funniest person alive and that I think that I could spend the rest of my life with you?" He raised his eyebrows at me and I almost fainted. Was he serious?

"But you only met me this morning Ian, you can't think that. You don't even know me."

"Okay then Wanda. Let me get to know you," He announced and led me to a bench in the deserted park.

"Okay, what would you like to know?"

"What's your favourite colour?"

"Yellow."

"Favourite food?"

"Hawaiian pizza."

"Book?"

"Little Women." I grinned.

"Movie?"

"Titanic," I admitted. "How about you?"

"Um... Red, fries, The Lord of the Rings and The Birds."

"You like horror movies?" I smiled.

"Yeah. Come on," He said, grabbing my hand and pulling me up from the bench, towards his bike.

"Ian, what now?"

"Just trust me." I sighed and climbed back onto the bike-hopefully for the last time tonight.

We parked outside a small apartment block and Ian pulled me towards it. It was amazing, just like an old black and white movie. I gasped. He held open the door for me and led me to the old fashioned elevator. I pushed the red button, waiting for it to turn blue, then climbed inside. He hit the top button, and as we were the only people in there, pulled me in for a kiss. We stood, plastered together until the doors opened and we scrambled out. His apartment was at the end of a long corridor, which had a large window. I leaned up, trying to get a better view, when Ian picked me up. I gasped as I caught sight of the breathtaking view of the city.

"Wow," I breathed. "It's beautiful."

"Yes, wow." He slowly kissed my neck. "You are beautiful." I giggled and dropped down out of Ian's hands, landing on the floor with a light thump. I grabbed the keys that Ian held dangling in the air and walked up to his door.

"This one?" I asked, because I didn't want to try and open the wrong one.

"Yep, that's the one," He said, coming up behind me and enfolding me into his arms. I turned the key in the lock and pushed, the door swinging open.

"Cool apartment," I said, it was true. I smirked and walked into the large front room.

"You like it?"

"Definitely!"

"Come on," He said, grabbing my hand and tugging me towards his room. I hesitated, but let him drag me anyway. He took my coat from me and slipped it into his wardrobe as I pulled off my shoes. I sat down on his bed and twiddled with my thumbs. He came and sat next to me, pulling me in under his arm.

"Wanda, don't think that I want you to... You know? I don't expect you to Wanda. I'm not that kind of guy-" He looked really uncomfortable as he stuttered it all out. I pressed my finger to his lips, cutting him off mid sentence.

"Ian. I know, I don't think of you like that. Its fine," I said, my cheeks blushing.

"Good," He stammered, his cheeks starting to blush as well. He stroked his hand down my face and pulled me close to him. He pressed his lips to mine and my pulse started racing, my head getting dizzy and my palms starting to sweat. "Unless you want to, that is," He whispered. I giggled and looked down; my face was getting redder by the second. I slowly shook my head but when I looked up, he was grinning from ear to ear.

"You said you liked scary movies, right?" I shook my head.

"No Ian, you said that you liked scary movies." He looked confused so I grinned and squeezed his hands. "Put one on then, if you're going to that is." He smiled and got up, slipping a disc into his TV.

I rested my head on his shoulders and got ready for the film. I'd seen it and didn't find it scary, but I wasn't going to tell him that. It was the classic thing to do (in high school): get a girl and watch a scary film with her, so that she'll get scared and curl up to you. I smiled, thinking to myself, shaking my head as if to clear the thought.

I squealed and nestled my head into Ian's chest, as he smirked and kissed the top of my head.

"Scary?" He asked. I shrugged and nestled my head into his chest. I closed my eyes and pulled my legs up underneath me, struggling to stay awake, until I couldn't resist any longer. The last thing I heard before I fell asleep was Ian. "Sleep Wanda. I'll see you in the morning."