After that night, the short walk to the bus stop became a daily ritual for Diana and Tommy. As an excuse, Tommy told Diana he didn't like her walking alone to the bus stop. 'I've picked up some self defense moves!' Diana told Tommy, but Tommy still insisted he walk with her. Tommy's protectiveness was one of the many things Diana liked about him.
Tommy visited the gym every day. Sometimes he stayed the whole day, other times he just came during the late afternoon, but he always took the opportunity to walk Diana to the bus stop. He never skipped a day.
'You look pretty today' a familiar, but unwanted voice said. Diana was behind her desk, filing some documents and updating the database. She turned to see who it was. Of course, Mad Dog.
'Uhm… thanks?' she said tonelessly. She had never liked Mad Dog. From the first he had been rude to her. He tried to flirt with her and even when she didn't respond, he still continued to hit on her.
'Did you something different with your hair?' Mad Dog continued. Diana rolled her eyes. Each time she rejected him; why didn't he get the hint?
'Not particularly.' Diana hoped her abrupt answers would turn him off.
Diana enjoyed working at a gym, but moments like these really ruined it. However it was to be expected when working as the only woman at a testosterone fueled gym..
'Yes, you did do something' Mad dog said, his eyes fixed on her. He extended his hand towards Diana's hair and twirled some of the strands around his fingers.
Diana twisted her head away his hand. 'Could you not do that?' she told him. Her voice sounded even more brusque than before.
'I'm sorry, darling' Mad Dog said with a really fake sugary voice. 'I won't do it again'
Diana hated it when he invaded her space like that. It was abusive and made her feel like a victim.
Tommy had been keeping an eye on the whole incident. He didn't want to stare directly, but he kept Diana in his sight. He didn't like it when Mad Dog, or anyone, talked to her like that. But Mad Dog being Mad Dog made it just a little worse. Ever since the fight Tommy despised Mad Dog. He hated his arrogance, he was just so full of himself.
'Just go away' Diana said to him. She fixed her eyes on the computer monitor. Mad Dog grinned at her and went back to the gym to train with Colt.
Diana let out a small sigh of relief. She hoped he finally got the message, somehow she doubted it.
The last few hours of work passed quietly. Colt kept Mad Dog preoccupied with intense training. He left the gym soon after his session, but not without saying a 'See you tomorrow, honey' followed with a wink. Ugh, ick, Diana hated him.
While Diana locked the backdoor and checked the windows, Tommy took off his boxing gloves and packed his bag. Diana turned off the computer and waited in the foyer for Tommy.
'What did Mad Dog want?' Tommy rumbled.
'Nothing' Diana replied, while turning off the lights.
They both went outside and Diana locked the door behind her. 'You didn't seem too happy talking to him' Tommy said offhandedly.
Diana noticed Tommy hadn't liked it when Mad Dog talked to her. She guessed it was his protectiveness, or was it jealousy?
'I don't like his attitude' Diana replied. They headed off and starting walking in the direction of the bus stop. It wasn't exactly a romantic stroll, but the dim streetlights could count as mood lighting.
Tommy nodded in agreement. He couldn't stand him either. 'Why are you asking?' Diana asked, curious. She wanted to find out his intentions. She half-hoped he was jealous, although he had nothing to be jealous of, Diana definitely didn't like Mad Dog nor did she find him in any way attractive
'Just curious' Tommy answered. They were already close to the bus stop.
Tommy had never opened up to her. Diana didn't really know much about his background or his past, whereas he knew almost everything about her. She wished he would confide in her.
The fact that Tommy brought Diana 'home' every night made her feel safe and secure. It was nice knowing someone cared about you.
Tonight the bus was quite full. Apart from Diana and Tommy there was an elderly lady, two boys around the age of 17 and a woman who was somewhat older then Diana was. Compared to the two skinny boys, Tommy was even more huge than he usually looked. Even though Tommy looked like a beast and took out his anger everyday on a punching bag and people who dared to spar with him, Diana never felt uncomfortable around him. Instead, he he made her feel the opposite.
The bus stopped in front of Diana's home. The elderly lady and the two boys had already left the bus at a previous stop.
'Would you like to come in?' Diana said out of the blue. Did I really just say that? Diana thought? She was surprised at herself.
Tommy looked a bit surprised. He did not expect that. 'Sure!' Tommy said enthusiastically. 'Why not ?'
Diana lips tugged upwards into a smile. She couldn't believe she just said that, but she was glad she did. She hoped that Tommy would finally open up to her. She wanted to get to know him as well as he knew her.
They both got off the bus and followed the stone path which led to the front door of Diana's small house.
Her house really wasn't large, but it was just right for her. Besides, Diana liked small places, it added a certain charm and coziness. The outside of the house was done in white siding. A red door and windows finished the homey look.
'Don't expect too much' Diana said to Tommy. He softly smiled. 'It looks cute'
Diana couldn't help but feel butterflies fluttering around in her stomach. She realized these feelings about him weren't going away any time soon.
She unlocked the front door and opened it. She brushed her feet against the doormat before going in. She waited for Tommy to enter before re-locking the door. She threw her keys on the cabinet beside the door.
'Make yourself at home' Diana said smiling. She could feel those butterflies fluttering in her stomach again. She felt somewhat nervous, but promised herself it would be alright. She led Tommy towards the living room. She could only imagine what would happen this evening.