Eddie undid the covers and slipped Loren into bed. He kissed the top of her head and whispered good night as his fingers brushed her hair behind her ear. Loren's heart ached at the thought of being alone. Of not being with Eddie. She grabbed his arm before Eddie could walk away.
"Stay." She whispered. One word slipped from her lips and he froze. "What?"
"Please-please stay." Loren wasn't good at being vulnerable. She was on the verge of tears again. She looked up at him with big eyes and his heart skipped a beat.
"Are you sure?" He asked with a quiver.
"Please—I don't want to be alone." That was all he needed to hear. He took his shoes off and slipped in bed behind her. Eddie wrapped his arm around Loren's waist and brought her backside against his chest. That unfamiliar protected feeling filled her body. She let out a trembling breath of relief.
"Thank you." She whispered. He kissed the top of her head. Three words was his only reply. Three words that meant everything to her at the moment. "I got you."
The sun hit Loren like a warm blanket. Her lips tugged into a slight smile as she took a deep breath. This was her favorite part of the day. Waking up to the sunrise. Although it was the first time in months she actually woke up with a smile on her face. Since the destructive relationship with Tyler ended she had dreaded mornings. With the sunrise brought another morning waking up alone. Today was different though. Today she felt at peace.
Loren took a deep breath and a strong pair of arms tightened around her waist. She froze. She didn't even need to look behind her to know who it was-Eddie. Loren had the feel of his arms permanently seared to her memory.
The feeling of peace quickly vanished as a sense of panic consumed her. She cringed at the memories of last night. She cried in front of him. Practically had a mental break down. He came and found her though. He held her. Hell Eddie even carried her to bed and held her all night. Loren turned her body and saw a sleeping Eddie. He was beautiful when he slept. Loren smiled slightly. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe. Loren had never once felt that way with Tyler.
Tyler. Loren cringed. Those nasty words from the interview came to mind. She could feel a panic attack coming on again. Loren had to get up. She need air now. As calmly as she could, Loren slipped out of Eddie's arms. She missed his warmth instantly. Needing air, she quickly changed into her yoga pants and workout tank. It was time to clear her head and think things over. It was time for a run.
When it came to fight or flight when it comes to feelings, Loren Tate is defiantly the latter of the two. That's what Eddie reminded himself as he fell asleep with Loren is his arms. And to no surprise, he woke up alone. Well not quite alone. Eddie was greeted by a snoring Skeeter. He chuckled at the knuckle head. Eddie sat up and looked around. Loren's phone was gone and so were her Nikes. She was on a run no doubt. Eddie figured out that was a nervous habit of hers.
A few years ago when they were friends she would run to their spot to clear her head when things got hectic. She once said it was the only way for her to calm down and regain control. After their fight Eddie went up there almost every day for a month in hopes to run into her. Although he never did catch sight of her, Eddie still felt connected to Loren when he climbed that hill. It was as if their friendship was still alive up there. Eddie sighed. He hoped Loren found a spot up here to run to. A secret spot all to herself to think. And maybe one day, she'll share that spot with him as they once did on top of that hill.
Knowing he had time to kill, Eddie went and took a quick shower. After he changed into a pair of sweats and a tee, he made his way to the kitchen. The smell of coffee welcomed him to the early morning. Eddie could tell by the coffee and newspaper on the coffee table that Max and Nora were up. Although apparently nowhere around at the moment. As for Ian and Mel, he'd be surprised if they got their lazy asses up before noon. Eddie poured himself a cup and grabbed a water out of the fridge. After grabbing the sports section of the paper he made his way outside on the deck. Eddie sat down and started reading the paper. He knew it was only a matter of time before she came home. And when she did, he'd be there waiting. Loren Tate could run, but she couldn't hide.
After a nine mile run and a call to Kelly about her next single, Loren was grateful to see the bungalow come into sight. Loren sighed as she climbed the stairs and saw Eddie sitting in the lounge chair sipping coffee. She wasn't the least bit surprised. He wasn't the one who liked to run from an awkward situation. That was Loren's job.
"Good morning." She offered as he sat in silence smirking at her over his mug. "Morning." He handed her the water bottle, which she gratefully took.
"Thanks." She smiled and downed almost half of it right away.
"You know, you've got to stop running out on me." One eyebrow raised as he grinned. "Or I'm going to start taking it personally." She started to pick at the label on the bottle as she bit her lip. "Y-yeah-Sorry about that. I woke up early and just needed to clear my head."
Eddie nodded. "Understandable after last night."
"Yeah—Listen, I'm sorry for breaking down like that. I usually can keep it together more." She laughed nervously.
"You had every right to break down." Loren scoffed as if she didn't believe him. "Yeah right." Eddie didn't like the sarcasm in her voice. "I was a total spaz. It was pathetic."
"First of all-" Eddie leaned forward. "Get those fucked up thoughts out of your head right now."
"Excuse me." For the first time that morning her eyes met his. "You heard me. The word pathetic is not a word anyone would use to describe you and neither should you."
"And how would you describe me Eddie?" She asked with a challenging expression in her eyes. Eddie licked his lips at the daring look. "Beautiful." Loren rolled her eyes. "Creative." She held her gaze as he stood and made his way closer. "Passionate." In and out of bed, he wanted to add. "Strong." Loren sneered and looked away at that point. This was unsettling to Eddie. Her eyes met the ocean now trying to fight back the tears.
"Loren, you're the strongest person I know." How could she not know that? "Nothing about last night changes that." He lifted two fingers under her chin and gently forced Loren to look at him. "If anything it made you stronger in my eyes."
"Thank you—for being there Eddie." He wiped away the single tear and gave her a sweet smile. "I got you Loren."
"Uh, yeah." Her nervous laugh bubbled up. "I think I know what song I'm going to release as my next single." Eddie smiled at the change of subject. Fight or flight, he thought to himself.
"Oh yeah? That's amazing!" Loren nodded happily. She loved talking to someone who understood her excitement of a new single. "I have three to choose from, but I think after last night there is no other choice. I called Kelly and gave my approval."
"So it's ago?"
"It'll be on the radio tomorrow."
"Can I hear it now?" Loren looked away bashfully. As her cheeks heated Eddie couldn't help, but to smile. In that moment it was if it she was that shy eighteen year old girl he met all those years ago. "Please." He practically batted his eyes.
Loren smiled sweetly and nodded. "Yeah. I can play you the recording Wyatt sent me."
"I'd rather hear you sing it." Loren shook her head "Right now?"
"Please." That damn puppy dog look had her nodding yes.
They went to the upstairs balcony where Loren left her guitar. She sat down on the edge of the chair, Eddie sitting right across from her. Brushing her knees with his. Loren shivered as she met his eyes. Her mind went to the last time she played him a song. More of what happened after she was done. He smirked knowingly as if he could read her thoughts. Loren flushed as he nodded for her to play. She took a deep breath and began strumming the guitar.
"Days like this I want to drive away
Pack my bags and watch your shadow fade
You chewed me up and spit me out
Like I was poison in your mouth
You took my light, you drained me down
But that was then and this is now, now look at me
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no!
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no!
Throw your sticks and your stones, throw your bombs and your blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no!
I just wanna throw my phone away
Find out who is really there for me
You ripped me off your love was cheap
Was always tearing at the seams
I fell deep, you let me down
But that was then and this is now, now look at me
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no!
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no!
Throw your sticks and your stones, throw your bombs and your blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no!
Now look at me I'm sparkling
A firework, a dancing flame
You won't ever put me out again I'm glowin' oh whoa
So you can keep the diamond ring
It don't mean nothing anyway
In fact you can keep everything yeah, yeah except for me
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no!
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no!
Throw your sticks and your stones, throw your bombs and your blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
This is the part of me, no
Away from me no
This is the part of me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, no
Throw your sticks and your stones, throw your bombs and your blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me,
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no"
Loren blew out a sigh of relief. It felt amazing to say those words out loud after last night. She set down the guitar and finally looked up at Eddie. She couldn't read his expression and that concerned her.
"What do you think?" She asked timidly. His smile grew from ear to ear. Loren heart fluttered at his approval. For some reason it matter what he thought. "It's perfect. It's as if you wrote last night."
"Well it's not the first time Tyler's ran his mouth." Eddie gave her a perplexed look. "What do you mean?"
"When Tyler came to get his stuff from my place we got into it." Loren sighed as she stood and made her way to the edge of the deck. "I had been struggling to write towards the end of our relationship. The last few months weren't the greatest times between us." Eddie cringed at the thought of that bastard treating her poorly. "Right before I kicked him out, he looked over at the piano and saw my song book open." Loren shook her head at the memory. "He started talking about how he did me a favor."
"You're kidding?"
"Nope." Eddie stood up and made his way towards Loren. "He said, I should thank him for making me the next Taylor Swift."
"That's ridiculous. You're not bashing a guy just because. You are writing from the heart. That song proves it." His hand cover hers resting on the railing. With the sudden contact Loren looked up at him. "He's a delusional prick."
"I think we were the delusional ones." Eddie chuckled sadly. She was right. Neither of them realize how awful their exes were until it was too late. "Can't argue with you there."
Not wanting to discuss their exes any longer, she changed the subject. "Did you really like the song?"
"Lor, it was beautiful." Loren studied his face, trying to find any traces that he was lying. "Really?"
"Yes. It's perfect. It's tells a story. It shows the world you are resilient. That you came out on the other side of this stronger than before." A strand of hair that had fallen from her messy bun blew in her face. Eddie lifted two fingers brushing it back. His hand lingering—resting on his cheek. "You Loren Tate, are amazing."
Stunned by his words she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. His arms wrapped around her waist and he held her close. Her body felt perfect—felt right against his. No words were needed to be said at the moment. They slowly pulled apart. His hands still on her waist, keeping her close. Her hazel eyes met his and he felt weak in the knees. Eddie leaned in, his eyes traveling to her mouth. Loren licked her lips. He couldn't help but to lean in.
"Eddie! Loren! Are you up here?" Bellowing from inside the house hit them like a burst of cold water.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me."
Hey, hey loves! I am so glad I had some down time to update this story. I split the chapter in two parts so I should have the next chapter up soon! That's why I left you with a cliff hanger.
I own nothing. The song is by Katy Perry. I thought it was a good fit for what Tyler did.
I rewrote this chapter like four times. Please tell me what ya'll think. I'm still not quite sure I like it.
Like always thank you for still following my stories after all these years. I love you guys. Your comments are why keep writing. So please read and review!
Love you all! Hope to chat with ya'll soon!
