9.
Topher came running upstairs the following morning, he'd noted the state of the lab and genuinely thought something awful had happened. I was lying-in, blissfull in my slumber, only to be woken by my boyfriend shaking me for fear that I had been murdered. I was a little annoyed; I'd been having a wonderfully beautiful dream, travelling with The Doctor among the stars.
"What did you wake me for?" I said angrily, glaring at Topher.
"I'm sorry Bella," he said timidly, looking down at the floor. "I just saw the lab and panicked. I don't know what I would do if something happened to you."
He raised his eyes and met my gaze. That and the mention of the state of the lab brought back everything that had happened. I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach with guilt. There was this man, so concerened about my wellbeing stood at the foot of my bed with hurt in his eyes and The Doctor, flying in and out of my life without a moment's notice. I couldn't decide what I wanted more. The knight in shining armour or the dangerous stranger. I'd been silent for far too long. Forcing a smile, I slid out of bed and wrapped my arms around Topher.
"Thanks for caring about me." I smiled, breathing in his sweet scent and deftly removing his jacket. He left forwards and kissed me gently on the lips.
"I missed you last night." He said, supporting me in his strong arms.
"Me too." I lied, hoping my face hadn't given me away. "If you must keep going to secret missions with the government..." I trailed off, giving him another kiss.
"It gives me somthing to look forward to when I get back." He grinned, kissing me for longer, a little more passionately. I found myself drifting back to my kiss with The Doctor the night before but another gut wrenching twinge of guilt brought me right back into the present. He was exceptionally adroit at undoing the buttons on the shirt I slept in as it now hung loosely on my shoulders, wafting a little in my air-conditioned bedroom. He had already removed his T-Shirt, and I ran my fingers lightly over his muscles. He laughed, picked me up with ease, and carried me over to my bed.
"We should really sort out the lab," I said, my hands pressing against his bare chest as he lay me on my bed.
"It can wait." He winked.