Chapter 5

I awoke the next morning nestled in Tom's arms. I slowly looked up at him to find that he was still asleep. I was still wearing my dress from the night before, I hadn't even taken off my heels. I took my time getting up in order not to wake Tom, and took a quick shower and got dressed. I came out of my room and started to tip-toe to my kitchen when I met Tom in the hallway coming out of the 2nd bathroom.

"Hi." he rubbed his eyes and messed with his hair. I can tell her just splashed some water on his face.

"Hey you. Sorry if I woke you up." I said as we walked towards the kitchen.

He laughed "Oh it's fine. How did you sleep?"

"Not too bad considering I was sharing an ottoman the size of a coffee table with someone." I joked

I started to get out some pots and pans and place then on the stove

"What are you doing?" Tom asked

"Making some breakfast. Would you like some?"

"Oh no, I couldn't ask that of you. You cook all the time, you shouldn't have to on your day off."

His concern was endearing. "I really don't mind. There's a reason I'm a chef. I love cooking."

"Well alright if you insist on cooking for us, then I insist on helping the best I can." he took a few steps forward and stood at attention. I laughed at him.

"Okay well I'll need some eggs, ham, butter, and some fruit and veggies." I directed as I threw on my apron and grabbed spices.

"Right away sir!" He said as he saluted me. He hopped over to the fridge and stared blankly into it. "E, I have no idea where anything is." he then looked at me with a pouty month and the most adorable puppy eyes I've ever seen.

I laughed and joined him by the fridge. I started to take things out and he helped me take everything over to the counter. "I'm assuming you know how to whisk up some eggs." I said poking fun at him.

He smiled and laughed "Now THAT I know how to do."

I gave him what he needed to prepare the eggs as I chopped up some veggies. He started humming and soon singing the Bob Dylan song She belongs to Me. I soon joined him. I had so much fun singing and cooking with him. About half an hour and 8 songs later we were sitting down in my breakfast nook eating omelets and fruit and talking about music. He was quite flirtatious this morning. Every time we made eye contact he would smile which would make me giggle. As we came close to finishing our breakfast, there was a lull in our conversation. He started to twiddle with his napkin like he was deep in thought.

"Something the matter?" I asked hoping not to be intrusive.

"Um, not really. I'm just trying to conjure up the courage to ask you something." he said glancing up at me from the table.

"Oh really? Is it why my fridge is organized in such a odd fashion?"

He laughed "Actually I was wondering if you would like to go out with me today." His look went from lighthearted to hopeful and nervous. I could tell he was holding his breath. I honestly couldn't believe that this was happening. I consciously jerked myself back into reality.

"Tom, I would absolutely love to." I tried to keep my enthusiasm under control, but my smile gave it away. Tom finally took a breath in relief and smiled.

"Wonderful." he said

"So what did you have in mind?" I asked. I felt like I was too excited, but I didn't care.

"Honestly I haven't gotten that far." We both laughed. "I know of this lovely place downtown. It's a street with a bunch of bookstores and other quirky little shops. I've been past it a dozen times and always wanted to go."

"That sounds like it would be awesome." I was growing more and more excited for the day ahead of me.

"Good. Good. Shall we?" He asked getting up from the table.

"Sure. Give me 5 minutes." I went back to my room and put on my knee high brown boots. I looked at myself in the mirror and wished I put something on that was more appealing. I was wearing jeans and a deep blue shirt. I grabbed my cropped brown jacket in effort to spruce up a bit. I didn't do wonders, but it didn't hurt either. I grabbed my bag and joined Tom in the living room where he was putting on his jacket.

"Nice boots." he said looking impressed.

"Thanks, I kinda have a weakness for them." I said grabbing my keys.

We got into my car and made our way downtown. After circling the block several times we were finally able to find a parking spot. We started to stroll down the street in no real hurry.

"So you're from New York?" he asked as we entered into a quaint little bookstore

"Well I moved there with my mom when I was around 8, but before that we lived in Atlanta."

"Georgia? Oh I see." he then slipped into a southern accent "So you're a southern belle."

I laughed "Well I can't say that the accent and the attitude doesn't come out from time to time."

"Oh now I would love to see that." Tom said perusing the selection of books before him.

"Maybe one day you'll get lucky." I said picking up a book and reading the back

He laughed. After a moment of silence he asked "So did your dad stay in Atlanta?"

I was hesitant in elaborating on this subject at first, but quickly moved past it. "I actually have never met my dad. He disappeared the moment he found out my mom was pregnant with me."

"Oh dear..." Tom became uneasy "...I'm sorry if I-"

"Oh no no, you're fine. I don't mind. If you don't want to hear about it I understand."

"No I do, I just didn't want to bring up any less than lovely memories for you." he put his hand on my shoulder, caressing it lightly. His hand was so large it covered my entire shoulder.

"I'm not too bothered by it actually. My mom was better off without him. She's one tough broad."

"So why did you two move to New York?" I could tell he was trying to lighten the subject.

"Well she was a professional dancer when she was younger, but became a choreographer when I was born. And she became very good. So good that Radio City hired her to work with the Rockettes."

"Oh now that's the coolest thing I've ever heard." Tom said looking excited like a schoolboy.

"Yeah, she is amazing." I smiled as I ran my fingertips along the spine of a book.

"Do you miss her?" he asked

"Sometimes. I talk to her practically everyday. And we Skype all the time. Even when I was in New York we didn't get to see each other much. She's working and training all the time. And I'm always working. But we're both pretty independent so it's not really hard on us."

"I can get that. I'm close with my mum, but we both gravitate towards the more free spirited end of the spectrum."

"What does your mom do?" I asked wanting to get to know him more.

"She was a stage manager for a long time. But has since then retired." he responded

"Oh wow. That's great. Is that how you got into acting?" I was becoming more fascinated.

"Definitely. I would go with her to work sometimes on the weekends, and it just always inspired me."

I could see the joy in his eyes as he told me more stories of his childhood. He told me about his first plays, about school, about growing up in Oxfardshire, and even about his parents divorce. He was so open with his life, it was so enchanting. As we walked down the street he asked me more of how I got into cooking and what my life was like in New York. And then awkwardly asked if I dated a lot while I was there. He seemed a little relieved when I answered that I only had a few serious relationships. I wasn't into dating just anyone. I was glad when he said he felt the same way about dating.

When the late morning became early evening we had gone into every single shop on the street. We both now had a new collection of books and other quirky nick knacks. We made our way back to my car and put all of bags in the trunk.

"That was a very wonderful day." I said

"Was? Who says it's over?" he said and smiled

I looked at him, grinned and crossed my arms "Well what else did you have in mind?"

"I am going to take you to dinner, that is, if you would like to." he offered up his hand.

I took his hand "Lead the way my good sir."

We both laughed as we walked to a little French Bistro with rooftop seating. It was a breathtaking view of the city. The sun was setting which enhanced it all the more. But the view wasn't what made my heart flutter, I was still focused on the fact that he had held my hand all the way here. We sat down and had a delicious meal complete with desserts and coffee. We talked and laughed the whole time. I was surprised that we didn't run out of things to talk about. The sun had set and we looked out onto a lit up LA.

"You know this is probably the most fun I've had in a long time." I confessed

"I'm glad you're having fun. Because I barely planned any of this." he said

"I find that hard to believe. Today has been perfect." I smiled and hoped I didn't sound cheesy

"Good. And I really didn't plan much, I honestly didn't even think you would agree to come out with me. You know...on a-a date." He stumbled over the last few words. I smiled from ear to ear.

"Now why on Earth did you think I wouldn't come out on a date with you? I mean look at you! You're stunning, charming, interesting, and you can actually carry on intelligent conversation." I was obviously getting more comfortable with flirting with him now that I knew for sure what today was.

He smiled and looked down at his twiddling thumbs, blushing. "Well thank you, that is a huge huge compliment. I didn't think think someone as beautiful, talented, and smart as you would take a second look at me."

For the first time that day, I was at a loss for words. I just sat the quietly for a moment with my mouth hanging open like a goon. "Wow, I mean wow. That was one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. Thank you." I reached out and placed my head on his. He gently turned his hand over and wrapped his hand around mine. We smiled at each other warmly for a moment as I realized we were starting to lean in towards each other.

"Here's your check." Our moment was ruined by the waitress. She was nice, but I couldn't help but resent her for a few minutes. Tom seemed a little annoyed too. I offered to pay my share, but he refused. Or in his words "An gentlemen always pays for his lady." After debating on what to do next we decided we would head back to my place and he would get a cab from there. Upon arriving I became very nervous. I had no idea what to expect from the rest of the night.

"You're more than welcome to hang around for a bit." I said trying to sound casual as I took off my jacket.

"I would like that, thank you." he said taking off his. His shirt road up a little and I caught a glimpse of his stomach and hips. He wandered over to my DVD collection and started looking.

"See anything you like?" I asked walking over to join him.

He pulled Funny Face from the shelf "Now you may find this silly, but I simply adore this movie."

"That's one of my Audrey Hepburn favorites." I said

He held it up so only his eyes were peaking over it. "Can we?"

"I would be upset if we didn't." I popped it in and pressed play. We ended up on the couch. One of his arms behind me and sitting with his legs sprawled out like always. Being only 5'4'' he really was a giant compared to me. Throughout the movie we sang all the songs together and snuggled closer and closer until I was resting my head on his chest and his arm was wrapped around me. He fit around me so perfectly. I was so comfortable and warm that I found myself snoozing towards the end of the movie. He gently took my hand and slowly started a thumb war with me. Soon I was up and awake, sitting indian style on the couch facing him. He was mirroring me. We were giggling like school children as we battled. It was a fight to the death. His long fingers and stronger hands gave him a clear advantage over me, I think the only reason I had won a few is because he let me.

"Okay last war. Winner take all." He said with a devious grin.

"Alright sonny you're on!" I said in a mock 1920's voice.

"Ready. Set. GO!" He shouted then we battled with the ferocity of the Spartans. It was a long battle and I was putting my whole body into. He was still too strong for me. I was no match. His thumb clamped down on mine and held it there for a solid 10 seconds.

"Ah ha!" He shouted in victory

"Alright, you won fair and square, I shall not protest." I smiled and found myself gazing into his eyes as he gazed into mine. I barely noticed his left hand on my knee and his right gliding up my arm. We both started to lean in closer. His hand was now gently placed on the nape of my neck, his fingers entangled in my loose curls pulling me closer to him. He was just inches away from me now. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. I placed my hand his other hand and caressed it lightly. Our noses grazed each other as we closed our eyes and our lips connected. It was a deeply romantic and passionate kiss. Our lips moved in perfect sync with one another. His lips tasted so sweet and was as soft as velvet. I couldn't get enough of him. Our bodies moved closer together as we pulled each other closer. Our kisses became more passionate. It was intoxicating for both of us. It was something that I had never experienced before. Something that was so passionate, yet so pure and sweet with its intentions. Tom's cell phone started to go off. We ignored it the first time, but once it went off a second time it raised a little urgency. We broke our kiss due to laughing about it, but still remained close.

"I'm so sorry, but I may have to get that." He whispered to me

"Don't worry about it. I understand." I whispered back

He kissed the tip of my nose before leaning over to answer. "Hello? Yes Luke...I'm very well actually. How are you?...I've just been spending the day with someone...Yes everything is fine..." he looked at me and smiled "...perfect actually."

I blushed as I looked down at my feet.

"Yeah alright...In the morning? Okay... No I didn't drive here...you don't have to...alright...see you later." he hung up "Sorry about that. Luke, my publicist, was worried about me."

"Well you have been off the map with me all day." I joked

"Yes I have haven't I? Well he's going to fetch me since he's in the area. I gave him your address, is that alright?"

"Yes, it's totally fine."

"Good. Now can I kiss you again?" he asked giving me his puppy eyes

"I would be upset if you didn't." I answered honestly

"Thank god." he said then leaned in to kiss me again. After a few more minutes we heard a knock at the door.

"Damn that was fast." I said a little lightheaded and out-of-breath from our making out. The last minute was growing in intensity. I was practically on top of him.

"Yeah, it was..." Tom was also out-of-breath "...can we do this again soon?"

"Oh god yes." I smiled

There was another, more urgent knock. We both got up and fixed ourselves to look presentable. Tom put on his jacket, grabbed his things, and walked to the door. Opening the door revealed a soon to be relieved Luke, squirming and tapping his foot.

"Hi there!" he said extending his hand to me

"Hi." I shook his hand

"You must be E. Tom has told me all about you." Luke said. He was obviously feeling a little silly for getting so worried when Tom was just on a date.

"Yes that's me. Nice to meet you Luke." I said wanting to not make him feel bad for interrupting anything.

"Sorry to have to steal Tom away from you so suddenly, but I just got him a interview tomorrow morning, last minute thing."

I smiled "It's not a big deal, you gotta do watch you gotta do."

Luke looked at Tom "Shall we?"

"Yeah I'll be there in a second." Luke quickly made his way to the car and waited there for Tom.

"E, I'm so glad I got to spend this day with you. The only thing that isn't perfect is the fact that I'm leaving now." he took my hands in is.

"Yeah I agree with you there." I was starting to become sad.

"But just let me know you're schedule. Any free time at all, even if it's just lunch. Let me know?" His eagerness was charming.

"You betcha. Same goes for you okay?" I gripped his hands tighter

"Of course." he hunched over to kiss me. I stood on my tip toes in effort to make myself as tall as possible. He gave me one last deep kiss before leaving. I stood in my doorway and watched them pull out of my driveway and waved goodbye before going back inside. Today was the perfect day. I already missed him so much.