Run to You Page 4

  I look down at the floorboard of the truck, what is this man doing to me. “I can’t, Travis.”

  “You can’t what? Talk to me?” he asks with hurt in his voice.

  “This,” I motion between us, “I can’t do this with you, I already told you. I’m no good for you, I have a dark cloud around me and I-I won’t bring you into my world.” I don’t look up but I hear the sound of his truck door slam shut. Good, I think to myself, he needs to get as far away from me as possible. But, I don’t even get to finish the thought fully before my door swings open and I’m being lifted from my seat. My legs wrap around his body as he backs me up against the side of his truck.

  “Then let me be the sun that chases away those clouds. Let me be the one you run to when you need to run away from everything else.” He declares as he brings his lips back to mine. Every inch of my body melts into his. With one single sentence he manages to smash through the walls I have worked so hard to build up all these years. We’re both screwed. After the initial shock wears off from his declaration I finally start talking.

  “Where are we anyways?” I ask, still in his arms. I can see some water in the distance, it’s surrounded by tall grass and trees. I can hear a few birds in the distance but no other sounds. It’s very serene, I reluctantly climb down from him and start to walk toward the water.

  “It’s an old fishing pond, at the back of the University. Nobody comes out here anymore.” He answers, lacing his fingers through mine. I’m surprised and scared at how his touch is already affecting me. We stop in the shade under one of the trees near the water. He sits with his back leaning up against the tree’s trunk and positions me in front of me, his knees on either side of me. My back falls into his chest, it feels so natural there, like it’s been there before, one of his hands is wrapped around my waist, while the other is tangled up with one of my hands. My free hand goes down and places itself over the hand around my waist. I close my eyes and just enjoy this new feeling. His breath is warm against my cheek as he exhales gently. For a moment I forget why I was crying in the first place.

  “I like this,” he says softly, “you like this, in my arms. I can’t describe it Chloe and you’re probably thinking I’m insane, but I don’t know…it just feels right.” He admits as he kisses my cheek. I didn’t think he was insane at all, I felt the exact same way. You read about it all the time, girl meets boy and gets swept off her feet…love at first sight. You always think it’s impossible until it happens to you. Until you meet someone that your soul just feels like it’s known forever. I feel like I don’t even have to be looking at him to feel him, to feel the way he affects me.

  “What happened today Chloe?” his question brings reality crashing back down to me.

  “It’s complicated, Travis. I’m not sure I want you to go running for the hills before we even get started,” I laugh nervously.

  “I’m not the one whose always running, Chloe,” he turns my body to face his, keeping his arms wrapped around me as if preparing for me to run.

  “It happened a long time ago, I thought it was over but now…now I’m not so sure,” I say, the realty of that statement sinks in and I feel my heartrate increase. As if sensing my fear, Travis tightens his arms around me.

  “Okay, let’s start from the beginning then,’ he says.

  “I can’t, Travis…I just can’t, not yet,” I say, seeing the hurt in his eyes, “maybe someday but not today. I-uh-I need to get back, my first class should be starting soon. Travis stares at me for a minute, reluctant to drop it.

  “Yeah, okay Chloe. I’ll take you back, but someday, we are having this talk.” He states, telling me he’s no longer asking.

  The drive back to my dorm is shorter than I thought it would be. Neither of us spoke a word, when we pull up next to my building Travis quickly got out and opened my door. He walks me up to the housing entrance, “Have a good first day, text me later okay,” he says after kissing my forehead. I just nod and watch him walk back to his truck. There is something so intimate about a forehead kiss. I never noticed it before, it’s unspoiled and tender, if that makes sense. His sudden absence makes me uneasy, when had that happened?

  Travis

  I haven’t felt this alive in a long time. Happiness isn’t something I do anymore, or at least it wasn’t until Chloe came crashing into my life. She’s amazing. The past few days have flown by. Chloe and I text all day long, with her having class and me running my company we haven’t seen each other a whole lot.

  I haven’t told her about my business yet, I need to make sure I can trust her completely. I need to know how she feels about me first, without all the rest. I owe that fear to Sam. I’ve come a long way since that day, I never thought I’d feel for anyone again after Sam. You think you know someone and that you’ll have forever together but then it all comes crashing down in an instant. Your world turns a complete 180 and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.

  I often have nightmares about that night, it still haunts me to this day. Sometimes I can swear I hear her sobbing, sometimes I can clearly make out the sound of that gun click. I shake my head, no…I’m not going there. I promised myself that I would move on, that I wouldn’t beat myself up about what happened again. I won’t let what happened with Sam ruin my chances with Chloe. Chloe isn’t Sam. She’s strong.

  I’m sitting at my desk when Caleb calls me, Caleb owns a law firm and he’s one of my biggest clients.

  “Hello,” I answer.

  “Ah McGuire…how’s my favorite head of security doing this fine autumn day?” Caleb asks. He always calls me by my last name. I think it’s just a thing he does, he does that to everyone.

  “Doin alright boss, how are things at Retribution? Anything I should know about?” I ask.

  “No. No, things are running superbly. Your system is working like a dream as always.” He replies.

  “Well that’s good to hear Cal. So what do I owe the pleasure of this call then?” I ask.

  “Just checking in, wanted to let you know we are most likely going to have some new hires come on board soon. I have a few special people in mind and I may need some background checks done soon.”

  “No problem, just let me know the details when you’re ready.” I say.

  “Excellent, well enjoy your day McGuire. I’ll talk to ya later.”

  Caleb was my first client when I opened my business. He actually sought me out, said he had been following my progress for a while. He’s an okay guy. Youngest firm owner I know. He’s done well for himself, very smart and business savvy. I remember when I first started my company. There were a lot of people who doubted my ability, but I proved them wrong. I should think about returning to Brighton University take some classes to further my education but I just don’t have the time. Brian comes home and we head to the gym for a few hours. When we get back I check my emails and kick back to watch the fights with the guys.

  “Hey man, you want to go play a round at Hemingway tomorrow?” Brian asks while shoveling some nachos in his mouth.

  “Oh uh I actually have plans with Chloe tomorrow, haven’t seen her all week.” I admit.

  “Come on man, we never get to go there, they won’t let us in without you. Pleeeease.” Brian begs.

  “Fine, but we do an early tee time so we can be done by 1pm.” I cave.

  I hope Chloe isn’t too upset about the hiccup in our day. I’m sure she’ll cool, that’s one of the things I like about her. If she’s mad I’m sure she’ll let me know, she has no problem speaking her mind. It’s actually kind of sexy at times, the way she stomps her foot and throws a fit. It was never like that with Sam, she would always fight or argue with me but never like Chloe. She held grudges, if I pissed her off in the morning I’d be lucky if she was speaking to me again two days later. Took her forever to get over the smallest things. Chloe’s ability to speak up for herself and then forgive is only one of the amazing qualities she possess.

  I actually haven’t found one thing about I d
islike. It saddens me that I’ll never get to introduce her to my dad. He would have loved her I’m sure. It’s hard not having any family around sometimes. I miss the small things like family dinners or even birthday parties. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed either of those things. Brian’s family welcomed me in with open arms after I lost my dad. I’ve spent the last few Thanksgiving’s with them. I’m hoping this year I’ll get to spend it with Chloe.

  Chloe

  I haven’t seen Travis all week but we text every day. It’s Friday night and we are supposed to get together and watch a movie at his apartment. The week has been pretty boring, my classes are good, I’m learning a lot. So far I’ve made a few friends here and there, well maybe not friends; more like acquaintances. But hey its progress right? I have this unsettling feeling that this week is the calm before the storm. I tried to call Mac a couple times yesterday but he didn’t answer and so far he hasn’t called me back which is odd for him. He is probably out on a call or something.

  I’m in the middle of typing a report for my English Literature class, when a chat box pops up on the bottom of my screen. I stare at the blinking alert for a few moments, wondering who it could be. I look around my room, not sure what I’m hoping to find but I do it anyways. Once I click the little flashing icon a message pops up.

  Are you a law student looking for extra money? Are you currently seeking a part time job at a fast paced law firm to help you boost your career? Well have I got the opportunity of a life time for you! Simply bring in your resume and a current list of classes you’re enrolled in to the address at the bottom of this screen, tomorrow at noon. Dress for success and we hope to see you there. Click here to confirm.

  Well that was strange. I am looking for a part time job and a Law Firm would be ideal. After pondering for a few minutes I click the confirm button and get to work on my resume. I decide to text Travis and let him know, maybe he will want to drive me since he knows the area better than I do.

  -hey there handsome, are you busy? I need a favor

  His response is instant.

  -just watching the fight with the guys, you’re in luck I love doing favors for beautiful women ;-)

  I laugh at his response.

  -just how many beautiful women are we talking about here? I may have to rethink this.

  His next reply takes a few seconds and I start to get nervous. I am about to type him a just kidding so he knows I’m joking when his reply lights up my screen.

  -there is only one beautiful woman in my eyes and she has the brightest blue ones I’ve ever had the pleasure of getting lost in. what can I do for you sweetheart? Whatever it is, I’m in.

  I’m speechless, I don’t deserve this man. He knows nothing about me, yet he knows everything.

  -I need a ride to a law firm down town tomorrow, it’s called Retribution?

  That’s a strange name for a law firm, but hey who am I to judge. I mean it is kind of perfect if you think about it. Most of the time when people need an attorney it’s almost never for good purposes. My phone lights up again.

  -Ha! Yes I know it, that’s my firm…well not mine but the one I run security on. Why do you need to go there?

  And this firm just because my dream job come true, I am now more determined than ever to nail this interview.

  -I got a part time job offer pop up on my screen telling me to bring in my resume and what not

  -who’s the interview with? I’ve never heard of them sending pop ups on computers to people, that could lead to breaches in internet security.

  -so you think it’s a prank or something?

  Disappointment washes over me, of course it would too good to be true.

  -Let me make some calls and I’ll get back to you, keep working on that resume…if it’s not legit I still may be able to get you in, if that’s something you want

  If that’s something I want? Was he serious, of course it’s something I want? Dream job where I get to see him every day while going to school for a job I am passionate about

  -of course it’s something I want! It would be perfect!

  I was going on ten minutes now waiting for a reply, he must be making those phone calls he talked about. I decide to try to call Mac again, he answers this time.

  “Hey kiddo, how are you?” he asks.

  “I’m good Mac, great actually,” I beam. “How are you? How’s my dad?”

  “Uh, you’re great? Did I hear that correctly?” he chuckles. “We’re good here, same shit different day, you know. So tell me what’s got you in such a great mood.”

  “I have a job interview tomorrow,” not a complete lie, “I also um, well I’m kinda seeing someone.”

  “Seeing someone? Since when? I just talked to you last week, didn’t I?” he asks with concern.

  “Relax, I said kinda,” I laugh, “We met a few weeks ago, he’s super nice and I think you would like him a lot.”

  “Is that so? Well, I won’t say I approve, but then again not really my place. As long as you’re happy kiddo then Hell I’m happy. It’s been far too long since we’ve heard you laugh. It’s a good sound.”

  Tears start to pool up in my eyes, “Thanks Mac.”

  “So uh…Thanksgiving holiday is coming up you know? Any chance you’ll be here to have a meal with a couple of old guys like us?”

  Thanksgiving, I hadn’t thought about that. Going back to that town was the last thing I wanted to do. I miss my dad and Mac, don’t get me wrong but I hate that town. It would be my first Thanksgiving without my dad, I wasn’t sure how to I felt about that.

  “I-uh…I don’t know yet Mac, guess it depends on how well this interview goes tomorrow. I may have to work over break.” I say, making excuses.

  “Yeah, okay kiddo that makes sense. Look, um if you need to talk tomorrow you call me anytime okay.”

  Tomorrow? Why would I need to talk….no…no…no, tomorrow was not that day, not yet. I quickly find my calendar on the wall and there it is staring back at me, taunting me. October 23rd. The day that will haunt me forever.

  “Chloe? You still there kiddo?” Mac asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

  “Yeah, yeah Mac…uh sounds good, I’ll call ya later okay,” I hung up quickly and sank onto my bed.

  How had this day snuck up on me? Have I really been so distracted lately that it slipped my mind? My phone lights up again, it’s Travis.

  -okay, so what do I get out of this whole favor deal? Cuz I’m thinking you are going to owe me big time.

  I laugh at his response.

  -gee whatever will I do? I guess it depends on how good the news you have for me is ;-)

  My phone starts ringing, “Spill,” I say as I answer.

  “Well hello to you too blue eyes. It’s lovely to hear from you. How is your day going?” he teases.

  “Stop stalling,” I reply and wait with anticipation. After a few moments of silence I cave in. “Ugh...fine I’ll play…hello to you handsome, my day is going fine so far but I am hopeful it’s about to get a lot better. How is your day going?

  That’s exactly what he wanted to hear because he spills.

  “Well that wasn’t so hard now was it?” he laughs.

  “Grr…come on Travis you’re killing me here,” I groan.

  “Hmmm…you growl at me like that again and I might have to come deliver this news in person,” he says with all humor gone from his voice. My cheeks redden as my body feels with heat.

  “Sorry,” I reply shyly.

  He laughs, “It’s all good darlin, so your news. Turns out it was a legit message, the head honchos sent it out to all the law students this semester. Apparently they have already done a little homework on your grades and pin pointed a few that they had special interest in. When I mentioned your name, my boss seemed happy that I knew you. He said that if I would vouch for you, you could start on Monday after your classes. I will bring you in to fill out paperwork and do a small face to face meet and greet.”

  “Oh my gosh! Thank yo
u thank you thank you,” I squeal. “You’re amazing!”

  “Well I don’t want to toot my own horn but….honk! honk!” he replies.

  “You do not have an actual horn over there do you? Because that sounded oddly perfect,” I joke.

  “I do actually, I happen to keep one on hand for just such occasions,” he replies smugly.

  “Wow, I don’t know if I should feel pity for you or impressed,” I laugh.

  “Let’s go with impressed, it’s definitely better for my ego.” We both laugh. “Seriously though, we should celebrate. How about dinner tomorrow night?”

  “Tomorrow night? I’m not going to see you until then?” I pout.

  “Ah, come on blue eyes don’t make me feel guiltier than I already do. I promised the guys that I would go play golf with them in the morning. We have a 7am tee time.”

  “You golf?” I ask, trying to picture him in a polo shirt and those hideous golfing shorts.

  “There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet,” he chuckles. “We will have to fix that. You going to be okay til I get back?”

  “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” trying to hide the panic in my voice. He couldn’t know what tomorrow was, we haven’t had that discussion yet.

  “Just checking. Listen, I gotta go it’s getting late and I have to be up early tomorrow. But I’ll have my phone so feel free to text me or call me anytime okay?”

  “Oh, yeah of course. Have fun. Goodnight Travis.” I say with a smile on my face.

  “Goodnight blue eyes, sweet dreams,” he says before ending the call.

  I toss my phone onto the night stand and crawl under my covers. It’s been quiet today without Katie around. She has some cheer convention all weekend, they left this morning. I don’t miss those, a bunch of perky girls crammed into a bus for hours. No thank you.