43

Chapter 43

Our uneven breaths filled the silence as we lay together, my head resting on Richard's chest. His heartbeat echoed beneath my ear, calming me as the passion faded. His arm wrapped around me, holding me close, while his fingers gently traced soothing patterns on my back.

"You okay?" Richard's voice broke the silence.

I lifted my head to meet his gaze. "Yeah," I replied softly. "Are you?"

He nodded. "Better now."

I turned toward the painting on the wall opposite his bed. It was the same one that had caught my attention during the gala dinner, the one with two figures standing apart, their arms outstretched but unable to touch.

"I see you purchased that painting," I said, gesturing toward it.

Richard's lips quirked into a faint smile. "I did."

"Why?" I asked, my brow furrowing. "You said you weren't into art.

He sighed, glancing at the painting before meeting my eyes again. "Because I saw how it made you feel. The way your eyes lit up when you looked at it... I couldn't let it go to anyone else."

"Richard... you didn't have to do that."

"I wanted to," he said firmly. "It reminds me of us. So close, yet for so long, so far apart. And Carl, you deserve nice things. If that painting brought you even a fraction of the joy it brought me to see you admire it, then it was worth every penny."

His words left me speechless. I hadn't expected such thoughtfulness and sincerity from him. Overwhelmed, I leaned in and kissed him softly, my lips lingering against his.

"Thank you," I whispered when I pulled away. "And I'm sorry... for everything. I feel like I don't deserve you."

His gaze softened as he brushed his thumb over my cheek. "I forgive you," he said tenderly. "And don't ever say you don't deserve me. You do, Carl. You mean more to me than you know."

My eyes stung, and I nodded, unable to find the words to respond. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a flicker of happiness, warm and bright. But I couldn't shake the feeling that everything was coming to an end, like the calm before a storm. I rested my head against his chest again, letting the steady beat of his heart soothe me. Still, there was one thing I needed to address.

"I need to talk to Damien," I said after a quiet moment

Richard frowned, his fingers pausing on my back. "Why?"

"Because he's my friend," I explained. "And I don't want this to hang over us. He deserves to know where I stand."

Richard's expression darkened, but he didn't argue. "When are you planning on doing this?"

"This weekend," I said. "I thought I'd visit him at the bakery. I feel like it'll be easier to have an honest conversation there."

He shifted beneath me, his jaw tightening. "You don't owe him an explanation, Carl. He kissed you, remember? That wasn't your fault."

"I know," I said, placing a hand on his chest. "But he's still my friend, and I care about him. I just want to clear the air... for everyone's sake."

Richard exhaled slowly, his fingers lightly drumming on my back. "Fine. But I'm going with you."

I raised an eyebrow. "You're going to stand there while I talk to Damien?"

"Exactly," he said, smirking. "And after you're done, we're going on a date. A real one. Just the two of us."

I scoffed, shaking my head. "I knew there was a reason you were okay with this."

"And you're agreeing to it," he shot back, his smirk growing wider.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress my smile. "Fine. It's a deal."

Richard's hand slid down to rest lightly on my arm. "One more thing."

"What is it?" I asked, tilting my head to meet his gaze.

"Stay the night," he said.

I blinked, caught off guard. "You want me to stay?"

"Yes," he said simply, his eyes pleading.

For a moment, I hesitated. But the vulnerability in his expression broke down my defenses, and I gave in.

"Okay," I said softly. "I'll stay."

The apprehension in his face melted away instantly. He pulled me close again, his arms strong and secure around me, as if he never wanted to let go.

*********

The weekend arrived faster than I expected. As Richard and I approached Damien's bakery, the familiar scent of fresh bread and pastries wafted through the air. The shop was lively, bustling with activity.

Richard held the door open for me, his hand brushing mine as I stepped inside. I noticed the tension in his jaw as his eyes searched the room for Damien. He found him behind the counter, smiling as he chatted with a customer.

"I'll wait here," Richard said, nodding toward a corner table near the window. "You two can talk outside. I'll be watching."

I shot him a look but didn't argue. This was already pushing the boundaries of his comfort zone, and I appreciated that he was letting me do this.

Damien spotted me as I approached the counter, his smile faltering slightly. "Carl," he said, his voice warm but cautious. "This is a surprise."

"Hey," I said, managing a small smile. "Do you have a minute? I'd like to talk."

He hesitated, glancing at the line forming behind me, but then nodded. "Let me grab someone to cover for me. We can step outside."

A few minutes later, we stood on the sidewalk. Damien shoved his hands into his pockets, his posture unusually tense.

"What's on your mind?" he asked me.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "Damien, I wanted to talk about what happened. About the kiss."

He looked away, his expression hardening. "I shouldn't have done that. I know it was wrong, and I'm sorry if I made things complicated for you."

"You did," I said quietly, "but I don't feel the same way."

Damien's gaze met mine before drifting to Richard who was watching us from inside the bakery. "It's him, isn't it?"

I nodded, not bothering to deny it.

Damien let out a frustrated sigh, shaking his head. "I knew it. I saw the way he looked at you, the way you looked at him. I guess I just hoped..."

"That there was a chance?" I finished softly. "I get it. But I don't want to lose you as a friend, Damien. You're important to me and I want us to be okay."

He was quiet for a moment, his gaze dropping to the ground. Finally, he nodded. "We'll be fine. I just need some time."

"Take all the time you need," I said, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. "Just remember, I'm still your friend. I'm here whenever you need me."

As I turned to head back into the bakery, I caught Richard's gaze through the window. His face was calm, but I could see the tension in his posture. When I stepped inside, he stood immediately, his eyes scanning me for any sign of distress.

"Well?" he asked as we stepped outside together.

"It's done." I said, letting out a breath of relief. "I told him I just want to be friends."

Richard's shoulders relaxed a little, and a small smile appeared on his face. "Good. Now, let's go. We've got a date to get to."