Chapter 4

Gideon eye's narrowed slightly as if he was searching for some hidden truth within my answer. I could feel my heart racing, Unsure how he react he would react to my honesty. After a moment of silence, he sighed and looked away.

"Well," he began, his voice tangled with disappointment, it is not an easy question to answer, I understand that"

Gideon's eyes narrowed slightly as if he were searching for some hidden truth within my answer. I could feel my heart racing, unsure of how he would react to my honesty. After a moment of silence, he sighed and looked away.

"Well," he began, his voice tinged with disappointment, "it's not an easy question to answer, I understand that."

I could sense his underlying frustration, but I wasn't sure if it was directed towards me or the situation as a whole. Gideon had been there for me when I felt lost and confused, despite meeting a stranger for the first time, he was ready to listen and help out. But now, as we sat in this crowded restaurant, the weight of my emotions began to press down on me.

"It's just... complicated," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Gideon's gaze flickered back to me, an understanding look in his eyes. "I get it. Love can be messy, especially when you've been hurt."

His words hit me like a wave, crashing over my defenses. I had been hurt, deeply, by the man I once loved. And now, as I sat here with Gideon, a man who had shown nothing but kindness and support, I couldn't help but feel guilty for still holding onto those complicated feelings. It wasn't fair to Gideon, who had done nothing wrong.

"I don't want to hurt you, Gideon," I said, my voice filled with sincerity. "You've been amazing to me, and I appreciate everything. But I can't deny that there's still a part of me that feels something for him."

Gideon nodded his expression a mix of understanding and sadness. "I understand, truly. And I don't want to force you into anything you're not ready for."

The waiter returned with our food and wine, and we fell into a comfortable silence as we ate.

The tension between us lingered, though, and I knew we needed to address it sooner rather than later. With each bite of my meal, I felt a heaviness in my chest, a longing for clarity and resolution.

Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, I set down my fork and looked at Gideon with determination in my eyes. "Gideon, I care about you. I do. But I can't ignore the fact that I still have unanswered questions and unresolved feelings. And until I figure that out, I don't think it's fair to either of us to continue down this path."

Gideon's eyes widened slightly, surprise evident on his face. "Are you saying…?"

"I'm saying that I need some time," I interrupted. "Time to sort through my emotions, to figure out what I truly want. I can't give you what you deserve if I'm still unsure about my own heart."

His gaze softened, a mixture of understanding and sadness. "I can respect that. Take all the time you need, and know that I'll be here for you, no matter what."

There was a bittersweet ache in my chest as I looked at the man before me. Gideon had been sweet, my comfort in this rough time. But to truly move forward, I needed to confront my demons and find healing within myself. And whether that led me back to him or down a different path entirely, I had to be honest about my own needs.

As we finished our meal in quiet contemplation, I couldn't bring myself to stare at him, I felt uncomfortable. Gideon signals the waiter, paying the bills.

"You drove here or you took a taxi," he asked, concern

"Taxi" I whispered, my voice barely audible

"Then you won't mind If I drop you off, it will be a shame if I didn't" he continued

"You don't have to Gideon, am fine" I tried to persuade him.

"I insist" he stood up, picking up his car keys from the table, waiting patiently for me to stand up. "I could wait all day"

I sighed. "You are so adamant" I whispered smiling

"I Will take that as a compliment thank you" he responded following me behind as I started to make my way towards the exit.

as I started to make my way towards the exit.

As we stepped outside, the cool evening air hit my face, providing some relief from the tension that had been building up throughout dinner. I couldn't help but notice how Gideon's presence seemed to bring a sense of calmness to me, even in moments of unease.

We walked in silence towards his car, the sound of our footsteps echoing against the quiet streets. Gideon unlocked the doors, holding them open for me like a true gentleman. I couldn't deny that his thoughtfulness and concern touched me in a way I hadn't expected.

As I settled into the passenger seat, Gideon closed the door gently before making his way to the driver's side. The engine rumbled to life, breaking the silence that had enveloped us. We started on our journey, with only the soft hum of the car filling the space between us.

I glanced at Gideon, noticing the firm set of his jaw and the intensity in his eyes as he focused on the road ahead. It was clear to me that he was a man who took his responsibilities seriously, whether it be paying the bill or making sure I got home safely.

I leaned back in my seat, appreciating the comfortable silence that enveloped us. It was as if words weren't necessary, as if our unspoken connection was enough to bridge the gap between us. At that moment, I realized that Gideon's persistence was not about control or imposing himself, but rather a genuine concern for my well-being.

As we pulled up in front of my apartment building, Gideon turned off the engine and turned to face me. His eyes bore into mine, searching for something. I could feel my heart race in anticipation, unsure of what he was looking for.

"You know," he started softly, "whatever you're going through, whatever you're hiding, you don't have to face it alone. I'm here for you if you'll let me."

His words struck a chord within me, stirring a mix of emotions I had tried to bury. In that moment, I realized that allowing Gideon into my life might just be the key to finding the strength to confront my demons.

I reached out, taking his hand in mine, feeling the warmth and reassurance it offered. With a nod of agreement, I whispered, "Thank you, Gideon. I appreciate it more than words can say."

I unlocked the door of his car and stepped out, his eyes still fixated on me, walking towards my front porch, I paused, turning back to stare at him.

"You want to come," I asked

Gideon stared at me, confused, before stepping out of the car. He locked his car door and walked behind me. I felt nervous, but I wanted to invite him in.

I fumble with my keys finally unlocking the door and inviting him. He stepped in, his eyes took in the scenario in front of him.

"Cozy place" he complimented

"Thanks," I answered taking off my blazar and dropping it on the couch behind me. "Care for a drink" I asked

He nodded no, his eyes fixated on me, the entire room fell silent as he stared at me, moving closer, his hand slowly brushing the strand of hair off my face.

Our eyes interlocked, and time stopped as Gideon's hand traced the curve of my cheek, I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body.

Our breath-synchronized as we gazed into each other eyes, lost in the intensity of the moment. The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the soft hum of the air conditioner.

In that instant, I knew that Gideon was different from any other man I had ever met. There was a depth to his gaze that spoke of a connection that was beyond physical attraction. It was as if we were two halves of a whole and in that moment, we were finally complete.

Without breaking our gaze, Gideon leaned in and brushed his lips against mine.

The kiss was gentle at first, but soon it deepened, sending shivers down my spine. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer, and lost myself in the passion of the moment.

Slowly he picked me up, leading me upstairs to the bedroom, and kissing me passionately, we struggled with the door lock till it finally gave in, stepping in, I stripped him of his shirt, a smile curled at the end of his lips.

"Aren't you a feisty one" he murmured

I smiled feeling embarrassed, I pulled him closer, feeling the hardness of his chest.

I gasped, "Shut up and fuck me" I whispered into his ears

Without hesitating he dropped onto the bed, sliding his hand underneath my dress.

"You drive me crazy Harper Fredrick" ….,