AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Yeah, sorry, Dom. It's just that it was so obvious to the rest of us. Right from the very beginning. We knew there was something special between the two of you." Logan smiled and patted me on the shoulder.
"No stress, Dom," Logan mused, his gentle eyes searching mine for any hint of doubt. "She's an amazing woman."
"She is," Austin agreed, clapping me on the back. "So just enjoy the feeling. When the pieces fall together, just enjoy it and don't build a spreadsheet around it." The table burst into laughter again. Shit, these guys knew me too well.
I chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through me. It meant the world to have my friends' support, and I knew they'd be there for me every step of the way.
"Watch out, boys! Our man Dominic has officially fallen head over heels!" Hugo teased, raising his glass in a mock toast. Laughter filled the air as my friends reveled in my confession.
"Love looks good on you, Dom," Logan chimed in, grinning broadly. "But seriously, how's Calla taking it?"
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, frustration gnawing at me. "That's the thing. I can't tell. She's... hard to read sometimes. I mean, the times we have together physically are off the charts," causing the boys to whoop and holler, "but when it gets to discussing serious things, like when I wand to get to know her better, it's like she clams up. I don't know what to do about it."
"Ah, the mysterious Calla," Austin mused, swirling his drink around in his glass. "Well, she's young. Maybe she just needs some time to get used to the idea, you know? Love isn't always an easy thing to accept, especially if you've been burned before. Unfortunately, there's not an algorithm to figure out here."
"Shit, Austin, that's deep," Hugo commented, earning a grin from Austin.
"Hey, even I can be insightful sometimes," he retorted playfully.
"Insightful" wasn't exactly the word I'd use to describe my friends most of the time, but they had a point. Even though Calla was young, maybe she'd had some past experiences that might have left her guarded and cautious, making it difficult for her to open up. I needed to be patient, to let her come around in her own time. Even though waiting and being patient wasn't my forté, I knew that's what I would have to do in this situation. Let go of the need to control it.
"Thanks, guys," I said genuinely, my heart swelling with gratitude. Their support meant the world to me. "I just want to make sure she knows how much I care about her without pushing her away. And, you don't think she's too young, do you?"
"If you like her, it doesn't matter what age she is. Shit, she might be older than you maturity-wise." Hugo started laughing. "Just kidding, amico mio. Just keep being you. Keep being open and she will come around. In your world, that might be something hard to accept at the moment," Hugo remarked, clapping me on the shoulder. "But if anyone can do it, it's you. Just write some kind of process and keep adding steps while you're in the 'waiting' phase."
"Good idea and damn right I can do this. I know she's worth it," I agreed, feeling a newfound sense of determination.
"Alright, enough of this lovey-dovey shit," Austin declared, waving down the bartender. "Let's get some more drinks and toast to Dominic's future romantic adventures."
"Here, here!" Logan echoed, raising his glass.
"Fuck it," I joined in, laughing. "To the rollercoaster of love!"
We clinked our glasses together, the sound of our laughter and camaraderie filling the air. No matter what happened with Calla, these moments with my friends were the ones that were going to get me through anything.
As the conversation flowed seamlessly from one light-hearted topic to another, I felt the weight of my worries lifting ever so slightly. My friends were right. I couldn't force Calla to trust me or bare her soul. All I could do was be there for her, support her, and yeah, love her.
And perhaps, with time and patience, she would come to see that what we had was worth opening up for.
Chapter 22
Calla
"Calla, let's grab a drink at the bar nearby. We could use some relaxation after this long day," Dominic suggested as we stepped out of the medical center. I couldn't help but smile at his proposal. The idea of unwinding with him outside of our professional environment was undeniably appealing.
"Sounds great, Dominic. I could definitely use a drink," I agreed, feeling a flutter of excitement in my stomach. It was rare for Dominic to suggest hanging out after work hours, and I couldn't help but wonder what had spurred this sudden change in attitude. He often worked late or went to the gym or bar with the guys.
We made our way down the street, the city lights glowing around us as dusk settled in. After a short walk, we arrived at a dimly lit bar that exuded an air of intimacy. As we entered, the warm glow of the candles on each table cast flickering shadows on the walls, creating a cozy atmosphere.
"Wow, this place is perfect," I murmured, taking it all in the surroundings around us.
"Isn't it?" Dominic replied, grinning. "I've been here a few times; they make a mean Old Fashioned."
"Lead the way, then," I said, gesturing for him to do so.
Weaving through the tables, Dominic guided us to a secluded corner booth, providing the privacy I craved. As we slid into the plush seating, he looked me right in the eyes, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. There was something electric between us tonight, and I couldn't deny the growing attraction I felt towards him.
"Cheers to surviving another day at the office," Dominic said, raising his glass once our drinks arrived.
