17 Maybe she does.

"I'm safe in your arms,

Your arms of love,

I'm safe in your arms,

Your arms of love"

-----------------------------------------

-ELIZABETH-

"Miss me already?"

I hear him chuckle on the other end, "You're getting more big-headed everyday Mrs. Arrogant."

"I learn from the best Mr. Arrogant."

"What time does your shift end?"

"Technically, it was over at lunch but I plan to stay the whole day."

"No you don't, I'm coming to get you."

"I want to- Hello? Hello?" he cut the phone on me.

I sigh and walk to where Gertrude is putting new books in the children's fiction section.

"Trudy."

"Yes sugar?"

"It looks like I won't be able to stay the whole day." I sigh.

"I told you I'd be okay; you can't keep working overtime and refusing to accept extra pay."

"Trudy, I told you I don't need the money."

"Go home sugar." She gives me her 'No room for negotiation' look.

I sigh "Okay I'll go home." I give her a hug "Thank you for being so good to me Trudy"

"Of course sugar,and thank you for being even better to me. now get going your boyfriend's waiting."

I release from the hug and narrow my eyes "How did you-"

Someone clears their throat from behind me, I turn to find Mark with his arms crossed looking at me smirking.

I turn back to Gertrude and kiss her cheek "Bye Trudie."

"Have fun sugar." she winks

With my face covered in blush, I turn on my heels, link arms with Mark and walk out of the library.

"So," he starts, "your boyfriend?"

I don't turn to him, but I know he has the biggest smirk on his face "She doesn't know what she's talking about." We get to his car and he opens the door for me.

"Maybe she does." He says before closing the door.

What does that mean?

I feel heat rise to my cheeks. Is he about to ask me?

He enters his side of the car and I turn to face him, "What do you mean 'maybe she does'?" I ask, wide eyed.

"What?" he asks nonchalantly.

"you just said 'maybe she does'."

"What are you talking about?" he puts the back of his hand to my forehead as if checking my temperature "Are you feeling okay? You look really red."

I put my hand on my cheeks in attempt to stop myself from blushing and look out the window.

I release an exasperated sigh then, in the window, I see Mark's smirking reflection.

He is such an expert at making me feel embarrassed.

Mark starts the car and we drive off to my apartment building.

As routine, Mark gets out of the car to open my door for me, and offers me a hand to walk us into the building.

We get to the door, "You wanna come in?" I ask.

Mark smirks "Sure."

We walk into the house and I immediately take my heels off.

"What do you wanna do?" I put my bag down on the coffee table in my living room.

"You're very indirect; f you want to rip my clothes off, just ask. I wouldn't refuse." Mark winks.

I scoff "Oh please, you're overly self confident, Mark."

"Of course I a, have you seen me?"

I roll my eyes to which he chuckles, "I'm kidding. Let's watch a movie." He sits down on the couch.

I hand him the remote, "You pick, I'll get us snacks."

After getting our snacks, I come back to find him sitting comfortably on the couch, with the first few buttons of his shirt open, showing his gold chain and a bit of his chest. Looking undeniably gorgeous.

I put the snacks down and say "I'm going to get changed."

He frowns, "What's wrong with what you're wearing now?"

"It's uncomfortable. I'll be right back." And with that, I turn and go to my room.

I put on a pair of shorts and a plain t-shirt and head back into the living room, "What did you pick?"

He looks up from his phone, acknowledging my presence. A light smile touches his lips as he looks me up and down for a moment. Of course, making me blush.

"The fault in our stars." I make my way to sit next to him.

I laugh "Have you watched it before?"

"No. What's funny?"

"I just thought you'd choose something a little more masculine."

He shrugs and plays the movie.

We're about five minutes in the movie but I can't focus on it because the only thing on my mind is the uncomfortable space between us.

I look at him and he looks back at me and arches an eyebrow.

Unsure of what to do, I look away.

He then moves closer and puts an arm around me, as if sensing my discomfort. I snuggle into him while blushing.

He smells like his car, but the real deal. His hard body provides a great comfort unachievable by any pillow or stuffed animal.

I feel as his chest rises and falls in steady breaths, his one hand holding the bowl of popcorn, the other wrapped around me. His soft hand softly touches my arm and his thumb runs circles on it giving me goosebumps.

I feel warm in his hold.

We continue to watch the movie cuddling, and him providing me with comfort while i sob like a baby because of the film.

After finishing the first movie, we watch almost three more and the day begins to fall, making way for the night.

Before I know it, I find my eyes getting heavy and darkness consumes them.

-MARK-

I feel her breathing become slow and heavy, signifying that she's asleep.

First, I take the popcorn off my lap then I pause the movie and pick her up carefully.

In attempt to keep her from waking, I walk slowly and take her to her room.

I lay her on to her bed and just as I try to move away, she grabs onto my wrist.

"Sorry." I whisper, realizing that I have woken her.

"Thank you." She whispers.

I furrow my eyebrows, "For what?"

"For everything." she smiles sweetly.

I feel my heart grow and I reciprocate her smile, carefully, I remove her grip from my wrist and put her hand onto the bed, "Anytime." I whisper.

She pulls the covers over her and snuggles into bed with a satisfied smile.

I lean down and place a kiss on her forehead making her blush instantaneously, and cover her face with the blanket.

She's so adorable.

"Goodnight." I whisper and leave her room, quietly closing the door behind me.

I exit her apartment and dial Frank's number,

"Yeah?"

"Make sure to watch closely Frank, keep her safe at all costs...please."

"Don't worry Mark, we'll keep your girl safe."

I sigh and walk out of the apartment building.

++++++

Song: Safe in your arms by Josh Baldwin.

A/N

I know this song is a Christian song and he's singing to God, but I find those lyrics very beautiful and very fitting.

✔