Part 34 - Soft Side

I spent the night at my house with Eve. She came by to help me with my bad mood and constant crying. That's what best friends are for, right? She even spent the night here, sleeping with me on my bed. The whole day I couldn't stop myself from crying. I felt so bad about Malcolm, how I made him feel betrayed. It was never my intention, I really wanted us to work but seems like my instincts didn't want to let go of Downey. If I could resist him and his flirting, like I wanted, I wouldn't be in this situation.

Eve helped my the following day too. She got permission to leave her work early and even came by for her lunch break. She brought me something to eat since I was completely out of the mood to cook or eat. If she hadn't brought me food I'd probably stay in my seat and starve myself. She witnessed me eat because she said she didn't trust that I would actually eat after she left.

Turns out she was right because the hours she wasn't here I didn't even think about eating. All I did was look at my laptop screen fooling myself by thinking I was working and eventually tear up or cry at the mess I've created with my life. I'm an awful person, I knew that already. But hearing Malcolm, someone who cares about me, saying it broke me.

When Eve came by after her work she found me in my mess, with dark circles under my eyes from the lack of sleep and the crying. She did everything to make me feel better and it kind of worked. Music, talking, comforting, keeping me occupied and away from my thoughts. I don't know how many times she told me everything will be okay but I actually started to believe it.

"Any news?" she asks me when she sees I'm checking my phone.

"No sign of Malcolm" I sigh.

I know I probably made things worse but I texted him. He didn't text me back nor called me.

"What about Downey?"

That's a different story, he texted me to see how I'm doing but I wasn't in the mood to start a conversation so I replied distantly. He made another attempt to reach me but I really didn't know what to say to him so I ignored him.

"You know, the same" I shake my head.

She fake smiles and hugs me softly. We finally reached the point where this hug doesn't bring tears to my eyes for reminding me of my true feeling but instead it makes me feel better.

We ordered a pizza and stayed on the couch until it was already night. A movie kept us company. A comedy obviously because if I saw a tiny bit of romance I would burst out in tears immediately.

The only thing that got me up from the couch was the sudden sharp sound coming from my buzzer. I went to the camera suspiciously, I didn't know who it was. The camera easily showed me it was Downey since he was looking straight at it like he was starring in The Office.

"Downey?" I ask surprised.

"Let me in, please" he says softly.

I look at Eve who is looking at me equally shocked. I'm a mess, I don't want him seeing me like that. And it's strangely late for him to be here.

I buzz him in and wait for him by the door. In a couple of minutes he steps out of the elevator and looking straight at me he walks determined closer to me. When he's at the door, right in front of me, he makes his move and brings his hands on my face while pulling me in for a kiss.

It's just as rough as it needs to be, mainly sensual and emotional. We're moving backwards while tasting each other's lips. My hands are also on his body, feeling him as much as I can. Neither one of us wants to break that kiss, we want to take in as much as we can of each other. We finally have to pull apart to catch our breaths. His forehead is pressed against mine and he's looking right into my eyes. His very expressive eyes are now only focused on mine.

I'm breathless, speechless, overwhelmed. It's the first time in two days that a smile is formed on my lips. Is this really all I wanted to feel happy? Downey? He smiles too at my reaction and seems relieved.

"Hello, Downey" Eve speaks to catch our attention. She sounds shocked, probably from what she witnessed.

"What the -? Who are you and how do you know my name?" Downey jumps from the unexpected voice coming from the living room.

"This is Eve, my best friend" I explain and shut the door since its been left open from before.

"That's me and I know a lot about you" Eve says and raises her eyebrow.

Downey gives me a judgemental look and I sigh while pressing my lips together and shrug.

"I'll leave you two to it" she says smirking and collects all her stuff.

"You don't have to go" I say feeling bad.

"Don't worry, I have to go by my house anyway"

"Fine" I sigh and follow her outside.

I pull the door almost closed and look at her. She's smiling at me.

"Really, don't leave because of him. You've been standing by me these two days, I don't want you leaving like that"

"Baby, I didn't see you smile like that ever since I came. You know I don't really approve of him but at least you seem happy" she smiles kindly.

I smile too and we share a strong hug.

"By the way, he's so much hotter than the pictures" she whispers giggling.

"I know, right?" I giggle back and then we get serious again.

"Don't forget he's married, Liv. You have to think clearly and sort things out" she exhales heavily.

"I know, I know" I agree.

"Go back, he's waiting" she smiles again and pulls the elevator's door.

"Thank you" I smile to her and she smiles back before leaving.

I take a deep breath and go back inside. Downey's standing still and waiting for me by the living room. I turn off the TV, which was still playing the movie from earlier.

"I'm so glad you were with Eve and not with Malcolm" he smiles and sits with me on the couch.

"Well, he doesn't really want to talk to me right now or ever" I shake my head.

"That's his loss" Downey says softly and rests his hand on my knee.

"How are you here? It's late" I question him.

"I found an excuse, don't worry about it" he replies and I nod.

"You look tired, baby" he whispers and wraps me inside his arms.

"That's because I am" I sigh and shut my eyes, enjoying the feeling of his chest.

"You wanna go lie down?" he asks surprising me again.

"You're staying here?" my eyes half closed trying to figure him out.

"If you want me to" he replies looking down at me.

I just look at him and nod. I don't know what excuse he found but I'm glad it worked. We stand up and I find him in my bedroom after I'm done with what other chores I needed to do. He's getting undressed, his suit already gone, his shirt unbuttoned and his tie loose. He notices I'm looking at him and he freezes.

"You don't really expect me to sleep in my suit, right?" he asks frightened.

"I-I didn't think about it" I try to keep my eyes off him by laying under the bed sheets.

When I turn to see him again he's stepping out of his pants, staying only in his boxers. For his age he has a very good looking body, I could really look at the sight forever.

"Don't even think about it, you're not in your right mind right now" he says covering his bulge with his hand.

"It didn't even cross my mind" I lie and then he joins me under the sheets.

"I'm sure it didn't" he smirks and places a kiss on my forehead.

Feeling my body finally relaxing I let out a yawn and then rub my eyes. He notices it and motions me to turn my back on him. I do as he said and then feel him wrapping his strong arms around me, hugging me and making me feel safe and comfortable. Who knew he could be so sweet and soft?

"Good night, Olivia" he says quietly.

"Good night, Downey" I reply and feel another smile on my lips as I close my eyes and drift off with his body connected to mine.