I woke up with a huge smile on my face. I was still replaying last night in my mind over and over again.

Mateo really kissed me. His lips were on mine.

I took a shower, still cheesing. I threw on a pair of beige athletic shorts with a matching oversized shirt. I pulled on my socks and sneakers before I hauled my bags out of the room.

I found Mateo seated at the dining table, working.

"Good morning," I chirped and he looked up.

His gaze was cold, almost distant.

"Morning," he clipped out.

I pulled out my leftover muffin from the fridge and unwrapped it before taking a bite.

I was leaning on the kitchen island while Mateo sat a few steps away from me. He looked at me eat my cupcake and swallowed before looking back down at his keyboard.

"About last night. It was a mistake and extremely unprofessional of me. I shouldn't have kissed you and I want you to know that there can never be anything between us,"

I felt like I was being repeatedly stabbed in the heart as Mateo continued talking.

I swallowed my cupcake and my tears as I nodded.

I don't even know why I thought we could have something. He's my boss for heaven's sake.

We left for the airport and I tried my best not to sulk as we sat in the seats we were on when we arrived.

At least now you can focus on Liam.

Shit, Liam.

I pulled out my phone and unlocked it. I just realized that I hadn't looked at my phone last night. I just put on the charger and slept.

I unlocked it and found texts from Liam, Cass, Grace and Jess. I quickly replied to Grace and Jess stating that we needed to talk when I got back.

I told Cassandra that I was going to be there somewhere today and she said I better have gifts for her. Sadly we didn't get to buy things because we've been so busy working.

Now Liam.

Liam: you must be knocked out by now, I just wanted to let you know that I'm excited for you to come back. We still have that date to plan ;)

Me: Hey, I'm leaving soon. I should be there in 8 hours.

The text was sent around the same time that Mateo and I were lip locking.

I felt like I was cheating but I wasn't. We weren't together, yet. So this doesn't count.

Plus Mateo said it was a mistake. I agree with him on that. Now I should just focus on making things work with Liam.

I decided to have breakfast before I buried myself in work of my own. I plugged in my earbuds and listened to music while I drew up a progress report for a meeting in two days.

My mind would occasionally wonder off to Mateo but I stirred it back towards my screen.

It's for the best.

I reminding myself as I typed.

Well, more like tried to convince myself.

I sighed and decided to go to the bathroom to splash my face with cold water.

I stretched in my seat, letting out a small sound as my muscles stretched. It was one of those leg shaking stretches.

I got up and walked to the bathroom. I looked myself in the mirror as I ran the tap. I scooped up water and let it hit my face. I felt refreshed after I repeated this process a few more times.

Pick, splash. Pick, splash.

I pated my face dry with a clean towel for the cabinet before I walked out of the bathroom.

I just wanted this flight to be over with already so I slept.

I'm not sure how long it's been but I woke to the instructions over the loud intercom.

"We are preparing for touchdown, please buckle up,"

I slipped on my seatbelt as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I pulled out my compact mirror and used it to wipe down the corner of my eyes.

The plane landed safely and we made our way down the steps of the plane.

"Welcome back," Henry greeted from the car.

I greeted him as I slid into the car. Mateo entered on the opposite side and we waited for the last our bags to be loaded before driving off.

The sun was nowhere to be found so I checked my phone for the time.

I let my phone against to the different timezone.

01:57

It was nearly two in the morning. I highly doubt Liam is still awake but I texted him regardless.

Me: hey, I just landed. On my way home so I'll probably text later.

I put my phone down and I was shocked when it vibrated in my hand.

Liam: hey gorgeous, thank you for letting me know. You should get some rest.

Me: why are you awake?

Liam: I needed to make sure you're safe before I sleep. I can sleep happy now :)

Me: goodnight Liam. Thanks for waiting.

Liam: you're worth it. Goodnight beautiful.

I left the car with my bags in hand as Henry helped me carry one to my front door.

I thanked him and wished him a wonderful night as I entered my home. I placed the keys down in the side bowl before I turned on my flash to move to my room.

I checked in Cassandra's room and I found it empty. I panicked slightly before I moved to my room.

I swung open my door and found her yellow bonnet laying peacefully on the other side of my bed. She fell asleep in my bed.

I sighed in relief and climbed in next to her. I looked at her sleeping figure and I admired her.

Cassandra is a true beauty. Despite being ill. Her soul was pure, that's what made her glow internally.

I don't know what I would do if I'd lose her one day. I wouldn't survive.

That was all I thought as I drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

~~~

I woke to the feeling of sunshine warming my face from the open curtains.

I groaned as I raised the pillow to cover my head.

I felt like shit. My head was throbbing. My muscles were sore. My eyes hurt. To top it all off I only slept for 5 hours.

My phone started ringing in the bedside table next to me making me reach aimlessly for it.

I swiped the answer button and I looked at the screen to the best of my ability.

"Hey beautiful. I didn't mean to wake you," Liam greeted and I shook my head but stopped immediately.

"Are you okay? You don't sound too good?," He asked and I hummed.

"I feel like shit. I'm still tired and my body feels sore or heavy,"

"Sounds like you're jet lagged, love. Tell you what, I'm free today. How about I come over? I'll bring snacks. We can watch a movie or cuddle. I can cook for you. It can be like an at home date. What do you say?"

I opened my mouth to disagree because I hate being a burden. I didn't succeed when Liam cut me off.

"I know you don't like asking for help so just send over your address. I'll be over in an hour,"

He hung up after that and I sighed before sending him my location.

Half an hour later, a knock on my door made me shuffle up from the couch.

I opened the door and my heart warmed at the sight before me. Liam stood before me with a giant basket of goodies.

I saw ingredients like pasta, veggies, ground beef and various drinks. There were also snacks and a giant teddy bear holding a get well soon card.

"Liam, you really didn't have to," I gushed as I invited him in.

"I wanted to, plus this can be our first unofficial date. If you wouldn't mind," he was blushing. Oh my god.

"I don't mind at all. You look nice by the way,"

He wore a blue fitted shirt with grey jogger shorts and blue running shoes. Relaxed athletic aesthetic.

He complimented my look as well but I looked homeless right now.

My hair was being held up by my scarf. I had on a Rick and Morty shirt with a few sauce stains along with shorts.

I really wasn't in the mood to dress up today. I just barely showered.

I showed Liam around and we ended up in the kitchen. He removed ingredients from the basket and started cutting up veggies for soup.

"My mom used to make this whenever I'd fly home. It warmed everything and relaxes you in minutes. You'll love it," he explained as he peeled potatoes.

He made me sit down whenever I offered to help so I'm now sitting while he works. He made me a cup of ginger lemon tea to drink while he made the lunch.

We spoke in between the cooking and Liam is an interesting guy. He likes a lot of stuff I like. A suspicious amount of things in fact. Maybe it's just a coincidence.

"Where's Cassandra? I haven't seen her since I got here," Liam asked as he served me soup.

"She's at her friend's house. She'll be back tomorrow,"

I thanked him as I reached for the steamy bowl. It smelt heavenly.

It had chicken pieces, potatoes, celery, spinach, onions, tomatoes, cinnamon and many other healing ingredients. He served it with a topping of sour cream and chai seeds.

I thanked him and we moved to the living room with our meals. We decided to watch the Netflix movie "set up" as we ate.

We finished our meals and decided to continue our Netflix binge session while we cuddled.

I was laying on Liam's chest while he laid across the couch. He held me while I wrapped my arms around him. It was surprisingly comfortable. So comfortable I started drifting off to sleep.

I woke to the feeling of my bed dipping. I stirred before I opened my eyes completely.

The sun had now disappeared and the stars shone brightly in the dark sky. I stretched my limbs before I turned my body to the reason I woke up in the first place.

"I didn't mean to wake you, I should get going. I have a breakfast meeting tomorrow," Liam explained and I nodded in understanding.

I stood and walked him to the front door.

"Thanks again for today. I feel so much better and I really appreciate it," I spoke as we stood before the door.

"It's no problem beautiful. I enjoyed your company today," he replied and reached out to hug me.

I returned the hug, moving my arms around his waist. He smelt nice, comforting.

Not as nice as Mateo.

I pulled away from his chest and I looked up at him. He looked down at me as well. His face slowly inched closer to mine. I closed my eyes as I prepared for a kiss.

*Ring**Ring**Ring**Ring*

Liam sighed and removed his phone from his pocket. His face twisted slightly before he looked at me again.

"I'll be going now. Goodnight gorgeous," he kissed my cheek and answered the call as he left.

I closed my door and leaned against it. My head was swimming with one question.

Why was I still thinking of Mateo?

~~~~~
I just got broken up with yesterday so life's great rn.

Anyways, thank you for reading and supporting my story. I really appreciate it.