Let Me Be Your Home
Chapter 10

“What happened to leaving?”

I turned around in surprise. Dean had caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting to see him at one of the local boutiques.

“Why must you appear everywhere I am?”

He grinned cheekily. “It must be fate.”

I scoffed. “Don’t tell me you believe in that as much as you believe in?true love.” I rolled my eyes and turned back around, scanning clothing racks.

Dean started moving hangers and looking through the racks, despite being in the female section.

“I would like to take you out tonight.”

My head snapped up to look at him. He was already peering at me, his ice-blue eyes warm as ever. I blinked. I stopped scanning the racks and narrowed my eyes at him. “Are you asking me on a date, Dean?”

Dean tapped his chin, shrugging lightly. “No-if I were, you would decline immediately. Think of it as-the one person you know in town wanting to show you around.” He quirked an eyebrow.

I hummed and resumed scanning the racks. “What would this-outing-consist of, exactly?”

“Now if I told you, that would ruin the adventure of it all.” He grinned like a giddy little child. His eyes were lit with delight.

I chewed on my bottom l*p, not looking at him. “When?” I only asked to entertain him.

“Tonight.”

I looked at him. “Tonight?”

“Come to our bench at-let’s say ten.”

I didn’t have a chance to protest. Dean smiled-even wider if it were possible. He leaned down and kissed my cheek but gleefully sauntering out of the store.

I stood there with my mouth left agape, looking like a fish.

–

At exactly ten, I stood by the bench Dean had dubbed as ours. I glanced around at the vacant streets to see that he was nowhere in sight.

“You actually showed up.” I glanced over. Dean was in his car, parked by the curb with the window rolled down. He grinned at me. “Get in.”

I rolled my eyes as I walked to the passenger side. “Chivalry at it’s finest.” I slid into the car, turning to look at him. “You thought I wouldn’t come?”

Dean bounced his shoulders lightly. “I would not have been surprised. However, I am very glad that you did.” He shot me a smile before his eyes fixated on the road as he started driving.

This was a change, one I was not used to. Dean-he paid attention to me. He willingly wanted to spend time with me, talk to me, take me out. This was more attention that I had ever received. I wasn’t sure hoe to react to it because it conflicted me; surely there were much more-stable and put together people Dean could spend his time with. He was very attractive, that was not something one could deny. He had a good head on his shoulders, he was kind and charming and goofy – all of which made me wonder why me? Why did he want to spend time with me?

“Will you tell me where you’re taking me now?”

Dean only smirked as he reached for the radio, turning it on. “No.”

I sighed and leaned back into the leather seat. It was comfortable-being here, in his car, even in silence it was comfortable with Dean.

That scared me.

I was not someone who could afford the luxury of getting comfortable?anywhere.

After a short drive, Dean pulled into an empty parking lot in front of some vintage store. He didn’t give me a chance to ask questions, already heading out of the car. I followed.

“Dean-what are you doing?”

I watched as he approached one of the store’s door. With ease, he started picking the lock like it was second nature.

“I have ideas.” A few seconds later, the lock clicked. Dean stood and turned to smile at me. “Let’s go.”

Gently, he grabbed my hand and pulled me into the store with him. He used his phone as a flashlight.

I gaped at him. “What are we doing?” I was slightly frantic.

Dean didn’t answer. He started racks before pulling out an elegant, silky red dress. It was possibly one of the most expensive looking dresses I had ever seen. He handed it to me, smiling cheekily.

“Wha-“

“Just hold it, sunshine. What’s your shoe size?” He started scanning shelves, shining his phone’s flashlight as he did so.

“Uh-seven.” I stared at him, bewildered and flustered. I didn’t know what was happening. I watched as he scanned the shelves, his eyes roaming up and down before they landed on one box.

“Ah.” He handed me the box, opening the lid to reveal nude coloured t-strap sandal heels. “These look well enough-I think.”

“What is this for?” I exasperated.

“Be patient, will you?” He looked at me for a split second, his eyes glinting. He then pulled me along with him, dragging me further into the store. I couldn’t do anything but stare at him dumbfounded.

He pulled me into a dressing room. He turned to face me. “Do you trust me?”

He was smiling ever so sweetly, it was a heavenly sight that I refused to pay attention to before. I nodded unsurely. “As much as I can.”

His l*p tugged upwards in a grin. “Then change.”

“Do I have a choice?”

He shook his head, stepping out of the dressing room and closing the curtain.

I stepped out of the dressing room after slipping on the dress and heels. I felt jittery and completely abashed. Much more of my skin was exposed-more than it had been in front of Dean. It was a thin-strapped slip dress, a cut going up the side that revealed most of my leg.

I was holding my breath.

Dean stood a few feet away in front of a mirror. He was now dressed in a suit, straightening the tie around his neck.

He looked-well, handsome.

Suits-suits did him well.

Very well.

“Don’t you look charming.” I couldn’t quite tame my own smile.

Dean looked up, spinning around when he heard my voice. His hands dropped from the tie. He stared at me, his cheeks tinging the slightest bit crimson.

He blew out a slow breath.

“What?” I shimmied a little, tugging on the dress. I had never felt self-cautious like this before. God, I hated it.

“You just-uh-” Dean forced a laugh, shaking his head. “Nothing-just wow. You look beautiful, Elettra.”

I gaped. Heat rushed to my cheeks.

I was catching a cold.

Because I-never-blush. Ever.

“Thanks.” I forced a sheepish laugh. I pulled on my fingers, glancing around. “Why are we dressed as if we are throwing a million-dollar yacht party?”

Dean slowly walked towards me, his eyes not leaving me for a second. It made me-shivery. “We are going to try something-that I have never done before. Do you still trust me?”

“No.”

Dean rolled his eyes. He took hold of my hand, grabbing our other clothes as he pulled me out of the store. Before we left, he let go of my hand and walked to the cash-counter.

I blinked. “Don’t tell me you’re robbing the place.”

Dean stared at me with horrified eyes. “God, no. I’m paying for our stolen items.”

He was something else.

“We could’ve have bought them when the store was open.”

Dean shrugged. “The idea came to me-well, thirty minutes ago.” He pulled cash out of his wallet, stuffing it into the tip jar.

Dean locked the store behind us, guiding me back to his car. This time, he held the door open for me as I got in.

The car ride was slightly longer this time. Dean drove further from the town and towards the city. We stopped in a plaza-of sorts. This part of the city was much more busy, even this late at night.

“What is this?” We parked in front of a restaurant, one that looked more expensive than I could afford.

“Just the most opulent restaurant I could replace-in our proximity.”

I stared at him. “Dean this is-too much. We don’t have to-“

Dean’s hands closed around mine. “Stop. You’re allowed to have this, Elettra. You’re allowed to have something?good.”

I inhaled deeply.

Dean didn’t give me more chance to argue because he had gotten out of the car. He walked to my side, opening the door and helping me out.

I stared up at him, unsure and uneasy.

This was not something I had ever-experienced before.

Dean smiled down at me. His eyes held so much sincerity that I could have melted right into him.? He brought his hand to the back of my head, gently tugging out the hair-tie that was holding my hair up.

My hair fell, the natural waves dropping past my shoulders.

It was-new, different.

He bit his bottom l*p as he grinned, cocking his head to the side. “Live a little, Elle. Ready?”

“Wait.” I brought my hand up to his disheveled hair and ran my fingers through, pushing his hair out his face a little. I nodded. “Now we are.”

Dean held out his arm, which I took as I followed him into the restaurant. My heart was racing. I didn’t know if I was nervous or excited.

“Welcome. Do you have a reservation?” The man standing near the entrance when we stepped inside was dressing in a classy, expensive looking suit. He was posh, an aura of charisma dancing around him. There was a hint of a french accent in his voice.

“Yes. It should be under Charles Callaway.” Dean spoke with a natural confidence in his voice, as if his name really were Charles Callaway. I was stunned.

I straightened my posture, clutching onto Dean’s arm.

The attendant scanned his list before frowning. “I’m sorry, sir. There are no reservations under that name.”

“Check under my wife’s name.” Dean tilted his head towards me. “Juvana Callaway.”?

I blinked. I was holding my breath.

“Yes, sir. Give me a moment.” The attendant spoke curtly, looking through his list once more. He looked up a moment later. “I’m sorry, sir. There is nothing there.”

Dean exhaled sharply, a faux look of dismay flashing across his features. “Seymour, that abecedarian.” He shook his head lightly. “I simply asked him to make a reservation yet he disarrays that too.”

I didn’t know half the meanings to Dean’s words. I gawked up at him, at a loss. I wondered if he ever considered becoming an actor because that was looking like a promising career.

Dean pulled me closer to his side, sighing deeply. “Darling, it’s alright. I’ll call Rowan and ask him to bring the jet back.”

I smiled tenderly, placing a hand on his chest. “Lovely. I have been covetous to try Masa in New York, anyways. What better occasion than our anniversary?” I added a hint of an accent to my voice-not too much to be bold, but enough to sound more tycoon.

Dean’s eyes glinted as he looked down at me. “Very well, then. I’ll ring Seymour and have him make the preparations.”

Dean reached into his coat to pull out his phone when the attendant spoke again.

“Wait-sir. I’m sure we can-we can make an exception and save you the trouble.” The attendant wavered slightly. “Give me a moment, please. I will get you two a table. I apologize for the misunderstanding.”

When the attendant walked away, Dean was smiling giddily. He leaned down, ducking his head in the crook of my neck to hide his quiet laughter.

My stomach was swirling and fluttering. If I wasn’t leaning into Dean’s side, I was afraid I would fall right over.

A minute later, a waiter returned. “Right this way.” Dean and I followed him to a table, watching as he set down two menus. “I’ll let you take a look before I return.”

I looked at Dean, my face flushed and on fire. “You-this?is ridiculous.”

Dean exhaled deeply, a wide smile cascading over his face. “Not a bad date, huh?”

I quirked an eyebrow. “I thought this wasn’t a date.”

Dean leaned back in his chair, watching me with his beautiful eyes that sparkled with mischief and delight. “Don’t you know-Rolling Stones will be here any second to interview us for their dating article?”

I picked up my menu and started scanning it. “I just can’t believe it’s our first date and we’re already married.” I shook my head.

Dean laughed a deep, gorgeous laugh that sounded like music to my ears. “Your accent is what surprised me the most. It was very well done.”

I bowed my head. “Thank you, Charles.” I spoke with the same accent.

Dean nearly choked on a laugh.

When Dean hadn’t spoke for a good two minutes, I looked up to see that he was already looking at me with a delicate smile.

“What?” I laughed sheepishly, slightly shrinking into my chair.

He shook his head lightly. “Nothing.”

I placed the menu down, folding my hands on the table. “What happened to just-showing me around? This does look an awful lot like a date.”

Dean scrunched his nose. “Pish-posh. Same difference.”

I rolled my eyes, laughing as I picked up the menu again. I was not complaining.

Again, Dean fell silent. When I looked at him again, he was still looking at me but this time, wistfully.

I frowned. “What?”

Was he totally regretting this whole evening?

“Don’t go.”

“Go where?” I was befuddled.

“California-or New York or wherever it is you’ll go.” He smiled a sheepish smile, one that was filled with more melancholy than anything else. He looked as if the words were physically difficult to say.

I inhaled sharply. My lungs suddenly felt constricted. “Dean-“

“I know.” He cut me off, leaning forward on the table. Hesitantly, he took my hands in his. His were warm. “I know you always go. I know you never stay in one place long but you’ve hardly given it a chance.”

A small simper tugged on the corner of my mouth. “Don’t tell me you’re asking me to stay in this-humdrum little town.”

Dean shrugged gingerly. His head cocked to the side.

“You said you leave when there’s nothing left for you to do. So-what if I gave you a reason to stay?”