I walked up my porch steps in the dark and suddenly someone stood up and I almost panicked but I saw it was my best friend.

"Dawson!" I gasped and then ran and jumped into his arms.

"Hey." He laughed.

"Come inside." I said and opened the door to let him in.

"I'm so glad you're here." I smiled at Dawson as we sat down on my sofa. "How long have you been outside?"

"Not long. Who was that guy you were with?"

"That's Calum. He's a police officer and I babysit his kids."

"You've created quite the little life here in a short amount of time."

"Yeah, and I really like it to." I sighed. "I just wish I didn't have to lie about who I was."

"Abby Whitfield can't exist anymore. You have to be Nessa now. It would be too easy for the Black Wolves to find you."

"I know, it's just...my life will never be the same again."

"Spencer was trying to hurt you Abby. You didn't mean to kill him. It was self defense."

"I know that..."

"So tell me about your life here." He went to change the subject.

"Well I work at a Corner Store with this girl named Kate and she's super nice. And then I babysit for Calum who's a police officer and he's also really sweet and I don't know, maybe that'll lead somewhere."

"A police officer? Isn't that a little risky?"

"I think I would be safe with him."

"Does he have a crush on you or something?" Dawson smirked.

"I think he does. Kate thinks he does. He definitely thinks i'm cute, he told his friend who told Kate. But he hasn't asked me out yet."

At this I yawned.

"You must be tired. We can finish catching up tomorrow." Dawson said and I nodded.

"I'll see you in the morning. You can use the first bedroom on the right." I stood up and hugged him goodnight before walking back to my room and going to bed.

I woke up at 7:00, my entire being exhausted, and dragged myself to the bathroom to shower and get dressed.

I heard noise and froze before I remembered Dawson was here.

Walking out to the kitchen I found him looking through my refrigerator.

"Do you have any soy milk?" He pulled a sour face at my regular milk carton.

"Does this look like a grocery store?" I popped off and he rolled his eyes.

I told him to get ready and then we left for my work.

It was still early so it was still cool and not blazing hot outside and since I only had my bike, Dawson and I walked.

"I don't do physical activities." He muttered under his breath.

"Shut up."

"So am I going to meet this police officer Calum guy today?" Dawson asked.

"Yes. He comes to the store everyday to get lunch." I smiled.

"Abby has a crush!" He smirked and pinched my cheek and I smacked his hand away.

"You have to call me Nessa!"

"Oh, right. Sorry."

"You made my fake identity, the least you could do is remember it." I scoffed.

"Nessa Rothchester needs a better attitude."

"Whatever." I laughed.

As Dawson and I came up to the store I saw Calum talking with Kate inside and got really excited.

"That's him." I said and Dawson squinted his eyes.

"Yes, yes, very attractive. I'd hit that."

"Oh my god."

When I reached the door I opened it and Kate and Calum looked up.

"Morning." I smiled.

I directed my smile at Calum but his face was cold as stone as he looked at me then to Dawson then to Kate.

"I'll talk to you later." He said to Kate and then rudely brushed past me and was out the door.

My jaw dropped and I turned around to watch him walk away.

"That's who you have a crush on?" Dawson asked.

I turned around to Kate who had an awkward and disappointed look on her face.

"What was that?!" I asked her.

"First off, I have to ask, who is he?" She looked at Dawson.

"This is Dawson. He's my friend from New York. He's here to visit."

"Just your friend?" She raised her eyebrows.

"Wait...you think we're...No!" I said and Dawson started to laugh. "We are just friends, Dawson doesn't uh- go that way if you know what I mean."

"Oh. Well then this is awkward then...because Calum thinks you have a boyfriend."

"What?! Why would he think that?"

"He said, and I quote, that he saw you "run and jump into a guys arms" last night after he dropped you off. He's really upset about it. He said he's done chasing you."

My jaw dropped.

"I told him that you had never mentioned a boyfriend and were into him but he didn't believe me. He said he was done with women."

"Oh my gosh... I'll talk to him. He's coming for lunch today right?"

She bit her lip and shook her head.

"He said he didn't want to see you."

My shoulders dropped.

"Do you know where he went?"

"He was going home."

I nodded.

"Dawson. Can you stay here? I have to go talk to Calum."

"Uh- sure?" Dawson said.

"Sorry. I'll be back. Be back later, Kate!"

I then proceeded to turn around and jog from the shop.

Calum's house was only a few blocks away and my feet carried me quickly down the sidewalk.

I slowed when I got to his street so I didn't look like a crazy person and then jogged up his steps before knocking on the door.

It was quiet in the house but a minute later the door opened and Calum stood there.

His expression was solemn and when he saw me his eyes rolled and he went to shut the door but I stopped him.

"Calum. Let me explain. Please."

"Nessa. I really don't want to hear it."

"That guy you saw me hugging last night is my best friend from New York. He's not my boyfriend."

He paused.

"Why uh, why are you telling me that?"

"Calum...I...because I know you have feelings for me, and I have them for you too, and I know you know that. And I don't want this misunderstanding to get between whatever we might have..."

Calum's cheeks went red at my words but a few moments later he opened the door wider and let me inside.

"So he's just your friend?" He asked.

"Yes. He's my gay best friend."

At this Calum's eyes went wide.

"He's gay?"

"Yes."

"...I feel really stupid now..." He looked down.

"Don't. Okay? If it was me I would've jumped to the same conclusion." I placed my hand on his arm.

"It's just that I..." He began and I squeezed his arm to tell him to continue. "I really like you."

"I really like you too." I smiled and he looked at me before doing the same.

"I was going to ask you out on a date today." He said with an exasperated breath and looked away nervously.

"Are you still going to?" I raised my eyebrows and he turned around to look back at me.

"Yes." He said and the butterflies took flight in my stomach.

"So uh, Nessa," He said and I blushed heavily. "Would you want to go on a date with me, tonight?"

"Id love to." I smiled and he matched it before I reached my arms around his neck to hug him.

He hugged me back for a few seconds before we pulled away.

"So i'll see you at lunch today?" I asked.

"Yeah." He said. "And I'll let you know the plans for tonight."

"Sounds great." I smiled up at him as he smiled down at me. "I'll see you later then, Officer Hood."

I winked at this and he let out a laugh before I slinked away and looked back over my shoulder to smile before leaving.

My entire walk back to the shop I couldn't fight off the grin on my face.

When I got there Dawson and Kate were sitting on the counter talking.

"Hey, how did it go?" Kate asked as I walked in.

"Well, after I explained to him who Dawson was and we talked, he asked me out on a date for tonight."

"Yay!" Kate squealed and jumped off the counter to hug me tightly. "I'm so happy, for the both of you. I knew it would happen."

I laughed and then hugged Dawson who smiled at me.

"Way to go, Ness." He said and I shot him a wink.

Dawson put a bar stool chair to the end of the counter so he could sit and talk to me and Kate while we worked.

There wasn't much business other than the lunch rush and soon after Calum, Luke, Michael, and Ashton walked in.

When Calum walked inside his eyes met mine and we both broke out into a smile.

I stepped out from behind the counter and leaned against the side, Calum walking up to me.

"Hey." I cheekily smiled.

"Hey." He did the same.

"How has the rest of your morning been?"

"Really good." He kept smiling. "So, how does dinner and a movie sound for tonight?"

"That sounds perfect."

I moved in a little closer and placed my hand on his side. I was good at flirting and he was about to get hit full force.

Calum then moved his hand on top of mine and interlaced the fingers before moving them to our sides to dangle. His hands were warm and big, and I could feel the roughness and smoothness of his fingers.

"So I'll pick you up at six?" He checked.

"I'll be waiting." I said and he squeezed my fingers before I let go and moved back around the counter.

Calum went to get in line behind Michael but then saw Dawson and stopped.

"I'm sorry for not introducing myself earlier, I'm Calum." He reached out and shook Dawson's hand.

"Dawson. So you're the guy my best friend is crushing on."

"The feelings are mutual." Calum said and I smiled at this before making my way over to the register.

When Calum stepped up to pay I made sure to let my fingers touch his more so than necessary.

"What movie are we going to see?" I asked him as I counted his change.

"I'll let you decide when we get there."

"Okay." I said and then handed him back the change. "See you tonight."

"Six more hours." He winked and I laughed at this as he dropped the change in the jar and gave me one last breathtaking smile before leaving.

"What a heart throb!" I dramatically threw myself on the counter, Kate and Dawson laughing at me.

After work Dawson and I went back to my place where I showered and then went to lightly curl my hair.

I picked out (with the help of Dawson) a pair of blue skinny jeans that I folded the bottoms up on, a grey cotton tee and then an army green jacket to go over that. I paired it with tan suede booties and then applied a bit of makeup.

"Does this look okay?" I asked Dawson.

"Try tying the jacket around your waist." He said and I did as such.

"Perfect." He clapped. "You look totally hipster chic."

"You're so weird." I laughed.

I kept fidgeting with my outfit and pacing around until there was a knock at the door and Dawson went to the bedroom he was staying in while I opened my door.

Before stood the most handsome man I had ever seen.

Calum wore jeans, boat shoes, and had on a grey sweater with the tan leather patches on the elbows.

"Hi." I smiled.

"Hey. You ready to go?"

"Mhmm." I nodded and then slipped out the door, adjusting my bag on my shoulder.

"You look great." He said as we walked to his car and I smiled as I thanked him.

He opened the door for me and I got in and watched him jog around to his side before he began to drive off.

"So I hope you like italian food." He said when we reached the end of my street.

"Love it." I smiled.

"Good. Because even you didn't you were out of luck."

I laughed at his joke and he joined in.

"So, i'm sorry about this morning. I should've asked you before I assumed you had a boyfriend."

"It's okay, i'm just glad we are good."

"We are." He looked across the seat at me and I shot him a wink.

As we drove it got quiet and I peeked over to see him sitting there taking deep breaths, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck. He looked nervous and a little bit upset.

"Is everything okay?" I asked him.

"Yeah." He breathed. "I'm just...nervous. This is the first date i've been on since my wife died."

"If you're not ready then we don't have to-"

"No." He interrupted me. "I'm ready, it's just. I haven't been on a date in such a long time I'm trying to remember what to do."

"Well, we talk and ask questions to get to know each other better. You'll pay for my dinner because you're a gentleman. Then we'll go to the movies where I will be extra adorable and you won't be able to take it, and then you'll take me home, if you want you can kiss me goodnight, and tell me if you want to see me again." I said and he let out a laugh through his nose.

"Thanks for the reminder."

"Of course."

We pulled up to a little restaurant and Calum found a parking spot in the small crowded lot and then came around to get my door for me.

The two of us walked up to the restaurant and he held the door open for me before following me in and then placed a hand on my back and I stopped as he walked up to a podium.

"I have a reservation." He said.

"What's the name?"

"Hood."

"Okay, right this way." She said and Calum turned and nodded for me to follow him. We walked back to a table set for two and Calum pulled out one of the chairs for me and I sat down before he pushed the chair in and the walked around the table to take a seat.

"So i'm sure this doesn't compare to the italian food in New York but this will have to do." Calum smirked at me.

"I'm sure it will be great." I smiled and then. began to read over the menus.

"So i'm thinking about the lasagna, what about you?" Calum said and I looked around for a moment before deciding on something.

"I'll do the chicken alfredo." I said and he nodded in approval.

A waitress came by and took our orders before Calum looked at me.

"So, do you want to start with the questions or shall I?" He asked.

"I'll start." I laced my fingers together. "So have you lived in Dahlonega your whole life?"

"Yeah, born and raised. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else." He said.

"This is a pretty great town."

"What made you stay?"

"I don't know, I guess I wanted to try the small town feel for once." I shrugged.

"So why did you leave New York?"

This question.

"A change." I said.

"Is this a sensitive topic for you?" He raised his eyebrows.

"No. It's just I don't really have an answer. I mean, I guess have you ever felt like the life you were living wasn't yours?"

"Yeah, actually, a lot." He said.

"Well that's kind of how I felt and I wanted to have control again. So I bought a bus ticket and left."

He nodded.

"Not many people are brave enough to do that." He said and I laughed.

"So what about your family?" I asked him.

"I have a sister, she's studying abroad in Australia right now, and then my parents live a few towns over." He said. "They bought a piece of land and built a house and are enjoying their early retirement."

I smiled.

"Sounds like they're living the life."

"Right? I'm insanely jealous." He said. "And your family? Are they all in New York?"

"Well, my dad and brother live in New York but I really only talk to my dad. My brother and I lost touch awhile back. And my mom is probably off galavanting somewhere in Europe right now."

He peaked an eyebrow at this.

"She left when I was little, left the divorce papers on the counter for my dad to sign and we never saw her again." I explained.

"I'm sorry." He said sincerely.

"It's fine."

"So do you have a step mom?"

"No. My dad dated a few times but after the divorce he just didn't want to go through all of it again."

"I understand. Divorce isn't easy." He said it like he had experienced it and I gave him an awkward and shy look.

"I'm assuming that you've heard about Meredith." He said and I bit my lip. "It's okay. I know what people say. They're not wrong."

My eyes went wide.

"Meredith and I were two very different people, and we both knew that. But I was young and stupid, and wanted to do stupid things. And I did a lot of stupid things that I regret."

"Don't regret anything." I said and his eyes went wide for a moment. "Maybe it wasn't the best relationship, but you got two beautiful children out of it, and you learned from it. That's the most important thing."

He stared at me for a moment.

"You're right."

I took a sip of my water and waited and suddenly he asked me another question.

"So what made you choose paediatrics?"

"I love kids and I always have, and it just felt right."

"Well you are very good with kids, the boys love you."

"They're sweet. Eli is really funny and so cheerful and Cade is the sweetest little thing, he just never stops smiling."

"Yeah." Calum laughed. "They're a handful each but I love them."

"So did you go to college?"

"Yeah. I went and got a two year degree in criminal justice, and then applied to be an officer and went through the training and here I am five years later."

"I think your profession is very admirable, I hold a lot of respect for people who do what you do."

"Thanks." He smiled.

At this our food was set in front of us and we began to eat.

"So after I left the corner store today Ashton asked me about you again." Calum said between bites.

"What did he ask?"

"If I thought you had settled in enough so he could ask you on a date."

"And?" I raised my eyebrows.

"I said yes, but you had already said yes to going on a date with me and I wouldn't want him to third wheel."

"Calum!"

"What?" He laughed. "Honestly, would you even go on a date with him?"

"No..."

"Then I saved you. You're welcome."

I rolled my eyes at this.

Once we finished our meal Calum paid for me and him and we left the restaurant, him opening the restaurant and car door like he did before.

He drove us to the movie theatre and we parked in a separate parking garage before walking over, his arm occasionally brushing against mine.

"So what do you want to see?" He asked as we stepped up to the ticket booth.

"Let's see. Is there anything you don't want to see?"

"No horror films."

"Good. So let's see Arrival?"

"Sounds good." He said and then stepped up to buy our tickets.

We then went inside and got in the concession line.

"How about a popcorn to share and two drinks?"

"Okay." I smiled up at him and then stepped closer to him and rested my chin on his arm.

"What are you doing?" He asked with a light laugh.

"I warned you I was going to be extremely adorable when we were at the movies."

"Ah yes." He tilted his chin up. "I remember you mentioned something about that."

"So get ready Hood."

He laughed at this.

"Bring it on Rothchester."

I took my chin off his arm but as we stepped forward in line I placed my hand on his side and wiggled my way closer to him.

"What are you trying to do?" He laughed.

"I don't know." I mumbled and he laughed.

He then moved his arm and put it around my shoulders and I smiled at my success.

He didn't keep it there for long though because we had to get our snacks and then show the people our tickets and then find our theatre.

"Where do you want to sit?" Calum asked and I lead him to the middle.

We got situated as the previews played and when the lights dimmed I leaned my head over onto his shoulder.

I heard him laugh through his nose again and I smiled to myself.

He didn't make any move on me for a while. He kept his hands to himself and watched the movie.

We both did reach for the popcorn at the same time and our hands brushed, but he pulled his hand back and let me get a piece first.

Eventually he put his arm around my shoulders which I liked, but his hand kept twitching.

He was still nervous.

I reached my hand back and laced my fingers through his and gave his hand a squeeze, silently telling him that everything was okay.

I adjusted my head from where it was leaning on his arm to be more comfortable and peeked up at him to see him smiling softly.

He was cute.

When the movie ended we got up and began to walk back to the car. We weren't technically holding hands, our fingers were just messing and twisting around with each other as we walked.

I didn't really want the date to be over as we began to drive back to my house and apparently Calum didn't want it to either because suddenly he spoke.

"Do you want to get coffee?"

"Sure." I said and he turned the car around and drove us to the local Starbucks.

I ordered a caramel macchiato while Calum got a straight black coffee and we found an empty table for two.

"Can I ask you a personal question?" He asked.

"Yeah."

"Why aren't you close with your brother?"

I gave him a sad smile.

"Seth and I...we used to be close when we were younger, but after our mom left he just kind of strayed from the path. My dad and I tried to be there for him and help but he didn't want it and just got tied up in the wrong crowd."

He nodded.

"How did your dad feel about you moving away? I'm assuming you're very close."

"We are in some ways, but he's really focusing on trying to help Seth get back on track. He wasn't happy about me leaving but he understands."

Calum took a sip of his coffee.

"Earlier, at dinner, when you said your parents got a divorce and I said I know how hard that is..." He started to tell me something.

"Calum you don't have to tell me things if you're not ready to. This is just a first date. I won't force you to tell me about your past."

"I know that, but I want to tell you." He said. "I had filed for divorce from Meredith and took the papers home so I could tell her and she could sign them...but I got home that day and she told me she was sick. Everyone wonders why I never left her, and that's why."

"I think that's very loyal." I said after thinking for a minute on what to say. "It shows that even when times are tough that you're a person to count on."

"I never thought of it that way." He lightly smiled.

"I saw her picture in your kitchen." I said. "She was very beautiful."

"Yeah. She was." He softly laughed. "But I learned looks aren't everything."

I didn't know what to say.

"What's wrong?" He asked me.

"Nothing...I guess that I, I just don't know what to say."

"No one really does. I don't even know what to say." He chuckled. "But I guess you're easy to talk to."

I reached my hand out across the table and placed it on his.

"You have really soft hands." He said and I laughed at his random comment.

"You have really strong hands." I said and he intertwined our fingers to give my hand a squeeze.

We stayed at the coffee shop for a little longer, just chatting with each other until it got late.

He actually held my hand as we walked out to the car and I smiled as he did so.

When we pulled up in front of my house I sighed while Calum went to get my door for me.

We walked up the sidewalk and up the front porch steps and stopped in front of my door, me turning around to face him.

"So..." I trailed off and he let out a breathy laugh. "I had a really nice time with you tonight."

"Me too." He smiled. "Would a second date be something of interest to you?"

"It would be." I flirtatiously smiled up at up.

"Good." He said and then the air got awkward.

"Um, am I still watching the boys tomorrow night?"

"If you want to." Calum said.

"I do."

"Okay then."

Was he even going to kiss me goodnight or just drag this out forever?

"I-" He began and then shook his head. "I'm embarrassing myself."

"Why do you say that?" I asked.

"Because I'm just standing here and I know you're probably expecting me to kiss you but I haven't kissed a girl in two years and i'm literally panicking right now. It's so stupid."

"You don't have to kiss me." I said quietly.

"But I want to."

"Then...why don't we start small. Tonight you can just kiss my cheek."

He nodded at this and then leaned closer. I placed a hand on his side and then felt his lips touch the skin of my cheek.

They were warm and soft.

He held them there for a few moments and then pulled away.

"See. Baby steps." I said and he let out an anxious laugh.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you then. Thanks for the date, I had fun."

"We'll make plans for another." He smiled. "Goodnight, Nessa."

"Night." I said and then opened my front door and walked inside.

When the door closed I leaned against it and closed my eyes, letting out a happy sigh.

"So, how'd it go?" I heard Dawson ask and opened my eyes to see him standing there.

"It went really well." I smiled. "He said we'd go on another."

"Well that's-"

A knock at the door interrupted him and I furrowed my eyebrows before stepping back and opening it to see Calum there.

"I need to stop being a coward." He said before he placed both of his strong hands on my cheeks and moved in, pressing his lips to mine.

All of my senses were on over drive as his soft lips touched my own and I melted into it, smiling happily.

It was perfect.

--

Aww fluff and stuff!

I'm loving writing this story and I hope you are loving reading it.

I'll have more to come soon!

Much love xx-M