I'm home now, thank goodness. After lunch, the rest of the day went back to being in a daze. When I found time, I went to see Henry. He'll be fine. He went home this afternoon with a cast, a few stitches and a prescription for pain medication. When we last spoke, he kept telling me that he felt drained of energy as he rubbed his shoulder. I asked if I could see it but he told me it was probably arthritis bothering him and that he'll be okay. All I could do was accept and move onto another subject, and I told him to buy himself a good-sized cheeseburger, and get plenty of rest. He gave me his number, which I happily accepted.

At the moment, I'm looking through my mail. I've got bills, brochures–and more bills... I toss them on the counter with a sigh. The clock says 7:32. It's dinner time.

Ivy Summers: a girl that lives off TV dinners and coffee. I wish I could have something different...

Gosh... Nick has the ability to buy expensive things whenever he wants. It must be nice. One day, I might be able to do that–but I surely won't have the things he has. "Well Ivy, it depends on which direction you choose to go. It isn't impossible to follow your dreams; you just have to believe and know how." I tell myself.

I take out a small frozen pizza and toss it on the table. Gotta preheat my oven first. "Yeah, I'm a go-getter. But I don't know if I want to be a doctor." What if I looked into starting a business? I've always liked learning about that.

I walk into the living room and turn the PC on. I wonder which will be ready first...the oven or the computer. Tick...tick...tick. For a few minutes this goes on–Until the oven beeps. You win.

I put the pizza in and come back to the computer. I really need a new computer! The pizza should be done in about 20 minutes. Now then! Researching...

A couple hours later...
I come out of the shower, put my tank-top and shorts on, then grab my journal and begin writing in it. Ahh yes...my standard everyday procedure. Nothing abnormal about this! I open it and put pen to paper.

Journal entry date – October 1st, Wednesday

Today went interestingly. I went to work and found out an old man I met at Lounge 'n Sip a few days ago (his name's Henry) came into trauma after getting into a car accident. I went to see him and found out why he was admitted into the hospital – he almost hit Nicolai, who was on his way to the store early this morning. Henry swerved his car and slammed into a hillside.

I had to talk to Nick about it of course. Well, he wasn't far. He was outside, talking to the security guys. I went to see him and then we went into a waiting room. There he explained to me he was trying to save an animal from getting hit and Henry saw him at the last minute, which is why the accident happened.

I saw blood on his neck. It made my body tingle with worry. I had to see for myself if he was okay because I believed he would just blow it off; I pulled his scarf down a little and saw not a scratch. He grabbed my hand suddenly, which got my full attention. "It isn't my blood." He said with a smile. It was Henry's... Of course, being this close and him doing that took my breath away. I wonder what I would've done if we got any closer than that. The thought makes my stomach turn with excitement. He asked me to go to lunch with him. Oh I had to! I agreed – definitely. 12 o'clock rolled around and we met up outside the cafeteria. Lunch went awesomely. We had a wonderful conversation. I say, it wasn't as awkward as I thought it'd be. However, he did do something strange. The subject of age came up; he told me he's 32...yeah 32...and I said I'm 22. He called me a 'cute baby'. Well that made me blush. As I went into la-la land over that, I heard him say, "I bet you would taste delicious." That was the hottest thing EVER! I was absolutely stunned to hear him say that. He took my reaction different than what I thought he would though. I mean, he must've thought I was totally weirded out or something.

Oh, and another exciting thing: Tomorrow morning, we're going to have coffee together. It's gonna be an early date; 7:30am. I probably won't sleep tonight because that will be on my mind. Gosh, I wish I wasn't so infatuated with him. I barely know him! It's so weird!

I close my journal and look out the window. The moon is high, bright...like at the castle. I put the book down on the nightstand, set my clock for 6am, pull the covers up to my neck and shut my eyes. Can't wait for tomorrow morning...

"Ivy, I have missed you." I hear his voice behind me as I stand in the foyer of the castle, looking at the front doors. I turn my head slightly, noticing I'm in yet another Victorian dress–A white one. Before I move, I feel his hands wrap around me and his hot breath brush across my neck. His prickly 5 o'clock shadow tickles my skin, making me giggle and then bite my lip to suppress the sound.

"I've missed you too." I say.
"Not as much, I know." He snickers and suddenly pushes me up against the wall. I gasp. He takes my hands and puts them above my head, then moves my hair out of the way of my neck. "Hm, not wearing the necklace I gave you?" My eyes widen, "I-" "Shush," He presses his lips to my neck and I feel him bite a little. I inhale sharply, saying his name but it's muffled.

"I feel unappreciated. You are coming with me." He snatches my hand and takes me through one of the doors, into a dark, narrow stairwell. "Where are we going?" I quickly ask.

"My bedroom." He laughs darkly. Oh! I gasp again.

My alarm clock goes off, making me jump. I breathe in deeply and look at the clock. It's 5:30am. I sit up and rub my forehead, "Oh my god," That was hot and–damn, it was startling too!

"Wow, he looks just like him." It's so scary. What am I going to do when I see Nick again? All I'll see is the man in the dream I just had. Oh geez...

I begin the morning with a quick shower, some primping, a quick snack, and then I'm gone.

I go through a bit of traffic and show up at Lounge 'n Sip 20 minutes early. I didn't do much with my looks before I left home. It's a work day anyway; there would be more to take off at work if I made myself up. Besides...I'm overwhelmed with that dream and I just can't have him staring at me. I fix my dark red lip-gloss, get out of the car and go inside in a hurry because of the cold. My eyes immediately search for that spot he sits in and–My heart jumps. There he is!

He's early...and he looks amazing. He's dressed pretty much like he was yesterday at the cafeteria, but he doesn't have the coat. He has a black long-sleeved shirt with that same scarf, some gray pants, and those shoes that he wore before. I wonder what he would look like without a shirt...? Oh my god...

I also see he's writing in that old book again. I can't help but grin.

As soon as I get within a few feet of him, he closes his book and smiles up at me. There's that smile again... Instantly, I remember my dream man nibbling on my neck. Gosh, I have to stop thinking about that so much!

"Hey...good morning." I say. Keep calm Ivy–keep calm.
Yes yes, I was right–All I see now is the man in my dreams.

"Good morning," He stands, walks over and pulls a chair out for me. I blink at him a couple times, then I slowly sit down, "Thank you."
"You are quite welcome." he joins me at the table. His attention goes to my lips and stays there for a second. What? Does he like the color? A quick smile graces his features as he returns his gaze to my eyes, "So...would you like a pumpkin latté?" Ohh, pumpkin...yummy!

"Yes, thank you..." I say, "That's actually my favorite drink from here." A small unintentional laugh slips past my lips, which makes him smile again. He stands again, "I will be right back." I watch him go to the counter to order. He left his book at the table. Hmm... I momentarily look down at it, "What is that?" For the longest time, it seems, I keep my eyes on it. So old...there are definitely a ton of secrets in there. I would love to read through it...

I look up and see him returning with our drinks. He hands me my drink and I instantly take a sip. Ohh, such delight! Just what I needed! As he sits, he raises an eyebrow at me and looks down at the book, "It's a journal if that is what you are wondering."
I smirk, "You keep one, huh?"
He does an amused sound and nods, "Yes. I have had it for many years. It is a family tradition." Whoa. Really?

"Do you write in it daily?" I ask.
He takes his coffee, and before he drinks any, he murmurs, "I write in it whenever something I consider notable happens."

Well, causing a wreck is something I'd consider notable...
I make a face.

He suddenly cracks a wry smile, "What is that look?"
I shake my head, looking away from him, "Nothing. Nothing at all." I tuck my hair behind my ear and slightly look at him, then at his coffee, "Is that your favorite too?"

A thoughtful expression adorns his face, then he says, "Not exactly...I mostly enjoy the raspberry mocha drink." Ohh, that's a good one too. That's a Valentine's Day drink though...so it's seasonal.

"You know it's only around once a year." I say.
He nods, "Yes I know, but years are like days to me."
"How so?"
"Well," he sighs, "for me...days, months, years–they don't seem to matter much. It's more about paperwork, business, social politics, and money. Other things are involved of course, but I do not wish to speak of them at the moment." he grins, "...Time flies when you are having fun, yes?"
I blush faintly, "That's true."

"So..." he says, "You live around here?"
"Hm," I smile slyly while bringing the coffee up to my mouth, "I'm not telling."
He watches me put it back down, and flashes an entertained smile, "Very well... So what about hobbies?-Things you like to do with your spare time?"
"Well, you know I have a journal–that's one of the things I like to do. I like to listen to music while I cook... And I like sightseeing–you know that too." When I mention the last thing, I chuckle.

He leans back a little in interest while listening to my words and blinks slowly as if in thought. "I have the same interests as you."
"You do?" I ask.
"Yes I do."
"What are your hobbies?" I'm curious to know.
"Heheheh..." he laughs under his breath, "You ask me what my hobbies are... Well they are quite simple actually. I am an organist, I like horseback riding, I do a little bit of painting, and I enjoy music. Boating is good fun as well. I like to throw parties sometimes and I also love to read. But I do all of this when I am not working and have time for it, of course." I give him a long gaze in awe.

He sure knows how to live... Those aren't simple hobbies at all! It takes skill to do the things he's suggesting! "You are very imaginative it seems. But I can't help wondering... no Mrs. Francis?" I ask. He smirks secretively yet jokingly, "I really don't have time for a wife, and you see why I don't have guests often. There is so much to do; very little time to spend with others."
"Yeah..." That does make sense.

"Why Victorian?" he asks.
"What?"
"You like Victorian architecture. It intrigues me that you are also fascinated by it. I would like to discuss that more with you." he sips some of his coffee.
"It's just something I studied a lot about when I was in school...and it just stuck with me." I say.
"Really?" He's stunned. "You don't look like that kind of person."
I look down, "No...but you do."

He does the same amused noise as me and says, "What is that supposed to mean? Most people say I'm 'unnaturally' gorgeous." He flashes his brows flirtatiously. My mouth falls slightly open as I watch him, then I shake my head with a disbelieving laugh, "You are very sure of yourself."

He raises his hands, "Of course I am! I am godly handsome. Now you Ivy..." he props his hand underneath his chin, "With a face and body like yours, you are complimented constantly... I'm right, aren't I?" I tilt my head, silent as he waits for my answer. His words, 'I bet you would taste delicious' are replaying in my mind. And he's so arrogant, but it's really hot.

"Not really, no... I don't talk to anyone; I keep to myself. I don't usually give anyone time to talk to me." I say. He hums in an agreeing way, "Well, I understand why you feel that way."

Suddenly, my phone goes off. I sigh agitatedly, "I'm sorry–excuse me." I look at it and see it's 8:10 now. Whoa. Time has gone by too fast! Gina left me a message, asking me to join her for lunch later.

"Text message?" he asks.
I put it away, "Yeah...and a time reminder." I frown.
He puts his hand on mine, "It's okay, don't let me keep you from your job." he stands, "It was a pleasure having coffee with you Ivy." he reaches for my empty coffee cup, I give it to him, then he asks, "Would you like to meet again?" I stand still for a moment while looking into his eyes. Oh god, I would so much love for that to happen. I nod, "Oh yeah, definitely." And I smile. He slowly grins and takes my hand after setting one coffee cup down, then he whispers close to it while his slowly glowing eyes focus on mine, "How wonderful... I cannot wait. Very soon, I hope." I feel my heart skip a beat. He kisses my hand. "I..." I breathe. "How about...tonight at 6, we can meet at a place you can see my home from afar; the statue of Harold II...we can admire the glistening Sound at sunset together." I touch my hand below my neck, still captivated by him, "In uniform?"
He smiles slowly, "Wear whatever you wish."
My cheeks redden. "I would love to," I'm very quiet, hardly audible.
"Perfect." he flashes a quick wolfish smile. Gosh, that smile! His eyes, his smile, his face...he's so mesmerizing! I blink quickly.

"You're blushing my dear." he simpers.
Am I? I bet I am!

Quickly, I say, "Ahem. Well ok!"
"See you this evening...Ivy." He winks at me, his voice like rich hot chocolate truffle. Yes, it's really delicious like that. I nod at him and start for the door, slightly tripping over my feet as I go. What the hell am I doing? Walk normal!!!

Glimpsing back, I see him standing in the same spot, grinning at me. I turn back and go out the door, get in my car and drive off. GOSH HE'S HOT!

When I approach the light, I happen to look back and see Henry walking up to the shop. He's probably getting his morning coffee. I wish I could stick around to ask him how he feels, but I really have to get to work. He has a cast in a sling on his arm and he's limping only a tiny bit from the scratches. Ohh, I hope he doesn't stay there long! He should be at home resting!

The light turns green. I hit the gas and hurry off. I have no idea where my head will be today.