CHAPTER 21

April watched as Dean left the the condo and she shook her head, yes was he was helping her move her mothers paintings and he was a great help but she didn't ask and she could have carried them herself. For once though it was nice having someone do something for her without even asking.

She had a small smile on her face as she started preparing dinner for the two of them. Not too long later Dean appeared at the door with the rest of the paintings. He literally lifted them like they weighed nothing, she couldn't help but stare at his body. Did he workout? She turned quickly and restarted making dinner.

Dean looked up at April as he walked to her art room and she was caught glancing over. Dean had noticed the flush on her cheeks he felt happy he had spent all that time and effort working out so he could make her blush.

He walked into the art room and decided to look around, alrhough he liked making her blush he wanted to give her time to get used to his presence and not be so flustered around him.

The room had everything an artist could need bright light, paint, paint brushes, canvases and an easel. He had set the ten canvas paintings against the wall and then he glanced around. He spotted some more paintings resting against the wall and walked over to take a look.

The first and second paintings were of contemporary landscapes and the next was a young girl if he wasn't mistaken it looked like a younger version of April. The last one was a smaller canvases than the others so it drew his attention.

He let out a small laugh and he smirked this was undoubtedly a portrait of him and it could only of been painted by April. He looked out the door and saw she was busy cooking. He hid his smile and put back the paintings against the wall again and joined her in the kitchen.

He was very happy that shw had spent the time to paint him from onky meeting him a few times, she was either very attentive to detail or he was also on her mind. He returned to her side with a spring in his step and hope in his heart.

He took off his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves to help her but he suddenly felt hands on his back as she pushed him towards the living room. He could feel her small delicate hands on his large muscular back, he wanted to hold her but he held back as he knew she wasn't ready.

"Go sit." April knew he was trying to help but she knew he would only make her nervous if he helped so she sent him to relax in the living room.

Dean looked over his shoulder and smiled, she was quite bossy when she wanted to be and he enjoyed her attention, "You sure? I can..."

April interrupted, "Nope sit, relax. I will be done soon."

April returned to the kitchen and Dean sat down, he could get used to this he thought to himself. Her house was warm, bright and comfortable. It probably had to do with the fact she was there that he liked it so much so he sat back and relaxed.

April finished up dinner and plated up, she set the table and then called Dean, "Dean..." Hearing no response she walked over to the sofa and she couldn't help but giggle. Dean was snoring away on her sofa, he looked very cute. She couldn't help herself so she poked his cheek and he murmured making her laugh again.

"Dean dinners ready." After speaking April returned to the kitchen to get them some drinks she didn't want him to be embarrassed and she couldn't help but giggle.

Dean woke hearing her sweet voice and saw her beautiful face, he realised he wanted to wake up every morning to her stunning emerald eyes, red lips and adorable smile. He heard her giggling at him and he smiled as he stood up to join her as he saw her walk to the dinner table.

He pulled out her chair as she was about to pull it out and he saw her stop for a moment before she sat down. He then sat down opposite her and beamed up. Would he get this everyday? In that case he would rush home from work, "Thanks for dinner."

"Its nothing, just dinner. Don't think to much about it." April was shy and wasn't used to compliments so she kept her head down and took a sip of water.

"So I wanna get to know my friend." Dean announced smiling his mega watt smile at her.

April couldn't help but internally sigh. What was she supposed to tell him, I've lived and died in another life? We have met before? Thinking of that incident where they had met in her past life the date would be this Saturday.

"So this Saturday you said you have no plans?" April decided to dodge the question and ask one of her own.

"Definitely no plans, what are we doing?" Dean answered straight away, of course he was free anything for her.

"We?" April had only asked him his plans, she didn't expect to volunteer herself to babysit him so he wouldn't get hurt this time.

"Yes we, you have asked me twice now so I presume you want to take your friend out or do you want me to take you out. Either is fine with me, as long as its you I will ditch any other plans." Dean rambled which made April's head spin.

How did she get lumbered with accompanying him. Sighing she replied, "Fine, I'll keep you company. You choose, anywhere but The Empire Hotel or near it is fine."

Dean's head snapped up and looked at her quizzically, that's where they met in his past life. Why did she not want to go there?

Dean couldn't not focus on her words, the curiosity was killing him. She was also there that night dressed like an angel that had been sent to him. He remembered her white lace dress, her pale skin reflected in the moonlight and her red lips that captivated his attention.

She was also out late at night all alone with no coat or shelter. Who would let her walk around like that? More importantly, had something happened to her that night also? He had to do whatever she wanted this Saturday, as long as he was with her she would be safe, warm and feel loved. Or at least he hoped she would feel that way.

Not wanting to pry too much he asked a general question, "Ever been to The Empire Hotel? I've heard it has a four Michelin star restaurant. Don't you want to try it out?" Dean quirked an eyebrow waiting for her answer.

April looked up at Dean and thought he still wanted to go to The Empire Hotel on Saturday so she had to persuade him otherwise, "If you want nice food and a great atmosphere, I know a place. It's not long open but the chef is very talented. It's called The Ivy."

Dean was sure now that something was up, but not wanting to probe further he smiled and agreed. After all, his angel was always right, "Sure, if you say it is great then it's great. I'll go anywhere you want."

April nodded and continued to eat, although she had dinner at her fathers she couldn't eat properly with the two snakes sitting opposite her. She did though now feel very hungry and was glad of the company.

Deans company was easy and comfortable. There was a relaxed silence between the two as they ate.

Dean was over the moon, he had a planned date with her this Saturday and he didnt even have to think of a reason for it, she had asked him. He had to pull out all the stops to impress her, after all after one date wouldn't there be another and another. He brightly smiled even though he was unaware of it.

April thought that Dean must be an awful cook if he smiled so much after eating a plain dinner she had made.

Finishing up dinner, as usual, Dean had helped with washing the dishes while April dried them and put them away.

Dean was content he never thought that washing the dishes would be something he enjoyed doing until now. He knew he would be kicked out soon so he took his time.

April looked at the time and sighed, why was he making washing the dishes look so hard. If it had been just her on her own she could have washed and dried them twice in the time it took him.

After another ten minutes they finished up and April smiled up at Dean, "Well I will see you on Saturday, say seven PM?"

"Sure, but being neighbours and all just wrap the door any time. Or text me where's your phone?" Dean was keen to officially get her number, yes he already had it but she didnt have his.

"Em." April unconsciously looked at the table.

Seeing her glance at the table he picked up her phone for her and took out his own, "We are friends and neighbours after all." Dean smiled hoping he had at least reached this stage.

"Okay if you want to exchange numbers in order to share design ideas for your condo or office that's okay with me." April swapped numbers with Dean.

Dean pretended to input her phone number the only thing he did was to change her name from April to angel on his phone and he smiled as he did. Now she had his number and if needed he hoped that she would freely use it.

"Okay so... Good night." April was kicking him out, it was really late now.

Deans smile wavered and then he resisted the urge to tuck her hair behind her ear and properly wish her goodnight. When could he say good night and good morning every day? That he couldn't wait for.

"Thanks for dinner again, goodnight April and rest well." Dean then turned as she leads him to the door.

April opened the door for him and he stood for a moment before smiling and he was about to ask her a question but she interrupted his thoughts.

"Oh, you can invite Casey on Saturday as I will be asking Micheal to join us. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to ask my boss, so ill leave that to you. Good night." April then smiled and closed the door.

Dean felt his world collapse he was brought from heaven to hell by her words. He had to tell Michael and Casey to not join them on Saturday. Knowing those two they would only be two giant lightbulbs. With one more glance at April's door, he went into his condo for the night.

Meanwhile, April stared at the phone in her hand. In this life, she had already started the wheel of change and altered her fate. She had friends and four people she could call now if she needed them. Not that she would but the feeling was comforting.

She wanted to hope but the inner nagging in her head told her that our expectations of people can hurt you the most. So she tried to be self-reliant as much as she could.

She walked to her bedroom and grabbed her towels and made her way to the bathroom. She stripped and had a quick shower, she dried off and wore a towel as she left the bathroom and went to her closet, where she found a silver silk night dress to wear. She put it on and went to her bed.

She started to flip through her phone, she soon became tired and put down her phone before going to sleep she remembered the poem her mum would say before she went to bed.

I am safe,

I am free,

I am seen,

I am beyond worthy of a life full of dreams

and my future is full of abundant possibility.