The first chapter of my new story will be published this weekend! Keep an eye out for If I Didn't Know Better :)

-----------

Following her dinner with Matt, Genevieve had left in the early hours of Tuesday following a call from Brad in the middle of the night; her sister had been experiencing severe stomach cramps and was rushed to hospital. Genevieve had been in her car before Brad had finished his sentence.

Genevieve and Jillian had had a turmoilous relationship for as long as she could remember. They were chalk and cheese, opposites in just about everything but their looks, and this had put a strain on their relationship growing up.

Genevieve had always expected more of Jillie growing up, and had unintentionally become a second mother. This had caused Jillie to resent her at times, cutting her off and unintentionally forcing each to become secretive. As much as they clashed and fought though, Gen would do anything for her sister, and had gone running in the middle of the night to her.

She had messaged Matt as she had left, simply because it felt wrong not to let him know she was leaving. Despite it being three in the morning when she left, he had promptly replied and told her to drive safe. They had spoken every day since.

Genevieve was thrilled to be returning home, and it wasn't just to avoid the questions of her curious family. Truthfully, it was because she was missing Matt terribly. She wasn't sure if it was because she had never experienced feelings like this or if it was him specifically, but she felt her heart singing when she thought of seeing him again.

As excited as she was for that, a week with her family, plus the late departure and long drive had made her exhausted. She felt terrible, and there was no way she wanted to see the man she'd been pining over looking like a train wreck, so she vetoed a visit to his apartment and driven straight home. She'd get a good rest and see him when she started at work tomorrow.

Genevieve dropped all her belongs at the door, and tiredly fumbled for her keys. With more effort than she would have liked to have used, she heaved the door open - she had meant to get it checked, but had never had time to ask the landlord to visit.

As she dragged the bags inside, something on the kitchen hall table caught her eye. An enormous bouquet of multicolored tulips stood on the bench, identical to the first bunch Matt had ever sent her. She felt herself flush at the gesture as she reached to pull out the card.

So, apparently I still have your spare key. Whoops.
I can't wait to see you. I missed you.
M

Genevieve couldn't help but beam in delight. She held the card to her lips as she mused the bouquet; usually she hated flowers. People give them o show love or sympathy, but ultimately they just  die. This bunch, however, reminded her of Matt - bright, exuberant and full of life; the same things he was making her feel for the first time in years.

---

The following day, Genevieve awoke two hours before her alarm was set to buzz. After half an hour of adjusting to attempt to fall back asleep, she gave up and decided to make pancakes. Rather than focusing on them however, she spent the time imagining what Ink. would be like behind the scenes.  She was determined to do some good there, and just because she was seeing her boss didn't take from the fact that she was a hardworking individual.

It was her daydreaming that caused her to double her batch and make enough for an army, or just Mark. She wrapped the mountain and decided it would probably be easier to find an outfit then do something productive, because she was far too distracted to focus.

That was until she realized she had no idea what to wear to a tattoo parlor. Matt and Mark were always wearing either singlets and tight t-shirts that showed of their tattoos, or stylish dress shirts that accentuated their built bodies, and certainly had neither of those things. She rummaged through her closet for over ninety minutes, throwing clothes aside as she became more and more concerned with her lack of attractive clothing.

She finally settled on a summery black dress. A low V accentuated her chest, whilst the flowy material draped losely over her hips, not clinging to anything she didn't want it to. Completed with her blow waved hair and some electric blue sandals, she felt like she was going to the beach rather than work, but compared to some of Karen's costumes, she could be going to church.

She slung her bag over shoulder, grabbed the plate, and set out to begin the first proper day of the next phase of her life. Whatever that was worth.

Genevieve opened the door to the street, and she was hit with a soft summer breeze, one that reminded her of her childhood. It was a particular feeling, one that usually came in the early morning or evenings coming off the sea, but having the same effect of sending a wave of relaxation over her. The cool air enveloped her as it calmly blew past, and Gen knew it was going to be a great day.

She took her time walking to Ink., thinking of nothing but enjoying every last moment of this rare wind. Genevieve knew she was weird like that, how she hated nature but loved the wind. She also knew she was odd in general, but she had accepted that long ago, and was still smiling about the fact when she pushed open the door.

"Good morning!" She smiled cheerfully at Mark, who stood behind the desk, chewing what she assumed was his usual pencil.

Mark straightened up, tucking the mangled pencil behind his ear and through a golden lock that curled behind it. The sun streaming through the windows gave his hair the appearance that it was glowing. "How's your sister?"

Genevieve nodded. "She's ok. They were worried for a bit, but the tests were all good, so I was glad to be able to come back."

Mark grinned. "That's good to hear. We were worried." He paused, stepping aside to make room for her next to him. "So, ready to start, chief?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "I'm so keen. I can't wait to be doing something again."

He raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Super keen to start working, are we?"

She nodded earnestly, before feeling herself blush as she slowly got his meaning. "I, no, not like that! I just need so mental stimulation!"

He chuckled to himself. "I bet. Your 'mental stimulation' isn't here yet, so you're stuck with me for a bit."

Genevieve couldn't stop her glare. She figured she knew him well enough that she could let him know that he deserved all the pain in the world.

Noticing her face, he openly let out a laugh. He went to say something, but he stopped when his gaze zeroed in on the pancakes. "And what are those?" He annunciated every word, edging towards the plate.

"Nothing for you anymore." She said grimly, turning casually.

His mouth dropped open in mock horror and she couldn't help but laugh. She placed the plate in front of him, and leaned across the desk, pointing to him. "You better watch what you say, big fella," she warned.

He nodded as he started unwrapping the stack. "Yes ma'am." He saluted her, rolling up a chocolate chip pancake.

She grinned. She loved Mark's sassiness, and she liked him much more because she knew he was always honest. Even if he was giving a harsh opinion, he'd still make you laugh, whether he meant to or not. "I'm going to go get you a plate so I don't have to clean up your mess, ok?"

He gave a toothy grin, mouth filled with masticated pancake, and she wrinkled her nose. "I'll be right back," she said, heading to the little kitchen.

She began rummaging through the drawers and began familiarizing herself with the layout. She finally found the plates under the sink, and found teabags for the kettle she had boiled in the cutlery drawer. Five minutes here and she was all ready to begin a makeover.

All of a sudden, she felt arms snake around her waist and pull her gently against a hard body. She couldn't suppress the sheer bliss radiating as she felt a soft kiss on her cheek as Matt hugged her tighter. "Mmmm I missed you."

She turned around to face him. It was amazing how quickly she had become accustomed to feeling at ease in his presence. Not only did she feel comfortable, she felt at home, a feeling quite uncommon around many.

She wove her arms around her neck and smiled shyly up at him. His thick hair was down today, curling halfway between his shoulders and chin. She ran her fingers through the ends. "I love your hair."

He rain a hand through his hair as he did regularly, and raised an eyebrow at her. "This mop? I need a haircut."

Genevieve's eyes widened and she firmly shook her head. "Don't you dare!"

Her adamance caused Matt to chuckle, and he bent his head down to hers, causing perch on the tips of her toes to meet him. He stopped an inch away from her, "Can I.."

"Yes, please!" She interrupted. Her enthusiasm was all he needed, and he cupped her face, pulling in close. Their lips were a perfect match, meeting each other with passion and longing.

Gen slowly rested back on her feet, pulling away before she became too involved in his embrace. Matt pulled her close, so his enveloping arms were supported by her hips. "How long are you going to make me keep asking that?" He questioned, the smile lingering on his face.

"I don't know." She said, biting her lip. "I know it's silly, but I kind of like it."

He kissed her forehead, and they stayed standing there for a minute, arms around each other and his lips resting on her forehead.

She dropped her head, resting it in the centre of his chest for a moment, and felt herself shaking it, before turning away to pick up the plates.

"What?" Matt asked curiously, reaching out to keep her hand within his grip.

Shaking her head, she looked back up at him, feeling both nonchalant and disbelieving. "I've kind of been seeing you for less than two weeks. You shouldn't miss me that much."

He sighed. "Is there a certain allocated amount you're allowed to like someone in a time period? If that's the case, I certainly used mine up."

She frowned, dropping her eyes in thought.

He delicately lifted her chin with a finger, bringing her eye level to his. "For real though, is that a problem? Want me to back off?"

Gen looked into his eyes, trying to read his expression to see if there was any truth to his statement. If there was, he really was too good to be true.

She saw nothing but sincerity in his sapphire eyes, and smiled up at him. "No, it's fine. Oh!" She exclaimed. "Thank you for the flowers! They were beautiful."

Matt looked confused, "What flowers?"

Genevieves mouth dropped, and she felt her whole body tense. Matt just stared at her, utterly dumbfounded for a moment, before breaking out in one of his lopsided smiles with a laugh. "Kidding!"

She let out a huge sigh of relief with a chuckle, and lightly punched his arm. "Not funny!" She breathed. Picking up the plate she had collected, she lightly broke out of his arms and headed to the door.

Before she left, she turned around, and with a hesitant smile said, "I missed you too."

-----------

First off, thank you to the lovely marienggles for my new cover! I love it!!

I'm sorry this chapter is a load of fluff. This was another case of either a way too short, or way too long part. Unfortunately there are some chapters that aren't as exciting as others but they have to be there to get to the fun ones! Thank you for getting this far!

Every vote and comment mean the world to me! I appreciate all your feedback :)

And I have the synopsis for my new story If I Didn't Know Better posted, and the first chapter will be posted this weekend! Please go check it out and add it to you library to get the first update!

G xx