Chapter 30

Tobias didn't have the words nor the capacity to grasp what had just happened. He had been excited to see her again after how many years? He couldn't put a number to it, he did want to. The number would be a damning accusation against him, one he would be deserving of. However, it seemed that he was the only one holding on to such outdated emotions.

He did as he was requested and made his way to the dining room. It had been too long since he visited his home. Nothing had changed.

Not even the woman he loved. It was true that she was ten years his junior but he had never minded it, she had the intelligence and wit to challenge him. And after all these years her beauty increased, still carrying the power to shake him.

"Dad?"

Tobias looked up to see his son. He smiled at the boy's look of confusion. It was obvious that Trish hadn't breathed a word of his visit, she clearly wished it to be a surprise.

His son came over and both men embraced. They never did these normal parent/child relationships since most of their interactions were limited to work-related instances. At work they had to be employer and employee, no special treatment could be afforded, even if it tore him apart not to give his only son the parental affection he desperately wanted to.

"You didn't say anything! " Thomas accused as they both sat down.

"That would ruin the surprise." His father countered.

"How have you been?" Thomas questioned seriously.

His father waved off the question. " Enough about me, how are your wounds? When Austin told me about the misinformation I felt terrible. I assure you there will be punishment. "

"My wounds are just fine, dad. If anyone should be blamed its us. They are new, someone should have been shadowing to ensure the information was accurate." Thomas was logical. When he thought of his first year in the organization, he didn't know how many mishaps could have happened because of him if it wasn't for Austin. He had been assigned to personally keep an eye on Thomas and it was a good thing he had.

"You're right." Tobias sounded. "I was just worried."

" Now you know how I feel. So are you taking your meds on time? Keeping up with your checkups?" Thomas drilled. He needed to know the answers to these questions.

"Yes and yes. Stop worrying about a man who has already lived his life."

"I would hardly call living for forty-seven years a lived life," Thomas interjected.

"Enough of this arguing. I have yet to meet ms Avril. Is she home?" Tobias was bursting with anticipation, he wanted to meet the girl who had his son opening his heart again. He'd even thank her on his knees if that was appropriate but he couldn't get involved in their business.

"She is-" Thomas affirmed right before she came gliding into the room.

Tobias looked at her and saw the resemblance between her and her parents...she had gotten the best of them both. Her beauty was subtle but striking and he doubt she even knew how striking. She didn't parade around with boundless confidence, she seemed shy to him but when her eyes met his he saw it. The pure defiance in them...that was it, he was sure. That was what drew Thomas to her. He didn't doubt that she was strong-willed, which would give his son somewhat of a challenge especially when no one dared to oppose him. It was refreshing.

Tobias found himself liking her immensely, even before she spoke to him.

"Avril this is my dad." Thomas introduced.

"Tobias Lynne." He rose from his seat and extended his arm.

Avril was taken aback at first and then she snapped out of it.

"Its really nice to meet you." She smiled as she shook his hand.

"Pleasure is mine. I hope you're very comfortable staying here my dear, it's not that easy to be away from family for long." Tobias commented as they all took their seats.

"Everyone is amazing. Thank you so much for accommodating me."

"Nonsense. There is no need to thank me, you're doing us a favour, I am sure Trish was so happy to finally have some company and besides, you're father and I are the closest of friends, its just as if you're my own daughter."

Thomas leaned back and looked at the both of them conversing. His father seemed to genuinely be taken with Avril, even booking her to teach her how to play chess.

This was the first time his father seemed to approve of someone Thomas was interested in and this made him confident of his choice.

Trish came out with the dishes. She was about to leave again when Avril stopped her.

"Is there anything else you need help with?" She asked, assuming Trish was headed to complete more tasks.

"No no dear. I thought I would leave you to have dinner so the family can catch up." She patted Avril on the hand.

Tobias's heart sank. Even if she no longer cared about him, he wouldn't mind her sitting at the same table with him... In fact he craved it.

"What are you talking about?" Avril questioned. "From what I have seen, you are a part of the Lynne family."

"Avril is right, you can't leave," Thomas interjected as he rose from his seat and guided her to a seat, opposite to his father.

The table was clouded by a smoke of tension. Both Avril and Thomas ate in silence.

"I heard you're sister had twins, congratulations." Tobias looked up from his food at Trish.

"Yes she did...and thank you." She managed a small smile and continued eating.

Avril wasn't sure what was happening or why she herself started to feel uncomfortable. From the time Trish sat down, Mr. Lynne had turned quiet and Trish was not the normal bubbly person Avril had come to know.

Avril was finished with her dinner but was uncertain if she should break the silence. Her eyes locked with Thomas'.

"Avril and I wish to be excused." This line caused the other two members to turn their attention to him.

" Actually Avril has some work to do and I have some calls that need to be put out immediately." Both Trish and Tobias pushed back on their chairs to stand as Avril and Thomas did.

"No, please don't get up on account of us. Stay and enjoy your dinner, you haven't touched it." This made them stop midway and then sink back awkwardly into their seats.

Avril and Thomas went into the kitchen, washed up in silence, and then went upstairs. Her mind was to focused on what was going on with Trish that she barely noticed that Thomas came into her room behind her, closing the door behind him.

The sound from the door closing broke through her enchantment. She jumped as she spun around.

Thomas gazed at her in amusement.

"I guess you're wondering what's the deal between those two." He made reference to Trish and his father as he walked past Avril to lie down on her bed. His arms folded behind his head.

Avril sat facing Thomas, her legs piled on each other to form a triangle.

"I would be lying if I didn't say I was curious." She responded waiting for him to enlighten her.

Thomas sighed. "They are in love."

"What!" Avril couldn't believe her ears.

"They both think I don't know." Thomas laughed to himself.

"Then what's the problem?" Avril questioned.

"I overheard my father telling her that he had no time for a romance or the time to be held back in his duties. The fight stemmed from him being injured on the job a good few years ago. Trish was devastated and furious, she hadn't heard from him in weeks leaving her to think the worse had happened and my father told her that he answered to no one and his job was to important to be shying away from his duties because of chances of injury."

"That's harsh," Avril responded.

"It is. Trish has been a mother to me. I think they just need a push. They obviously love each other. Maybe they can work it out. I can't explain what they both probably feel in terms of emotions... I don't know the entirety of the situation."

"If they are that awkward around each other then there must be unresolved issues," Avril added. "Is that why you made them stay alone? In hopes that something might happen?"

Thomas grinned. "My father has never looked at another woman since. " Thomas inhaled as he looked at her chewing on her bottom lip as she thought. All of a sudden he realised how isolated they were. He sat up on the bed, his hands bringing her gaze to his.

"Enough about them." He breathed as he pulled her lips towards his covering her gasp of surprise with his. This kiss wasn't as slow as the one they shared earlier. Instead his mouth ravaged hers with an intensity that screamed passion, want and need.

He kept pulling her body closer to his, craving her body against him. He tore his lips away from hers and buried his face in the crook of her neck, his lips and tongue sensitizing the flesh there. She cocked her head back giving him fuller access as her body roared to life with heat. Her lips parted and her breaths deepened.

Thomas pulled away. The taste, touch and sound of her driving him over.

"We have to stop now." He told her as he stood in front of her.

"What? Why?" The words rambled out before she had the right mind to think about it.

Thomas didn't answer.

"Wait... are you holding back?" She questioned.

"I am trying not to push to much." He said.

"Thomas, I appreciate that you want to make me comfortable. But you holding back with me is not what I want, I don't want you to be different with me just because I have no experience. If there is something I am uncomfortable with I will tell you to stop." She really didn't mind exploration the only reason why she waited this long was because there was never anyone in her life she wanted to share this side of her with. Thomas wasn't here for only sex and that's what made it okay for her. She didn't want to move too fast, but she also didn't want to move to slow.

"I understand." He leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead.

" But that is it for tonight, I remembered you saying you had to start your readings." He turned on his heels and left.