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Adam and Amy drove back into town in relative silence. The redhead was naturally full of questions, but she wasn't sure it was the right moment to voice them. She decided to keep them under wraps for the time being as the blond man collected himself.
"It's really hard for you, isn't it?"
"Huh?" he asked, quickly glancing her way. He assumed she meant the fact that he was without a mother.
"The visions," Amy clarified. "I mean, they must be physically taxing... but beyond that, you have to deal emotionally with all the horrible things you see."
"Oh." The man was silent for a beat as he expertly steered the car. "Yeah, it is hard," he agreed. "It's like having the weight of the world on my shoulders. And in a way, it sort of is."
Her heart went out to him. It truly did. She reached a hand over and laid it on his shoulder for comfort.
Adam glanced over at the woman at the touch. It was the sweetest anyone had been toward him in awhile. He felt a surge of emotion swelling up.
"I'm glad you're here," he said softly, almost even sheepishly. "I really appreciate your kindness."
Amy smiled. But he didn't have to thank her. She found it somewhat odd that he felt the need to, especially considering their track record thus far. He had saved her life - not once, not twice, but three times now.
The rest of the drive was silent but comfortable. Adam was definitely at a point where he knew he could call the redhead a friend. He felt enough at ease with her that he decided to have her at his house again - but this time, he would actually invite her inside.
She instantly recognized the block as they drove up his street. It was quiet and pleasant, a decently modest neighborhood with small- to medium-sized houses adorning the block.
"Spaghetti okay with you for dinner?" he questioned. He parked the Lexus in his driveway.
Amy was somewhat taken aback. She honestly hadn't expected to be coming here, to his house.
"Um... Sure," she answered. She followed him out of the car and slammed the door. She couldn't help wondering if they would be eating on the patio again or if he would actually allow her into the house. She got her answer seconds later as he led her to the side door.
She followed him up three small steps and inside. Glancing all around, she wasn't quite sure what to expect.
"Make yourself comfortable," the blond man said as he directed her to the living room. "I'll start dinner."
While she headed for the couch, he disappeared into the kitchen.
So much for getting the grand tour, she told herself. She sat down and glanced around the room. He had a few paintings on the wall, done by what she supposed were local, little-known artists. There were bookshelves full of various books of different topics, some fiction, some nonfiction, self-help books... even Dating for Dummies. That one cracked her up a bit, but it seemed strange that a man as interesting and handsome as Adam Copeland would ever find the need to get that.
The redhead's attention was drawn to a large maple chest across the room. She squinted, noticing what appeared to be newspaper clippings in frames inside the glass display. Frowning, she rose to get a better look.
As soon as she did that, Amy found herself regretting it. She'd seen them, all right. The clippings were about his dead mother. Well, some of them were. The others were about the strange, elusive hero who had rescued countless people from various would-be disasters and death. The ones regarding Judy Copeland depressed her deeply, and she had a sinking suspicion that the man was obsessed.
She was standing and browsing for so long, she nearly jumped when she heard his voice again.
"Dinner's ready."
In a haste, Amy moved away from the chest. She nodded, feeling a little like a kid who'd been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.
"Okay. I just want to wash my hands first."
"Sure," he said. "Bathroom is down the hall, third door to your left."
"Thanks." She offered him a nervous smile.
About a half-hour later, they were done with their dinner. Adam was apparently full of surprises as he actually gave her a tour of the house.
Amy didn't exactly know what to make of it when he went into a safe he had in his bedroom. The blond man fished around inside and came out with a nicely-sized wad of cash. The redhead's eyes widened as he handed it to her.
"Here. I want you to take this."
She glanced from the money, which, to her, seemed to be at least a few thousand dollars, then back into his eyes. Shaking her head, she held up her hands in protest.
"What? No," she said, a nervous smile again touching her features, "no, I can't."
"Of course you can," Adam said. "You're now out of a job, and I want to help you, Amy. I insist."
"Really... It's sweet of you, but I do have my own money."
He studied her with intense scrutiny. She really was quite breathtakingly beautiful.
"Are you sure?"
The redhead nodded.
"I am. Besides, I'll get unemployment insurance," she pointed out. "But thank you for such an amazingly generous offer." She gazed at him with wonder, and it was on the tip of her tongue to ask where he got so much money - as it seemed he didn't even work - but she held her tongue.
Adam gazed into her hazel orbs and gave a tiny, short nod. This woman had become such a huge part of his life in so short a time... And damn if he wasn't falling in love with her.
As their intense eye contact continued, he leaned his head down to hers. She craned her neck at the same time,
lips slightly parted, her gaze softening. And then, their lips met, and it was just about the most passionate kiss
he'd ever experienced.