Chapter 29

Bella's POV

We were in the middle of dinner when my phone sounded. I received a text, so I smiled apologetically at Tom and opened my message. I don't want to miss any messages because they might be important. Even though Liam is looking after Sophie, I still want to check on her from time to time.

When I opened the message, I saw that it was from Liam. My heart jumped out from excitement and anticipation.

He texted if we've arrived at the restaurant safely, and automatically I smiled. He's so sweet. The butterflies in my stomach are going crazy.

I texted him back a reply, letting him know that we arrived safely and that we are in the middle of dinner, and asked if Sophie is okay.

I grabbed my spoon again and continued eating. Then my phone beeped again. I grabbed it and read his message. Right on cue, I choked not because I was clumsy but because of what he said. His endearments and jealousy are going to be the death of me. He told me to come home early and not to choke without him around.

I reprimanded him and told him to let me finish my food. I tried so hard not to smile like an idiot and trying not to blush. Tom has been looking at me with a puzzled face.

" Oh, I am crazy, alright. I am so crazy about you, babe ;)" Oh, my God! He's not flirting with me, is he? This lunatic! I am with another man, and he decided to flirt with me!

I scolded him again and reminding him that I am on a date. His remarks made me blush harder, and I am feeling so hot. My face probably looked like a ripe tomato right now. Now I am sure this crazy man is flirting with me!

" Everything okay, Bella?" Tom asked me curiously, his brows furrowed.

" Yeah, yeah, everything's fine. It was Collette, and she was pestering me about something. Let's eat, shall we? I'm starving." I told him, avoiding his eyes. So we ate in silence. My mind is not here, though but with someone at home probably waiting impatiently.

We were now having dessert when my phone sounded again. I opened it eagerly only to be disappointed. It's from Liam again, and I feel sad reading it.

" Baby, I need to go to the hospital. I might not be able to come back tonight, so I won't be here when you come home. Make sure to come home before eleven and keep a distance from that ape, understand? Be careful, love, sorry I can't wait for you." Unfortunately, he won't be waiting for me when I go home. Although I felt sad, him, calling me baby and love, still makes me giddy. He's bossy again, but I love it. It makes me feel special to him.

I texted him back and added a little flirting. Two can play in this game, Dr. Jones. I want to go home now. But I don't want to be rude to Tom. Liam has been acting weird and saying weird things. He's giving me mixed signals, and I'm confused.

It's now at ten o'clock, and we're done with dessert, but Tom still didn't make a move to leave. He seemed to be enjoying the night, unlike me. My mind keeps going back to my conversation with Liam.

" Bella, I'd like to thank you again for tonight. I was hesitant at first to invite you, but I'm glad I did. You look truly amazing tonight, Bella." He said, and I smiled timidly, blushing a little. I'm not good at accepting compliments.

" Thank you, Tom, and it's my pleasure. I had a wonderful time, and the food is great." I answered politely and took a sip at my wine.

" I hope this won't be the last time? I want to get to know you better. I like you, Bella. I guess by now, you know that already. I wouldn't invite you to dinner if I weren't interested." He stated bluntly, and I was dumbfounded. I don't know what to answer.

" Tom, as much as I enjoyed your company, but I have to be honest with you. I'm not looking for a relationship right now. I want to focus on my career and my daughter. I really do appreciate you being honest with your intentions, but I'm just not ready to be involved with someone right now." I told him truthfully, a grimace on my face. I cannot give him hope.

How can I give my heart to anyone when it's not mine to give? It belongs to a certain man until now. He owns me completely and irrevocably. My heart is and will always belong to him. I saw Tom's facial reaction changed.

His face becomes so red, and he is gripping the table so hard. I was concerned by his reaction, but then he recovers so fast and smiled brightly at me.

" I won't give up, Bella. I will wait until you are ready. Please do not prevent me from showing you how serious I am about my feelings towards you." He said, grabbing my hand and holding it a little bit too tight. I smiled at him and discreetly pulled my hand from his grip.

" Should we go home? I'm sorry, but I have a sick child waiting for me. I had a wonderful time, Tom, thank you." I told him and stood up. He followed suit and put money on the table. I put on my coat and walked towards the door.

I felt him behind me, and I felt him placed his hand on my back. I tried to control not to flinch. I'm just not comfortable being touched by anyone except Liam. Finally, we reached his car, and I waited for him to open the door for me.

He came closer, and I can smell the wine from his mouth. I stepped aside to give him room so he can open the door. He saw what I did and scowled. His eyes glinted in the dark, and his face came closer to me.

" Are you scared of me, Bella?" He whispered. He's too close for liking.

" What? No, Tom. I was giving you space to open the door. Thank you." I answered him and ducked to take a seat. I inhaled deeply, troubled at his behavior. He looked down at me, not saying anything, then closed the door and went to the driver's side.

" As I've said, Bella, I'm not giving up. I am serious about this. I will pursue you until you're ready to accept me." He said, then turned on the car. I was silent the whole ride contemplating what he said. Tom is different when he's drunk.

The Tom who interviewed me and showed me around the school was sweet and polite. He is gripping the steering wheel too tightly and had a solemn look on his face.