Chapter 341 - Give Steve a chance (2)

"Biddy, I feel like I'm forcing you to be with me, and you are not willing..." Steve's voice trailed off. He looked at Bridgette who stared at the coffee table. With each passing second, he felt his heart crumbling. After what seemed like forever he stood up and said in a quiet voice. "If you don't want to talk to me, I don't know what else to do." Steve looked at her for few seconds and walked slowly toward the front door feeling completely defeated.

Just as he reached for the doorknob, he felt a light tug on the back of his shirt. He turned around and saw Bridgette standing behind him. He didn't hear her footsteps, but he was so out of it, that he could miss hearing a steam engine roaring next to him.

"Don't go..." She said weakly. She was looking up at him, and her face showed that she is troubled.

He sighed and steeled his resolve. This is obviously not working. So, either she snaps out of it, or there is no point of him trying. Steve is aware that something happened with Bridgette after Felix's visit, but he does not know what is going on in her mind. And she does not want to share that with him. The only way this will work out, is if he stays firm. He looked her in the eyes and spoke: "What is the point of me staying if you don't want to talk to me?"

"I don't know what to say." Bridgette looked down, not daring to look him in the eyes.

"Tell me what is going on... Why are you avoiding me?... What are you thinking right now?"

"I don't want you to go. That is what I'm thinking." Bridgette admitted.

"That is one question answered. I need to know what is going on in your head."

Bridgette gave a small nod, took his hand and led the way back into the living room. They sat on the sofa, facing each other.

Bridgette lifted her gaze and looked at him for some time reluctantly, as if she is having an internal fight. "I like you. I really, really like you. So much that I'm afraid that you will hurt me, and I won't even know what hit me. Because of that, I became overly-cautious. Everything you do or say, my mind twists around, and signals me that you will hurt me."

Seeing that she finished talking, Steve spread his hands helplessly, "I don't know how to respond to this. Is there something I can do? Or is this something you need to untangle by yourself?"

Bridgette sighed, "The problem is within me."

Steve's expression was solemn. 'If she is telling the truth or not, I don't know. Maybe she just wants to break up and does not know how to say it.' He feared that something like this will happen. "In that case, I will give you space." He stood up. "Call me when you resolve your issues."

Steve made a step to go out, but Bridgette held his hand. "The problem is within me, but I need your help to resolve it."

Steve's face brightened up. She is holding his hand and said that she needs him. Finally, a progress. He sat back on the sofa and held her hand in his. "How can I help?", his voice was deep and soft. Bridgette found it very soothing.

"How about we start with a hug?" Bridgette smiled and spread her arms.

Steve pulled her into his embrace. Like a child, she was sitting in his lap, sideways, leaning on his body while her head rested on his shoulder.

Bridgette didn't feel tense anymore. She realized that all her fears got amplified by the words from Felix, but she does not want to tell that to Steve out of concern that Steve will dislike Felix. Thinking rationally, if Steve wanted to hurt her or do something against her will, he had plenty of chances. However, Steve always respected her, and didn't do anything she didn't want. Her brother's words and attitude made her overthink things and build scenarios in her head that are not realistic. She can't really blame Felix for that... it's no one's fault.

Right now, she needs to fix her relationship with Steve.

Bridgette lifted her head and kissed him lightly on the lips. He returned her kiss happily, and they kissed for a while.

"I think we are late for dinner.", Steve said after some time.

Bridgette nodded in agreement. "Before we go, there is one thing..." She stood up, turned her back to him, and moved her hair out of the way, "Unzip it".

Steve stood up and pulled on a zipper which extended over her back from neck to just below her waist. As zipper moved lower, her white skin on the back was revealed. She was like a butterfly coming out of the chrysalis. Delicate, beautiful, inviting him to touch her. His hands trembled. He didn't dare jump to conclusions, or answer any of the questions that invaded his mind. 'What does this mean? Does she want to change her dress? Or...?'

When zipper reached its lowest point, her back was almost completely exposed.

She turned her head to face him and smiled, "This is my most hideous dress."

"I believe you." He smiled back.

"I will be back in a minute", Bridgette swiftly went to the bedroom.

She came out few minutes later in a short red dress which hugged her body tightly and didn't leave much to the imagination.

Steve held his breath when he saw her, thinking how she is very attractive. In next second he remembered that they are going out, and that others will see her like that. Then he thought that the hideous dress she wore previously is not so bad anymore. "Don't you have a sweater or something to cover up?"

Bridgette looked at him for a second and then smiled, "Thank you... I guess I don't need to ask you how do I look. Come on, let's go. I'm sure they are waiting for us."