Honor: a novella by Chasie Noble

chest and rested my head there. He pulled me close to him.
    “I will be back tomorrow night though.”  
    He stared down at me and I smiled back, pushing some of his blond hair from his eyes.  
    “Thank you for dinner, and my necklace—I love it.”  
    He placed both of his hands on my cheeks and slowly kissed me. As I kissed him back, he pulled away and I tried not to frown.  
    “I will talk to you tomorrow.” He leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Good night.”  
    I held his hand as he began to walk away. “Good night.” I turned and went inside.

Chapter 12

    The next day seemed to drag by. I always loved my job, but since Osric had come around it just seemed like time at work stood still. I know it had nothing to do with my job itself, I was just so head over heels in love with Osric I hated being apart from him.  
    I was sitting at my desk sorting through letters to go out for late fees when I looked up and saw Ryan walking my way with a huge bouquet of flowers. “Hey there, Honor. Have you seen Lilly?” he asked.  
    “She was shelving books in the youth department. And she is going to love those.” I pointed to the flowers.
    “I hope so, I wanted to surprise her.”  
    “She will be surprised! They are beautiful flowers.”  
    He said goodbye and went to search for Lilly.  
    Brenda walked up shortly after. “Did you see those flowers Ryan had for Lilly? They were so pretty.”  
    “I did. I told him she was over in your department shelving returns.”  
    “I was in a meeting with Celia and when I came out I saw him walking by. I guess I can go spy on them since they’re in my section.” She winked and started to walk off when she saw my necklace. “Is that new? It is nice.”  
    I grabbed it and looked down. “Osric gave it to me last night at dinner.”
    She came closer and read the inscription. “He is so sweet, and so handsome. You hold on to that one Honor. I am going to have to tell Harold to step up his game. All these young men are making him look bad.” She laughed. I couldn’t help but laugh too as she walked away.  
    I finished up all the letters and was going to go help up front as Lilly came over to me. “Ryan is so sweet. Did you see my flowers?”
    “Everyone did, they were huge!”  
    I saw a cart of returns by the front that needed to be put up so I started to steer it away and Lilly followed me. “He asked me to come home with him for Thanksgiving to meet his parents,” she said nervously. She began shelving books with me.  
    “Are you going to go?” I asked.  
    “Of coarse I am. I wouldn’t want to be apart from him for four days.” I knew what she meant, I just didn’t want to admit it out loud. “Osric is still going home with you right?” she asked.
    I pulled the cart around the corner. “He is coming to my parent’s, but we are only going for the day. My parent’s house is small and my aunt will be staying there.”
    “I’m not even sure who all will be at Ryan’s parent’s for Thanksgiving.” Lilly said as she grabbed a stack of books.
    “It will be fine. Everyone will love your smart little mouth.” I laughed.
    “Thanks for always supporting me,” she said with a smile as she walked away with more books.
    It was six o’clock and time to go. I went back to the employee locker room to get all of my things. Lilly was trying to carry her flowers and her bags, and it wasn’t working so well.  
    “You need some help?” I asked.  
    “Yes, please!” She handed over the flowers.  
    “What’s with all the bags?” I asked as we passed through the back door.  
    “I am staying at Ryan’s tonight.”  
    We reached her car and I loaded her flowers in the back. “I would say call me, but I’m sure you will be busy tonight,” I added sarcastically as I buttoned my jacket up.  
    “Don’t you worry, you will be busy soon too.” She laughed as she got in her car, waved, and drove off. I heard her honk on the far end of the parking