Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 78: She Was Falling For Him.

Chapter 78: She Was Falling For Him.

"You should get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long journey," Garvin said softly. He turned to leave but stopped when Scarlett reached out and grabbed his hand.

He turned back to face her, concern flickering in his eyes. "What’s wrong? Are you okay?"

"Just stay with me," Scarlett whispered, her voice tinged with sadness. Her eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze. "But you can leave... if you’re scared of me too."

"Come on, Scarlett," Garvin replied almost instantly, his voice firm and reassuring. He sat beside her bed. "I’m not scared of you. In fact, you’re still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met."

"Most beautiful?" Scarlett repeated with a faint chuckle, lifting her eyes to meet his. "You sure know how to make someone laugh."

"I’m serious," Garvin said, leaning closer, his gaze locked with hers. "You’re the most beautiful, calm, hardworking, sexy, elegant, and brilliant woman I’ve ever come across. And I get it, you’re scared that you’re losing yourself. But I’ll always be here for you, no matter what."

Scarlett let out a dry chuckle, shaking her head as the tension in her expression softened. "You always find a way to make me laugh. Anyway, thanks for the compliments."

"Since you want me here, I’ll stay until you fall asleep," Garvin offered, flashing her a warm smile.

"I’m not sleepy," Scarlett replied, sitting up in bed. With a flick of her fingers, she opened the system interface, quickly purchasing a chessboard with her last few bronze coins. Moments later, the board materialized in her lap. "Let’s play a game."

Garvin chuckled, settling on the bed beside her. "You know I always beat you at chess whenever we play."

"That’s only because I’m usually drunk when we play," Scarlett countered, setting up the board with precise movements. "I’m completely sober now, and I believe this time, I’ll win."

Garvin studied her for a moment before grinning. "Well, you do always play chess when you’re sad. And I’m pretty sure you haven’t had a drink since you don’t have any coins to purchase items." His tone shifted, warm but teasing. "But listen, someone who’s sad never wins a chess game. I’m going to beat you again, Miss Jerkins."

"Spare me the long talk and focus on the game, Mr Johnson." Scarlett replied with a determined expression, her fingers poised over her first move.

Garvin shook his head, amused, and leaned forward. "Alright then. You’re on, Miss Jerkins," he said as he moved his first piece.

The two sat in companionable silence, their focus shifting to the chessboard. Scarlett’s movements were sharp and precise, her mind clearly intent on outsmarting Garvin. He, on the other hand, seemed to split his attention between the board and her, his gaze lingering on her face whenever she was deep in thought.

"You’re staring," Scarlett said suddenly, not looking up from the board.

Garvin smirked, leaning back slightly. "Can you blame me? Watching you try to beat me is almost as entertaining as the game itself."

Scarlett rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile. "You talk too much. Let’s see if your game is as good as your mouth."

"I guess we’ll find out," Garvin said with a grin, making his next move.

The game continued, the sound of chess pieces clicking against the board filling the quiet room. For Scarlett, the match offered a reprieve, a momentary escape from the chaos of her reality. For Garvin, it was a chance to be near her, to remind her she wasn’t alone in her struggles.

Garvin, soon looked up and smiled. "You’re getting better, Scarlett," he said, his voice low and soothing. "But I’m still going to win."

Scarlett rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips. "We’ll surely see about that," she replied, making her next move.

A few minutes later, Garvin leaned back with a triumphant grin. "I won!"

"What?!" Scarlett’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the board. "How?! That’s impossible!"

"Believe it, Miss Jerkins," Garvin teased, his tone filled with mock arrogance.

Scarlett studied the board intently, her fingers trailing over the pieces. "You must’ve cheated!" she accused, her frown deepening.

"Oh, come on now," Garvin said with a smirk. "I never cheat. Just admit you’re not as good at this as you think."

Scarlett narrowed her eyes. "You had to have cheated. I was so sure I’d win!" Determined to catch him, she leaned forward, inspecting his side of the board and even glancing behind him to ensure he hadn’t hidden any extra pieces.

As she leaned over him, her knee slipped, and she lost her balance. Before she could fall, Garvin’s hands shot out, gripping her waist firmly and steadying her. Scarlett’s arms, meanwhile, landed on either side of his head, trapping him between her and the bed.

Their face, mere inches apart.

Scarlett’s breath hitched as her wide eyes locked onto his. Garvin’s expression softened, his green eyes sparkling in the dim light.

"I didn’t cheat," Garvin murmured, his voice low and steady, though his heart raced. His hands stayed on her waist, holding her securely in place.

Scarlett swallowed hard, her gaze roaming his features, his sharp jawline, his pointed nose, and his rosy lips. To hell with the stupid game, she thought, her lips tingling with temptation. How had she never noticed just how handsome Garvin was before?

Her mind betrayed her as she imagined waking up to his face every morning, sharing quiet breakfasts, and going on adventures that had nothing to do with survival. Unlike her ex-husband, Garvin was kind, protective, and patient. He had everything, looks, wealth, charm and, most importantly, he cared about her now that she knows of.

’I really want to kiss him,’ Scarlett thought, biting her lip nervously. Even if it were just once, she wanted to know what it would feel like.

Garvin’s hands tightened slightly on her waist, pulling her back to reality. "You’re a great player, Scarlett," he said softly, trying to ease her frustration over losing the game. His voice was calm, but his gaze dropped to her lips, betraying the storm of emotions beneath his composed exterior.

Garvin’s own feelings were a mix of admiration and longing. He had always been drawn to Scarlett, but her marriage had kept him from expressing his feelings. Now, with her so close, every suppressed emotion bubbled to the surface.

His thoughts raced. Why did it have to be someone else? Why couldn’t she have been mine?

But even as his heart ached, he fought to maintain control. Scarlett was still fragile, still processing her past, and he didn’t want to push her.

Scarlett, too, was caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Her body refused to move, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Finally, as her arms began to tremble from holding herself up, she pulled back abruptly, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. "Uh... I think I need to get some rest," she said quickly, her voice slightly shaky.

Garvin let her go, his hands dropping from her waist. He stood up, forcing a neutral expression. "Yeah, that’s probably a good idea," he said, his voice gentle. "We’ve got a big day ahead tomorrow."

Scarlett nodded, settling back into bed and avoiding his gaze. "Goodnight, Garvin," she murmured.

"Goodnight, Scarlett," Garvin replied softly, though he lingered for a moment before heading toward the door.

Just as he reached the doorway, he misjudged the distance and bumped into the frame. "Ouch!" he exclaimed, rubbing his shoulder.

Scarlett sat up slightly, worry flashing across her face. "Are you okay?"

Garvin turned back to her with an awkward smile. "I’m fine," he said, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Sleep tight." With that, he exited the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

As Scarlett lay in bed, she let out a quiet chuckle, her fingers brushing her lips as her thoughts drifted back to Garvin. One thing was becoming clear: she was falling for him.