Higher Stakes [Strings: Part 1]

Chapter 16: Him

Half-eaten three storey high vanilla and strawberry cake was left untouched at the corner by the table filled with delicious foods and drinks.

The party games were out now. Two has been done and it was time for the third, the musical chairs children edition. Catchy current tunes playing in the background while group of children were circling the two rows of chair arranged back to back in the middle.

The twins were at the front with Demi’s sister, Madison, right behind them.  The three of them placed their hands on each shoulder as if they were walking in a chain like a train. Well, that’s at least bonded them.

Da da da da da-

All the children were seated immediately except for one. A blonde haired boy had this shocked look on his face and pouted as he walked off. Luckily, the trio made it, still chain together now they were holding hands.

Somewhere inside the three storey high building, along a deserted hallway, few doors down to the left and slightly to the right, a door was locked. Inside two individuals were sitting by the small window, looking at the views outside. Slowly, one of them stood up and sat on the edge of a bulky desk with his arms crossed his chest.

He continued, “You know, just after work at the studio and then after my shifts here at the restaurant, I always come up here every night and just put some music on, had few drinks and just look out the window.” He sighed, “My grandfather often tell me about the amazing view from his office back in Italy, he said as quote, ‘the night breeze blowing in, cooling in every core of your body, you will look out and admire the beautiful moonlight and you tell yourself, life is one mystery that drives you to find more.” So every night, when I look out, trying my best to be in his spot and I think to myself… ‘How in the world am I going to feel the breeze in the middle of Beverly Hills?’ But … But … I didn’t stop there.”

Bradley stood up again, grabbed a chair and sat by the window. “If you look outside…” Gesturing at the nearby building, he continued, “every night, I would just sit here and watch people working out, people running on treadmills, big guys lifting extremely inappropriate weights and also, guys getting pawned by women. Classic.”

She chuckled.

“Watching all of that make my problems one dumbbell lighter,” he concluded.

“At least, yours are getting lighter.” She stated. “Mine still right there as if someone cemented it to the ground just for me to stare at.”

‘YEAH!’ someone was shouting from downstairs followed by huge applause. Catching on to the music playing downstairs and feeling the wind from outside rushing in, they sat there staring at each other without any words said again.

“It will get lighter,” he tried to bring her hopes up. “You just need to wait.”

“Hope you’re right.”

He moved in a bit closer and drew out, “You just got to know. Believe it.”

She blinked one and had it in her. Just sitting there staring at him, she slowly looked at his brown eyes and down to his lips. He had this smirk on his face. The kind that looked so tempting. She wants to get in and kiss him like last night. Unfortunately, he moved away and stood by her. “I think we should we get back to the party. Don’t want to have them looking for us. The last time I had a girl in here, they thought I was messing around.”

Something about that hurt her. “Sure…” she quickly replied as she stood up and head to the door without looking at him. But when she was nearly out the door, Bradley pulled her back. “What?”

“That someone was my cousin who only speaks Italian and I was teaching her English, just so you know.” He stated. “No girl outside my family has ever been up here, even Selly.”

“Really?”

“Uh huh.” He continued, “This place is special. So special …” He took her hands. “I want to share it with you.”

 She grinned. He reached out and gently strokes her face; his lazy eyes roamed all over her face and ended up locking with hers. Breathing out, he closed his eyes and leaned in to her. “I’ve been dying to do this all day.” He whispered, stroking her face with both his hands.

Stepping up a little closer, they both were against the door with Demi leaning, her head titled up with her eyes closing in, feeling his touch. Her arms glued tight to her side, motionless.

Bradley took another breath and took the dive. Slowly, he was kissing her. Taking it slowly, he moves his lips on top of hers, waiting for her to response.

Actually feeling her move right on his lips, she stopped him suddenly. “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t do this.” She confessed. “I’m sorry Bradley. I just can’t.” Quickly, she opened the door and rushed out.

Author's Note:

Whut!? Demi? No?

Stay tuned for the next chapter, folks.