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He's dropping me home. I mean, sure, I could've made it home perfectly fine on my own. I'm totally capable of that. But no, he just had to insist on accompanying me. And with that death stare of his fixed on me, I knew there was no way I could talk him out of it. Oh well, I guess having some company isn't the worst thing in the world.
Anyway, I can't deny that I feel safe with him, even if his protective streak can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe that's just how he tries to be kind. And hey, even if I'm not entirely convinced, I've got my trusty pepper spray and some killer kicking skills just in case. Gotta stay prepared, right?
Just when we're about to leave, "Crap! I almost forgot", I remember the bouquet of Carnations sitting on the table.
Nick's expression is curious as he asks, "Is it from your boyfriend?"
Alec's expression is strange, and I can't figure out what it is. He's looking at me like I'm in some kind of interrogation.
"Umm, no... I don't have a boyfriend," I say with a casual shrug. "A girl can get flowers for herself if she wants to get flowers for herself."
I got them earlier this afternoon when I went to a cafe for lunch, and there was this small flower shop nearby that I couldn't resist. I quickly grab it, not wanting to leave it behind.
Nick's eyes light up with admiration. "Wow! Treating yourself to flowers is the best kind of self-love. Carnations are your favourite?"
I grin wide and nod enthusiastically, "Yes, I love them to death!"
With that, we're walking out of The Vein, the night air cool against my skin as we make our way to Alec's car.
The entire car ride home with Alec was a mix of chatter and silence. I tried to spark up a conversation about anything and everything, but he didn't talk much. At least he responded with a yes, no, or one full sentence. I'll take the win when I can get one. So, I rambled on about the weather, the latest movie I'd watched, the book I'd read, and even my recent attempt at pottery class.
"This is me," I say, gesturing towards the four-story brownstone apartment looming in front of us. "Do you wanna come in for dinner?" I offer, knowing full well he hasn't eaten yet. It's just polite to ask, right?
But he responds with a simple, "No. I have to go." No smile, no niceties. Just straight to the point. Typical. Well, okay then. A smile would've been nice, but I guess some people just aren't big on pleasantries.
I nod, masking my slight disappointment with a cheerful "Goodnight" and a "Thanks for the ride." As I start to climb the stairs to my apartment, I can't help but notice he's still lingering. I can feel his eyes on me, waiting for me to get inside before he takes off.
That's kinda sweet, in a grumpy sort of way. Nope. Not going there.
******
I step through the door, ready to close it behind me when suddenly, a firm hand halts its movement. Looking up, I'm met with Alec's towering figure, his eyes penetrating my soul. Without warning, he pushes the door open, his grip strong as he pulls me close, spinning me around effortlessly. I find myself pressed against the door, his lips inches from mine, his front pressed against mine sending a rush of heat through me.
His hand gripping mine from behind my back and his grip on my neck is firm but not uncomfortable. My free hand nails dig into his arm as I grapple with the intensity of the moment. His touch sends a wave of excitement to my core as his hand gently caresses my neck, fingers trailing along my pulse point. It's like every nerve in my body is on high alert, responding to his touch with an electric intensity.
Alec leans in, breath dances across my neck, igniting a fire within me. I struggle to catch my breath as his lips brush against the shell of my ear. Then, in a hushed whisper, he speaks, his words sending a shiver down my spine. "Tell me, Princess. How badly do you want this?"
With a jolt, my eyes snap open, and I find myself panting and sweating. What the fuck was that? Did I just have a wet dream about Alec? I can't believe it, but the sensation lingers, leaving me both bewildered and intrigued.
******
As I settle into the office chair, the day's agenda looms large in my mind. There's a lot to cover today, from client meetings to vendor meetings. Maya, our head of sales, and Emily, our marketing manager, are already here.
"So, what's on the agenda for today?" Maya asks, her tone brisk and businesslike.
I run through the list of tasks in my head before responding, "We've got a couple of client meetings scheduled, and we need to finalize the details for a few upcoming weddings. There's also the vendor coordination for the event next week, and I need to follow up with the florist about the flower arrangements."
Emily nods, her expression focused as she takes notes. "Got it. I'll make sure to incorporate those into our marketing strategy."
With our plan of action set, we dive into the day's tasks, each of us focused on our respective responsibilities.
I glance up from my computer as Rahul strolls into my cabin, a grin plastered on his face. "Hey there, Evie! How's it going?"
I return his smile and gesture to the piles of paperwork scattered across my desk. "Oh, you know, just drowning in wedding plans and vendor contracts. The usual."
Rahul chuckles, "Ah, the glamorous life of Evara Nayak. How's the engagement party prep coming along?"
I let out a dramatic sigh and shake my head. "Let's just say it's been a rollercoaster ride."
A grin stretching from ear to ear, he asks, "Are you ready for the big bash tonight?"
An eager smile spreading across my face. "As ready as I'll ever be! It's been a whirlwind getting everything set up, but I think we're good to go."
He nods in understanding before his expression lights up with curiosity. "So, have you met Mr. Carson and Ms. Davis yet? What are they like?"
I lean back in my chair, a mischievous glint in my eye. "Oh, you know, just your typical power couple. Mr. Carson is all business, but Ms. Davis? She's got sass for days."
So yesterday, they came in to check out the arrangements, and let me tell you, they were over the moon! They couldn't stop gushing about how everything looked perfect and how Alec made such a brilliant decision choosing our company. Yeah, sure, give all the credit to Mr.I-made-the-decision. Because, you know, I'm just the wedding planner here, busting my ass off to make their evening special.
But hello, it's all in a day's work for me, right? I'll just keep smiling and nodding while Alec takes all the glory. After all, it's not like I'm the one who spent hours agonizing over flower arrangements and seating charts. Nope, all hail Mr. Decision Maker!
Ms. Davis made sure to appreciate all the hard work I put in. She's sweet like that. Sure, Alec may have made the initial decision, but it was my blood, sweat, and tears that made it all come together. Yeah well the part about blood and tears maybe an exaggeration but I did put in some really hard work.
Rahul raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sass, huh? I like her already."
I laugh and nod in agreement. "Yeah, she's definitely a force to be reckoned with!"
******
It's 5 PM, and I've finally wrapped up all my tasks for the day. All that's left now is to head home and get ready for the engagement party. Just when I'm about to shut down my computer, my phone buzzes with a notification.
I glance at the screen to see a text from an unknown number.
Unknown number: Be ready by 9 PM. I'm picking you.
I can't help but raise an eyebrow at the mysterious message.
Um, okay, who the fuck is this?
I mean, I'm all for spontaneity, but I like to know who I'm dealing with, you know?
Me: Do I know who this is?
Unknown number: Alec.
Seeing Alec's name pop up on my screen just brought back this morning's dream, which I'd been trying to forget. Work has been keeping me so busy that I haven't had time to dwell on it. But now, it's all I can think about. Still, I'm just gonna shove it back into the deepest corner of my mind and pretend it never happened. Because it can never ever happen!
How did he even get my number though? Oh, right, he must have grabbed it from my card.
I can't help but roll my eyes. Of course it's him asking me to get ready on time. Who else would be so obsessed with punctuality? I'm pretty sure he's picking me up because he thinks I won't show up on time. Excuse him. I'm not always late. Well, maybe 80% of the time. Well, who's counting right?
Wrong. He is. I sigh and type out a response.
Me: Sure thing, see you at 9.
Can't risk getting into trouble with
Mr. Punctual. Best to play along for now.