15. Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Alisha
F elix clearly had trouble opening up, more so than I had. I needed to tread carefully with him, I didn’t want to lose his friendship or trust. It was clear he had been through it all, even just mentioning the word ‘past’ seemed to affect him deeply. When he was ready to talk about it, I would be here. Ready to listen. Ready to be a friend.
Felix and I were now walking side by side in a comfortable rhythm. The weather was stunning today, a slight crisp in the air but not too cold. I had removed my jacket and was thankful I changed my clothing into something more comfortable.
I couldn’t ignore the way his fingers would curl up into his palm and the way he lightly bit his bottom lip as he concentrated on the path ahead of us. The scenery was certainly stunning and so was Felix. I had enough self-control to stop myself from grabbing his hand and holding it in mine. Yes, it was very clear I desired the man.
A gentle breeze wafted through the air, tickling the back of my neck and twisting through my hair. I was grateful for it as my skin still felt on fire. Felix and I hadn’t even touched and all I could feel was heat. It was crazy that he was having this effect on me. I hadn’t felt like this in a while.
“The view is stunning,” I finally said after a few minutes of walking. As we were walking higher, you could see Iscghl in its glory, the cars driving down the roads. Felix turned his head towards me and my insides did a somersault. His expression was stoic but it was enough to affect me anyway.
He was so bloody attractive.
I could see a five o’clock shadow on his chin, his hazel eyes were twinkling in the sunlight and fuck, he also smelled good. Sweet and spicy. I tried to ignore the heat pooling between my legs.
“It is. But just as beautiful at night too. I feel lucky to live here,” Felix said, and it sounded like he meant it. I wondered whether he ever ventured away from here.
“Well, I’m certainly going to mention this walk in the article,” I replied and soon, the two of us came to a stop. I wished I had brought some water with me as now I was parched.
“You can interview me, if you want. It’s always good to get some insight from a resident. I’ve never left Ischgl, so I know tons about it.” Felix gave me a wry smile but even the smallest of gestures made me weak at the knees.
“If you don’t mind. Maybe you can come back to mine after this? I’ll cook us something. Ophelia will be there, she’s very eager to meet you.” I grinned, knowing exactly how my friend would react upon seeing Felix.
“I’m eager to meet her too. A friend of yours is a friend of mine,” Felix said.
Could he get any cuter?
I’d noticed he had gradually become less grumpy, over the few times I had met him. I wondered what the change was. He seemed to notice I had forgotten to reply and edged a little closer, so that he was nearly towering over me. He looked ethereal as the sun beat down on him and I looked up at him through hooded eyes. If I stepped even closer, our bodies would be touching and our breaths would be mingled together.
“I, um,” the words wouldn’t come out all of a sudden. My mind was screaming to just take the plunge and kiss the man, but I didn’t feel quite brave to conquer my thoughts. Felix took a step back and cleared his throat.
“Let’s keep going. Tell me a bit more about England,” Felix said, taking the lead and I fell into step beside him.
“Well, I think I told you a bit about my family. My parents are very supportive, they’ve always encouraged me to achieve my dreams. Do what makes me happy, you know?” Felix nodded and then I continued.
“Where I live in England, it’s busy but comfortable. I have a cat called Chou, he keeps me company since I live alone,” I said. I hoped my little buddy was okay but I knew Kiya would be taking good care of him.
“Do you like living alone?” Felix asked. The truth was, no I didn’t. I wanted to share a place with someone in the future, ideally a partner. It wasn’t terrible living on my own but I did want to come home to someone who adored me one day and collapse into their arms.
“Not really, no. Sometimes I wish I had a housemate. I’ll admit to you though, I almost ended up living with my ex. But I’m thankful I didn’t,” I admitted. I felt comfortable to share this with Felix, he seemed to be a man of no judgement.
“What was he like, if you don’t mind me asking?” Felix questioned. I took a deep breath before answering.
“Charming, at first. He won me over quite quickly and I’d say that I did love him. I used to have a friend called Felicity and she’d usually hang out with Caden, my ex, and me. We’d been together for nearly a year before I found out he was cheating on me with Felicity,” I told Felix and his eyebrows raised, shock evident on his face.
“Shit, I’m sorry. That’s horrible what he did to you. And also your friend. How did you handle that?”
“Happened about six months ago, so I’d say I’m pretty much over it. He does still try to contact me but I ignore his texts. Felicity, on the other hand, apologised once and that was that. It hurt, losing her friendship, but she lost my trust and I don’t ever want to see her again. You don’t do that to your so-called best friend, you know?” I realised I had been biting my bottom lip, probably due to nerves. I released my lip from my teeth, and focused on some deep breathing.
“She wasn’t a true friend. Do you ever miss him though?” Felix was asking all the questions I’d been asking myself, but I had one clear answer.
“No, not anymore.” I smiled, and for the first time, I felt relief. That I had ridden out the worst of the storm and now there was a rainbow waiting for me.
“I’m sorry, I forgot to bring hot chocolate. And the promised picnic,” Felix said as we took a little break.
“Don’t be sorry. I’m happy just walking with you,” I told him.
If anything, food was the last thing on my mind.
After about twenty minutes or so of walking, I had grown rather tired and it was time for us to head back. My stomach was growling for food, and I was thankful we had done a food shop as there was plenty in the fridge for a late lunch. Grayson texted me to schedule a video call for tomorrow. He wanted to see how things were going and if I had a draft I could send him, so he could get a feel of what I was writing and perhaps provide some advice. I knew I needed to get something prepared this evening, and Felix thankfully offered to be interviewed so at least I had some things to note down.
It didn’t take long to get to the chalet, and as soon as we entered through the front door, we were greeted by Ophelia.
“Well, hello.” She smirked, her green eyes full of mischief. I hoped she wouldn’t say or do anything that would embarrass me.
“Good afternoon,” Felix greeted her, offering his hand to shake. Ophelia took it, giving it a firm shake. She then released it and crossed her arms.
“Finally good to talk to you. This girl has been talking my ear off about you and I wondered when I’d actually get to see the said man.” Ophelia chuckled.
Here we go. Operation Embarrass Alisha is in action.
“Oh, has she? I hope all good things.” Felix seemed to find this amusing as he met my gaze. I tried to relax my features as I was glaring previously at Ophelia.
“Oh yes. Well, at first, she called you Mr Grumpy. I don’t get that vibe off you at all. You’re very charming and it’s a pleasure to meet you, Felix,” Ophelia said and then gave me a wink, before mouthing he’s gorgeous. Thankfully, Felix hadn’t noticed this as he was glancing around the room.
“Can I make you something to drink? I was about to put on some hot chocolate,” my friend offered.
“If you’re making one, I’d love one too,” Felix said politely.
“My wish has come true,” I said, exchanging a look with Felix, who smiled warmly at me.
“Okay, great. Ali, come and help me. I’m guessing the two of you haven’t eaten either, so we can get something cooking. Are you a fussy eater, Felix?” Ophelia asked. I didn’t think Felix would be, he seemed to enjoy whatever he ate and drank.
“Not at all. I’ll eat whatever.” Felix smiled but he wasn’t looking at Ophelia anymore. He was looking at me, and there was an expression I couldn’t quite make out.
“You can take a seat on the sofa. Make yourself comfortable, I’ll just be in the kitchen,” I told him and he nodded, walking toward the living room. He had removed his coat and hung it on one of the hooks by the front door.
Ophelia and I hurried to the kitchen to get started but the minute we got there, she ambushed me.
“Do you see what I see? I think he likes you,” Ophelia questioned.
“No. I don’t think it’s like that, Lia,” I told her. Yes, Felix and I had shared a few looks. But nothing happened and he hadn’t done or said anything that would make me think he actually liked me.
“But you like him, right?” Ophelia pushed and I knew she wouldn’t let it go until I admitted the truth to her.
“I might do. But I’m happy just being friends, a relationship isn’t exactly what I need right now,” I told her, grabbing the cocoa out of one of the cupboards and some milk from the fridge.
“Hey, I’m making that. You’re shit at making hot chocolate, sorry babes.” Ophelia grabbed the cocoa from me and placed a pan on the hob.
“Ouch, you bitch.” I stuck my tongue out at her and she giggled, greeting me with her middle finger. I did love the banter between us and I really was thankful she had joined me on this trip. Even if she was going to embarrass me for the next few hours.
I grabbed a few ingredients from the fridge, as I decided I would make us all a carbonara. It was quick to make and always delicious.
“He’s not Caden, Ali. I think he’s into you. You just need to trust that not all men are like your ex. But whatever you decide, I am here for you. I support you with whatever you choose.” Ophelia stirred the cocoa and milk together in the pan, which was starting to bubble.
“Thanks, Lia. But I can't forget that I’m here for work. Grayson is going to call me tomorrow, so I can’t afford to get distracted,” I said, grabbing my own pan to start boiling the spaghetti.
“Okay, I understand. I already spoke to Grayson today, and he seems quite happy. He is thinking perhaps of coming up here soon with his family,” Ophelia told me. It made sense, as Grayson always loved to travel, especially with his family and it wasn’t long until Christmas. This was one of the best times to come.
“Oh, that’s cool. Felix offered to be interviewed so hopefully, that will help with the article.” I started to chop up the pancetta into smaller pieces and then fry it in a flat pan.
“That’s kind of him.” Ophelia switched off the stove as the hot chocolate was now ready and poured an equal amount into three mugs.
“I’m just going to ask him if he likes cream and marshmallows. Can you keep an eye on the pancetta please?” I asked, and my friend nodded before I made my way to the living room. Felix was glancing at his phone, before he noticed my presence and he put it back into his trouser pocket.
“Everything okay?” he asked, his eyes scanning me up and down.
“Yep. Hot chocolate is ready. Do you like cream and marshmallows?” I clasped my hands in front of me, suddenly feeling quite nervous in front of him.
“I do, thank you. Can I help in there at all?”
“No, we’re okay. You’re our guest. Feel free to put the TV on. I’ll bring you your hot chocolate,” I said, smiling chastely at him before heading back to the kitchen.
Ophelia had sorted out the carbonara sauce for me, which I was grateful for.
“You know what, let me handle all this. Go back in there and talk to him. Here’s both of your hot chocolates.” Ophelia ushered me away.
“Are you sure?”
“One hundred percent.” She grinned and I knew I didn’t have to ask her twice. She was very serious. I obeyed her, carrying two steaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with cream and marshmallows back to the living room where Felix was now channel hopping on the TV.
“Here we go.” I held out his mug in front of him, which he took. A jolt of electricity sprung through me as the tips of our fingers touched through the exchange.
“Thank you.” Felix smiled, taking his first sip.
“Ophelia took over from me. She’s sorting out the lunch,” I said, taking a seat beside him on the sofa.
“Fair enough. This is a nice chalet. Are the two of you paying for it?” Felix asked.
“Accommodation is being covered by the company. Ophelia and I offered to pay, however our boss Grayson insisted on sorting it all for us,” I said, taking a deep sip of my hot beverage.
“He seems like he cares about his employees. That’s good.” Felix licked a bit of cream from his lips. This simple action sent me into overdrive, and I could feel myself getting hot again.
“He’s a good boss,” I said, trying to distract my heated thoughts with another sip of hot chocolate. As I placed my mug down on a coaster on the table in front of us, Felix was gazing at me rather intently.
“Have I got something on my face?” I suddenly felt worried and touched my nose. Perhaps cream had ended up there. How embarrassing.
“You just have a bit of cream on the top of your lip.”
“Oh, okay.” I tried to lick it away but this caused Felix to chuckle and he edged a bit closer to me. My heart was pumping fast and he lifted one of his fingers to gently touch my upper lip.
“Here. Let me,” he spoke, a slight roughness to his voice. I took a sharp intake of breath, as his thumb gently swiped the stray cream away from my lip. I squeezed my thighs together, as he then licked his thumb, never breaking eye contact with me.
Maybe Ophelia was right. Maybe there was an attraction forming. But whether I was brave enough to do anything about it, that was the question.
“T-thanks.” My voice was shaky but in a good way. I felt nervous but elated all at once. I welcomed these feelings but tried not to let them consume me entirely. I needed to appear composed.
We were startled by Felix’s phone vibrating in his pocket and he seemed to dislike this.
“Sorry, I better answer it. Probably my sister.” Felix said and I nodded. I took this as an opportunity to head to the bathroom and splash my face with cold water, so thankful that Ophelia hadn’t seen what had happened.
As I looked at myself in the mirror, I could see how flushed my skin was, my breathing was erratic and my pupils were dilated. I gripped the edge of the sink and tried to convince myself to calm down.
“Get your shit together,” I told myself in the mirror, glaring back at the image. I knew from this point on, it was going to be very difficult to mask my true feelings for Felix. I had slight hope that perhaps he felt the same too. For now, I needed to return back to him and see where the day would take us.