79
-Rose Dern-
I stared nervously at the black suitcase in my hand.
Was I really doing the right thing? I mean, traveling all the way to Canada with a man I hadn't dated up to a month, was that a smart idea?
Not to talk of the fact I would be meeting his family.
The Mr and Mrs Stan.
That thought made me shiver.
“Enjoy your trip, and don't forget to call, okay?” Suzy pulled me to a warm hug which I returned, though my mind was far away from it.
“Bye now.” I pulled apart, allowing the bodyguard to take my suitcase from me, which he replaced in the boot if the car u entered.
Throughout the drive, my mind travelled to the fact I was actually doing this.
Now I was on my way to his place where we'd both head to the airport and get to Canada.
A whole new place.
Oh geez.
The drive to his place didn't stop me from feeling nervous.
I tried to convince myself it was just a business trip and we'd just be going to visit his parents. Nothing serious.
The car came to a halt in front of a beautiful and huge mansion.
It was way bigger than the one I lived in with Suzy, and I would've been awed at how it looked like those houses in rich people movies I used to watch when I was younger, if my body wasn't twitchy inside.
At least my legs moved out of the car and towards the building.
Please Rose, calm down.
A maid appeared from beside me, a wide smile planted on her lips. “Please, follow me.”
I heeded, walking in whatever direction she did, stopping when we reached a huge door that she opened for me.
As soon as I walked into the house, I was greeted by the sweet smell of lavender, that had my nose tingling in a good way.
The beautiful paintings left me in awe at their magnificence, and I'd have admired them further if a voice I'd come to know too well didn't call from beside.
“Rose.”
I dared not turn to his direction because I could already feel my breath seized.
Instead, I just pretended to be too amazed by his house (which I was) to notice him strutting towards me.
Finally though, when his figure stopped beside me, I was forced to return his stare, and believe me when I say, I got lost in them.
He was way too handsome to be standing with me.
I mean, the dressing itself made me have to resist the urge to drive back home and change.
His gaze trailed down me from head to toe, and for a moment, I imagined him offering a disapproving look, but instead, his smile grew wider.
“You're very beautiful.” He leaned in to plant a small kiss on my lips that left my cheeks reddening.
“Thank you.” I said when his lips left mine.
“Why don't we have something to eat before we get going.” He didn't wait for my reply, just held me by the hand, directing me to his dining table.
First, the driver had driven us to the airport and Darien wouldn't stop entertaining me with things from his childhood. Pitching me on how his family was like (which, surprisingly wasn't an awkward conversation).
Once in the plane that was empty (indicating he probably owned it), he'd asked me questions about myself, but unfortunately I didn't have much to say so most of the conversation was about him.
I thought I was going to sleep in the plane, but we had so much to talk about, sleep was the last thing on our mind.
And again, the drive to the hotel was also filled with conversations, that I totally forgot why I hadn't wanted to come on the trip in the first place.
I laughed at what he'd last said as we both stood in front of a door.
He handed a card from his pocket. I took it from him, seeing that it read 15F, which was what was written on the door.
“This is my room?” I smiled at him. “Where's yours?”
His hand moved to scratch the back of his neck for a split second, before he awkwardly cleared his throat, pulling out another car.
My brows dipped when I noticed it also read 15F. “We're staying in the same room?” That realization made my heart throb faster.
Of course, we were dating, I wouldn't assume he'd separate us.
But still, I wasn't ready for whatever was going to happen if we shared a room.
I wasn't one to have sex with a guy only after a few months. I needed to know him better.
If it wasn't a bad idea for that.
But obviously, sleeping together was bound to make something deeper happen.
Oh geez.
Calm down Rose.
It's not like he'd be the first guy I'd have sex with.
But gosh, he was going to be the first Darien. I couldn't even feel desires flowing in me yet.
Oh geez.
Without even realizing, I took a step back.
What was I doing here again? Wasn't it just stupid to travel all the way from where I'd been born and raised, just to stay in another country. And to meet his parents at that.
Weren't we going too fast?
He seemed to have noticed my change in behavior, because he quickly reached out to grab my arm gently.
“We don't have to stay in the same hotel room.” He held my nervous and probably panicking gaze.
“I own this hotel, I can get another room ready for you.” He sighed a little, seeming embarrassed. “I just thought since this was a business trip, things would work out more if we were close by.”
A business trip.
Yeah, it was just a business trip.
When I didn't say anything, he continued. “I had planned for a hotel room with two rooms, but I'd arrange for another one for you.”
“Two rooms?”
He raised an eyebrow. “You thought we'd be sharing a room?”
Suddenly feeling embarrassed, I released my hands from his grip, though I wished I hadn't.
The feeling was nice.
I cleared my throat, turning to the door. “There's no need to change rooms, we can stay in this one together.”
His lips pulled upwards a little, as he opened the door and we both sauntered in.
We were in what I guessed to be that parlor of the hotel room, but it was amazing, and even bigger than the parlor of my old house.
There were beautiful paintings on the wall also. “Wow, these are beautiful.”
“I thought since you seem to adore art, maybe the workers could get some beautiful paintings for you.”
I stared at him in awe, suddenly loving that figure in front of me even more. “You bought this all for me?”
He shrugged a little. “No big deal.”
“No big deal?” I reached for an obviously expensive painting on the wall beside me. “This is a big deal.”
Again, the shrug. “You should go take a shower. Your luggage will be bought soon so you can change.”
I smiled, grateful. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
He let out a chortle. “You seemed to be regretting it just a few minutes back.”
That made my cheeks burn, and I hoped it was covered by my hair. “I'll like to take a shower. Which is my room?”
“You can take anyone.”
“How ‘bout this?” I pointed to a door, sauntering to it when he nodded.
This might not be such a bad idea after all…