Chapter 20: Chapter Nineteen ✓

Chapter Nineteen:

(Edited by: Sara_Lovee1D. Thank you <3)

Emberly's POV:

Have you ever wondered how Charlie must have felt when he stepped his foot inside the chocolate factory? Ask me. You know all the excitement you get when you feel like everything in your boss's house is made of pure gold? Yes, the feeling was mutual. I never understood the hype of people making their house look so... stunning. Arran was one of those people. I really thought his house would be a total bachelor's pad but I couldn't be more wrong. Yes it had all the equipment you see in a single guy's house but it was spotless. Despite its size, I couldn't help but notice how empty and lonely it really felt. The whole house was drowned in a complete silence. Something I am not fond of.

We were currently on the first floor and he led me inside his bedroom. It looks even better in the sunlight. My breath hitched involuntarily when I remembered how close we were last night. His lips on my neck, his arms around my waist and his legs tangled with mine. A shiver ran down my spine and it took a lot of will power to stop shuddering. The same bed where we were 'spooning' was now neatly made. I am not surprised though, since I know how much of a clean freak he really is. I spotted my phone near the table and grabbed it.

"You know, I can actually make your dream come true." He smirked and motioned his eyes to his bed, earning an eye roll from me.

I walked out of the room as quickly as possible avoiding any suspicious thoughts.  Arran was acting weirdly, which was making me feel... weird? The way he was acting all playful wasn't going well with me. He was doing something to me and that's the reason why I am feeling so strange. Something in his eyes was making me fluster for no apparent reason. All my confidence seems to falter in front of him. We were randomly strolling in the hallway when I spotted the one thing that stopped me in my tracks.

I stood still when I saw it. I forgot how to breathe and my eyes nearly bulged out. Not believing myself, I even pinched myself, only to hiss in pain. He was oblivious to my state and kept walking ahead. I touched them softly.

They were my flowers.

The white roses I got him.

I recognise them by the wrapping sheet. Obviously, he didn't bother taking them out. Some petals were missing because of my outburst but it didn't matter to him. It had to be the least attractive thing in his house yet instead of getting rid of them, he had decorated them in a beautiful vase. I realised he was way ahead of me so I silently ran to where he was. Suddenly, my mind was too distracted with all the questions.

Why...?  Why did he put them in his house? If he cared even a bit then why did he walk out on me? Why do I get to see the nicer version of him when I'm at his house, why not in the office too? Moreover, why does he have a flip side to his personality? Why is he bothering me so much?

I didn't even realise that he stopped abruptly until I crashed into his back. I mumbled an apology quickly. He smirked but didn't say anything. See what I mean? A normal Arran would've called me clumsy and would've told me to watch where I am going.

"So...?" He asked me nervously and I looked at him puzzled. Then, I realised he was waiting for me to say something about his house. Really...? Is it necessary? Could he not see me drooling over everything? Plus I really don't know what to say.

"Your house... is amazing." I somehow managed to put my thoughts into words but he looked slightly disappointed. But to be honest, that moment my mind was distracted by of the flowers.

"You haven't seen the best part yet." He gave me a boyish grin that made me momentarily forget about all the questions and had me grinning too for no reason.

He led me to the backside of the house and my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when I saw a huge pool in the middle. No freaking way.  It's a dream come true for anyone. It had a lovely side garden with different types of plants and flowering blossoms, perfect ambience for a barbecue party, pool party, friends or family gathering or just to chill on your own. It's like heaven on Earth!

"Seriously how much do you make?" I questioned him suspiciously.

He shrugged his shoulder and smiled at me softly but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. I couldn't comprehend what made him look this distraught so suddenly. Maybe I should calm down a bit, I know I might be acting like a greedy person but I have never in my twenty-one years alive seen a house so stunning. And bloody hell, he is only twenty-five years old, twenty-five. He might be thinking I am a gold digger but I don't have any intentions of having anything like this. I don't think I can ever have this much!

We both sat down near the pool, with our feet in the water.  We were both enjoying the feel of the cold water and the warmth of the sun hitting our faces. It was peaceful, almost too peaceful. I wanted to ask him so many things but I was too afraid to ruin this moment.  I tilt my head to his side and almost gave up on asking him. His whole body was relaxed and I didn't want to be the reason for an unnecessary argument. Sensing my eyes on him, he looks to my side and smiles. Not the smile again.

"Can I ask you something?" I hesitated.

"If you must." He narrowed his eyes at me, slightly turning darker than usual. He must have probably noticed the hesitation in my tone.

"Why did you... leave the other day?" I had to ask him. The question was bothering me – A LOT.

However, Arran doesn't reply straightaway. Instead he stiffens, and sighs loudly, and looks everywhere that's not me. Maybe I shouldn't have asked him. I just ruined the whole thing. Way to go Emberly. But come on could you really blame me? I literally apologised with all my heart and all he does is push me out of his way. I am entitled to receive an explanation from his side. I look at him expectantly, waiting patiently for his answer.

"Because it was my mistake." If it weren't so quite, I would've never heard it.

"How come?" I interrogate him further.

"I accidentally took the note that I was supposed to give it to you with me." A flash of guilt shows on his face before turning impassive.

Say... WHAT? I knew it. It wasn't entirely my mistake. How the hell was I suppose to book a table for him when he took the bloody note with him? I was glad, knowing I am not always capable of ruining simple tasks.

"How did you find out?" I squealed excitedly. He looked surprised by my reaction. He must have been expecting me to create a huge scene out of this.

"After the argument, when you left, I tried to do my work.... I opened the file..." I noticed he was having a hard time accepting his mistake but he was trying though, which was enough to make me smile.

"And that's when you found it?" I smiled at him, making it easier for him. His eyes widened slightly and he nodded. Hey, don't get me wrong I am mad but I don't see the point to stay mad when I know what is done is done, I can't rewind it.

"Yes. I don't know what to say." He admitted honestly, slumping his shoulders in defeat at bit.

A part of me was telling me to get up and walk away, like he did. But I knew very well that I couldn't do that, even if I tried. Sure, he was a pain at the beginning but he slowly grew on me. I know now, what makes him less angry or what makes him more angry. I'm yet to figure out what makes him happy though. Coming back to the point, I know I shouldn't forgive him so easily but he is very patient with me when I make mistakes. Except the other day though. He knows I am the worst assistant any CEO can ever get but he is still making an effort to make this work. Like last time, I forgot to fax a very important file to a client, he did get angry but he told me to do it straightaway. Also apologising is not his cup of tea, cross that, he doesn't drink tea. Well in that case it's not his cup of coffee. I guess I can let this slip too.

'Promise me, you won't leave me.' I remembered his words from last night and something about his current posture reminded me a lot about his vulnerability from last night. I just started to get to know him better and a part of me wants to know him even more.

"Well, I don't know, you can start by saying how sorry you are and then, maybe, I don't know, how best I am?" I bumped my shoulder with his and teased him. His brows shot up in surprise and his lips parted for a moment. Arran quickly recovered and passed a lazy grin.

"Sure, Emberly. I am sorry for shouting at you and I really don't know how best you are." He winked. I shook my head and smiled.

"Why do you get angry so quickly?" I asked him casually but even he knows I am not expecting a casual answer.

"I really don't know. It annoys me when I find mistakes and I get angry." He stated matter-of-factly. Yeah, I have figured that much out already.

"I agree, but don't you think that's a bit harsh?" I asked, lying back on the warm tiles with my feet still in the water.

"No, this way, you won't repeat the mistake again, well except you." He said, unexpectedly sternly, causing me to look at his side. He looks at me intensely and I immediately look away.

"You're controlling." I mumbled, feeling my body getting hotter under his gaze.

"I like to be in control Emberly, if you don't people will take advantage of your kindness and they will walk all over you." He said softly and my head snapped his side. His face was clouded and his eyes turned cold.

"Has anyone done that to you before?" I whispered.

"You have no idea, even friends. They will only come to you when they need something." He said bitterly and my heart clenched painfully.

From what I have witnessed so far, I can tell people use him for his status and money. Like that girl who tried to take advantage of his drunken state so she could brag about it to her friends. All the girls throwing themselves at him so he would notice them. All the guys, pretending to be his friends when all they want is to get in for free and impress their dates. He wants to be a normal guy like everyone else but people around him won't let him. Maybe that's somehow explains his cold behaviour.

"I am so sorry." I said softly, looking away.

"Don't be, it's not your fault." He replied, using the same tone.

"But you must be thinking I am like the rest..." I sighed sadly and to be honest I won't be surprised if he agrees.

"No I don't Emberly, you don't even realise how.... amazing you are." He assured me and his tone showed he meant every word he just said.

I laughed softly at his use of words. Seems like I'm not the only one having trouble describing their emotions.

"Thank you, and you're not that bad yourself, especially your singing, that is the definition of amazing." I bit a smile and informed him.

"Singing...? I don't sing." He frowned and furrowed his eyebrows.

"Oh yes, you do." I said matter-of-factly.

"No I don't... unless" He narrowed his eyes and then it widened in realisation.

Hastily, I got up quickly and ran away out of his reach, leaving no time for him to react. He followed me but he wasn't fast enough. I quickly ducked behind a picnic table, blocking him. He stood on the other side of the table and tried reaching for the phone in my hand. I played the video that I recorded last night. It was kind of cute to watch him blush in embarrassment. He leaned forward to grab my arm but I raised it higher in the air.

"Hey, Emberly, look there." He said suddenly, pointing at sky. I simply rolled my eyes and laughed.

"What do you think I am? Five...?" I said playfully.

"Delete it right now." He snapped and tried to get the phone.

"Tonighttttttttt, we are younggggggg, so let's set the world on fireeeee, we can burn brighterrrrr than the sunnnn." I yelled, making him growl in anger and frustration.

"Emberly, I am warning you." He said darkly.

He pushed the table aggressively, causing me to take few steps back in surprise. I stumble and it was enough for him to get hold of me. He approached me from the other side and I tried my best to get under the table.  He held me by my waist and I pushed him hardly, making him fall on the pool chair at the side. I laughed loudly, turning around to face him. However, this time he was faster than I was, so he grabbed me by my shirt and pulled me with a force. Before I could comprehend what was happening I was on his lap, straddling him. I gasped softly at our closeness. He seemed to notice this too as his stance changed and his hands on my waist tightens.

I placed my shaky hands on his chest to maintain a safe distance, which apparently made the situation ever worse. He pulled me even further so our noses were almost touching. The fluttering in my stomach increased as I watch him leaning in. Breathing in his sweet breath, I almost forgot who he is or where I was. His green eyes held so much emotion that it startled me.

Hunger.

Lust.

My face coloured up, realising what I was about to say so I ripped my eyes away. My thoughts were cut off when his hands, which were holding my waist, slipped inside my shirt. From his touch, my body lit up, sending shivers down my spine.

Oh. My. God.

This can't be happening.

My eyes were closing and I found myself leaning in too. We heard someone coughing beside us and it was enough to bring us back to our senses. My eyes snapped open as I held his gaze for a minute. There was surprise mixed with annoyance. Our heads turned to the person who interrupted us. We found Luke smirking at us both and his eyes glinting mischievously.

"Luke." We both said slowly.

Luke's presence distracted me and before I could do anything Arran took my phone away from me and deleted the video. I groan loudly.

"Yeah, nice to meet you too Emberly. Thanks for making me feel so welcomed." He muttered sarcastically and I flustered.

"Ignore him." Arran told me and I got up from his lap reluctantly. He got up too.

"What happened to bros before hoes?" Luke whined, feigning hurt.

"Hey, I am no hoe." I warned him.

"Sorry. So what are you guys doing?" He smirked and passed a suggestive look to both of us.

"Nothing." We both said together, looking away.

"Okay, sure." He eyed us suspiciously.

I shifted from one foot to another feeling completely embarrassed. Not only was I about to kiss Arran again, his best friend caught us.

"Dude, are you coming to that charity thing tomorrow?" Luke questioned Arran and I was grateful for the change of subject. I couldn't handle his wiggling eyebrows at me.

"I have to." Arran rolled his eyes and sat on the pool chair.

"I don't get the point." Luke complained and sat down in another pool chair. I silently took the third chair.

"Tell me about it. I am happy to fund them but this whole gala thing is too much." Arran replied lazily and I was surprised at his reaction. Normally, he was ready to go anywhere, anytime except this. And not to mention, it was for charity, a good cause.

"Well I think it's good...." I said loudly and regretted it for saying out loud. They both stopped talking and looked at me. I swallowed my dry throat. "To raise awareness." I mumbled.

Both didn't say anything but I swear I saw Luke eyes glinting and he smiled at me smugly.

Or you can just ignore me.

"Who are you taking?" Luke totally ignored me and asked Arran.

"I don't know yet..." He said uncaringly but from the corner of my eyes I felt him glancing at my side.

"What about you Emberly? Are you coming?" Luke asked me suddenly and I looked at Arran for an explanation. Surprisingly, Arran quickly straightened up and looked alarmed.

"I... don't..." I trailed off, nervously.

"No she is not." He said, sternly, leaving no place for an argument.

"Who are you to decide?" Luke questioned him.

"Her boss." He said harshly, causing me to flinch back.

"So are you coming?" Luke questioned me again and I raised my eyebrows at him. Did he not hear his friend?

"I am not invited." I pointed out dejectedly. It's not like I was planning to go and now knowing I am not invited I am definitely not going.

"Too bad, I'm inviting you. It's really cool though, you'll enjoy it." He looks at Arran and smirks. Something about his looks tells me to refuse as politely as I could. I look at Arran warily where he had his jaws clenched together and glaring at Luke who was oblivious to it.

"Luke it's not a good idea." Arran said apprehensively.

"Why not?" He smirked and asked him.

"Yeah why not?" I frowned.

Sure, I get he doesn't want me to go but I want to know the reason.

"You know why. She will end up..." Arran said quickly and stopped just in time. He looked at my side cautiously and I got the clue what he really meant.

"Embarrassing you...? It's okay Luke, clearly I am not invited." I replied him bitterly and got up.

Humiliation, anger, betrayal yet moreover hurt. That's how I felt. And here I really thought we were getting along. I kept walking in no particular direction.

"That was not cool." I heard Luke saying to him. Glad to know at least someone agrees.

As soon as I reached his room I started grabbing my stuff. I know he will follow me but I didn't want to see him right now. I don't even know why I am reacting like this? I guess maybe it's because I was expecting him to ask me. He could've rejected me a bit more politely but no, he had to turn his stupid arrogance mode on.

"Emberly." I heard him say behind me and I stiffened. Damn, he was using his low voice on purpose. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply.

"What?" I snapped, not bothering to turn around.

"Talk to me." He said hesitantly and I scoffed.

"Okay, I'm leaving." I informed him. Here I talked.

"No you're not." This time he said it firmly and I turned around to see if he was joking.  I glared at him but his face showed he meant it.

"What are you going to do about it?" I mocked him and took a step towards the door.

I strode past him and nearly did a happy dance when he yanked me and pinned me near the wall. The moment our eyes met, blue against green, I felt electricity starting to flow through my body.

"What... are you doing?" I trembled and swallowed loudly.

"Come with me?" He asked me, shocking me briefly but I recovered when I realised why he is asking me now.

"You don't have to pity me. I'm fine, I'm not going to cry over this." I said more to myself than to him. Much to my annoyance, he chuckled.

"I didn't want you to go with Luke." He said sincerely.

"You know if you didn't want me to come, you could've said it... wait what?" I trailed off and stopped when his words finally registered in my mind.

"I want you to come with me... so will you?" He asked nervously.

"But you said you don't want me to...." I replied, looking down at my feet. I won't be able to refuse if I keep looking at his eyes which paralysed me in my spot.

"Look, this thing is hell boring... I didn't want to make you feel like you had to come because of me when I know you would rather do something else." His face was completely serious.

This explains a lot and I felt stupid for over reacting but still I didn't feel like going after what happened. It touched my heart though thinking he actually cared and thought about me. I felt rather stupid now.

"Thank you but no." I refused softly and his face fell.

"Please...?" He raised his eyebrows nervously and asked me again. I almost giggled.

"I don't know... I have to check my planner." I replied to him cheekily.

"Oh really?" He asked questionably with his smirk growing wider. And that's how we were back to normal.

"Yeah, you know... demanding boss." I cleared my throated and informed him, feigning feeling scared. He chuckles and then turns serious.

"Hmmm...? I can totally understand. How about if you say yes I'll talk to him." He said, actually smiling this time.

Jokes apart, now it's the time I should refuse politely.

"I really don't know...?" I said, exasperated.

My hands were getting clammy at the proximity. I was too nervous to realise how close we actually were. I could feel heat radiating from his body. I bit my lip as he leaned down until his lips were only inches away from my ear.

"Hmmm?" He questioned me and I could feel his warm breath near my ear.

Moody, angry, annoyed, bitter, arrogant Arran I could handle it by now.

But this Arran, I certainly can't.

I wanted to tell him to step back since I have agreed but he, on other hand, had another plan in his head. Instead his warm breath fanned my neck, sending shivers up and down my spine.

Do something. Move. Tell him to stop.

"Arran..." I finally found some courage to speak up but it was cut very soon when his tongue flicked my earlobe. I inhaled sharply and he wrapped his arm around my waist, brining it closer to his body. He sucked it before nibbling it lightly. I almost closed my eyes when I realised what we were doing. I tried to push him but he didn't move back even a bit. Instead he released the earlobe and I was about to take a huge breathe of relief when his lips found its way on my jaw. He trailed soft yet hot kisses down my jaw line.

"Say yes..." He murmured against my skin. This new sensation made me weak in the knees and I held his shoulders for support. He carried on planting kisses down to my neck and my eyes closed on its own, relishing this moment.

"Guys.... Oh, sorry." A chirpy voice stopped us going any further. Again.

My eyes popped open and hastily moved back, only to bump my head with the wall. Only trust Luke to ruin a moment...AGAIN!

"No, its fine." Arran stifled a laugh and told Luke. He stepped back and allowed me to breathe properly.

"So are you coming?" He wiggled his eyebrows once again and I laughed.

"I guess so..." I said hesitantly and replied.  Arran who stood beside us narrowed his eyes at me. I smiled at him sweetly.

"Trust me; I won't let you die of boredom." He winked and Arran started to look a little uncomfortable.

I quickly bid them goodbye and got home. I still couldn't believe what happened today. First he opened up, gave me a tour to his house, he even gave me a shell from his collection and then the talk we had near the pool. It made me understand him a bit more. I smiled dreamily thinking of when we leaned in. My heart started thumping loudly. I need to get a grip. However, I still need to decide what to wear so I called Cherry.

"Cherry, emergency, code pink. Meet in five." I said quickly.

"Say no more sister." She told me and hung up the phone.

So here I was, fifteen minutes later, shopping my ass off to find a perfect dress. Where are all the damn good dresses when I need one?

"I don't know what to wear. God, why did I even say yes?" I scowled at myself.

"Because he is a hot bastard who can be nice sometimes." She said pointedly and picked up a frilly pink dress. I grimaced at the dress. Luke told me to dress in an evening gown so Cherry helped me pick a beautiful black strapless evening gown at the end. I tried the dress and showed her. I stood in front of the mirror and examined the dress.

"Ughhhh, maybe it's a bad idea. I mean look at these." I pointed at my deflated chest and wailed.

"These, my friend, are a gift from God." She stood behind me, examining the dress, also.

I stifled a laugh at her antics. We both heard a loud gasp and we turned around to see an old lady staring at us with wide eyes. We both passed each other a confusing look and then it hit us. Our eyes widened when we realised what the oldie must be thinking about us. Cherry's hands were practically groping my breasts. However she didn't make any attempt to remove them.

"I am just telling her how much I love her. That's right baby I love you." She faked a moan and I shook my head, stopping myself from laughing in her face.

The woman turned around, cursing softly. We both stifled a laugh but one escaped from her mouth and we ended up laughing out loud. People around us stopped and watched us weirdly, which made us laugh even harder.

"You are so bad." I told her, failing miserably to stop laughing.

After paying for the bills, she told me she would come to my place tomorrow to help me get ready. Moments like these make me realise how lucky I am to have a best friend who has an excellent taste in fashion. No doubt, she will put all her efforts into getting me ready.

I, for once, seriously cannot wait for tomorrow night.

❦❦❦❦❦

Oh and happy Ramadan to anyone who is fasting out there (like me) hope you have a peaceful one :)

I agree with all those people who are saying this story is going on a slow pace and I agree but I like to take things at slow pace. I don't know how many chapters this story is going to have but I am trying my best to show two strangers with a complete opposite personalities getting along and how they slowly understand each other.