Chapter.04- How To Aca-Embarrass Yourself 101.

Four: How To Aca-Embarrass Yourself 101.

Once we reached the familiar Kingsley Estates I was buzzing with excitement. The entire place was lit up, light spilt out making it magnificent, it was a stone building, with an archway, it was all bathed in a sparkly golden hue. The architecture was medieval with slight modern touches.

I could see silhouettes of guests spilling in and out of the house clad in suit trousers and expensive gowns, sparkly bubbly going around in trays held by servers. The reception area had an indoor fountain that gracefully spouted water through a weathered grey statue, the sound of water gushing was drowned by some classical music playing in the background, right behind the fountain was the grand double sweeping staircase, and opulent triple-tiered crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, to the right and left were corridors that led to the different parts of the house. Mum and Dad abandoned us as soon as we set foot inside the columned corridor, which left Carter and I to look around on our own.

After Charlotte's parents greeted us momentarily, Carter disappeared, so I was on my own. I went in search of the birthday girl in question. Walking through the black and white patterned marble-floored corridor that led to the garden I saw people laughing and drinking bubbly in the sea of lights, guests spilled out into the garden, chatter and laughter filled the air. I recognised some of them and just smiled, hurriedly walking away in case one of them wanted to talk to me.

I finally spotted my best friend in a sea of people and lights chatting to a bunch of elderly people along with her Nan.

Holding onto the stone balustrade, I descended the steps and strode towards them. Her Nan recognised me and she smiled wrinkles and laugh lines appeared around her eyes.

"Happy birthday Mrs Kingsley. You look lovely." I hugged her, she smelled powdery and like vanilla.

"Thank you, dear." She patted my hand. "So do you. Your parents are here?"

"Yes, they're inside," I informed her. She bobbed her head.

I turned to Chars. "Happy birthday, Charlotte!" I hugged and kissed both her cheeks. "You look stunning."

"Thank you, Rebecca!" She beamed. "I know, people have been telling me that the entire evening." She gave me a cheeky smile which made me laugh.

Chars looked stunning in her elegant black and white cocktail dress, which reached just above her knees. Her hair was curled and in a nice updo, her makeup was fresh and dewy with pink glossy lips. The only jewellery adorning her was her huge diamond drop earrings and finished it off with black Louboutins. Only she could pull off a dress like that.

We chatted for a while with the other ladies, shortly Chars and I excused ourselves and left to go sit somewhere.

"You look gorgeous in that dress. The hair, makeup everything is so beautiful. And you're welcome." She flipped her hair.

"Indeed thank you very much," I said mockingly. But smiled nonetheless."If I am being honest, I'm glad you convinced me to wear this, now that I think about it, it wouldn't have been a good idea to show up in pyjamas. I look sexy," I told her grateful for convincing me.

"I know. That's why you should listen to me often. I am the brains in this friendship." She harrumphed as she handed me a fancy looking drink.

"Right." I narrowed my eyes at her. "So...what/who/where is the surprise now that I am here? I cannot wait for it to rock my world." I looked at her from the rim of my glass, sipping the exotic drink.

She tutted. "You came because of the surprise and not because it's your friend's birthday?"

Yes! But I didn't tell her that.

I gaped. "I'm hurt and shocked that you think so little of me."

She smirked, one that said: I do.

Lucas with his impeccable timing interrupted us. "Charlotte!" His deep voice called out.

Eyes wide with shock, Chars squealed. "Oh my gosh! Lucas!" She looked at me and I shrugged with a knowing smile.

He chuckled. "Happy Birthday, you look beautiful." He hugged her.

Charlotte giggled and let go of him. "Thank you, Lucas. I'm so glad you could make it tonight."

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said. He looked at me then acknowledged me. "Harper."

"Lucas." I tipped my head.

"Are you still upset?"

I shook my head and added, "No." I playfully punched his arm. He nodded his head.

Chars asked him something and they both caught up with each other. My eyes scanned the place looking for someone familiar. I wondered where Sebastian was. Wasn't he supposed to be with Charlotte and shower her with love on her special day?

Just then, the man in question swaggered towards us. Seb was clad in a white dinner suit jacket and trousers, the jacket had black lapels to match with Char's dress I presumed, he looked so suave with perfectly coiffed hair. He was tall and debonair with the first few buttons undone. A few people and girls glanced his way, but he had eyes only on one person. He put his arms around Chars' waist from behind and kissed her cheek. She smiled knowingly, it was a blinding smile and hearts practically shot out of their eyes. I was envious but was so happy for them.

"Seb!" She turned around and beamed.

"Happy birthday, babe," he smiled and pulled her in for a kiss. He kissed for a little longer angling her head.

Luke and I stared at each other aghast and completely uncomfortable. Luke cleared his throat and I made retching noise, which made them pull apart, they were completely dazed, Charlotte's face turned scarlet. Seb didn't seem bothered, he had a cool expression on.

He finally turned towards us and greeted Lucas and I rather awkwardly. "Hi."

"Thank you, for finally noticing us," I said sarcastically. Lucas laughed.

His green eyes met mine and smiled. "My apologies."

"No worries mate, I understand. If I had a girlfriend like yours, I'd ignore people as well." Luke clapped his shoulders. Seb shifted on his feet and laughed awkwardly. "Nice meeting you, I'll catch you later, now if you'll excuse me." Luke straightened and left.

We were quiet and then Seb spoke, "You look gorgeous tonight Rebecca, not that you don't look gorgeous every day." He quickly added.

"Why thank you, Sebastian. You look nice yourself." I quipped.

"Oh, good!" He chuckled awkwardly. We just looked around not talking. I sipped my drink.

"I'll go get you something to drink?" Seb offered his girlfriend and left, but not before kissing her.

"Sorry for getting off with him." Chars smiled sheepishly.

I waved my hand in dismissal. "So....will you tell me what it is now?" I asked impatiently.

She grinned. "Yes, keep looking around, it's very obvious. I thought you'd recognise it right away."

There it was, again with the cryptic talk. "Just stop with all the riddles and tell me what it is!" I demanded.

Chars and I kept bickering, until our bants was interrupted by our friends.

"Hello, hello, hello! Good evening, sorry, we're fashionably late." Peter's familiar voice reached us, I looked past Chars' shoulders, Peter and Olivia dressed fashionably strode towards us.

"It's my fault. I took a nap, we had so much of course work to finish." Olivia hugged Charlotte.

"It's fine. I understand, you made it here and that's what counts." Chars beamed.

"I need something to drink." Olivia looked at her boyfriend after we greeted one another.

"Coming right up, my love." He flashed her a smile and left. "Do you ladies want something as well?" He called over his shoulder.

"No. Thank you." Chars and I replied in unison.

"Where's Rachel?" Olivia glanced around.

"She's had some prior engagement." Chars answered as both of our eyes met.

Rachel texted me saying she couldn't come to the party as she was going to meet her mum who would be flying down to meet her. I was worried about her, I just hoped that her father wouldn't be there. They don't have a nice relationship, I sighed as I quickly replied and tucked my phone away. Some of the girls couldn't make it, but Anna, Samantha and Nicole made it and we chatted along.

I was glad I came here, the atmosphere was lively, and it certainly took my mind off things. The gardens were lit with fairy lights and tables and chairs were put for people to sit down and talk. There were servers carrying trays of champagne, tiny little sandwiches and different kinds of entrées that were beckoning for me to eat them and that's exactly what I did.

************

I was stood in front of the dessert tables deciding what to eat. An array of delicacies was laid out before me, from sticky toffee pudding to vintage knickerbocker glory and even jam roly-poly. My mouth watered and stomach rumbled, I picked up the cutlery to serve some sticky toffee pudding when suddenly I felt a presence next to me. I nonchalantly turned my neck towards my right and glanced at the person, then back to the table.

My eyes widened and my knees wobbled not because of the heels. This time for entirely different reason.

I turned my whole body in his direction and nearly dropped my plate when our eyes connected, he smiled at me so blinding that made my heart flutter.

Bloody hell my heart fluttered! I tried to compose myself so that I didn't faint on the spot.

I was speechless. My eyes flickered to his soft wavy bronze hair that was tousled like he had run his fingers countless times that made it messy but still looked sexy, he looked handsome in his dinner jacket and trousers, his 6 foot 5 inches lean form towered over me, and his grey eyes were so beautiful I found myself gawking at him like a lily-livered idiot.

The only thing my mind was thinking over and over again was: He's so fucking tall!

This cannot be real. Was I hallucinating? Dear God, I must've gone barmy with all the fantasies I'd made up in my head.

It wasn't until he cleared his throat, and waved his hand in front of my face that I realised he was in fact real and pulled me out of my shameless ogling, I blinked as my face grew warm. He probably thought I was a weirdo, I was so embarrassed.

Bugger and blast!

"K-Kayden?" I cleared my throat and tried to be cool. "Oh, h-hey!"

I mentally facepalmed. So much for trying to act casual.

Kayden Adams, my long time crush since I could remember/the love of my life was stood before me looking amused. I didn't miss the subtle way his eyes slid down to my figure which had me blushing. He was in the final year of uni and was a complete stunner! And also one of the most sought out hottest male models right now.

I was so mesmerised by his face that I stared at him, his lips moved and I just stared at them not paying attention to whatever it was that he was saying. He casually raked his fingers through his hair, which made me swoon. It was so effortless, the way he did it.

Cue dreamy sigh!

"...I've been looking at you this entire evening---"

That part caught my attention. "You have?" My voice came out all breathless, dreamy and pathetic. I whacked myself mentally. "You have?" I asked in a monotone voice.

Oh my god, I'm making a complete fool out of myself.

He paused but continued. "-Yes...err...I waved and you completely ignored me."

I racked my brains trying to remember when he had done that and I came up blank.

"Oh gosh! I am so sorry!" My voice came out high. "I must've been busy." I leaned back against the table to support my legs but ended up bumping my derriere into the dish which moved back a bit. If it hadn't been for Kayden I would've had fell backwards on the table laid out next to the desserts.

"Careful." He gently pulled me aside.

Now would be the perfect time for me to get struck by lightning. This conversation was going to haunt me every night for the rest of my miserable life. Otherwise, I'd be fawning over how cute he was to care for me.

"Sorry, thank you," I mumbled shyly.

Where the fuck did my confidence go? Did she pack up and decide to go vacationing in the North Pole?

"Don't apologise." He said in that sexy deep voice of his. I found myself staring at him, and realized he said something. He stared right into my eyes making my heart fluttered and I slipped into La la land. "Are you listening?"

"Yes! Of course!" I gave him a very wide smile.

He looked amused, but didn't believe me and chose to not call me out. "How are you, Rebecca?  By the way, you look beautiful tonight."

"I do?" I asked dreamily. I cringed when I heard that, so I promptly amended myself, coughed a little and like the silly idiot I am I added, "I mean, I'm doing good. And thank you, you look beautiful too." I mentally facepalmed. But further embarrassed myself, "I mean you look good too. Handsome even."

Pull yourself together woman! I chided myself.

My subconscious was looking at and laughing her arse off at me. I would too. Ughh!

He let out a deep rich laugh and I could swear that I saw a sunbeam appear along with sparkles behind him. "You think I'm handsome?" He teased, finding my misery amusing.

"You did say I looked beautiful and it was only fair that I say it back." I laughed nervously and thought of anything that came to my mind so that I could change the topic.

He laughed. I mentally fanned myself. "Bloody hell, I forgot how funny you are."

I laughed as well, along with my subconscious knowing full well that my whole life would be a joke after this.

"So what're you doing here? I thought you were busy with modelling and university?" I asked him because he never attended any events due to his busy schedule.

"A little birdie told me that you were going to be here, so I jumped at the opportunity," he said winking at me.

My cheeks felt warm and my heart beat faster. Gosh, did he just flirt with me?

"You're so charming," Was all I could say. And I looked down at my empty plate, I served some food.

Then as if struck by a bolt of lightning, I froze.

Well, blow me down!

Charlotte, you cheeky little vixen you! Agh, this was the surprise! All the cryptic talk and forcing me to come to this party was because of Kayden Adams! Bloody genius she was that little birdie.

And it definitely rocked and tilted my world!

I had to thank her for being my wing woman, I was grateful to her. My eyes searched her everywhere, I didn't find her.

"All right?" Kayden's voice drew me out of my thoughts. He looked concerned.

"Oh, yes." I smiled at him.

We made some small talk with each other. I've always fancied this boy and everybody said that we'd make a wonderful couple, but he never showed any interest in me until today. It was always I who'd stalk and make conversation with him, but today, it was the opposite he was the one who had sought me out and spoke to me, so I was stunned and happy at the same time.

Even after the cake was cut and dinner was done, Kayden was beside me for the entirety of the evening. He hadn't left my side, not once. Charlotte who'd noticed this at first smirked, winked and gave me thumbs up, but later seemed to notice how he was so close to me all evening and raised her eyebrows, but I just shrugged.

Kayden excused himself for two minutes, so I was left all alone. That's when Chars along with Sebastian pounced on me.

"Charlotte you cheeky girl! Ahhh I cannot thank you enough!" I squealed and held her arm tightly.

"I was surprised you didn't sniff him out the second you stepped foot inside the house." She laughed, Sebastian coughed and looked at me with eyes as wide as dinner plates.

I squirmed and whacked Charlotte. "You make me sound like I'm some sort of a bloodhound or a deranged Kayden tracker."

She snickered. "You are. Anyhow, did he chat you up? What does he want? I saw you having a chinwag." She fired at me.

I sighed. "No, he hasn't said anything, but he did chat me up."

"Don't worry, there's still time and this is progress." She pouted and twirled a strand of my hair. I agreed with a nod of my head, she gave my shoulder a pat and left.

*****************

I was currently sat on one of the many stone benches relaxing in the garden and Kayden was sat next to me, we were sat in silence, just enjoying each other's company. Slowly the guests started to leave and the place dwindled. After the last of the guests left, our families sat for a while and caught up with each other. Charlotte was busy with Seb, unwrapping his present first, I smiled at that.

Finally, I broke the silence, "It's getting late. Aren't you going to go home?" I asked Kayden. He turned to me and held my gaze for a few seconds and I stared back.

My stomach flipped.

"Yes, I probably should go," he faltered but continued, "but I have something I want to tell you," he told me. That made me a little nervous, my palms started to sweat a little.

"W-What is it? I croaked out and my heart started to beat faster.

He cleared his throat, "I uhm...I wanted to err.. Bloody hell this is tougher than I thought!" He cursed and seemed to have an inner conflict. I've never seen him this nervous and jittery before.

Finally, he found the courage and asked me, "Fuck it! I've known you for the longest time and err... you're so kind and beautiful. What I'm trying to say is that I've fancied you for quite some time now, Rebecca, and..." He ran his tongue across his lips and my eyes flickered down.

"I didn't dare to admit it to you. So I wanted to know if you'd like to go on a date." He exhaled. "Do you want to go on a date with me?" He asked me nervously.

I held my breath. I was pretty sure I stopped breathing as well.

Wow! This was so straightforward and so quick.

Had I heard him right? Did he just confess that he has feelings for me and liked me more than just a friend? I opened and closed my mouth unable to speak. Was this happening, after all these years or is this all a dream? I was stunned.

Internally I gasped, choked and coughed on my saliva and let out a shrill scream.

I realized he was still waiting for me to answer. "Wait, you fancy me?" I mentally slapped myself.

He laughed awkwardly. "I just said that, didn't I? I fancy you, Rebecca. I've been meaning to ask you this for some time and here I am. So, will you go out with me?" He asked again.

I think I've been paralysed because I cannot move and this is too good to be true right now. I better not be reliving another one of my fantasies. Today was just full of surprises.

"What about the articles?" I inquired.

"They're not true. The girl who was getting fruity was sloshed, I pushed her away, but the press caught it even before I could comprehend what was happening." He raked a hand through his bronze hair in frustration. "She apologised later."

I searched his eyes if he was telling the truth, although he squirmed I didn't find any traces of deceit in them.

I was a little scared but I've been waiting for this. Waiting to hear him say those same words and even making up scenarios in my head when he'd say things like this and now he has. And this was reality.

So, I made up my mind and ignored logic and reason. I was so happy that I didn't press him for more details and jumped headfirst. "Yes."

"Yes, what?" He asked biting his lip.

Don't look at it, don't look at his lips. I warned myself.

"Yes, I will go on that date. If I'm being genuinely honest, I've fancied you for a long time as well. I simply assumed you didn't think of me that way," I admitted sincerely, my cheeks burned.

His grey eyes widened cutely, his body visibly relaxed after he heard my response. "Really, wow. I-I was so nervous I thought I'd piss myself that I'd scared you off." He admitted. "And, I didn't want to put you on the spot, but thank you for saying yes." He chuckled and I joined him.

I smiled shyly. "Oh," was all I could get out of my mouth. But cleared my throat demurely. "You d-didn't put me on the spot, maybe a little," I admitted as I brought my hand up and pinched my thumb and index finger to show how much. "I was just a little surprised is all."

He laughed. "Oh, good!" His bit his lip and my eyes drifted to it, but then I promptly averted my eyes. "Well... I'll be off now. I can sleep peacefully now that you've said yes." He beamed.

He then glanced at his watch and stood up, I followed suit. "I'll call you tomorrow if that's alright with you?"

"Of course," I said a little too quickly.

He nodded his head. "I can't wait for our date," he said with enthusiasm.

"I'm excited about our date as well." I clasped my hands together.

I was so excited and happy it was finally happening! But still couldn't believe my ears.

He exhaled softly and pulled me for a hug. "Goodnight, beautiful."

I have officially died and gone to paradise!

I swooned and thought I was going to melt by the time he said goodbye and left. I was so happy I wanted to jump up in joy. A creepy wide grin seemed to have etched itself on my face which I thought was going to split my face in half.

I jumped when I heard Carter whoop behind me. "Mhmm, lover boy confessing his love today of all days?" He stroked his chin. "Dodgy, innit?" He spoke ominously, smirked, then laughed evilly.

"Bugger off!" I shoved him and walked away.

After that, everything was a blur and I was still dazed that I had no idea how I made it home without telling Charlotte of what had transpired.

I rang Charlotte, but it was unanswered, I wanted to ring her again but quickly stopped myself realising that she must be sleeping. I would tell her tomorrow about Kayden and I.

I had this giddy feeling, just replaying in my head how tonight transpired. It was as if some sort of magic had been thrown my way when I finally realised that it wasn't going to happen. But instead, I was proved wrong and realised that good things come to those who wait. Because I did wait patiently for this.

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OOOOH, Rebecca finally got confessed to. Did you all like the surprise? What do you think of Kayden? Was his confession dodgy just like Carter said? Or was it expected? Comment your thoughts.

So as usual please vote, comment, share and follow.

Have a nice day, loves. Until next time!xx 💙💙