Chapter Seventeen

I pushed the button and the sound of the doorbell reached my ears. A few seconds after the door opened and Miles appeared, shirtless may I add save for a small towel wrapped around his neck.

I couldn't help but look at his chest. His well defined abs were covered in water droplets that made it look more-

I tore my gaze from his chest and to his face and smiled, "hey Miles."

"Hey," he breathed and it was obvious he was checking me out with the way his eyes couldn't stay on my face. "What are you doing here?"

My eyes widened, "can't I come over to see you again?"

He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts then he stepped to the side, "sure you can, come in."

"Thank you," I walked into his house, one that I've been in a few times in the past. "Here, bought this on the way." I gave him the bottle of Chardonnay.

He took it and his eyes examined it, "Chardonnay, thank you." He beamed. "You know you didn't have to get me anything, you've been here more than once." He walked to the wine bar at the corner of the room and placed the bottle on the glass shelf.

"I know, take that as a late birthday gift and an apology gift."

He smiled, "you remembered."

His birthday was on Sunday but with everything that was going on, I didn't remember at that time. It was only yesterday morning while in the office that I remembered.

"Yeah and I was wallowing in my pain too much to even remember that day. And to worsen it, I ignored you all day and after and-" I paused feeling the emotions overwhelm me. I took a deep breath before speaking again, "I'm sorry."

"Hey it's fine," he walked up to me and placed his hand on my arm. "I understand, you've been through a lot, anyone would feel the same way you felt." He gave me a warm smile. "You know what? I'm cooking so how about you join me in the kitchen and for dinner."

I grinned, "sure." I placed my bag on the couch and followed him into his kitchen. "What are you cooking?"

"Fried rice," he wiggled his brows and slipped on the T shirt he had laying on the counter. "And chicken of course."

I chuckled, "count me in."

He had already cut some vegetables before so I helped him with the rest and as we cooked we talked.

When I asked him how he spent his birthday, all he said was. "Nothing much," with a shrug of his shoulders.

"What do you mean nothing much? Don't tell me you stayed at home all day doing nothing."

"Precisely that," he nodded. "Except I ordered pizza and watched movies."

"Why?" I shook my head in disbelief.

"There was no one available so it was just me. It wasn't bad actually." He shrugged it off as if it was nothing.

"You know what?" I smirked. "I owe you a day out, a tour around Lagos, whatever you want."

He looked at me with a smile on his face before he nodded, "alright, I'm counting on that."

I felt bad for how I treated him and hearing that he spent his birthday alone just made me feel worse. The best I can do is a day to experience the real Nigerian life, he's been on the Island for most of his stay in Nigeria so introducing him to other parts wouldn't be so bad.

I tried not to think of what Andrew would say if he heard what I was planning knowing he wouldn't be so happy with it but I told myself that I don't care what he thinks. He's not my boyfriend anymore so it doesn't matter at all.

I kept telling myself that everything was for the best, if Andrew and I are really meant to be, we'll find our way back to each other, but for now, whatever life wants to throw at me, I'll take it.

Miles and I talked more as we cooked and when the food was finally ready, we both sat at the dinning table. He took out a bottle of Champagne from his fridge and popped it open.

"I guess I can get used to this every night," I said before taking a spoon of the food. "Miles," I called.

"Yeah?" His smile was still on his lips.

"How do you not cook regularly but you're able to create such a master piece?" The food tasted really good.

"You know this is a product of both of us right?"

"Mostly you, it's your recipe." I chuckled.

"Once upon a time I used to cook a lot,  it was my dream to actually open a restaurant and all that but I guess when the family business calls, you answer," he shrugged it off.

"I know how that feels," I said with a small smile.

We ate the rest of our meal making small talks and when we were done I helped him clean up the kitchen.

While I was washing the dishes, which I insisted on doing, he got a call so he excused himself. Till I finished washing the dishes, he didn't return to the kitchen but I found him in the living room.

"Nicole, you don't understand, let me explain." He said in a rush while tugging furiously at his hair.

I stood a few feet away from him and watched him. I shouldn't be eavesdropping but I can't help it.

"Nikki can you calm down?" His frustration was very obvious. His voice and body movements said it all.

He groaned, "wait I-" he stopped and I knew that whoever was on the other line cut the call.

Miles sighed and threw his phone on the nearest couch. Placing both his hands on his waist as he looked up at the ceiling.

"Are you okay?" Stupid question I know but I have to start from somewhere.

He jumped a little and held his hand over his chest, "Jesus, you scared me."

"Sorry," I apologized and walked closer to him. "Who was that on the phone?"

"Nicole my girlfriend or ex," he pulled his lips to a thin line. "She's so pissed about the whole wedding thing. I promised her I'd get a way out of it but now she thinks that I actually want to marry you."

I chuckled, "it feels like no matter how much you convince them that you love them, they just wouldn't take your word for it. It's not like it's something that we can control."

He sighed, "they don't understand, it's like no body understands how it feels and it's frustrating. It's like screaming for help on a deserted island even though you know no one is coming to help you."

"Let me use your words. You'll get through this, we will get through this, one way or the other." I smiled and he nodded.

He held my palms in his and squeezed gently, "we'll get through this."

***

"I had a nice time tonight Miles," I said in appreciation as we stepped out of his house. "Thank you."

"I should be thanking you for coming, you saved me a night alone." He smiled. "What are you doing for Thanksgiving?"

I tilted my head slightly to look at him. "Not sure, don't really have anything planned and my family doesn't really take it seriously."

"Come have dinner with my family,"  he said and we both stopped walking.

"Nah, I wouldn't want to impose," I declined his offer but he still went on.

"Come on, you wouldn't be imposing, I insist. Besides it would be great if you met my siblings, they're all pumped to meet you and of course visit Nigeria."

I chuckled, "they don't know what they're getting into."

He laughed, "so you'll come?"

"Alright," I shrugged. "If you insist."

"Great, I'll tell my mum. She says hi by the way." We began walking to my car.

"Oh, my greetings to her."

A few meters from my car I unlocked it and watched as it flashed it's lights.

"Thanks again." Miles said when I finally sat inside my car.

"It's nothing," I smiled and started the car engine.

Before he closed my door, he leaned into me and I stilled, wandering what he was doing. He placed a small kiss on my cheek, his lips lingering there for a second. "Good night Victoria."

"Goodnight," I responded before he closed my door and I drove off, not looking back.

I won't lie my heart skipped a beat when he kissed my cheek, it's still beating so fast and I have no idea why.

***

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