I Need Your Warmth (Original, English Version)

Chapter 5 - Allen Smith

Lee invited me to a social event their company is hosting. I thought about it and asked if Clara would be coming. She gave me a knowing look and a wink. She knew I wouldn't come without a reason. We're alike in that we don't enjoy social events very much. I can tolerate it if I attend rarely.

At the day of the event, I was late due to a prior appointment. I saw Lee and her group first. I went to greet them. Aside from Oliver and Charles, Alex also showed up. I wonder if Axel would be coming. Our relationships aren't exactly public, though.

I scanned the hall, looking for Clara.

"Invite her to sit with us if you find her." Lee whispered on my side. I threw a glance at Alex. He's the type to fuss about other people's relationships.

"I'll hold him off. He won't say anything." Lee knew what I was thinking. I kissed her cheek before I stood up to take a look around. It took a while. I spotted her on the other side of the hall with co-workers. The others seem to be having a conversation but she isn't talking much. I noticed that they're paired off, a man and a woman sitting together. I paused to check if she's got a date for tonight. Nine people on the table. Five women. She's the one acting a bit odd from the group. I smiled. When I got closer, a few of them noticed me but not Clara. When she turned to look, I was almost at her side.

"Hi." I greeted everyone at their table, before leaning down to peck her lips.

"You're here?" She seemed surprised to see me.

"Lee and Oliver invited me. Sit with us?" I asked, staring at her. She looked a bit troubled and trying to avoid looking at the rest of them. I see.

"I hope you guys don't mind if I steal her tonight." I addressed the rest of them.

"No, of course not." One of the women answered. I think she recognized me.

"Go ahead." Her partner added. The others smiled when I looked at them.

"Thank you. Let's go." I held her arm and pulled her up.

"I'll be leaving first." Clara managed to say something to them. She held my arm tightly, looking relieved but still troubled.

"What's wrong?" I asked her as we made our way towards the others.

"I was a bit uncomfortable with them." She confessed.

"I see." I looked at her dress and noticed her bare shoulders.

"Aren't you cold?" I asked, but I'm already taking my coat off. I don't like other people seeing her bare skin.

She looked surprised when she saw me without the coat and draping it on her shoulders.

"Can I wear it?" She asked. When I nodded, she put her arms through the sleeves. She still looked beautiful with it. We reached the table that way. Lee might've said something to Alex, because he was behaving well when we sat down together. They talked about random business stuff. I put my arm behind Clara's seat.

Conversation only covered random stuff or specific projects. I was closely watching Alex as he talked to Clara. He can have a really sharp tongue when he wanted, and he can easily offend people if he feels like it.

The program went longer than I thought. It was past midnight when it ended.

"Why don't we all take a rest at the Board suite? It's too late to drive home. Charles can use Axel's room." Alex suggested. Lee agreed.

Clara turned to look at me, confusion on her face.

"Let's rest for a few hours, I'll drive you home early in the morning." I explained.

"Okay." She held my arm as we walked out of the venue. Our group went to the suite together.

Everyone is tired and went straight to their respective rooms. I pulled Clara towards my room. She walked towards the floor-to-ceiling windows, pulling the curtain a bit and looking outside. As we're in the city, the view is mostly buildings.

I stepped closer, hugged her from the back and rested my chin on her shoulder.

"Do you mind staying with me tonight?" I asked.

"I don't. Is there anything I can wear? Change into?" She turned in my arms to face me.

"Check the wardrobe. I think it has standard robes. Or you can wear my clothes." I pressed a kiss on her lips before letting her go. She opened the closet to check the contents. I went to wash up first. I'm told women takes longer.

When I finished up, I saw her in the same position holding a night slip.

She turned to look at me when I closed the door to the bathroom. Her face is flushed.

"Wash up first, then we'll sleep." I stated as I dried my hair. I took a quick shower.

She walked towards me and presented me her back, "Can you unzip my dress?"

I reached out to unzip her gown. She has flawless skin. I ran a finger down her spine and felt how smooth her skin was. She shivered from my touch. I leaned down to press a kiss on her nape. Her breath hitched. It's been a while since I heard that from her.

I let her go after that and she went to wash up.

As it was a really tiring day, I was already dozing off on the bed when I felt the bed dip on the other side. The blanket was lifted and I felt her warm body close to mine. I opened my eyes to look at her.

"Did I wake you?" She asked shyly. I was drawn by the sight of her hand on her chest. She blushed and I cleared my throat. I extended an arm to wrap around her waist and pulled her closer. I dipped my head to capture her lips. She gasped, holding my jaw and the back of my neck. When I ran my hand down her body, I groaned as I realized she's naked under the thin slip. The kiss got more heated. She moaned when I cupped her breast and played with her peak. I turned and pinned her under me. I felt her stiffen, though. She stopped returning the kiss and was pushing against my chest.

"No." She managed to say weakly. I backed up to look at her. She looked a bit terrified.

"What's wrong?" I asked, caressing her arm.

She stared at me for a few seconds before saying with a shake of her head, "I don't do this. I can't do this." Her eyes watered and she visibly gulped as she turned her gaze away.

I lied back down on the bed, on my side so I can see her. I arranged the blanket over her. She hid her face under her hands again. I pulled her closer, she's still stiff.

"What's wrong?" I asked gently, combing her stray hair.

"I... I don't..." She stuttered.

"It's okay. Let's just sleep. We're both tired." I took her hands away from her face, and pressed a kiss on her forehead. I wrapped an arm around her as I closed my eyes. I wasn't joking when I said I'm tired.