Rides of Our Promises (Original, English Version)

Chapter 4 - Aya McDaniels

A few months later, I feel like I'm missing the food from Tracy's. My friends are kind enough to willingly deliver food for me, even though I told them I could pick them up.

"Nah, it's an excuse to get out of the kitchen. Let me walk outside." Marlon explained when I insisted that he didn't need to make the delivery. I ordered enough for two people. The Taylors are usually out. It's just me and Charles in the office.

"Isn't it rush hour? Peak time? It's lunch break, right?" I asked when he decidedly sat down with us.

"Let Gary handle the kitchen, I say. He's bound to work the kitchen as head cook sometimes."
"I see." I started taking out the boxes. Charles frowned as he sat down.

"You've met each other, right?" I asked, it would be rude not to introduce them if they aren't acquainted.

Charles nodded and helped me set the table.

"Where's Lee?" Marlon asked.

"Probably out with her husband. Have you had lunch yet?" I asked and he chuckled.

"I'm only here before you have your first bite." He stood up then. I did, too.

"You're going already? How long have you stayed? That can't be more than five minutes." He laughed lightly.

"I'm still the head cook. I can't be gone for too long." He reached out to give me a hug and a kiss on the cheek before walking out.

When I returned to my seat after walking him to the elevator, Charles was eyeing me differently.

"Did you date him in the past?" He asked. I smiled brightly at him.

"Yep." I simply answered before picking up my cup of rice.

"How did that go?" He asked. He rarely engages me on a conversation so I don't waste the opportunity.

"Well, there are men you can date and you realize they're better suited to be your friends. Marlon's like that to me. There's not enough attraction. I mean, he's very good-looking, but... he acts like an older brother." I laughed, giving him a wink and choosing what to eat first.

"Isn't there someone else? What's his name? Gary?" He asked again. I never thought he would be interested in talking. I grinned. He might be coming around.

"He's just like Marlon. He acts like a brother would. When I tell them about how my dates went, they would get mad when a guy misbehaves. Then, they tell me it's fine to beat the guy. When I told them I'm not strong enough to beat a guy, they offered to teach me."

"How does a guy misbehave?" He was frowning, but his question brought up a few unsavory memories.

"Well, you know..." I wiggled my fingers in front of me. "Some can't keep their hands to themselves." I was surprised to see an angry expression on his face. It warmed my heart. I laughed as well.

"See... your expression is just like Marlon and Gary's when I told them. Don't worry, I always leave as soon as a guy gets touchy." His expression didn't change, and it was starting to get a little unsettling as he stares at me. My heart skipped a beat. He looked tempting with that expression, knowing he's angry for my sake. I like a man who protects. I grinned.

"I think... if I date you, you'll end up as the brother-type. Not at all romantic, but it certainly warms the heart." As soon as I finished saying it, his expression changed. It looked as if he didn't know where the conversation went. I laughed and winked at him again.

"I knew it. Deep down, you like me." I taunted him. He won't feel angry if he doesn't. The sudden look he gave me made me gulp. There was desire in those eyes. When I blinked, it was gone. I might have imagined it. He's back to being grumpy and rolled his eyes at me. I grinned. It's funny to see a guy doing that, especially if he keeps doing that every day.

"I've said this before... but going on dates, it's not just about the man for me, it's more about the food. A date is only worth it when a good meal is involved. Especially dessert." I noticed the way he tensed. I frowned. Did I say anything to piss him off?

He cleared his throat before asking, "Why do you like dessert?"

"What girl doesn't like dessert? Unless she naturally dislikes sweet things." I replied.

"Where do you usually eat out? Fancy restaurants?" His question is highly ignorant. I rolled my eyes at him.

"I think every restaurant serves dessert. You can always find something sweet on the menu." After I paused, I added, "You've never really gone on dates? I guess you haven't planned where to bring a woman to, just in case."

He leaned back on his seat, "There's no just in case as I don't have such plans."

"What have you been doing all this time?" I'm sincerely frustrated at his lack of social life.

"I like to be left alone when office hours are over." He sincerely answered.