LOVING HIM

CHAPTER 17

🌈💕

"Where are you?"

Rian was on his way out of the building when Irving called. "Just got out of the building."

"On your way home?"

"Hmm. Why?"

Irving went silent on the other line.

"Hello? Still there?"

"I can see you now."

Rian looked around and saw Irving's car with its flickering headlights parked on the left side across the building's entrance.

"Let's go. I'll take you home."

Rian ignored the fluttering feelings that made his lips curve into a smile with the way Irving said his last line. He cleared his throat. Who was he to refuse a free ride anyway, he convinced himself.

"Okay." He ended the call and crossed the street right away as the cool night breeze smoothly touched his flushing cheeks.

Irving's face brightened when Rian entered the car. "Hi."

"Hi. How's your day, Mr. CEO?"

"Exhausting," Irving jokingly sniggered. He had outside engagements that day so they didn't see each other at work. "Hungry?"

Rian nodded and chuckled.

"Good. Let's eat first. I'm hungry, too," Irving said, suddenly feeling better after a hard day's work seeing Rian smiling in the passenger seat.

He was about to start the engine when his phone rang. He picked it up from the console and checked who was calling.

"Shit!" he muttered and closed his eyes when he remembered something.

Rian's eyebrow knitted at the reaction. "You okay?"

Irving was silent for a few seconds before letting out a frustrated sigh. He then faced Rian, looking hesitant for a moment, but went on speaking with pleading eyes. "Can you do me a favor? Just this once. Please?"

Although confused and unaware of what's going on, Rian found himself nodding. Irving's eyes definitely work wonders.

"Good. Let's go meet my parents."

Rian gasped. "What?!"

***

Rian was trembling from head to toe as they walked towards a private dining room of a luxurious hotel twenty-five minutes later. Irving's parents arrived already and were just waiting for him.

For them.

Rian bit his lips.

It's unbelievable how he just went completely numb when Irving asked for that sudden favor earlier in the car. He actually could have just said no but he didn't. He agreed like a submissive fool so there he was, nervous with erratic heartbeats, his anxiety increasing every other minute. He felt even more dejected knowing it was him who did that to himself.

This is just a short stopover. You will be okay, he kept reminding himself.

His first meeting with Nathan's relatives and how it didn't end well for all of them suddenly crossed his mind due to nerves. He remembered being anxious, disturbed, and worried for weeks resulting to him getting sleeping problems. He never wanted to go through the same thing again so he silently prayed for a warm welcome coming from Irving's parents.