More than the bet

Part 14 --- I love him

~~~Don't worry about true love, don't worry about when it will arrive. Your heart will tell you ~~~ Love tactics movie

Corra's POV

Through out the entire weeks that I was sick Steve took very good of me. All I did was sit, sleep, take medications and sleep again. I never knew rich men also had a soft spot, he was a very good guy if he dropped his bossy attitude.
Forget about the bet but for the period I have been close to Steve, I have witnessed his anger, his silent treatment and now his soft side.

"So.. uh.. since you are feeling a little okay, you mind going out for lunch with me?" Steve asked repeatedly pressing his phone as if he was nervous.

"Are you asking me out for a date or it's just lunch?"

"Uhh.. both.. I don't know.. I just wanna go out, have a meal with you and spend quality time with you. Besides mom is not in the country so you don't have work to do.."

"Okay.. I agree." I replied as a smile flashed my face. Suddenly he pulled me for a hug but later retreated and even apologized.
I felt disappointed. At this point I couldn't afford to pretend any further. It was no longer about the bet but something more. I wanted more of his touches and hugs, more of his kisses... and just everything. I was craving for more than the bet. I was not just falling for him, I was already in love with him.

I wanted to grab and kiss him like my life depended on it but I couldn't. This was a bet but now I  wanted more. He was right in front of me yet so far for my reach.

My feelings were not part of the deal. I wasn't supposed to fall in love with him but I couldn't help it. What could I do when my heart wanted him? How could I walk away from where my heart found its home? I used to think that those who cried because of love were foolish and weak but now I know better. Tears rolled willingly down my cheeks, my shattered. I wanted to wipe my face, stand tall and walk away from all of these but my hands felt weak, my legs gave up. For the first time after my parents death, I felt vulnerable and helpless.

"Why are you crying? Is everything okay mama? Do you feel pain? Steve asked  with a lot of concern.

"No.. Am okay. Just thought about my parents. I miss them."

He moved closer to me and held my hands. He assured me of his support and told me powerful words that somehow calmed me down. He brought me closer to his chest and slowly caressed my back. I relaxed in his embrace and everything just felt right.

"That fateful day, I received both good and bad news. I had just secured a position at the best national highschool and even got a bursary that cleared all of my form one and two school fees. Six hours later my parents got involved in an accident. My mom who was pregnant died on the spot together with 10 more passengers and two days later dad followed. Days turned into months but I still couldn't come to terms that our once small but peaceful family was no more. That everything I once had was now reduced to ashes. I would eventually join highschool when my colleagues were on the third term. Anyways months turned into years and now here I am. Moving across the world like a lone dove, because whether you decide to stop or move on, the world doesn't wait for you."

" That was then, but now you'll never be alone anymore. I will always stand by you. I will always be that shoulder you lean on. I promise to hold your hand and fly together with you to whatever destination God takes us."  I could see the truth in his eyes. He meant every word he said. My heart felt relaxed but deep down I felt horrible. Except for my feelings everything else was a lie. I frowned my face at the thought of the truth.

"Okay, enough of these emotional moment, let's get moving."

We got ready and headed out for lunch. He drove to a very expensive restaurant. At first I felt uncomfortable but he insisted on us having lunch at that particular restaurant.

"What was that you said about supporting a friend's hustle? This is Dave's restaurant and also my favorite place. We must take lunch here, besides I helped support your friend that night so it's your turn. After all one good turn deserves another."

"This is black mail, but if it belongs to Dave then am in." 

We entered the restaurant, it's classic, people are few. Sweet lulling music massaging the ambience.
...Malaika nakupenda Malaika...
The tantalizing aroma of foods is in arguments with the oxygen on who will be the first to enter our nostrils. Goodness, this place is heavenly.

Steve chooses a quit and peaceful place away from everyone. Few minutes after we placed orders, our food is served. I admired how the restaurant was run everything was smooth and professional. I always had a dream of opening a restaurant just like this but then the one that would strictly serve local and traditional foods. I hoped that if things worked well then I would one day partner with Dave and create something more beautiful.

"Corra.. Steve called my name as he pulled my hand closer to him.

If I don't say this now then maybe I won't get the perfect time to say it. I know we have not been best of friends or I may not be the type of man you want but I'll just say this anyways. I like you, I really like you alot... Infact I am in Love with you.

I wanted to tell him I love him too, however I was afraid, afraid of the truth. The truth that would one day bring with it a catastrophy. What if he finds out that this was a lie from the very beginning. The foundation of these beautiful love story was built on lies and no matter how hard I try to hold it together, it will one day crumble.

What do I do?

"Follow your heart"

I listened to the voice in my head and followed my heart. I decided to go with the flow,take one step at a time and face whatever comes. I however vowed to tell the truth soon enough before he finds out.

Please vote and leave your observations at the comment section. Thanks 😊