WALK ME DOWN THE AISLE

* Chapter Seven *

Scott meant so much more to me. He's not just attractive; he's irresistible. I never expected things to become so intense, and suddenly, we found ourselves sharing our very first kiss.

He maintained his gentlemanly demeanor, his arms enveloping me as he skillfully explored the contours of my body, and I couldn't help but yield to his touch, and devour myself for the first time that we made love. The next thing I knew, I awoke in a dimly lit room that was distinctly different from my own. As the dawn cast its gentle glow, the evidence of what had transpired between me and Scott became painfully apparent.

I am enthusiastic to move forward in my life, but I am guarded about rushing to any conclusions regarding what happened between Scott and me. I didn't want to act impulsively or believe that our encounter was the right solution or a forceful decision. That is why, instead of waiting for the sun to rise, I quietly left his room, discreetly gathering my clothes. I realized that he wouldn't have minded searching for his missing bathrobe if he hadn't seen me lying next to him. There didn't seem to be any other option but to leave the ranch permanently without even informing Don and Vanessa.

Boarding a bus to the city, I spent the entire day lost in contemplation, grappling with the consequences of my actions. It is challenging to convince myself that this experience is something to be content with or a dream come true. After all, engaging in a one-night stand with the man I have admired for so long, ever since I arrived in this country and took on this job, has left me feeling completely disoriented. I need to tell Don and Vanessa about what truly happened, despite it being an incredibly perplexing ordeal for me.

I dialed Vanessa's number, hoping to speak with her directly. Unfortunately, all I got was her voicemail. "Hi, this is Vanessa Reagan. If I can't answer your call, you can leave me a message after the beep." Her voicemail continued to ring, forcing me to articulate the truth about what had occurred.

"Hi, um, I apologize for not saying goodbye earlier. I had to leave unexpectedly, there is something at work that I have to go back to. There was something urgent that needed my engagement. I have a small request, though. If anyone asks about my whereabouts, please don't tell anyone until we can talk about it when you both return to California. Goodbye," I stuttered, still feeling worried.

Afterward, I sent a text message to the couple, hoping to convey my desire for them not to dwell on the events that I wanted to avoid discussing the next time we met. Upon reaching home, instead of feeling elated about the week of my supposed vacation leave, I found myself drowning in complaints. I couldn't help but feel paranoid, constantly waiting for my phone to ring or for someone to knock on my door.

A week later, as I returned to work, I had no positive news to share, not even with my boss. I noticed everyone's eyes fixed upon me, and despite being in the middle of work, my best friend approached me.

"Hey, bud? I noticed you seemed clumsy today. Are you okay?" David asked, gently stroking my shoulder.

"I'm fine, really," I assured him with a slight smile. "Are you sure? You look like you didn't get any rest during your vacation," David persisted.

"Ugh! Stop teasing me, David. I'm just deep in thought," I replied, my eyes focused on the laptop in front of me as I tried to construct a coherent story.

"Maybe we should grab some coffee together? My treat," he offered.

"I thought you'd never ask. Thanks a lot, David. You always know how to make me feel exceptional," I joked, fixing my hair.

"I have some money to spare, Danni. What do you take me for?" David said with a hint of playfulness in his voice. I agreed to have coffee with him because I knew I needed someone to confide in. It's exhausting to keep everything bottled up inside, especially since that fateful night. It's not like me to obsess over every little detail, but my anxiety and straightforward nature have always made it difficult for me to hide my feelings.