Only Yours

44. Think about It?

Tamina

"How's your food?" he asks, breaking the hushed voices in the background.

"Delicious, you?"

"It's good, but I have a feeling what I might have later will be better."

Grinning like a lovesick puppy, I get the confidence to stroke his leg with my own, and he chuckles before reciprocating. Words are shared and the dinner is delicious, and by the end of it, I've had three glasses of champaign, and to say it's making me feel airy is an understatement. When Brandon reaches over to swipe some sauce off my lip to pop it into his mouth, I'm giggly, so I'd decided to lay off the bubbles for now.

"Tamina, there's something I'd like to ask you—other than the job opportunity."

"Yes?" I ask, too curious.

"Well, the reason behind why I've brought you here is because—"

Suddenly a default ringtone sings beside me, and I don't recognise it as my own, but Brandon's annoyed expression signals that it's his. Rising to his feet swiftly, he rounds the table and retrieves it before pecking my head. "I'll be back soon, OK?"

Nodding silently, I watch as he leaves and takes the route for the exit. Leaning back with a small huff, I decide to have another drink before relaxing in my seat properly. Minutes go by and a chill runs over my skin, so I pick up his jacket and slide it on.

The silkiness warms me near enough straight away, and I would say it's comfortable, but the bulkiness of the pocket is off putting. Digging my hand inside to relieve it, my brows furrow when something velvety brushes against my palm. Hesitantly pulling it out, my eyes widen at the miniature box staring back at me. Glancing left and right, curiosity gets the best of me, and I crack it open. A gasp comes from me at the feminine band and the small red jewel gleaming up at me.

Holy shit. . .

Closing it and jamming the box inside the pocket where I'd found it, my eyes slam shut and open, seeing I'm still in the restaurant. Pinching myself, my heart skips a beat, and my stomach churns. He's trying to propose.

Biting my lip, my brain reels from the shock. I can't say yes or no. I'd love to be with Brandon, and saying no is going to hurt him. On the other hand, I don't think I'm ready for marriage, and that means I can't just say yes. What the hell am I going to say to him? Will he accept a 'can I think about it?'

Drumming my fingers together, my mind is conjuring ways on how to reply, but when a hand grips my shoulder, I'm jumping in my seat.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Peering up at him, the annoyance and what looks to be anger in his eyes has me forgetting about my find. "Is everything OK?"

He shakes his head. "I've come over feeling out of sorts, would you mind if I take you home?"

Disappointment settles in my stomach, but in a way I'm relieved and concerned. "Are you alright? What happened with the call?"

Repeating the action, he takes my hand and helps me out of my seat. "It's nothing, please drop it. I'll take you home and we can reschedule after your meeting with me, how does that sound?"

Nodding hesitantly, I follow him out to the car, only to ask before climbing in, "What was it you wanted to say to me?"

His lips part to answer, but nothing comes out other than, "It's not important, please hop in."

Doing as I'm told; I don't say anything further. A majority of the trip back to Luciu's is silent, and the parts that aren't are filled with plans for the night. My plans are retiring early and forgetting about the last part of our dinner.