THE BILLIONAIRE'S SURROGATE BABY

Chapter 17

                     BEATRIX

Beatrix couldn't help but smile as she admired the jewelry in front of her. It was truly beautiful. Normally, she wasn't one to accept gifts from guys, but Neo was different. He had a habit of showering her with gifts, even against her protests. She knew he was just being a good friend, especially since he was also friends with her sister.

Despite her efforts to resist, Beatrix found herself developing feelings for Neo. However, she knew she shouldn't entertain them. Firstly, he was much older than her and viewed her more like a sister. Secondly, she was still in high school, and she doubted anyone would want to date a high school student. Lastly, she was certain Neo didn't see her romantically, given the reasons she had just listed.

Carefully, she placed the necklace he had given her inside its box. They had been talking for some time now, and she couldn't deny that Neo was really sweet. But only as a brother, as she reminded herself.

Just then, the doorbell rang, interrupting her thoughts. Beatrix got up from her bed and made her way to the door. Opening it, she was greeted by Neo's smiling face.

"Hi," he said warmly, handing her a bouquet of flowers. Beatrix looked at the flowers in surprise before accepting them.

"Thank you," she said, smiling back at him. She couldn't ignore how handsome and charming Neo was.

Taking a whiff of the flowers, Beatrix couldn't help but be enchanted by their sweet fragrance. "It smells nice," she remarked, smiling.

"Yeah, it does," Neo agreed, his smile widening.

Neo's gaze lingered on Beatrix, his eyes sparkling with genuine affection.

"I thought they would brighten up your day," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth.

Beatrix felt her cheeks flush as she looked at him, a mixture of gratitude and something else stirring within her. She had to remind herself of the boundaries she had set, but it was becoming increasingly difficult with Neo's thoughtful gestures.

"Thank you, Neo," she said again, feeling a surge of warmth in her chest. "You always know how to make me smile."

Neo's smile widened, and he reached out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "That's what friends are for, Bea," he said tenderly, his touch sending shivers down her spine. And she liked the fact that he called her bea.

As they stood there, a comfortable silence enveloped them, broken only by the sound of their breathing. Beatrix found herself lost in Neo's eyes, the world around them fading away into insignificance.

But just as quickly as it had come, Beatrix pushed aside her burgeoning feelings. She couldn't allow herself to get carried away by fantasies that were destined to remain just that - fantasies.

Clearing her throat, she stepped back, breaking the spell that had enveloped them. "Would you like to come in?" she asked, gesturing towards the living room.

Neo nodded, his smile never faltering. "I'd love to," he replied, following her inside.

As they settled on the couch, Beatrix couldn't shake the feeling that things between them were about to change. But for now, she would cherish their friendship and the moments they shared, even if they would never be more than that.

"You want some popcorn?" Beatrix offered, breaking the silence that hung between them.

"Yeah, sure," Neo replied, his heart skipping a beat at her gesture.

"Be right back," Beatrix said, stepping out of the living room.

As Beatrix disappeared from view, Neo couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. Was he seriously blushing because of an eighteen-year-old girl? Oh, no!