The Neighbor

Chapter 11

Elodie's POV

Arden had been gone for over an hour and I began to worry. 

What was his moms business? And why did he need to help?

I heard the door turn as Arden appeared with a tray of food and a pitcher of water.

"Is everything okay?" 

The words left my lips far too eagerly as Arden nodded setting the tray down walking towards me snaking his hands around my waist as he pressed his lips to mine. 

"Business drama, and I have a business degree which makes me more qualified to help than my dad. Even though it meant being away from you." 

Arden lifted my chin and I noticed his hands smelt like shampoo. I took his hand in mine as I sniffed it, raising a brow. 

"Did you shower?"

Arden let out a laugh before sniffing his hand. He shook his head and smiled at me. 

"I knew I shouldn't have used mother's hand soap. God, is it bad?" 

I shook my head giggling as I brought my lips up to his cheek. 

"You smell lovely, Jolene" 

Arden rolled his eyes as he wiped his hands on his shirt. 

"Well now I am for sure going to shower," 

He opened what I thought was a  closet door and revealed the bathroom connected to our bedroom. I looked down at the tray of food as my eyes widened. 

"Is this all for me?" 

I must've looked puzzled at Arden as he laughed.

"Yes, Jane. She's our personal chef. I had her make it for you." 

They had a personal chef? That is how you know his family has money.

He turned the water on and removed his shirt and pants as I sat on the bed with the tray of food watching him. It was late, so Jane had just prepped a small snack. 

"You are free to join me, my love."

I smiled and shook my head.

"I am so close to sleep, I will probably pass out here soon," 

The words left my mouth as a yawn escaped my lips. Arden smiled as he stepped in the shower, the steam fogging up the mirror as I snacked on the various chips and dip. Jane had also placed veggies on the tray and fruit. Something small, but enough to tie us over until breakfast tomorrow. 

I slid the tray to the side of the bed as I felt my eyes growing heavier and heavier before I was pulled into a deep sleep.

______________

I awoke to the sound of the ocean crashing against the rocks on the coast. I went to roll over but to my surprise Arden was nowhere to be seen. I sat up stretching my arms as I grabbed my phone. It was 10am. Had I really slept that long? The quietness was so peaceful and I found that the last week we'd spent here, I was truly sleeping the best I'd ever had. I had seen so much of this beautiful state in the past week. Arden wasted no time in showing me the nightlife, the parks, but most of our time was spent at the coast, near the ocean. His parents had a private beach view and we found most of our days filled with the sounds of the ocean as we relaxed. While it was under constant rain the entire time we'd been here, I didn't mind. I found it so peaceful. Arden's parents had accepted me instantaneously, as if I was their own daughter. I had felt so welcomed and appreciated. Tonight Arden said he had something special planned and I couldn't wait to see the surprise. I had developed feelings for Arden so fast, it was almost like we were in a rom-com. He just had this way of protecting me. I wondered if tonight Arden was going to confess his feelings, telling me he's in love with me as much as I have fallen in love with him.