Sweetheart Series I: The Politician's Wife

Chapter XII

Chapter XII
Jealous

-KASSIE-

Once I closed the bathroom door behind me, I leaned against it, taking a deep breath. My heart raced as I replayed the kiss in my mind, a swirl of warmth and embarrassment flooding my cheeks. What just happened?

I splashed some cold water on my face, hoping to shake off the daze that enveloped me. The kiss had been unexpected, yet it felt so right, igniting a spark I hadn't dared to imagine. But with that came the uncertainty—did Richard feel the same way?

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, my cheeks still flushed and my hair a mess from our earlier antics.

"Get it together, Kassie," I muttered to myself. It was just a kiss. But deep down, I knew it was more than that.

What if I was falling for him? The thought both thrilled and terrified me. I couldn't deny the attraction that had grown between us, especially since moving in together. The way he looked at me, the kindness he showed, even the simple moments we shared—all of it made my heart flutter.

Taking another deep breath, I composed myself, adjusting my hair and smoothing my clothes.

What if he didn't feel the same way?

After a few moments, I opened the bathroom door and stepped out. As much I wanted to camp in there, I couldn't. It would give away my feelings.

From my peripheral view, I caught a sight of Richard sitting on the bed – he was casually leaning back, phone in hand, but the moment our eyes met, I quickly looked away, a rush of warmth flooding my cheeks as the memory of our kiss washed over me.

"Hey," he said, his voice soft and inviting.

"Hey," I replied, trying to sound casual despite the flutter in my stomach.

Richard set his phone down, a smile spreading across his face. "Mama wants us to come over for breakfast."

I nodded, a smile creeping onto my face. It was sweet of her to invite us, but my mind was still tangled in the remnants of our earlier moment. "That sounds nice."

He watched me closely, a thoughtful look crossing his features.

"By the way, do you have any plans for Friday?"

I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Why? What's happening on Friday?"

His smile widened, and I felt my heart race as he leaned forward slightly.

"I was wondering if you'd like to be my date to the charity ball."

I froze, my cheeks instantly heating at his words.

"D-date?" I stammered, the word tumbling out in disbelief. The idea of being his date, of dressing up and spending the evening with him, sent butterflies swirling in my stomach.

"Yeah," he said, his expression earnest and sincere.

The way he looked at me, so full of warmth and anticipation, made me blush deeper. It felt like the air had thickened between us, filled with unspoken promises and possibilities.

"I-I'd love to," I finally managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

Richard's smile grew, a genuine brightness lighting up his face. "Great! I'll make sure it's a night to remember."

A night to remember?!

-RICHARD-

The whole ride to my parent's house was silent – or should I say awkward? Kassie kept her attention to the sights we passed by. I sighed. I don't regret kissing her; I wanted to do it, and I could tell from how she responded that she wanted it, too.

As soon as my mother caught sight of Kassie, it was as if I vanished from the room.The two of them dove into conversation with a familiarity that both amused and, if I was being honest, made me a little jealous. I watched them from my spot on the couch, the warmth of the moment mixing with a twinge of envy.

My mother had always dreamed of having a daughter, and now here she was, doting on my wife as if she were the daughter she'd always wanted.

"Why do I feel like Mama is stealing my wife?" I sighed.

My father chuckled, shaking his head. "Your mother has always had a soft spot for strong, vibrant women. She hoped for a daughter who would fit right into our family. And now that she has Kassie, she's relishing every moment of it."

After breakfast, the buzz of conversation still hung in the air as my mother turned to me with an enthusiastic glint in her eye.

"Richard, dear, would you mind driving us to the mall? Kassie and I need to find our outfits for the ball."

I glanced at Kassie, who looked just as surprised as I felt.

"You want me to come along?" I asked, trying to mask my excitement.

"Of course!" Mama exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat.

"It'll be fun! Plus, it's your chance to see what we pick out."

I nodded, feeling a surge of warmth. "Alright, let's do it."

As we drove to the mall, the atmosphere in the car was lively. My mother chatted away about all the styles she was considering, and Kassie chimed in with her thoughts, both of them animatedly discussing fabrics and colors.

Upon arriving, I parked the car, and we made our way inside the mall. The air was filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods, mingling with the excitement of shoppers around us. I walked slightly behind them, letting their laughter and chatter fill the space between us.

As we entered the first store, I couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and protectiveness watching Kassie and my mother pick out dresses. They were lost in their own world, discussing how certain styles would complement each other.

"Richard!" Mama called, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Come help us choose! We need your opinion."

I stepped over, chuckling at the sight of them holding up various dresses. Kassie held a flowing gown that shimmered in the light, her eyes wide with excitement.

"What do you think of this one?" she asked, turning to me.

I felt my breath catch for a moment.

"You'd look stunning in that," I said, honesty pouring out of me.

Kassie blushed, and my mother beamed, clearly pleased with my approval.

"See, Richard knows fashion! We should get that one for you." Mama quickly set to work, flipping through racks of clothes and holding up various outfits for Kassie to try on.

Each time she stepped into the changing room, I found myself filled with anticipation. I couldn't help but admire Kassie as she emerged in a sleek, elegant dress that hugged her figure perfectly. The soft fabric flowed beautifully, accentuating her curves, and I felt my heart race as she twirled, showing off the full effect.

"Wow," I breathed, unable to contain my admiration. "You look incredible in that one."

Kassie's cheeks flushed a delicate pink at my compliment, and she smiled shyly, a hint of disbelief in her eyes. Mama, of course, seized the moment.

"Oh, Richard," she teased, her voice light and playful.

"If you don't step up your game, I might just have to pair Kassie up with someone else!"

The thought of Kassie with someone else fueled something within me. A spark of possessiveness flared in my chest, igniting a mix of jealousy and determination. No one else could ever appreciate her the way I do. The very idea of her laughing and smiling with another man made my stomach churn.

"Not a chance," I replied, trying to keep my tone light, but I could feel the intensity behind my words.

"I won't let anyone steal my wife."