Deception

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

ELLIE'S POV

I glanced at the clock on my table from the twentieth time in fifteen minutes. My lips curled up when I realized it was time. Time to see Ryan Adams again. I replayed the scene of our first date in my head and my face suddenly began to heat up. What the hell?

I stopped myself from thinking further and got busy with picking up my things. Chloe barged in, as she always does, with a file in her hand.

" Hey, I saw your text. You're leaving quite early today." She said, walking up to me with a suspicious glint in her eyes. " What's the occasion?"

" No occasion. Ryan's taking me out tonight." I said, trying to sound casual.

Chloe dropped the file on the table with a dramatic gasp. " Oh, a date? Again? Ellie, this is moving fast!"

" Will you stop?" I drawled, feeling my cheeks burn. " It's not like that."

" Sure, sure." She said with a mischievous grin. She leaned closer, lowering her voice. " But don't kiss him yet."

" You're impossible." I groaned. My phone buzzed, revealing a text from Ryan.

Ryan: I'm outside. Take your time, but not too much.

" Ooooh!" Chloe exclaimed, making me jump. " Get going then. You shouldn't keep my brother-in-law waiting." She said with a grin.

" Isn't it a bit too early to call him that?" I frowned, grabbing my bag and walking towards the door.

" Certainly not. Hurry now, and remember – don't kiss him yet!" She screamed. I groaned loudly and slammed the door behind me.

I stepped out of the office building and immediately spotted Ryan leaning against a black Lamborghini. His casual blazer and rolled up sleeves made my heart do a little flip. He saw me as well and smiled, showing off his cute dimples.

" Right on time." I said as I got to his side.

" Of course." He said, opening the door for me. I appreciated the gesture and made myself comfortable.

He walked over to the other side and got in. " Is there any place you have in mind to go?"

" No. You choose." I said, turning to face him. My face heated up at the realization that he had been staring at me.

He smirked. " Good. I was hoping you'd say that."

" Oh? So you already have plans?"

" You could say that." He said with a mysterious smirk. He winked and started the engine. " So,sit back and enjoy the ride, my lady."

I chuckled and my cheeks heated up again.

My lady.

I liked that.

The ride was smooth and relaxing, exactly what I needed after facing such a stressful day. It was quiet, except from the soft music and glance stealing which made us smile cheekily like kids. I have to admit, this was one of the best rides ever.

We arrived at a sleek, modern building that gleamed under the soft glow of streetlights. The exterior exuded sophistication, with its tinted glass walls and a bold yet elegant sign that read Velvet Ember. He parked the car smoothly and turned to me, showing off that disarming smile of his. " Shall we?"

Before I could reply, he got out of the car and strode to my side, opened the door and stretched out his hand.

" Thank you." I said softly, placing my hand in his. His touch was warm and steady, which contrasted the fierce fluttering in my chest.