I Kissed You Back

Chapter Five

The following morning was a good one. I was up before the crack of dawn yet again, this time beating my alarm clock. I took a shower at my own place and put on the ugly dress yet again. I did my hair into a braid. The long chestnut waves fell down to my hips, so braiding it took next to forever. I quickly slid on my shoes and prepared myself for the long run to my work.

         By the time I got there, my hair was totally ruined and I was sweating like a beast. I was again wheezing like a madwoman, frantically trying to force air into my lungs. It wouldn't work.

        I was about eight minutes early, and as expected Maddox was there too. He had a Starbucks coffee in his hand, his strong figure sitting behind a desk. His blond hair was a handsome mess...so totally drool worthy. I did drool. Especially when he aimed his burning blue eyes on me. 

        I bit my lip and tried to hurry past him.

        I failed.

        "Ari," he drawled.

        My name had never sounded sexier.

        "Yes, Mr. Maddox?" I cleared my throat and faced him. I had to stare at his muscular chest. Even in my heels, I was a midget compared to him. 

        "We're going shopping again today," he said and and then added, "after work."

        "If today is anything is like it was yesterday, then I won't be going anywhere," I commented, "You know, I would actually like some new clothes, though. How about we go to the outlet? It's just down the street from Macy's. 

        "What? No. We're going to get you clothes from a real store and a real brand."

        "Uh, hello? My clothes are 'real'. Just because they cost less than a McDonald's meal doesn't mean they're fake."

         He set down his coffee, "Ari, you will not be wearing anything that costs less than one hundred dollars. I simply won't have it."

        "Thanks...I think," I said, picking up his coffee, "Well, gotta set up office. I'll take this with me, if you don't mind."

         I didn't wait for his answer.

         The day was a fruitful one. I was expecting the crazy schedule, so at the end of the day, I was better. Nagi was her usual adorable self as she stuttered a goodbye. I grabbed my things and hopped into Maddox's car. This time, I was gentle with the doors. 

         "So, where to first?"

         "You'll see," was all he said as he sped off.

         I was sure we were going well over ninety miles per hour, and I loved it. I opened the windows and laughed my head off, loving the wild winds. It wasn't until we reached a red light did I notice that he was looking at me funny.

        "What?" I said and at looked my reflection in my phone, "Is there something on my face?"

        "No..." he said softly, "You're perfect."

        I beamed at him, "I know, right?" at his expression, I laughed, "I'm kidding. Thank you, I've been called hot and pretty, but never perfect. I think I'm pretty messed up, actually."

        "That's your charm," he shrugged, and took off as the light turned green.

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        I looked at the dress in my hands. It was cute. My style wasn't cute, but for the sake of displaying some fake gratitude, I'd have to wear it. I slipped it over my head and put on the matching baby pink heels. I looked in the mirror. Not bad, honestly.