The ups and downs

chapter 4

I evenly coated the red tint lip gloss and pouted. Perfect. I wore a knee length dress with checked patterns starting from waist down. It was the best outfit I had and it would have to do. Since I did not take this to be a genuine date, I ignored dressing up too much. My hair was let down and the lip gloss was the only make up I had on.
The door bell rang.
I looked at myself in the mirror and sighed. I took a few steps back and turned around. I opened the door to see Luke casually dressed in jeans, shirt and sneakers. I will confess he looked good.
He looked at me and smiled. His eyes made their way from mine and looked at me until my feet. Feeling uneasy, I tugged at my dress trying to make it go past my knees.
"No," he said with a smile.
"What?" I asked.
"Nothing. It's just that, you look beautiful."
I could feel colour rising to my cheeks and instinctively looked down to hide the red hot glow.
"Let's go," Luke said as he walked towards the white car.
In the car, an uneasy silence hung around. I didn't know what to do or say.
"By the way, I think you will like this place. It is quite cozy," Luke said trying to break the ice.
"I like cozy," I replied without much thought.
Luke chuckled slightly at that. I like cozy?!
Once we reached the restaurant, I realised it was five star. I grimaced a little.
"Is something the matter?" Luke asked.
"No. Nothing," I said, plastering a fake smile.
He looked at me, unsure then turned to the lady at the reception.
After taking a seat, Luke called the waiter. He made an order for the both of us. After the waiter left, he turned around and looked at me. His blue eyes sort of analyzed every inch of me.
"Are you really 'cosy'?" Luke asked as he saw me fidget.
"Look Mr. Harrison, I appreciate the gesture but I don't know,it's  not really supposed to be this way. I can go," I said quickly.
Honestly, I thought it would be considered cheating on Sam. I thought of how hurt he would be if he found out I'm on a date with someone else, even if a false one.
"No Reina, I want it to be this way. In fact I want it to be better. You have not yet smiled and I feel I am at fault," he said reaching for my clenched hands i has placed on the table.
I withdrew my hand and placed them on my laps, pretending that i did not know what he was doing.
Luke looked at me, his eyes questioning my movement. His dark hair trying to block the lines formed on his forehead from frowning.
Instead of arguing, he called the waiter and asked him to change the order to take away. With this small action, I assumed that the so-called date was over.
After getting the food, Luke and I headed out. It was a quiet ride and I could feel Luke was annoyed. However, he managed to keep a calm composure. We approached the corner leading to my house and sighed. I would be home early. However, Luke kept driving ahead.
"Mr. Harrison?" I called wondering if he was paying attention at all.
"Yes Reina?" he acknowledged, glancing at me briefly before turning his eyes to the road
When he said my name in that husky voice I felt my stomach tie into a knot. I ignored it assuming it was just my hunger.
"You missed a turn Mr. Harrison," I said, pointing back with my index.
"Who said I am taking you home?" he replied with a smug look on his face.