Arranged

10

William

Cosette. All at once, I was head over heels in love with her. I don't remember exactly how it happened, but as I was being shuffled out the door that night, I had the realization that I was hers.

I was hers. And we hardly knew each other. We hadn't kissed, hadn't laughed, hadn't--

Things were clearly getting out of hand, but I couldn't stop myself. It was like I was chasing that blasted hare through Alice's rabbit hole, but just couldn't catch up.

It had already turned into a week of infatuation with constant thoughts and dreams revolving only around her. I was a full-blown lunatic. So, I texted her. In the middle of the day. Like a lunatic.

William: When are you through with work today?
Cosette: I'm taking a fika at one, so I won't be home until seven.
William: Are you much in the mood for entertaining guests this evening?

I saw that she wanted to reply, but couldn't immediately, likely because I was distracting her from her work. Fleetingly, I thought of my own job in the secret service, working mostly on analytics to potential threats on the royal family. I had taken extended leave to sort out the engagement issue, but perhaps I should suck it up and go back. It was good work, really.

With that, I called Henry.

"William. I do hope you're calling me because you're engaged-"

"Shut up, you bloke. I'm going into work tomorrow."

I heard his good natured laugh on the other end, and knew that he was alright with me going in.

"Only if you promise that this will not get in the way of your relationship."

"What relationship?"

I chuckled, and hit "end".

The text from Cosette finally came:

You can come over, but only if you promise not to choke on my shoddy Merlot.

I smiled, not knowing and not caring how I should reply. Calling my driver, I told him that I was expected at Cosette's at 7:30.

---
Cosette

I shifted in my chair, squirming at the thought that William would be in my flat in the next few minutes.

When he arrived, I unconsciously licked my lips, automatically blushing when I realized what I had done. He was wearing a white jumper and jeans that fit him splendidly. I fought against my burning fingertips, which were yearning to caress his skin.

"Hey" he breathed.

"Hey" I breathed back.

We both laughed, the tones of our voices blending irresistebly together. It was like we were meant to laugh together always. Thinking this, I blushed again.

We decided to watch a film, and I couldn't help but feel overly-contented with him beside me, both of us with a glass of wine, and Amelie on the screen.

I have a terrible tolerance for alcohol, and was already a bit tipsy. Needless to say, I couldn't help thinking about his warmth, and how he brushed up against me every so often during the film. If I wanted to, I could easily lean in and--

My desirous thoughts were cut off by his phone. Apologizing brisky, he answered it, not sounding all too excited about the interruption himself. Leaning in, I could hear the ensuing conversation pretty clearly.

"Where are you?"

"With Cosette, watching a film."

"Look, I'm terribly sorry, but you're going to have to meet me at the convention center downtown. There was a gala for the children's hospital that got more attention than I realized, and I'm going to need you here."

She sighed. She was asking for backup. I couldn't help but sigh as well. He had to do this for his mum.

"Look, mum, I'm really sorry but-"

I cut him off, and snatched the phone.

"He'll be there, Mrs. Evernorth, I'll see to it."

A very shocked Mrs. Evernorth replied:

"Th-thank you, dear. I appreciate it."

William was looking at me with what looked like a mixture of confusion and contempt when I hung up the phone.

"Why?"

"You have to help your mum. Amelie can wait."

I was really feeling drunk then, but I am positive that in the next instant he caressed my neck as we came together like two tidal waves on the Pacific. It terrified me how much I loved kissing him; yet, it only lasted for a moment before he was out the door and on his way again.

Drunk and confused--but mostly drunk--I called Evelyn.

"What's the matter, Cos?"

"Evy, I just had a date, and a kiss with Mr. Evernorth himself, and, and-"

I was truly crying now, for no reason. Luckily, Evelyn knew how to handle me in my state.

"Tell me everything."

"We had Marlot and watched half of Amelie and kissed before he had to go to a stupid charity thing for his mum."

A long bout of silence ensued.

"Cos, I have known you for how many years, and you realize that what you just described has been your dream date for how many years?" She was practically screaming. "How did William puke-face turn into this hunk all of a sudden?"

"Evy, he's the kid from the park."

---
Gee, this is getting more and more fun to write as the chapters continue! I hope you all are liking it!

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to message me!

Thank you, lovelies!
-Alice