Only You

Chapter 1

"Dad! I know what I'm doing okay!?" I said, exasperated. My father was getting on my nerves. I know all fathers are protective but this was getting out of hand.

"Come one, Em. I am just trying to keep you from harm's way, that's all." my father said, he closed the distance between us in 3 long strides and hugged me. He rested his chin on my head as he said, "You know I don't like you going for such parties. God only knows what kind of things happen there. That's why I'm sending Aiden with you."

My eyes widened and I pulled away. "No way dad, no way. That is so not happening. That guy goes everywhere I go. Last time he followed me to the rest room." My cheeks turned red as I remembered that incident. "Anyway dad, can't you just send someone else? Someone else who won't follow me everywhere and just stay outside the house near the car!?"

"He is the best, honey. And, you know, I only want what's best for you," he sighed. "But if you insist, I'll send Henry with you. Enjoy!"

"Thanks dad!" I hugged him and he lifted me up in his arms. He kissed my forehead and walked me to the door. He waved me goodbye as I waited for Henry to bring the car.

The car finally arrived and Henry opened the door for me. I got in and spread my legs on the seat, making myself comfortable.

Dad had always been like this, protective and loving. It was hard on both of us with all this protection around us all the time. We didn't like it, of course, but we couldn't help it. Dad's business rivals were always finding one way or another to hurt my father. He was scared that one day I will be targeted too. That's why he never let me go anywhere without one of his bodyguards.

The car stopped and Henry got out to open the door for me. I stepped out and could hear the loud music reverberating in the streets. I walked towards the house from which the music came. I smiled and pushed open the door as I told Henry to wait right outside. He obeyed, thankfully.

My eyes started scanning for the host, Jason. Jason was my colleague/ best friend/ ex-boyfriend. He threw an office party to celebrate the retirement of our boss.

A smile played on my lips as I saw him flirting with one of our juniors. I chuckled and walked up to him. I cleared my throat as I stood behind him and he turned. "Hey, Em! Glad you could make it." He hugged me.

"Where's Aubrey?" I ask, pulling away from the embrace. His face light up and his lips tugged into a smirk. He shook his head.

"Where do you think she is?" We both burst out in laughter. I held his hand and pulled him towards the bar where Aubrey was busy getting herself drunk.

Aubrey also worked with Jason and I in our department. She had red locks that fell over her shoulders and hazel eyes that could charm anyone she wanted. She had a round face with light freckles near her nose which added on to her beauty, somehow. She was always the one to get the boys. I was not bad either but when walking together, I would usually get the second preference.

That's why I was shocked when Jason asked me out. He was tall and lean. I wouldn't call him muscular, exactly, but fit. He had a triangular face with a defined jawline and dirty blonde hair which were always unkempt and messy but the messy look suited him. He had piercing blue eyes, so deep that you could drown in them.

I patted Aubrey's back and she swirled as her lips stretched into a grin. "Hey BFF! Here you are." She put an arm around my shoulder. She handed Jason and I a tequila shot each and said, "Let's loosen up a bit, eh?" and gulped down her shot. Jason and I followed suit.