No Expectations

Chapter Thirteen

Emilia

My parents didn't suspect a thing Friday night. Sure, it was immature to sneak around, but I didn't want the judgment, and I didn't want the push-back. They could stick their noses in someone else's business for once. I wanted the freedom to embrace what I felt about Stephen.

Sure, he was twice my age. So what? His lips felt right against mine, and all my problems melted away when I looked into his beautiful eyes. It could have just been very deep lust, but that was okay. I wanted to continue to feel it, even if that meant heartbreak in the future.

He hadn't texted me much over the last few days. I was a little disappointed, but I knew he couldn't help it. I'd gotten to see him for a few minutes last night. He let me in to ′talk′ where we made out and dry humped on his couch before he stopped himself and said he needed to get back to work. I could have felt used, but he texted me a few minutes later, thanking me for stopping by. He wasn't neglecting or avoiding me by any means. I just wanted more.

My backpack was filled with a pretty dress from my aunt and my new boots. Also, some pajamas, just in case he asked me to spend the night, you know, like adults do. It'd be easy to check on Jasper once or twice through the night since it was only next door. Still, I felt guilty, but I could at least reason with myself. I deserved to have fun during the break.

Getting ready took longer than I thought. The goal was to look presentable, but also not like I was trying too hard. Stephen had seen me without makeup lots of times, but tonight, I needed to wow him. Why was it so important? Not sure. I just knew tonight would be my only chance to show him how mature I could be. I could be the woman he'd want to show off. I could go with him to fancy banquets and talk about politics and the economy. Looking in the mirror one last time had me fooling myself. Mission accomplished.

I ran downstairs at seven-thirty. Stephen would meet me in the parking lot per my request, avoiding being seen by my parents. He was reluctant but finally agreed after some begging. He didn't like sneaking around, but I just wasn't ready for a lecture. I didn't want a reminder of the consequences. I wanted to dive right in, and if it ended by blowing up in my face, that was fine. He was worth it.

The elevator doors opened to the lobby. Stephen stood at the entrance, talking to a woman whose back was to me. His dark suit made me feel better about my classic black dress. The quick smirk he gave me before his attention returned to the woman in front of him made my heart flutter. I followed his gaze then froze when I realized who it was. My aunt Amy knew Stephen?

They stopped talking as I approached, and Amy turned her attention to me. She gasped. "Oh. My god. Mia. You. Look. Stunning." She grabbed me into a tight hug.

After squeezing me against her a little too hard, she pulled away. Her eyes assessed me she kept her hands on my shoulders. Stephen's eyes filled with confusion as she turned her attention back to him. "Isn't my niece gorgeous?" She ran her fingers through my hair.

Stephen's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before his face softened. "Yes, she's very beautiful."

Amy's eyes fell back on me. "She gets it from her aunt," she joked then winked at me. I laughed, but it came out strained and awkward. Stephen shifted his weight and scratched the back of his head. "Please let me meet the boy who's taking you out tonight. You look so fabulous in this dress. I want to see his face when he sees you in it."

I shook my head, feeling my cheeks flush. "Um, no, not tonight. We're meeting at the restaurant-"

"Well, let me drive you! I stopped by to drop off that CD your dad lent me. I could drop you off wherever."