Everyone enjoys dinner. Mary praises my cooking as does Richard. What can I say? I'm a hell of a cook. Chris on the other hand didn't speak to me throughout dinner.
We all head to the living room and watch a movie since Mary suggested it. I take a seat furthest from Chris, but he doesn't seem to even notice I'm there.
As the movie plays I see everyone is into the movie. Without saying anything I slowly sneak out and head outside. I've seen the movie twice and it wasn't too good anyway. I take my phone out of my pocket and call Sebastian.
"Hello." He answers by the third ring.
"Hey." I smile even though he can't see me.
"I've been texting you, and you've left me on read." He sounds bothered.
"No you haven't. I've only seen one message." I put him on speaker and check my messages.
He's right there over twenty messages all from him. How did I not see them? Chris. He had my phone and I didn't even know. I'm sure he did saw all of them and never said anything.
"Astrid you still there?" Sebastian speaks up.
"Yeah I am, sorry. So about that second date." I say as I begin to walk towards the pool.
"Next Saturday work for you?"
"Yeah that would be perfect." I find myself feeling giddy over a date, and that can't be good.
"Ok well I have to go, I'll talk to you soon." We say our goodbyes and hang up.
"It's nice out here isn't it?"
"Yeah." I say and put my head in my hands. I can't do this. I've tried to be nice. I tried to go along with it, because, why not? He's been a good boss. He's done a lot for me, I owe it to him, so to speak.
"I-" we both say at the same time.
"You go first" I say before he can beat me to it.
"I like you." He shyly says as he rocks back and forth on his heels.
"You what?" Shock. That's the only thing that I feel. There's no way he's being serious. A man like him doesn't just like a girl like me. Cliche but it's the truth.
"I like you." He repeats as he gets closer to me.
"You can't. There is no way you do. I mean look at you. Then look at me." I can't help but raise my voice.
"Is that what you think of me? You think I'm that type of guy? After three years you think all I care about is that?" His voice is the complete opposite of mine.
"We don't truly know each other. I only know you as my boss. Nothing more." What he feels is attraction towards me. He can't say he likes me without knowing me. He may like the way I look, but not who I am, we're not on that level.
"Let me then." He whispers.
"I have to go." I quickly get up and try to walk past him but he grabs me by my waist.
"Please." I beg
"It's taken me three years to build up the courage to tell you how I feel. And you're going to leave me here standing alone?" The hurt in his voice is thick.
"I don't know what to say." I say honestly because it's true. One of my faults is never knowing what to say when I'm put in situations like these. Whenever men share their feelings I run. Not because I'm scared but because I can't find the words to say.
"Don't look at me as your boss. Look at me as any ordinary man."
"You're everything but ordinary Chris. Look at you. Look at who you are." I gesture at him.
"I'm a man who likes you." He smiles.
"Why now? Why didn't you say anything before?" I can't help but think of Seb. He just now came into my life again and now Chris does this?
"Because I didn't think that my feelings would grow stronger. Seeing you interact with my mom, it all clicked. The way my parents love you already. It doesn't get better than this Astrid." He caresses my cheek softly. Without even thinking I lean into his touch. All this is too much for me to process right now. He's literally the dream. Any girl would jump at the opportunity to be with him. Yet, here I stand wanting to run.
"I'm going to the room." I say below a whisper.
"You're staying?"
"Yeah the week right?" I half smile.
"Thank you, Astrid." He leans in and kisses my forehead. Then wraps his arms around my waist
****
"Astrid. Wake up." His voice wakes me.
"Huh."
"We're heading to church in an hour."
"I don't do church. I can wait here." I mumble and roll over.
"You don't go to church?" He says as he sits down on the bed.
"No. Not really my thing." I groan. I know I won't be able to fall asleep anymore.
"Why?"
"I just don't do church, or anything that has to do with it. I used to go when I was younger but that's because I was forced to but as I grew up I learned more and it made no sense as to why we have to use that book as a guide through life." I sit up and look over at him. He stares at me deep in thought.
"That's how you feel?"
"Yes." I nod.
"Me too. I just go to make my mother happy." He smiles.
"Well good luck with that. I'll wait here." I lean up and kiss his cheek, then head for the shower.
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AN: Hey guys! Sorry for the late update I've been busy, but I hope you guys like it. Also I apologize for the short chapter, longer ones are coming up I promise! Leave a comment and vote loves!! XX
