Illicit Attraction

5. Getting Closer

Era

"You have to come with us," Cora spoke next to my ear as quietly as possible.

From the settee where Cora and I sat, I turned my head in the balcony's direction. Spotting Henry lighting his cigarette, I bit my lips at the thought of him seeing me naked as a jaybird a while ago.

"Hey, Era! Are you listening?"

"Ouch!"

Cora hit her hand against my lap, breaking me from my thoughts.

"What now! The girls are waiting in the parking lot. They're beginning to get annoyed!"

I glared at her and said, "Fine! But hold on a second. I don't even know if Henry's allowing me to go out with you."

"Henry? You mean that hot guy who opened the door?" she said, smirking.

I smiled at her description. Well, she found him attractive, too. Of course, everybody seemed to be captivated by his presence. "He's my dad," I said.

Her eyes widened in amazement. "Wow..." She took a glance at the balcony. "But you know what? He doesn't look like your father. He looks more like your older brother."

"Whatever." I patted her shoulders and stood up. "Okay, let me talk to him first. Though you can inform the girls that we're going out in a couple of minutes."

She smirked, pulling her phone out of her sling bag. "You bitches wait, alright? Our girl is still negotiating her butt."

I rolled my eyes and walked straight to the balcony. Before I knew it, I was already standing at the door. Still, I couldn't form a single damn word. My eyes were fixed on his broad shoulders, down to his back.

"H-Henry..." I cleared my throat. It seemed as if my heart was stuck in there. "Umm..."

After releasing that loop of smoke, he turned to me and smiled. "Yes?" He tossed the cigarette into the trash can and walked towards me. "By the way, I'm sorry for knocking on your door while—"

"That's okay," I said, my heart was hammering in my chest. "I, um, going to a birthday party, Henry. W-will you allow me?"

He furrowed his thick eyebrows and folded his arms across his chest. "A birthday party? At this time of the night? Have you told your mom about this yet?"

"No, Henry. I'm pretty sure she won't let me. Please don't tell her."

He looked down at me, staring into my eyes. I wanted to pull away, but it was impossible. His blue gaze was too captivating to be ignored.

"Do you really wanna go to that party?" he asked in his husky voice.

"Yes," I purred, my legs trembling.

His cynical face turned to the living room, frowning when he spotted Cora grinning as she waved her hand at us. Then, after a few seconds, he nodded and said, "Okay."

"H-huh?" I blinked for seconds, realizing I was facing a wall of sexy wide backs. "W-what do you mean, 'okay?"

"You can go."

My eyes widened. I couldn't believe that. I just got his permission. Lost in happiness, I wrapped my arms around him. "Oh, thank you so much, Henry. I love you! You're damn cool! You know that?"

I felt his breathing vibrating against my chest. Then a pair of firm hands covered mine. I tried to move away, but he was trapping my hands, preventing me from being untangled from him.

Well, shit. Wrong move. "H-Henry. S-sorry... I'm so—"

"Don't apologize. I deserve a hug from you." His voice was heavy but very tender.