My Father's Best Friend

Chapter 6

A/N:
Hey guys! Sorry it took a while to update, I wasn't sure where to go with this but I am back on track! :) Picture of Aria's dress is included x

Mark's P.O.V.

Tonight is a big night for me. I have this work party and I am supposed to be getting promoted. Tyler, Sam, who is my annoying coworker, and I all have a shot at winning it, but with my increase in sales I am really confident about this, and just hoping for the best.

Since Tyler works with me, Aria's coming to support her dad and I. I'm very excited, and I am glad Aria's coming honestly. Things had been a little weird since our last conversation, but we talked it out. Aria's coming over and we are driving there together while her parents take their car. My phone starts ringing.

"Hello?" I say.

"Hey Mark! I just wanted to know what time I should be over? I don't wanna be too late or too early, sorry to bother you at work." Aria's angelic voice fills my ears, and it's so beautiful I almost don't respond.

"Oh don't worry I'm bored out of my mind! Come at 5:30? I get off at 4:30 and I need some time to get ready before we go. It's not too far and the party starts at 6 so that's perfect."

"Alright, I need to get ready now so talk later?"

"Sure. Goodbye Ar."

And we hang up. My mind is all over the place, I really wanna look nice today. Not for Aria...well not just for Aria.. this night just needs to be special, you know?

Tick, tock, tick, tock...

FINALLY! 4:30. I spring up from my chair, grab my phone and coat, and head out.

I make my way home and start to shower. I dry my lightish darkish brown hair, put my suit and tie on, apply some cologne, and gel my hair into a messy but tolerable look, and when I am done looking at myself in the mirror, there is a knock at the door.

I open it, and I am left speechless. Aria stands there in a black knee length lace dress, natural looking makeup, hair curled to perfection, and cute tan heels. I can't stop looking at her plump, glossy lips, and the whole scene seems to be pleasing my friend down south. I blush and try my best to hide it.

"You look....amazing...I..um.." I manage to spit out, but I can't continue because she looks so sexy and beautiful. She smiles and does a cute little laugh.

"Not so bad yourself, Mark. Ready to go?" I nod and we walk toward the car.

We play a Taylor Swift song and Aria laughs at me as I belt out the lyrics horribly. Finally, we pull up to the venue, and I rush to Arias door to open it, wanting to be a gentleman.

"How nice, you are a real gentleman." Aria says in a pish posh voice and I laugh, rolling my eyes.

I greet my friends from work and Aria tells me she will meet back up with me later and heads off to find her dad. I am making small talk with my boss but I can't seem to keep my eyes off Aria all the way across the room, who's nose crinkles so cutely when she laughs. I say a polite goodbye and head over to her and her family.

"Tyler! Haven't seen you in what, 2 hours?" We laugh. I notice Aria looking me up and down, and I smirk at her, to which she blushes and turns away.

"Ah, get ready, they are announcing the candidates for the promotion in 15 minutes! May I, oops, I mean the best salesman win!" Sam says, and winks at me cockily. I roll my eyes.

"Aria, would you like to get a drink with me..?" I whisper in her ear and I feel her face get hot. She nods.

"That Sam guy is a wink away from me kicking him in the balls." Aria retorts and I almost spit out my drink because it's so funny.

"Try being around him all day." I say. She smiles and her eyes twinkle. God, she's so beautiful.

"You look really pretty tonight, babe." I blurt out, and regret the last word immediately. Why did I say that? Oh my gosh, she's looking at me weirdly!
Her face gets red.

"Oh, um... thank you. You look really nice, too." I smile nervously.

I let out a sigh of relief, she didn't overreact. I hear a voice coming through the speakers and I know it's time to find out who gets the promotion. Aria squeezes my hand tightly, and whispers in my ear "I really hope you win." and I squeeze back and mutter a thank you.

I hear our names being called, and my heart falls when they announce Sam's name as the winner. I drop my smile and walk out, not wanting to be around too many people right now. I sit on the floor in a different room of the building, where I'm sure no one could find me, but of course Aria does.

"There you are! Are you okay, Mark? You can talk to me." She says, and she sits down next to me.

I sigh.

"I'm fine, to answer your question. You don't have to sit here with me. I'm a big boy, go comfort your dad." I smile reassuringly, to which she furiously shakes her head.

"My dad wasn't really planning on winning, we all just wanted you to win. I am so sorry, Mark." She looks concerned.

"It's okay Aria, really. There will be other promotions. I am the luckiest guy in the world to some people. I have a job, a house, and the most beautiful girl in the world is sitting right next to me. I, am good. How are you?"

Aria laughs lightly and our eyes lock. She draws in a breath and moves her hand onto my leg. She starts tracing little hearts on my thigh, and I can hear her breathing heavily. Her hand moves up, and up, and up, and she grazes over my bulge and moves up my chest. She keeps going up, until she reaches my lips, and she traces them with her finger. I moan. I notice our close proximity and I am inches away from kissing her when a sharp knock sounds from the door. "Is this a bathroom?" I reply with a no, and they apologize and walk away. Unfortunately, it snaps us both back into reality, and Aria doesn't like it.

"Oh my god." Aria whispers. "Oh my god." She looks like she's about to cry. I reach over to touch her shoulder and apologize, but she pushes me away and tears start to flow from her cheeks.

"We...can't do...this." She breathes out between sobs.

She hurries out of the room and I try to follow her but she's too fast.

"Aria! Aria wait, we have to talk!"

She finally stops and turns around.

"There's nothing to talk about! I was comforting you, that's all that happened. I was confused. It is fine. I'm um...I am just not feeling well, I'm gonna head home. I don't need a ride with you anymore, I will just head back with my uh, my parents. Thanks for tonight, I had fun. I will see you around? Bye."

She spits every word out so fast I barely understand her so I just nod. Before I know it, she's gone.