Wheel You Marry Me?

CHAPTER 20.

My phone was ringing, waking me up. Who's calling me this early? I stretched out my hand, fumbled until I reached the nightstand, and grabbed my phone. Blinking my eyes open, I checked the screen it was Jeffrey calling.

I sat up in bed and answered.
"Hey, Jeffrey," I said, my voice still laced with sleep but excited.
"Hey, sis. How are you?"
"I'm fine. How are you? How's school?"
He sighed. "I'm good. Almost done with the semester."
"Wow, that's really great. I'm proud and happy for you."
He was quiet for a second, then said, "I'm happy you started recording songs. I can't wait for your album."
"Aww... thank you, darling." I grinned widely.
"So... how's Crystal?" I asked suddenly.
"Um... uh... er... s-she's fine," he stammered.
I smiled knowingly. He still wouldn't admit he's dating her, but I was happy for him either way.
"Just checking in. Finals are in two weeks, so I have to go study. Bye!" he said and hung up.

I smiled. It was so good hearing from my brother again.

After getting out of bed and showering, I made myself some French toast nuggets for breakfast. Then I grabbed my notebook and pen and started writing new lyrics.

Suddenly, there was a knock at my door.

I opened it to find Ryan standing there, looking effortlessly good and holding a bouquet of roses.
"Hey," I greeted him, pleasantly surprised.
"Hey, beautiful. How've you been?"
"I've been great! Come in," I said, stepping aside.

He handed me the bouquet. "For the most beautiful woman."
I smiled shyly. "Thank you."

As we entered the living room, he glanced at my notebook.
"Hmm... someone's been busy writing a new song."
I smiled. "Yeah, I was trying to come up with something."
"Did I interrupt? I can go—"
"No! No, please stay. I enjoy your company." I instantly regretted admitting that.
"Wow. Do you really enjoy my company?" he teased with a smirk.

I cleared my throat. "Uh... can I get you something? Water, juice, soda?"
"Juice, please," he said, still smiling.

I brought him a glass of juice. As I handed it over, his fingers brushed against mine—on purpose. A shiver ran through me.

He took a sip, eyes never leaving mine. "Are you done watching me?"
"Uh... I-I wasn't watching you," I stammered.
"You're not a very good liar," he said with a smirk, stepping closer.

I instinctively moved away.

"Aurora, I don't bite," he whispered, and the way he said my name made my knees feel weak.

"Come to my house with me," he said suddenly.

"Are you out of your mind? I can't go to your house. Your mom will kill me!"
"They're not home. Business trip," he replied casually.
"I still can't," I protested.
"Please."
I hesitated.
"Please, Aurora," he begged again, giving me puppy eyes.

Ugh. How could I resist that face?

"Okay! But only for an hour."
"Yes!" he said excitedly.

At his house, it was quiet. A middle-aged woman greeted us.
"Mr. Ryan, can I get you something?"
"No, Mildred. We're good. Thanks."

He turned to me. "Come, I want to show you something."

I followed him down the hall to a room. He opened the door, and we stepped into a space filled with dresses on mannequins, some finished, some in progress.

"Your mom's studio? What are we doing in here?" I asked, surprised.

He walked over to a beautiful maroon dress on a chair.
"She made this two days ago. The moment I saw it, I knew it would look perfect on you. Please, Aurora. Will you try it on?"

"She'll be furious if she finds out," I warned.

"She won't know," he said with a wink.

I hesitated, but the dress felt amazing in my hands. "Fine. Can I have some privacy?"

He gave me a playful pout.
"No. Out," I said firmly.
"Okay, okay," he laughed and left.

I changed into the dress. It fit like a dream. I stood in front of the mirror, running my hands down the fabric. I looked stunning.

"Can I come in now?" he called from outside.
"Yeah... sure," I said, heart racing.

He walked in and froze when he saw me.

"You look so beautiful... babe," he said. Babe?

"Thank you," I said with a soft smile.

He kept staring, which made me nervous.
"Can I change now?" I asked.
"Y-Yeah," he said, stepping out.

I changed back and found him waiting outside.

He held my hand and led me to another room—a home theatre.

"What movie do you want to watch?"
"Uh... Project Power."
"Are you sure?"
I laughed. "Yes, I'm sure."

He had everything prepared, even lunch. We ate while watching the movie. It was one of the best lunches I'd had in a while.

When the movie ended, he turned to me and said, "You get to pick the movie from now on."

I smiled as we left the theatre.

"I should head home," I told him.
"I'll take you," he insisted.

At my place, I turned to him.
"Thank you for the lunch and the movie. But... was that a date?"

"Oh? Are you asking me out?" he teased.

I chuckled. "C'mon. Just answer."

"Yes. And I'll go on a date with you. Tomorrow night?" he grinned.

"You're so crazy."
"Yes. Crazy for you."