A Glow Of Happiness

Chapter 21. Isa

"This is a little stressful," Aubrey says while curling my hair.

"Could you not burn my hair?" I hiss.

"Sorry... I'm just anxious about meeting Nick's family," she admits.

"I can see that," I groan and take the curling iron from her.

I keep on curling my black hair myself as she fidgets with her own hairbrush in her hand.

"Did you ask William if there's anyone from his family who'll be there?" she asks.

"No... I don't think he has anyone left," I admit sadly. "I don't know for sure because he never talks about it, but I just assumed."

We are currently in Nick's house getting ready for the New Year's Eve party. It's a big thing apparently and a lot of people will be there. They rented a room in a fancy building. We met Nick's parents when we arrived here yesterday, but now Aubrey is freaking out at the idea of meeting his whole family. I secretly wish I was anxious at the idea of meeting people from William's family, but deep down I know it won't happen. I don't know anything about his family, but from what he told me when he was drunk I think his father might have passed away. I don't know anything about his mother, or siblings. I'm still hoping he'll come to trust me enough one day to talk to me about it, until then there's nothing to do but wait. It hurts a bit though, that he doesn't trust me, but I know it's not personal, I know he has trust issues, it's more than obvious.

"Now I'm starting to think this royal blue dress wasn't a good idea," Aubrey whines.

I turn around to see her in her dress, looking absolutely gorgeous with her hair straight and light makeup.

"Shut up, you look stunning," I gap.

"Thank you.!" she beams. "Now it's your time to get dressed up," she smiles

"Let me finish my hair," I groan.

She chuckles and gets my dress out of the closet. I have a long and formal forest green dress. I finish curling my hair and Aubrey puts it into a low bun, leaving pieces of hair loose around my face. I put my dress on with black heels, and we both look at each other.

"We look freaking hot," Aubrey cheers.

"Indeed we do," I laugh.

"Damn look at that ass in that dress," she says and smacks my bum.

"Only I can do that," William says.

I turn around to see him leaning on the doorframe, looking straight at me. He's wearing a black suit with a forest green tie to match my dress. He looks handsome, and I can't seem to be able to talk anymore.

"Close your mouth, you'll catch flies," Aubrey laughs.

I instantly close my mouth, which was indeed, open.

"You look absolutely ravishing," William tells me.

"You look handsome," I reply absentmindedly.

"Well thank you," he smirks. "Nick is downstairs waiting for us," he says.

We walk out of the room and head downstairs. When Nick sees Aubrey a grin appears on his lips.

"May I see you look absolutely gorgeous," he smiles.

"Thanks babe, you look really good," Aubrey says and kisses him.

"I feel like I'm intruding on your privacy, so Isa and I will be waiting in the car," William says and I follow him.

We put our coats on and head outside. It's freezing cold and I run to the car, but the doors are locked.

"William unlocks the car," I scream.

"Why would I do that?" he chuckles and wraps his arms around me.

"Come on, I'm freezing," I pout.

"What do I have in exchange?" he asks.

I kiss him tenderly on the mouth, and then leave a trail of kisses down his neck.

"Don't do that too much, just seeing you in that dress made my pants tighter," he says in a husky voice.

"One more reason for me to do that a lot more tonight," I whisper.

He unlocks the door and we get in the car, Aubrey and Nick getting in soon after. We drive off towards the party, and William is staring at me.

"Stop looking at me that way," I whisper in his ear.

"I can't stop," he admits.

I giggle and look out the window, trying to calm down the dirty ideas rushing through my head. It's getting harder and harder for us to not jump each other at every occasion. I just don't feel ready yet, I never know where we are at with William. I feel like he can run away at any time. He's been proving me wrong lately though, and I love it.

***

We have arrived an hour ago, but I still can't get over how fancy this party is. I'm drinking champagne out of an actual crystal glass as I watch people talk like they are all out of a movie. William is so used to it he acts as this party wasn't a big deal, but I simply can't stop looking at everything with amazement. This whole place screams wealth. Aubrey being her usual sociable person fits right in. Everyone seems to love her, and Nick still hasn't stop staring at her like a love-sick puppy.

"This place is just..." I'm at loss for words.

"I think you need to get over it," William chuckles.

"I can't."

"If you want, I can take your mind off of it," he whispers in my ear.

"William, we are at a fancy party and the only thing you're thinking about is making out with me?" I ask, amused.

"It's the only thing I've been thinking about since I saw you in that dress earlier," he says.

This man is going to be the death of me. I'm about to answer him when a slow song comes on and he grabs my hand.

"Do you want to dance with me, Sugar?" he asks.

"I'd love to," I smile.

We walk to the dance floor and I put my arms around his neck. He places his hands on my hips, and we slowly start dancing as we look at each other. His eyes hold so many emotions I can't figure them out. I love this man so much, but I can't tell him. I know he'd run away. I'm starting to ask myself if I'll ever be able to tell him without being scared of his reaction.

"You look deep in thoughts," he whispers.

"Sorry," I say.

"What got you so worried?"

"Nothing much, just thinking about you," I half-lie.

He looks up at the clock and smile.

"Do you want to be my midnight kiss?" he asks.

Just as he says it, everyone starts counting down. Everyone is cheering and clapping excitedly, but the only thing I feel is William's lips on mine and the whole world quiets down and it's just us.