Chapter 8

• My heart started to thump at the sight of him. His beautiful eyes were smiling as he gazed at me. I wanted to scold myself for reacting like this.
• "I hope it's okay that we came without any heads-up. I would have messaged you first but I don't have your number," he drawled as he advanced to the small room.
• His strong presence engulfed the tiny office.
• "And I decided not to tell you of course," Paula said with a silly grin and winked at me.
• I narrowed my eyes at her as if warning her that we would have a serious talk later.
• "We were hoping that you're not busy today. Let's meet Paula's friend to check the gym equipment I need."
• I had to transfer my eyes at him once again. However hard I wanted to avoid looking at him, it wasn't just possible. Guilt started to come over me. I felt I was cheating on Parker for unconsciously letting myself be affected by this man. We just mended our relationship last night for crying out loud!
• "I'm sorry but I have plans today. You two can go without me."
• I didn't know what to feel when I couldn't read his eyes nor his facial expression. He was poker-face.
• "What plans?!" I heard Paula asked in disbelief which made me turn to her.
• I rolled my eyes at her. It was as if I didn't have any right to make plans without telling her first.
• "I have to meet one of my suppliers," I lied and my forehead creased involuntarily. I didn't know where that lie came from.
• Of course you have to lie! You can't tell them that you're meeting your boyfriend. You haven't talked to Parker yet about not keeping your relationship a secret anymore!- I told myself.
• "What time? We can wait or we can go see my friend Lee first," Paula said with a frown too.
• I was about to say something but Abel spoke before I could open my mouth.
• "It's okay Paula. We can see your friend without Camilla. We better go before we bother her more. My apologies," he said to me with a short nod. His voice was without any emotion just like his to-die for face.
• In a flash, he was gone which left me and Paula speechless for a few seconds.
• "I'll call you later," she said and walked out of the office too.
• I shook my head before releasing a heavy sigh. Everything happened so fast that it was almost unreal. The only consolation I had was at least Paula didn't seem to be mad at me. She was really understanding though I knew there won't be escaping answering her questions next time we met. Well at least I would be ready to tell her everything and she would finally stop pairing me with Abel.
• ***
• I was lost for words when I saw the set-up of the table which was a few feet from the pool. Parker hadn't been this romantic until now. The sight was breathtaking. The round table was covered by a lacy white tablecloth, the candleholder and the utensils were gold colored. The beautiful plates were white with gold lining. The napkins matched the table cloth. The food was amazing. Parker looked so handsome too. We talked about petty things which we both found soothing but I promised myself that I would tell him what I had in my mind about us before the night ended. I sure hope that it would be fine with him.
• "You look amazing honey," he said appreciatively as he poured more wine in his glass. I on the other hand was drinking sparkling water.
• "Thank you. I like your shirt. You look good in it," I said with a small smile. He beamed.
• He wandered his eyes around the place. "Do you like what I did to the place honey?"
• "Yes. Thank you."
• HIs eyes went back to me. I saw something in them but it was gone in a second.
• "I'm sorry if we haven't had a normal date," his voice had a certain tone which I couldn't describe.
• I moistened my lips. I felt it was the perfect time to tell him. The past weeks were really difficult. It was exciting at first but slowly the consequences of having a secret relationship began to take its toll.
• "Honey? I hope you don't get angry but I'm afraid that we have to continue this set-up for the meantime. We signed a contract with TL recording and we were told by our manager this morning that the management preferred if we are single because our fans are getting more and more possessive. The other members were okay with it since one of them just got a divorce and the other two aren't dating."
• I bit my bottom lip to stop a grunt. There was no way that I could talk about what had been on my mind. I didn't know if the situation was playing with me but I had no choice but to keep mum about what I wanted.
• He got up and went to me. He extended his arms so I took his hands. He gently pulled me on my feet our eyes locked in each other.
• "I love you honey. I will make a lot of effort to show you. I promise you that things will be different after our tour. Let's just wait a few more months before we announce to the world that we are a couple. After the tour, I wouldn't care less what our road manager or TL management say."
• I nodded. I felt his sincerity. He lowered his head and kissed me lightly on the lips. When he removed his lips, he cradled my face.
• "I'm lucky to have a beautiful, understanding and patient girlfriend. I was a jerk for taking you for granted. This time it will change. I almost lost you. I will never forgive myself if that happens."
• I shook my head. "I will not go anywhere unless you want me to."
• "I want you with me!" he kissed my hands as he gazed at me. "I have something for you."
• A smile broke my lips. He really was making a lot effort. He wasn't into surprises before. I felt elated.
• "Wait here," he winked and planted a kiss on the tip of my nose before gently releasing me to go inside the townhouse.
• I sighed and hugged myself while smiling. I was about to sit down again when I heard a vibrating sound. I saw his phone next to his glass. I frowned because it was placed with the screen on the table. I walked to check it because there was no doubt that the sound was coming from it. A message appeared.
• Baby what's going on?
• My hand trembled when I realized the number was familiar. I knew Anne's number by heart.