Alex's POV.
Why the hell did I have to invite him in? Now Sophia seems to think that he's cute. I had a scowl on my face.
“Lame” Mia sighed and I looked at Sophia. Just then, her mum walked over to us again.
“I didn't mean it when I said I don't throw parties for gifts. You got me one, didn't you Soph?” he asked.
“Of course. I came here from the city. I'm your gift. Or weren't you happy to see me?”
Her mum didn't seem impressed at all and turned to me next.
“I'm from the city too.” I shrugged. She raised a brow.
“Don't look at me like that. I'm serious.” I said, raising both arms in surrender. A laugh escaped her mouth. “Yeah right.”
I chuckled. “You wanna see it now or later?”
She laughed. “I knew it. Now please.” She smiled excitedly.
“Come on.” I directed her towards the front door and out into the garage, Sophia and Mia followed behind us eager to know what it was. The smiles from all of their faces vanished and they stood still immediately after I opened the garage door.
“You–got m–me a car?” Her mum couldn't seem to form the words as Sophia and Mia stood speechless.
I hope I hadn't overstepped my boundaries by getting a car for her mum. Just say something, Soph. I muttered under my breath anticipating their response.
“Well, yeah. I noticed how much trouble the old car gives you and I got a new one as the perfect birthday gift.” he finally spoke breaking the awkward silence.
Mia gasped in surprise. “That is so cool.”
Let's just hope your cousin feels the same way. Why's she not saying anything?
I was deliberately avoiding her eyes for fear of what those brown depths might reveal to me.
Her mum motioned for me to duck down so she could hug me and kiss my cheek. I chuckled. “You like it?”
“I love it!!” She screamed as she and Mia ran off to examine the new car.
Since I'd arrived here straight from Paris, I had no time to shop for the things Andrea had suggested. So when I arrived here and noticed the troubles Mrs O'Brien was having with her car, it gave me a perfect idea for a gift.
“Thanks. But you didn't have to. I was saving up to replace that car.” Finally! She speaks.
I turned to look at her, trying to discern any anger on her face but she seemed.....happy?
“It's no trouble. She seems happy and now, you can get your car with the money you were saving up. Or better still, just say the word and I'll get you one by the morrow.” I winked at her.
“Asshole.” We both burst into laughter.
“She is happy.” She said as she walked over to her mum and Mia.
“We have to go back and cut the cake now,” Alex urged.
“Sure.” She nodded and gave me a grin again as we walked back inside the house. All smiles.
Roman was now sitting on the couch, surrounded by three more kids. Upon walking closer, I noticed a dog in his hands.
“We found a stray dog.” He said, looking up at us.
“Oh! That's Teddy. The neighbor's dog.” Mia replied, giggling. “I love him.” He rubbed the dog's chin. “I love dogs.”
“Me too.” Sophia chuckled. What the hell is going on here?
“Yeah, dogs are fun or whatever.” I blurted out. “Let's cut the cake now.”
It wasn't a secret that I wasn't a fan of dogs and Sophia knows this so I was caught off guard by her next question.
“Do you like dogs, Alex?” I could detect the mocking tone in her voice.
A smile formed on my face or what I hoped was a smile. “Of course.”
Mike immediately took a dog from Roman and held him up for me. “Hold.”
“What the fuck do you want, Mike!
With Sophia watching me, I hesitantly grabbed the dog.
Oh God! Please don't let it pee on me.
I settled on the couch, holding my breath as the soft fur brushed against my hands. His tongue flicked out and he licked my palm. Oh dear.
A grown man jumping from a dog would be an embarrassing and funny sight in front of these kids. So I remained frozen in place as the dog moved around and licked my hand. I tried so hard not to react.
“Alright! Let's go cut the cake.” Sophia said with a smirk.
I let out a shaky breath as everyone moved towards the dining table. Sophia sat down next to me to take the dog. I sighed in relief immediately as he was taken away from me. It was the longest 5 minutes of my life. Phew!
“I don't understand how someone can be scared of you, Teddy. You're so small and adorable.” She cooed in his ear obviously trying to mock me for being scared.
I brought out my phone at that moment and clicked a picture of her. “What was that?” She blinked.
“I just took a picture.” Shrugging, I got up from the couch and went to the dining table where everyone was gathered around Mrs O'Brien and the cake. Sophia followed closely behind.
She blew out all the candles as everyone started singing the birthday song.
“Happy birthday, mum.” Sophia fed the cake to her mum and then to Mia but this time, she smeared some of it on Mia's face while withdrawing her hand.
Mia laughed and was quick to take revenge as she covered Sophia's cheeks with some icing.
“This is so unfair.” Sophia let out a fake cry as she headed towards the kitchen counter to grab a tissue.
I darted across the room and grabbed her arm before she could wipe it away. She looked up at me in confusion.
“Your face is covered in chocolate.” I pointed out.
She got my message. I could tell by the desirous look that fell on her face. But she still decided to act oblivious.
“So?” She replied seductively.
I leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Are you sure you don't wanna get out of here? Some place where I can lick it off your face?”