Chapter 83
Alex's POV.
I had a dreamless sleep and the moment I started gaining consciousness with the sunlight shining in my face the next morning, I was already excited to see her.
She loves me. That was my first thought.
I shifted closer to her but my hands came in contact with the empty bed surface. My eyes flew open to find the space next to me empty. Where was she? Did she leave?
Panic set in as I sat up abruptly and looked around the room, sprinting towards the bathroom. It was empty and her clothes were gone.
“Sophia!” Stumbling my way out of the room, I raced downstairs, screaming her name, “Sophia!”
My feet stopped at the sight of her in the living room, talking on her phone. She turned around at the sound of my voice, confusion clear on her face.
“I'll talk to you later, Stephanie.” Sighing in relief, I walked up to her.
“What's going on? Are you okay?” She asked.
“Yes. I just.....” I trailed off with a laugh. “What?”
“I thought you left.” I closed the gap between us and cupped her face in my hands, gazing into her warm brown eyes.
A soft look fell on her face followed by a blush. “Why would I do that?”
“I don't know, maybe because I thought you regretted our time last night. You don't, right?” I asked hesitantly.
She looked elsewhere with a smile, clearly shying away from the conversation. “After what I told you last night, you still ask me that?”
I felt my heart swell with pride.
“And what was it that you told me last night?” I asked, pretending to be baffled. “I didn't think I heard you.”
“Alex.” She scolded playfully.
“I'm waiting, Sophia.” I wrapped my hands around her waist and pulled her closer, leaning down to tease her earlobe with my teeth.
“I'm pretty sure you heard me loud and clear.” She chuckled.
“Nope. Still waiting.” My lips pressed against her neck and she groaned, angling her face up.
A few incoherent words slipped out of her mouth.
“What's that, love?” I looked up at her.
She inhaled sharply, a glimmer of want to emerge in her eyes as they flicked down to my lips.
“I love you, Alexander Hayes.”
Maybe it was the way she said it or just the fact that she even said it at all because her words compelled my mind into a frenzy of emotions— joy, satisfaction, and longing.
I ducked my head down and claimed her lips.
Damn!
She responded with such urgency, her fingers tangling themselves in my hair as she pulled at the ends.
“God, Alex.” She panted between my lips. “Not now, I was about to leave.”
I paused with a frown. “Leave?”
She nodded.
I reluctantly pulled my hands away from her waist but held her hands.
“It's Monday already. I got a job, remember? Last I checked, I'm still your secretary.”
“You know you don't have to do that anymore, right? That could be remedied.” I said as I went in for another kiss.
She pressed her lips into a thin line. “I just don't want to sit at home just because I'm dating you now. I still want to work. I think it's cute though.” She wrapped her arms around my neck as a smile formed on her lips.
I couldn't help but smile back.
“So, am I forgiven?” I took her hand in mine, rubbing circles on her skin.
“What are you talking about?” Her brows furrowed in confusion.
“You were so mad at me last week in your hometown. I apologize but you needed some time. Am I forgiven now?”
She gave me a long amused look before speaking. “I wouldn't have shown up here if I was still cross with you.”
I smiled. “So we're good? Everything's good?”
“For now, it is. But the next time you do something like that, you'll have to do way more than showing up at my mother's birthday, or getting her a car gift.”
I burst out laughing. “There won't be a next time.” “I hope not.” She smiled.
So do I.
“Alright then, I'll leave now.” She said, pushing me aside. “You haven't had breakfast yet.”
I was desperate to keep her for longer. She didn't have to work for me anymore but I didn't want to bring up the issue again.
“I'm not hungry right now. I'm already late for work. I'll grab something when I get to the apartment to change.”
“Take the day off.” I blurted out.
“Haha. Nice try.” She laughed. I wasn't joking though.
“I'm always eating here alone. You wouldn't mind staying a bit longer to give your boyfriend some company, would you?” I grinned.
She smiled brightly when I said boyfriend and seemed to be debating it in her head. “Fine. Now that you mentioned food, I do feel my appetite coming around.”
“Great.” I directed her towards the dining table.
“I'll take a shower after breakfast. You know, I'm always showering alone and—”
“Don't push your luck, boyfriend.” She smirked. “Well, can't blame a man for trying.”
The housekeeper had already prepared bacon and eggs along with some waffles. My mouth watered at the sight.
I served food on two plates and poured her a glass of juice before settling down myself. The food was delicious as usual.
We finished eating and I watched as she got up from her seat and picked up both our plates.
“Don't bother,” I said.
Ignoring me, she went to the kitchen and placed them in the sink.
“I won't be in the office today. I've got a director's meeting to attend at the downtown branch but Steve will be in the office as usual. I'm gonna miss you though.”
“Oh. But I'll see you tonight.”
“Tonight?” I was confused but then my eyes lit up in realization. “You'll be coming over tonight?”
“Not me. You'll be coming to my apartment.” “Me?”
“Yes. Stephanie's got some family situations to attend to so she won't be back until tomorrow morning.” She gave me a suggestive look.
“I don't want to be alone, except you want me to invite—”
“I'll be there.”
“You sure?” She blinked innocently.
“Of course.”
Chuckling, she walked towards the door with me behind her.
“Josh is waiting in the parking lot. He'll drop you off.”
“What?” She turned around. “Stop bothering Josh all the time. I can take the bus.”
“Josh will drop you off.”
“You're so stubborn.” She rolled her eyes.
“I know.” I grabbed her face and without any warning, kissed her. She remained immobile for a few seconds, obviously taken by surprise before her lips started moving in sync with mine. She moaned into the kiss, slowly melting in my arms.