Chapter 21

Zavier's POV:

When Amelia and Ivan left, Amara and I went back inside. I made sure the gates were closed, and when we got into the house, Amara locked up immediately. She walked over to me and looked at our sleeping son in my arms. Sebastian tucked himself into my neck, holding onto the fabric of my suit tightly.

“He’s knocked out,” Amara said, tilting her head a little as she looked at our son.

“He must’ve had a great day,” I said quietly and gently rubbed his back. His rhythmic breathing calmed me as well.

“He most certainly did, and they probably spoiled him with food too.” Amara giggled softly and looked up at me. My eyes stayed on her taupe ones, smiling a little.

“Shall we put him to bed?” I finally asked, noticing he was in his shark PJs, so he must be ready for bed already.

“Yes, let’s go." Amara cleared her throat.

We walked upstairs to Sebastian’s room. I turned on the nightlight and gently placed him on his bed, pulling the blanket over his body. I smiled, looking at the blanket and remembering when he told me just how much he loved it. Of course, he did. It was covered in animated vintage cars. I looked over and saw Amara putting down his dino bag. Then, she walked over to my side, resting her hand on my shoulder as we both looked at our son.

“He’s so precious,” she said randomly.

“I’m really lucky I got to meet him and be in his life,” I mumbled, looking over at her.

“With the way you’re treating him, you deserve to be in it.” Amara tapped my shoulder, looking at me with her usual smile on her lips.

“Thank you. That means a lot to me. Come on; we should leave him before he wakes up.” I smiled proudly, looked down at Sebastian again, and saw him moving in his sleep, which was our cue to leave.

We exited Sebastian’s room, making sure to close the door quietly. I looked over at Amara, remembering she didn’t know how much of a success tonight was. I extended my hand out to her. She looked at it for a moment, and I gave her a nod. She placed her small, soft hand on top of mine and followed me as I walked farther away from Sebastian’s room and stopped in front of hers.

“I want to thank you for everything tonight. It went so well,” I said, absentmindedly running my thumb over the back of her hand.

“You’re welcome. It’s what we agreed on, no?” Amara smiled, looking up at me a little. Without any shoes on, the height difference was seen clearly.

“Yes, but still. You outdid yourself with everything. I know we didn’t talk about physical touches, so I’m sorry if I made you feel awkward at any point,” I replied, both of our eyes falling on our hands that were still connected, but neither of us pulled away.

“You didn’t. I’m glad they believed us,” she was quick to say.

“So good, they’re even considering going into business with us,” I informed her, remembering we didn’t get a chance to talk privately until now.

“Wow, really?” Her eyes widened.

“Yes, sweetheart, and all because of you.” I twirled her around without even thinking about it. When she came spinning back, she crashed into my chest and held onto me as she looked up at me, smiling. “Not to mention how beautiful you looked tonight.”

“Oh, yeah.” She smiled, blushing a little, and looked down at her dress. “Um, I definitely got complimented on the dress and necklace.”

“Well, they do suit you well.” I traced the diamonds of the necklace. I bought it for more than it was worth, but it was auctioned for a cancer fundraiser for kids.

“Mm-hmm, can you take off the necklace?” she asked, turning around and pulling her curls to the side.

“Of course.” I took it off for her and placed it in her hand. Amara turned around and put it back in my hands.

“Oh, I want you to keep this.” I handed it back to her, smiling.

“Why?” Her brows furrowed a little.

“For everything you’ve done for me. You didn’t have to,” I replied honestly. Even after everything, she still pulled through and helped me with my lie. I wasn't sure I’d ever lie for someone like this.

“Zavier, this is a bit much. Are you sure?” she asked, looking down at the gems of the necklace.

“Yes, there’s no one more deserving of it. But, keep it safe; those are real diamonds.” I grinned and winked at her.

“Oh, wow…thank you?” she mumbled, looking up at me again.

“You’re welcome. Good night, Amy.” I kissed her cheek.

“Night, Zavier.” She patted my shoulder, her brown eyes focused on me for a moment.

I walked into my room and sat down at the end of my bed, staring at the wall. There was no denying how I felt for Amara. I knew I liked her—I never stopped liking her. But last time, I messed it up when I doubted her. She said we’d never happen again, but I was starting to wonder if she truly meant it or not.

~~~

Amara’s POV

Three weeks had passed now, and in those three weeks, we all grew closer to one another. We almost seemed like your typical family. Sebastian loved us both so much, and of course, we spent much more time together. As for Zavier and me, we were becoming good friends. We sometimes went to public places just for the media and made sure they knew we were still together. Only, we kept things private. I still hadn’t found my photo on the Internet. Of the ones I could find, I was always covered up, or the quality was too low to see me fully.

We were currently at a pool party. It was something small organized by Tiffany. Sebastian was quite excited. What child wouldn’t be? First, he’d get spoiled by his grandmother, and he’d also get to swim!

I checked the time and saw he had to have his lunch now. He always forgot about lunchtime whenever he was busy playing. Sebastian was currently in the water with Zavier, giggling loudly as the two splashed around.

I got up, adjusted the sheer covering I wore over my blue bikini, walked over to them, and leaned down. “Don’t you boys know it's lunchtime?” I asked.

“No.” Sebastian giggled and whispered something into Zavier’s ear, making me frown. What were they talking about? They called me closer, and when I leaned in, I got pulled into the pool by them, Sebastian’s giggles filling my ears. I gasped, the cold water surrounding my body as I was dragged in.

Zavier held onto both me and our son, a wicked smirk on his face. He looked over at me. “Can you swim?”

“Yes, I can. Meanie.” I poked him as he let go of me and just held Sebastian.

“It was all his idea.” Zavier laughed, pointing to Sebastian, who just smiled at me.

“Five more minutes and then we’ll all be having lunch, okay?” I ruffled Sebastian's hair. I swam around with these two a little longer, playing around. Sebastian sure thought he was faster than he actually was, but we let him have his moment until it was time for lunch.

I wrapped the towel around Sebastian, watched as he ran off to his grandmother for food, and then turned to Zavier.

“I don’t have an extra pair of clothes, you know.” I narrowed my eyes at him as I wrapped my towel around myself.

“Who comes to a pool party without extra clothes?” He frowned, drying off his skin. My eyes slipped down to his abdomen for a moment, then back up at his green eyes.

“I didn’t plan on swimming.” I shrugged and pouted.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I’ll get you some clothes—no need to worry.” Zavier patted my back and led me to the outdoor seating area, where everyone had their lunch.

By everyone, I meant the whole Fuentes family plus Tessa. For lunch, Tiffany ordered sandwiches, mini burgers, drinks, snacks, and much more. After lunch, Arlo, Sebastian, Zavier, Tiffany, and Carolyn all went into the pool while Tessa and Charlotte both sat with me, and we just enjoyed each other’s company in silence before we exchanged small talk. Nothing too big. I had to admit that out of everyone here, I felt the most comfortable with these two. I never felt judged or anything like that.

A little later, we all got ready to go back home. I immediately got Sebastian ready for bed. On the way home, we’d be stopping to buy food, and I knew after all the swimming, he’d pass out the moment he lay on the bed. After we got the food, we ate in the parking lot, and the moment the car started to head home, Sebastian was knocked out.

“How was your day off from work?” I asked curiously. From what I heard and saw, he didn’t take much time off.

“I won’t lie—today’s been great. I got to spend time with my family, have great food, and relax,” Zavier answered, his eyes focused on the road, but he quickly looked over at me. “Yours?”

“Well, I got pulled into the pool by two annoying people, but other than that? Perfectly okay,” I sassed, rolling my eyes playfully. I was currently in a shirt of his because I didn’t have anything else to wear, and I wasn’t about to walk around in a sheer piece of clothing under which my bikini could be seen clear as day.

“We’re not even sorry about it." He laughed, making me gasp.

“That’s cruel, Zavier.” I gently punched his shoulder.

“Life’s cruel,” Zavier smirked, making me sigh. “Also, the Fischers came to the office, and honestly, the deal is better than I thought it would be,” he informed me, taking me by surprise at how quickly this was going.

“That’s great, right?” I asked, noticing that he hesitated.

“Yep, they only have one request. They want a full collection based on the dress you wore,” Zavier said, stopping as we got held up by a red light.

“That’s a bad thing?” I asked, confused. Wouldn’t that be good for business?

“Not really. It’s just that I designed that piece, and it was a private piece. Recreating a whole collection based on that aesthetic will be challenging for us, but I think we’ll manage,” he answered. I then remembered some pieces weren’t exactly part of a collection or released to the public.

“Yeah, you will,” I assured him, tapping his shoulder as our eyes connected. We stared at each other till we heard a honk and saw the light was green.

“I want to take you out tomorrow to make an appearance. Are you free for dinner?” he said randomly. Yet another date? Sooner or later, they’d find out who I was…

“Let me check with my assistant,” I teased, remembering what he told me the first time I started working for him.

“Ha-ha, funny,” he said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

“I’m down, but what about Sebastian?” I looked over at him. This was a little too soon. Of course, many people were willing to babysit him, but I didn’t know if they were available.

“Charlotte asked me for a sleepover, but I told her she’d have to talk with you first, so she might call tomorrow about that.” He shrugged. Charlotte was good. Sebastian said he loved going to her house and hanging out with her.

“If he has a babysitter, then I’m available." I shrugged, leaning back into my chair.

When we got home, we put Sebastian to bed and went to our own rooms. I took a shower and got ready for the night. Even after everything today, I still wasn’t too tired. I figured I’d write a little. My novel was slowly getting somewhere. When I decided I wanted a little break, I went downstairs and saw Zavier had fallen asleep on the couch watching TV. He had one in his room, yet he always watched TV down here. It might be because this one was a lot bigger. I walked over, gently pulled the blanket over his body, and put a pillow under his head so that he wouldn’t wake up with a strained neck. I made myself some hot cocoa then went back to my room. I wrote a little longer before finally brushing my teeth and going to bed.

~~~

Charlotte had already come by to pick up her nephew. I had baked her a carrot cake as she had mentioned loving it once. Zavier was already home. Work seemed to have gone well.

We were both getting ready and had less than 10 minutes left before we had to be out of the house. I didn’t know about him, but I had already showered and done my hair in a simple high ponytail with some curls hanging loosely. But, I was struggling with my eyeliner. One wing came out better than the other. After three more attempts, I let it be. They looked identical enough. I applied some mascara, picked a light red shade of lipstick, added some lip gloss over it, and finally got up to find an outfit.

I opened the closet doors and immediately saw a leopard print silk tank. I took that without thinking twice. I’d have to switch bras because the straps were thin, but I didn’t mind it too much. I loved the shirt and planned on pairing it with a nude skirt. Once I put on the outfit, I took the necklace I was gifted and put it on.

Just as I left the room, I saw Zavier coming out of his room dressed in a pair of black jeans and a grey sweater that was just the right size. He wore his thin silver necklace that matched the watch on his wrist.

“Do I look good enough to be seen with you in public?” he asked teasingly, making me roll my eyes.

“Could’ve been worse,” I teased back, walking to him and fixing a single strand of hair that went the opposite direction.

“Come on, missy, we’ll be late if we don’t go now.” He took my hand in his and led the way.

Tonight was so special. He first took me out for dinner then for dessert at a place I loved because they made the best cheesecake. I thought that would be all for tonight, but it wasn’t. He took us to this place where they had hot air balloons. It was then that he decided to ask me whether I was scared of heights—which, lucky for him, I was not.

“Have you ever done this before?” I asked as we stepped inside.

“First time for everything, dearest.” Zavier shrugged and went over the instructions with the man again. Soon enough, the temperature started rising, and we slowly went up. Once we were up, we both looked around. It was funny how on one side, there were mostly skyscrapers and many buildings close to each other. However, on the other side, there were more trees. The houses were farther apart from each other, and there were not too many tall buildings.

“This might be the best decision I’ve made,” Zavier commented, turning to look at me, and my god, did he look pretty under the light of the stars. There was a speck of yellow on his face from the light.

“It might just be…it’s incredible,” I replied and turned to look at the view. We just remained quiet but close to each other. I rested my head on his shoulder. The night breeze would have been freezing if it weren’t for the fire that kept us up in the air. I felt him placing a kiss on my head before he rested his over mine and placed his hand on mine too. Neither of us moved or said anything. Once the time was up, he lowered the temperature of the fire, and we slowly went down.

Zavier helped me step out and walked me to the car. On the way home, we decided to pick up Sebastian and then went straight home, and everyone headed to their beds. It was a good day for us all.

~~~

I’d just dropped Sebastian off at Amelia’s, along with some lunch for her and Ivan. I had to go to Zavier’s office and give him his lunch. I figured I already had to buy some groceries, so I’d make it a trip. The cleaning ladies came, and I didn’t want to be in their space. I gave them their privacy to clean up.

“Hey, here you go,” I said, giving him his lunch. Of course, on the way up here, there were still some looks, but I’d gotten used to them, and some actually got used to me and waved. I didn’t blame the others who weren’t as friendly because I never truly introduced myself. I just kept a kind smile on my face.

“Thank you. Would you like to sit down with me?” Zavier asked, peeking into the bag to see what I had made.

“I have to go do some grocery shopping, but if you want me to stay, I could stay,” I replied, looking around the office and noticing a picture of him and Sebastian.

“Oh, I thought you had nothing to do, and with the cleaning ladies, I knew you’d want to be out of the house.” He chuckled, walking to the water dispenser and getting himself some water.

“That’s sweet, but sadly, I do have things to do. I’ll see you later?” I smiled, getting up and holding my purse.

“Of course. Think Sebastian forgot I promised we’d play outside, by any chance?” he said in a joking tone, walking me to the door of his office.

“Hmm, no, I don’t think so.” I laughed.

“Yeah…drive safely, okay?” He watched as I walked away. I was so lost in thought I entered the storage room instead. The moment I opened the door, I saw Arlo pinned to the wall by Tessa. Their hands were all over each other, and their lips were sealed together. My eyes widened as I realized what was happening. They both looked over at me, shocked.

“I promise I saw nothing.” I closed my eyes and turned around, shutting the door behind me as I sped off straight to the elevator.