OLIVIA’S POV
The ceremony didn't take too long because we didn't want to waste anyone's time and the reception started. There was a lot to eat since mom went all out.
They were called to have their first dance and after that, they danced with each of us. I told Alex how happy I was to know that he was the one who got to marry my mom when we danced and I told Mom not to break her spine before she came back from her holiday. That earned me a smack on the arm but we both laughed.
When the party ended, we packed up and helped mom and Alex get on their way for their honeymoon. They would be gone for two weeks and I know that's going to be the longest two weeks of my life.
Dante and I alone in the house? I shook my head at the thought alone.
Once we got home, in his Bentley, he brought out some leftover drinks and asked that we have a mini party in honor of our parents. It was a very bad idea but I needed something to aid me to sleep and I agreed.
It had been a while since I drank alcohol and after a few glasses I was beginning to get tipsy. This was my cue to stop but somehow, I drank more. I knew anything that happened was entirely up to me.
We talked about anything and everything.
Other than the fact that he was incredibly sexy, he was a wholesome person and very easy to talk to.
Soon enough, I began to feel comfortable. Too comfortable, because of my next question…
“What about Linda? Are you two still dating?” I immediately chided myself internally at my interest in his love life.
He seemed momentarily surprised at my question making matters worse.
“I’m sorry, you don't need to answer that…” I tried to amend the situation.
It was obviously none of my business.
The drinking was obviously making me say things now.
I needed to stop.
But he laughed, and kept laughing until I felt embarrassed.
He noticed my reaction and stopped, trying to control his laughter.
“I’m sorry,” he said in between laughs, “The look on your face.”
“Oh…” was all I managed to say.
Finally composed he said, “Don’t feel embarrassed about asking me these things… we are family now after all.”
I cringed at the word ‘family', even though I knew he was right. Dante was now my stepbrother. Who would have thought?
“Linda was too vain and I wondered why I spent that long with her.” He sounded regretful, “Maybe if I had not been so interested in being so popular and an asshole…”
“You’re not an asshole. Don't think of yourself that way. You're not as vain as she is. You have purpose. You have dreams, your eyes are always so full of kindness and you never hurt anyone.” I found myself saying.
He looked at me strangely now.
“I… I mean that's what I think. Don't mind me.”
He said nothing, just looked at me.
“Wow…” He finally said. “I didn't know you saw me that way….”
In no time, I felt a shift in the atmosphere and wanted nothing more than to be away from this hot temptation called Dante. He had that hooded look back in his eyes again as though he was seeing me again with new eyes. Or maybe it was just the alcohol. Then he moved an inch forward on the couch on which we sat.
“Uhm…” I started as I inched further to the arm of the couch. “It’s getting late, we should probably—”
“Are you trying to get away from me?”
He had that mischievous glint in his eye and if I was not really feeling him that way, I could have rolled my eyes.
“I don't know… maybe…” I blushed.
He was so close now.
I could feel the faint smell of outdoors, sandalwood, musk, cologne, mixed with the alcohol on his breath that fanned my face.
I could see the frame of lashes of his eyes clearly now, and he looked breathtakingly handsome, so handsome that my breath came short.
“You are beautiful.” He said staring deep into my eyes, daring me to look away. He pushed a stray strand that had fallen to my face to the back of my left ear.
And I gasped. His touch was so cool, yet so electrifying. So delicate yet so manly. I felt like I would melt.
He was staring at my lips now and I ran my tongue over them, feeling self conscious.
I don't know if I would be able to stop him if he wanted to kiss me.
I was not sure I was strong enough to…
It was wrong.
The situation was wrong.
We were tied by the bonds of our parents as siblings forever.
But my body was refusing to listen to the reason that my brain was trying to give it.
That's why when he held my face with one hand and pulled my waist to him with the other hand, I didn't fight it.
I couldn't fight it. I just couldn't.
OLIVIA'S POVOr not.I stood up abruptly, shying away from Dante's presence that seemed to overwhelm me at that moment. I wanted nothing more than to have this—whatever this meant— yet I didn't want to because of the logical reason of how wrong it was.I walked up to the window and opened the drapes with a sigh. I sensed him walking up to me from behind.“The night sky looks incredible today…” I said in conversation. I didn't know what to say. Suddenly, I flinched as his hands ran the length of my arms. He pressed himself against my back and I could feel him… all of him— hard, solid muscle and all. He leaned his chin on my hair and my already racing heart started to beat even faster.I felt a rumble come from his chest that sounded like the beginning of laughter. He wrapped his arms around me and his closeness disarmed me.“Olivia, are you nervous?” Dante asked and I could feel him smiling.I blushed at my reaction. I must have looked stupid. “No,” I lied. “Don’t be nervous, Olivi
DANTE'S POVThe sound of snippers cutting woke me up. I groaned and held my pillow over my head, as the sound grew louder and louder, making my head ache badly. I had chosen to indulge myself in more booze after Olivia had left me last night—with that look of bewilderment and fear in her eyes. I had been confused and had pondered alot last night, on every single moment that we had spent together, wondering if I had made a mistake.Did I assume her interest? What went wrong?Did I screw up?I had thought for so long until I had drifted to a fitful sleep.I ran my hand through my hair and lay staring at my ceiling. My bed still had the faint smell of citrus and lilies that were her scent. I wondered if it was her shampoo or her perfume.It was intoxicating, and it was driving me insane.And so was that noise, coming from my bedroom window. I pulled the covers, stalked to where the sound was coming from and there, I saw our gardener trimming the bushes.“Morning Dante.” He waved at
DANTE'S POVI was thrilled to see Olivia working at The Barnes, but I couldn't help but feel that she didn't feel the same way about seeing me.Her hair was pulled into a bun, held together atop her head as she served customers with a warm smile.My thoughts were on her since then, and I couldn't get her out of my mind, even when Linda called again this afternoon to meet.“Hello??? Are you even listening to me?!”“I thought I made it clear to you. There's no chance of us getting back together! It's over, for good.” I spoke that phrase into the mouthpiece of my phone and ended the call. I don't know why I bothered with her. She was too dumb to unders
DANTE'S POVIt was a bit rough returning to school because I had to meet a certain quota to apply for the four-year program I intend to take after I was done.The community college baseball team I was a part of, was hosting a game. Some recruiters from universities looking to scout for potential players that were very good at baseball, came to watch. It was a very intense game, especially for those in their final year, who really wanted the scholarship. I didn't really need a scholarship, but it felt good to be seen and accepted on the basis that you were good at something. And baseball was what I loved. It was all, or nothing.I wasn't sure I could do it at first, because my doctor had insisted I take a much needed break. But I knew I had to, if I wanted to achieve my dream of playing baseball p
OLIVIA'S POV“Oh shit!” Alicia muttered as the restaurant door chimed and was nudged open.I frowned and looked up to see who had just come in.“Wow!” It was my turn to exclaim.Dante has been coming up with excuses as to why he came to the restaurant everyday ‘I’m just here to enjoy a burger', ‘I’m expecting someone… oh crap, the person just canceled. I can just wait for you', ‘Rhonda said I should deliver lunch to you' I had scoffed at the last one which was yesterday because Mom knew I ate at work. It was am eye-rolling week for me though.Today, however, he had come along with two of his friends I had remembered fr
DANTE'S POVI didn't get a letter.It had been three days since Olivia's interview at Wexford and I was yet to get my own letter.Tired from practice and lectures, I got home and grabbed some leftover lemonade from the fridge.I heard laughter coming from the backyard and guessed that the two lovebirds were at the pool…again.I went out to the mailbox and checked the mail. Nothing from Wexford. I sighed and went to see my Dad and Rhonda. Let's hope they’re not naked. I pray to the heavens.“Hello! Dante Incoming…are you guys decent?” I shouted so loud they can hear me.
RHONDA'S POVI was back to the office, back to my work after a much needed break. I couldn't remember the last time I had been off work for so long.“Welcome Rhonda.” My secretary hugged me tightly.“Leah, you're gonna choke the life out of me.”She released me immediately.“Oops! Sorry… wouldn't want Mr Addams running up here to lock up whoever harmed Mrs Addams.” She enunciated my new name with a dramatic flair.I giggled.It was good to be back.Not just to Colorado, but to the office
DANTE'S POVI was already at the parking lot of the Barnes when I got a message from Olivia that she had left with her mom.Sure enough, I saw Rhonda's car pulling out of the driveway when I was coming in. The guys were here and I decided to not waste my time and have a drink before going home. Then I heard voices off this right corner where I had parked.It was a pretty secluded area so no one would have noticed but my keen senses picked up a sort of altercation between two individuals that sounded like a guy and lady.“Let go of me, please.” The lady pleaded.The guy hissed, “Listen to me and stop overreacting.” It was obvious this guy was not lis