8. Giddy

Issac let go of her, only to stand in front of her. And she was aghast at how her body didn't like the loss of his warmth.

"He is my senior." She told the truth. Not knowing why her fake boyfriend was inquiring about it, because no one was exactly prying on their conversation.

"And?"

She frowned slightly. "It's nothing you should worry about," she said with a tight-lipped smile, and noticed how he nodded calmly, but his eyes looked darker.

"You're right. Let's go," he said, grabbing her hand and intertwining their fingers as he walked ahead of her and pulled her along.

She gaped at their hands. Her hand was so small, all snuggled up in his big, veiny hand. But why were they holding hands? She glanced up and noticed his broad shoulders and back. He was so tall and broad. Not buff, just simply perfect.

Innessa swallowed thickly, lightly pulling at her hand, but he didn't let go. Instead, he threw her a glance over his shoulder.

"Everyone in your department has their eyes set on us. I believe they'll tell Henry if they find anything suspicious. We should act like a true couple," he said, facing ahead, and her eyes lowered to their hands. She held his hand back, wrapping her small fingers in his hand as much as she could as they headed to the parking lot.

She felt warm.

Giddy.

He stopped near his shiny black Mustang. Issac glanced around them before letting go of her hand. She instantly balled it in a fist, holding it on her side. She rubbed her palm on her jeans twice because she was sweating. It was because of nervousness.

"You wanted to talk?" she asked in a small voice, nervously staring at his back.

"Yeah, get in the car," he said, unlocking his car as he walked to the passenger side and opened the door for her like a true gentleman.

"Why?" She asked politely; she didn't want to sound rude or offend him, but was he taking her somewhere?

"I thought you'd be comfortable talking in the car away from all the eyes, the glass is tinted, and no one could see you inside," he said with the tip of his head.

"Thank you for being considerate," she said with a light smile as she walked over to him and got inside the car. As soon as he closed the door, she was hit by his scent. She felt as if she was almost sitting on the road because she had mostly used the bus for her convenience, and the seating was so high up from the road. The interior was magnificent. Innessa never had the luxury of sitting in such a lavish car. It was her first time, and she was swooning over the feeling of excitement. She wanted to click a picture while sitting behind the wheel, but that would be so weird, Issac would think of her as stupid. What if he thought she was a gold digger for wanting that picture?

The door to the driver's side opened, and Issac got inside the car, closing the door behind him. And instantly his scent intensified.

She glanced at a group of guys walking past their car. "Don't worry, they can't see us." He assured her as she nodded.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" She asked softly, peering a glance at him, only to find his eyes fixed dead set on her.

She quickly averted her gaze. He looked so big in that small place. His whole existence was intimidating. If he wouldn't talk to her nicely, she'd be running for the hills, far away from him. No wonder Henry was scared of him.

"So, we are going to pretend we are dating. We both are aware we aren't dating, but everyone thinks we are," he said, casually tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.

"Yes," She mumbled.

"This means we have to make up an image of a couple," he said, staring ahead.

"I guess so," She breathed, fidgeting with her fingers.

"Henry has been stalking me since last night."

"What? Why?" she asked, a little scared.

"To make sure we're a couple or not."

"What now?"

"Nothing you couldn't do. We just have to make him believe we are dating. A couple of dates. Hanging out at each other's department. Holding hands and other couple stuff," he said with a poker face, his eyes still focused ahead of him.

She didn't know why, but her heartbeat quickened at the mention of all this.

"O... Other couple stuff?" she asked shakily, peeking at him through her lashes.

Issac rested his head back on the headrest. He lazily tilted his head, gazing at her with those lazy cognac brown hues as a mischievous smirk curled the corner of his lips.

"Holy thoughts, Innessa. I could read your blushing face like an open book," He mused in that raspy tone, causing something in her belly to shiver.

She flushed in embarrassment, looking away and unconsciously rubbing her cheek. "I didn't say anything. And you're reading me wrong," She blurted out, glaring outside the window.

Her heart was drumming in her ears. He looked so freaking handsome with that tilted head, staring at her with those mesmerizing eyes, which were glowing like the stolen sacred sunset from the heavens.

"Don't worry. I will not eat you," There was a low grumble in his tone as she looked at him.

Their gaze locked, and she noticed how his eyes darkened for a fraction of a second. "Not unless you want me to," he said in a low rumble.

Her brows furrowed because she didn't get him. "Sorry?"

"I was saying, I'll walk you to the dorms every day, send me your schedule. And also, you should often show up in my department," he said.

"Okay," She breathed, lowering her gaze when her eyes darted to a snake, precisely a snake's mouth tattooed on his hand, while the rest of it was hidden in his jacket.

"Very well, I'll drop you off at your dorm," he said, roaring the engine to life, and the machine's wild vibrations startled her.

"It's okay, I can go on my own. And actually, I have to get to work," she said.

"Work?" He cocked a perfect, thick brow at her while reversing his car; one of his hands was on the wheel while he placed the other one on her seat.

She noticed the veins on his massive hand that were sneaking into his shirt.

"I... Uh..." For a second, she forgot what she was about to say before she forcefully peeled her eyes off him.

"I started a part-time job recently in a nearby cafe," she said.

He nodded, putting the car into drive.

"Very well, guide the way. I'll drop you," Innessa chewed on her bottom lip, but she didn't protest and guided him as he pulled over in front of her cafe.

She hoped Jasper, her boss, wouldn't see her stepping out a MUSTANG. He'll bombard her with questions. How come she was a waitress in his cafe when she was dropped off by a Mustang...

"Thanks for the ride and everything else," she said with a polite smile, trying to open the door, but it was locked.

With furrowed brows, she turned around only to find his hand grabbing her seat while he was leaning into her.

She stifled a gasp, her eyes going wide as saucers, and her lips parted. He was so damn close as she inched back to create distance between them.

"Are you free on the weekend?" He asked. Voice deep and heavy.

"Y... Yes..." She stuttered.

"Why?Idon'tunderstand-" She paused abruptly, realizing she was mumbling.

"Be ready at 7. I'll pick you up," he said, leaning back on his seat, and she let her breath out in a whoosh, which she was holding. His sudden proximity earlier got her heart to thud in her ears.

"For what?" She asked, confused.

"For our first date. Henry is stalking us, remember?"

"Oh, yes. Okay. I'll be ready." She said and tried to open the door, but paused and faced him.

"How shall I dress?"

"Anything which won't tempt me," He muttered.

"Sorry?"

"Anything you like," He rasped, and she nodded.

"Thanks for the ride again. See you," She smiled softly and stepped out, disappearing into the cafe as he tossed his head back, closing his eyes for a brief second before he exhaled deeply and drove off.