Chapter Six

Nina and I arrived home late like every year. And that was because we had to clean up after the guests.

The first thing I pulled off when I entered my room was my shoes. A soft sigh escaped my lips. I had never felt more relieved than I did at that moment. I almost thought I was going to lose my toes.

I pulled down the zipper of my dress and was just about to pull it off my shoulders when I heard a knock on my door.

It was Nina, I knew that much ‘cause Amelia and her family were asleep when we got in. I opened the door for her even though I didn’t know what she wanted.

I was stunned when I found out that it was Nina at my door but rather, the man of the house.

“Mr. Marshall, what are you doing here?” The words left my mouth before I could stop myself. I couldn’t even hide the irritation I felt toward him and I was sure he could tell that I was mad at him.

Maybe I had thought too highly of him. He wasn’t a man of his word and certainly wasn’t the gentleman I thought he was. Because no gentleman will promise a lady a dance and then vanish into thin air just so he wouldn’t keep that promise. I mean why did he ask me to save him a dance when he knew he didn’t want it?

“Can I… er come in?” His hair was no longer gelled down like it was at the party. It still looked wet so I was guessing he only washed it minutes ago. “Please.” He added when he noticed my hesitation.

I stepped out of the way, letting him into my room. I was going to leave the door open just to be on the safe side but he closed it behind him.

“What is the problem, Mr. Marshall?” I asked after a moment. I didn’t miss the slight frown on his face when I called him ‘Mr. Marshall’. Well, I had no plans on calling him by his first name as he wanted, not when I was mad at him.

“Hera,” he took a step close to me, and subconsciously I took a step back. I didn’t even realize that I stepped away from him until a second after doing it. If I didn’t know any better, I would have said he looked hurt. I didn’t step away because I thought he would hurt me, I knew Dylan could never hurt me physically. I did that out of reflex.

He breathed out a deep sigh.

“I know what you’re thinking and I understand that you are mad at me.”

“I’m not, sir. I have no reason to be mad at you as you haven’t done anything.”

“Yes, you are, Hera. You are mad at me.” He breathed. “You wouldn’t even look at me.” He said and I managed to tear my eyes away from his shirt to meet his eyes.

“I am looking at you.”

“With irritation.” He added and my gaze lowered. “I was looking forward to our dance, I really was but Amelia,” he sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “She got drunk and was just— I’m sorry. Please, forgive me.” He said and took my hands in his. I flinched away, keeping my hands behind me. Again I didn’t do that because I didn’t want him touching me, I didn’t do that because I was shocked he touched me. It was the first time he had held my hands and I just wasn’t expecting it.

Yes, I’m awkward around men more so when the man is a blue-eyed, brown-haired gorgeous man.

“Er I’m sorry for touching you, I should have.” He said and I wanted to tell him that I wanted him to touch me, that I didn’t move away from him because I didn’t want him to touch rather because I wasn’t used to being touched so it took me aback but I didn’t. “Hera, I apologize for not keeping my word. I’m sorry for leaving like that without any explanation. I promise I’m not like that. I would never stand a lady up like that, I would never stand you up like that but Amelia was just out of it and I couldn't leave her to make a fool of herself and— I apologize please forgive me.”

I chewed on my bottom lips as I thought of what to say, how to get him to touch me again.

“Um, it’s fine.” I told him, meeting his eyes for a brief second.

He sighed. “Are you sure? He asked and I nodded.

“I’m sure, Dylan.” I said and watched a beautiful smile break out on his face. His infectious smile brought out mine too.

We stood in that position staring at each other with a smile on our faces for a moment before I had to break eye contact.

“Oh and um you don’t have to apologize for holding my hands. I don’t mind, I was just taken aback because I’ve never really been—” I stopped when I realized that I was talking more than necessary. “Sorry, I’m rambling.” I stared up at him shyly.

“I don’t mind. You don’t speak much so hearing you ramble is…I like it.” He said earnestly and I just chuckled. The situation was so awkward, I was so awkward and I hated it. This wasn’t me. I never used to be awkward like this. This house changed everything for me. I wish I could be as bold as I really am, as bold as I was before leaving Mexico.

“So I’m guessing you just got back.” I gave a small nod. “You must be tired.”

I shrugged. “It’s nothing new.”

Silence settled between us again. And for the longest moment, we stared at each other. I used that opportunity to memorize his facial features. I notice a tiny mole just under his bottom lip and I wonder how it will feel like to taste it. Just one look at his lips and I know they were soft.

His tongue darted out to wet his lips and I found myself taking a hard gulp.

His warm hot tongue tangled with mine in a sweet hot and sensual k—

“Are you sure you aren’t mad at me?” He suddenly said and I jumped, tearing my eyes away from his lips.

“W-what? Um, ye-yes.” I said and met his eyes. Big mistake.

The knowing look in his eyes and the small smirk on his lips told me he knew perfectly what I was staring at. And perhaps what I was thinking too.

I sure would have been redder than a tomato if my Mexican genes didn’t come through for me.

I wished the floor would open and swallow me whole, save me from this embarrassment.

“It's been a long day for you. I should probably leave you to have some rest. So I guess it’s a good night.” He said and all I could do was nod.

We stared at each other for a moment and I found myself wondering what he was thinking as he looked at me. Does he really find me beautiful? Did he just say that to seem nice?

“I should leave.”

“Yeah.” I managed to say.

Five seconds passed.

Ten seconds.

He didn’t move.

Fifteen.

Twen—

He let out a deep sigh and took a step close to me. I had to force myself not to take a step back. It was hard, trust me.

He took another step closer and another till he was only a foot away. My heart was now thrashing against my ribcage and I was sure if he paid attention enough, he would hear it.

“Can I…hug you?” He asked and I nodded. He lowered himself and embraced me. My arms lay limp by my side as I didn’t know what to do with them. I took a deep breath, breathing him in. His scent was heavenly. He smelled like soap, like man, and a unique scent that could only be found on him. I wished he wouldn’t have to pull away, I wish he could hug me forever.

Just when I realized that my hands should also be behind him, he started to pull away. My heart sunk in my chest, and I was disappointed.

“Goodnight Hera.” He murmured so close to my ear and I shivered when his breath hit the side of my neck. He pulled back a bit just so our face was only an inch apart. His eyes searched my shocked ones and I found myself unconsciously holding my breath.

What is he thinking?

Is he going to…oh my goodness is Dylan going to kiss me?

I think I’m going to have a heart attack.

Does Dylan really like me? Is he really going to kiss me?

My questions were answered a second later when he pressed his lips firmly to my cheek, the corner of my lips.

My heart almost exploded in my chest. I mean yes it wasn’t what I was expecting but he kissed my cheek. His lips touched the corner of my lips and that was more than enough. I was inwardly freaking out and I know he could feel how much I was shaking.

He pulled away, taking several steps back. Just before he walked out of my room, he gave me a meaningful smirk.

And I just knew then that he was aware. Dylan knows that I like him.