She’s younger than I expected, at least she looks her age-easily standing at twenty-six, she has managed to handle half her father’s business, and she does it well.
“-your blind date with her is tonight.” Carter added, looking up to meet my gaze with a sheepish look.
I quirked a brow, knowing my mother set me up to this with him no doubt. No wonder he did well to convince me into coming when I had zero plans of showing up initially. “Not happening.” I dismissed with a casual wave, turning around and taking steps away in case the older couple recognize, and try to strike up a conversation with me, or ultimately trap me in this so called date with their daughter.
Carter followed after me, no doubt to try and convince me into speaking to her at the very least, but I knew better. “Sir, your mother has already informed the family that you two would meet and talk tonight. You can’t leave.”
“I can, and I will.” I could spare a few minutes, speak to the lady, and pretend as if we aren’t-compatible, because I know we aren’t, at least, not in a relationship kind of way. For a relationship solely based on business, she’s perfect. But, I have no interest for anything of such, and I doubt it’s what my mother wants as well.
I knew something had to follow, because the Carter I know wouldn’t keep shut just after saying that. However, when I didn’t get any response from him, I found it weird so I turned around to see what could be the reason he was suddenly quiet.
He held up an apologetic look, and I didn’t have to wonder further because a familiar voice came, from the device he held in his hand. “Christian Ian Kingston!” My mother’s voice rang loud through the phone, a few people surrounding us had to turn around and stare.
I glared at Carter, knowing he no doubt had her on call from the beginning of our conversation. All I got was an apologetic smile in return. Taking the phone, I brought it to my ear after removing it on speaker so no one would eavesdrop any further. I can’t have my mother embarrassing me in public. I’m Christian Kingston for goodness sakes.
“Mom,” I acknowledged, and from the intake breath from the other end, I knew she was preparing for a rant. “I have no interest in speaking to this lady, nor will I be.”
“Christian, do you want me to have a heart attack and die soon? Hmm?” Cue the dramatic mother act, ladies and gentlemen. “My friends, they all have grandchildren, and then there’s me…my son wants me to die without seeing my grandchildren.”
“You have a grandchild.” I deadpanned, wondering when she’ll stop using that to blackmail me. She has no basis for it really.
She was quiet for a few seconds, knowing I’ve gotten her there but she was quick to bounce back. “You’re also my child and I want to see my grandchildren from you. I am tired of seeing you single, you are of the age to be married, young man!” Remind me again why she’s so concerned about my marriage?
I sighed, knowing it’s impossible to argue with her. We’ve been on this for more than a year, I’m getting tired of it really. “Mom…” I thought of the best way to finally put an end to this once and for all. “…please stop setting me on a dates.”
“I will until the day you bring home a wife!”
“I have a girlfriend.” I have no idea when that slipped out of my mouth. But, it’s too late to back down. “I have a girlfriend, and I’ll introduce her to you soon. I promise.” I would hire someone to pretend if it comes down to that.
It didn’t reach that point though, because shortly after making that promise, a certain brunette stepped into my arms and claimed me in public. It may have been a show for her at that very moment, but what she didn’t know was, I had claimed her as well.
And there’s no way I’m letting her go.
***
Isabella Montague.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
I did not just kiss a stranger in public.
For a moment, I was still high on it-I couldn’t focus on anything or anyone aside from the soft lips moving on mine-and I was overly aware of his hand that was wrapped around my waist, pulling me close to him. My arms remained around his neck, wounded them there as if they have a mind of their own.
My fingers, they found the hair at the nape of his neck-the soft locks that felt like silk between my fingers, as if they were meant to be ran through my them. My head, it was a haze. I’d forgotten for a second why I was there, and what I was doing with him.
I slowly pulled back after a while, opening my eyes just as he did-our eyes clashing. The first thing I noticed was how his eyes had darkened, or were they dark to begin with and I’m just imagining stuff?
I was breathing heavily, my eyes unable to move from him and supposedly, his from mine as well. His eyes, they searched mine, my expression as if looking for something. Then, I saw his eyes flick downwards, to my slightly parted lips and I could swear I saw the corner of his lips tilt only slightly.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.