He snorts and nudges my side, laughing until his cheeks are the same shade of pink as the dress of the lady in Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s paintingLes Hasards heureux de l’escarpolette.
I want to take a bite out of his cheeks and see if they taste like strawberry shortcake. With how sweet he is, I wouldn’t be surprised if he actually tasted like a pastry.
“Of course it’s not that,” he says after recomposing himself. “Idolike you, Andrew. That’s the problem. I shouldn’t be attracted to you.”
I frown and stop us in our tracks. “Tell me why.”
“I already planned out the rest of my life and in none of my calculations did I leave space for love. It’s too late for that.”
“Too late for you to fall in love again?” I stagger back and release his arm. “Excuse me, but I seriously don’t understand. It’s never too late to meet the love of your life.”
I foundyouafter eight years of searching.
He steps toward me and cups my cheek. “The wheel has already begun spinning, Andrew. You can’t stop it even if you try. I already told you, I don’t want a relationship. Love isn’t for everyone.”
***
The drive back to his hotel is done in a comfortable silence with merely the sound of the radio playing in the background. I park in front of the building, and for a long minute we sit quietly, staring at each other but no one dares to break the trance.
I wonder what’s going on in that complex mind of his, but I’m scared he’ll decide to head out if I utter a word.
“If I asked you to stay, would you?”
Aoi blinks slowly until a soft smile appears on his lips and he opens the car door. “Thank you for tonight. It was fun.” He steps out but before closing the door he bends down and says, “Ask me again next time.”
The door slams shut behind him, and I watch him walk away as my heart does somersaults in my ribcage. My head hits the steering wheel, and I squeal like a mad man.
I can’t believe he said that. So, he wants to see me again? Fuck, I’m way too excited now.
He’s got me wrapped around his finger.
Scratch that.
I’ll obey his every wish if he looks at me like thatagain.
24
Visha
I’m losing my fucking shit.
I haven’t seen Aoi in two days and it feels like a fucking eternity. I want to see him again, inhale his intoxicating scent and watch him laugh as his sapphire jewels sparkle brightly.
Pulling out my phone, I scroll through our last texts and groan almost audibly. I have been analyzing our chat all morning to understand why he hasn’t texted me back yet, and I just don’t get it.
Me
This might sound extremely weird, but I can’t stop thinking about you and now I can’t sleep.
Me
Take responsibility, please.
My paradise
You’re a total enigma.
Me
