Chapter 63: Chapter 63

The song I was listening to ended just as I was preparing to get out of James' car. I watched as he climbed out of the driver's seat. The corners of my mouth curled upwards as I watched James approach my side of the car and open the door for me. I couldn't help but feel flattered, even though I knew he was only trying to be a gentleman. It was the little things that really mattered.

"Thank you," I murmured as I stepped out of the car.

"Anything for you," James replied, his eyes crinkling in a warm smile.

As James had said in the text he sent to me earlier in the day, he had picked me up after school. He told me he wanted to show me something, but I also liked that we were at his house. It would be a nice break from the hectic day I'd had at school. At least, it would be a distraction from the stress and drama of the day, I would not be able to think about all that happened.

I took a moment to look around, admiring the grandeur of James' home. It was a beautiful mansion, with lush gardens. It was not my first time I'd visited James' home, but each time I came here, I couldn't help but still admire the beauty of the house.

I was lost in the beauty of the house, admiring its details, when I felt James take my hand in his. He intertwined our fingers, and I turned to face him. He looked at me with a smile on his face, and I couldn't help but smile back. His touch was warm and comforting, and I liked the feeling of his hand in mine. With that, he led me into the living room.

"Hello, Rose," James greeted the housekeeper as we entered the beautiful living room.

"Is the meal ready?" He asked her.

I followed his lead and also greeted the housekeeper. "Hi, Rose," I said.

Rose smiled at us, then turned to James. "Yes, the meal is ready and served," she replied.

"Thank you," James uttered, giving her a warm smile.

Then he turned to me and said, "Let's go have our lunch."

The way his words slipped out of his tongue sounded strange and unfamiliar. I wondered if I'd ever heard him use that tone before, or if it was the first time. And, why was he being so sweet? He was always sweet, but there was something different about this.

James still had a hold of my hand as he led me to the dining room. I couldn't stop stealing glances at him. Was I just imagining things, or was there something different about him today? Even the way he looked. I didn't know if "dashing" would be the right word to describe his look. Something about him looked almost more different than usual.

"You don't have to keep looking at me like that," James blurted out, catching me staring. "I feel like I'm under a microscope. I feel shy."

I felt my cheeks flushed crimson pink. I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. How could I explain that something about him made my heart race and made me feel weak in the knees?

I didn't say anything. We finally reached the dining room, and he pulled out a chair for me to sit down. I mumbled a polite "thank you" and sat down across it.

My eyes lit up when I saw what was on the table in front of me. "Spaghetti Bolognese!" I exclaimed.

I looked up at James, and I could see that he was grinning from ear to ear. I covered my mouth with my hand, embarrassed by my outburst, but I couldn't help but smile back. I knew that it was his doing. A week ago, I had told him that I missed eating spaghetti bolognese. Now, here it was, in front of me.

Spaghetti Bolognese was my father's favorite meal. But since he'd passed away, neither my mother nor I had made the dish again.

"You didn't have to put Rose to any trouble just for my sake," I said, still smiling.

"But, seeing your pretty smile, it's worth it." James replied, winking at me.

"Honestly, I'm so happy." I uttered.

I couldn't hold myself any longer, I picked up my fork and dug in, savoring the flavors and letting the memories come rushing back. My dad always made spaghetti Bolognese on the weekends, even though my mom never cared for it. Mom was never a fan of the meal. It was our special time together, just the two of us, and I missed my dad so much.

As I ate, I noticed that James was not really eating his own meal. He kept his eyes fixed on me with a soft smile on his face. I couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious, but I was too happy to care. I kept eating, savoring each bite.

"Would you like more?"

I heard James ask as I finished the last bite of my meal.

I shook my head. "No, thank you. I'm satisfied," I replied.

"Glad to hear it." He said, and I could hear the smile in his voice.

"Why didn't you eat much?"

"I'm fine with what I've eaten," He replied. "Did you enjoy the meal?"

"Oh, yes, it was delicious."

We left the dining room, I realized it was getting late. I needed to get home and see my mom, who I hoped had a good time on her date.

"Is that what you wanted to show me?" I asked James, meeting his gaze.

We were standing in the living room, facing each other.

"Well, yes and no," he replied, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I still have something to give you."

"What is it?" I asked.

"I'll be right back," James smiled and dashed up the stairs.

I stood in the living room, wondering what he could possibly be fetching. A few minutes later, he returned with a small white and pink teddy bear in his hand.

"I wanted to give you this," He uttered, handing me the plush toy. "I saw it online and it reminded me of you. It'll look great on your bed."

I accepted the teddy bear, not knowing what to say. "But, why are you doing all this?" I finally managed to ask.

James gently cupped my cheeks, his eyes locking with mine. "It's because I like you. I really do."

"I like you too," I managed to say, my heart racing.

He let out a deep breath. "Okay, let me be direct. I want to be your boyfriend. I'm not doing all this just to get you to be mine. I just like you. But then, I want you to be mine."

"I…I don't know what to say," I stuttered.

He smiled. "You don't have to say anything. We can take it slow if you want. It's up to you. And it's absolutely okay if you don't feel the same way."

I had no idea of what I was doing, but I found myself rising to my tiptoes and leaning forward, planting a soft kiss on his lips. "Thank you," I whispered.