Chapter 25: Chapter 25

CATHERINE POV

After a 20 minutes ride, Adam pulled off at a parking spot in front of an open field that looked like a hill.

"So this is as far as we can go with the car. We will walk the remainder of the journey" Adam said as he got out of the car. Quickly I got off too.

We walked for some minutes in a peaceful silence before finally getting to a place that feels like we are at the top of a high mountain.

"Where are we?" I ask, feeling afraid. I am scared of heights. Why will he bring me here?

"We are on a hill but as you can see, it looks like a mountain. Isn't it beautiful?" He asks, I wonder what is so beautiful about it. Maybe because I am scared of heights.

" I love coming here, don't you just love the view?" He asked again while standing in front of me facing the open space with his back to me.

"I can't see anything"

"How will you see it when you are standing so far away? Please come closer Cherry"

"What! No way" There is no way I am going close to it.

"Come on Catherine, you will love it"

"Are you deaf or what? I said no"

"Alright then, suit yourself"

"Adam!" I screamed as he got so close to the edge, sitting on it. Does he have a death wish or what?

"If you keep screaming like this you will wake the wild animal in the forest."

"What! What forest" I gasp in surprise. Looking round to see where the animal could be coming from.

My goodness, why will Adam bring me to such a place?

"Relax Cherry, I was only joking," he said, chuckling deeply.

"Oh my, so relieved. You are not serious, you know that right?" I ask while chuckling.

"But on a serious note, you are

missing out." He said, while standing to face me "Why don't you give it a try, please".

"I am scared of height"

"Do you trust me?" He asked as he stood so close to me, his eyes bore into mine making my stomach flutter in excitement, I couldn't say no.

"Yes" I said while looking into his eyes.

And with that, he held my hand guiding me to the edge of the cliff. My heart started beating crazily, I almost freaked out but Adam's firm hold on my waist brought comfort to me, taming my fears.

With him by my side, I feel nothing can go wrong.

"Wow" I exclaimed "The view is truly beautiful"

"Yes it is," he said with a pleasant smile on his face.

Spreading my hands wide all the while, his hands held me firmly around my waist. I let the cool breeze bath me, there is no artificial air that can compete with this. So natural and very relaxing, making me forget the urgly turn of events with dad earlier, now I know why he brought me here. To ease me of my unuttered worries.

"Tell me Adam, how did you come to know about this place?" I ask, curiosity evident in my voice.

I watched as his eyes zoomed out of the present, recounting cherished memories, the smile on his face didn't go unnoticed by me as he started talking.

"Growing up, my father normally takes us camping, that is me and my mother of course. But one day, while searching for cricket I got lost. You know, those little creatures always fascinated me when I was a child," he said, chuckling before his facial expression turned serious.

"While trying to find my way back, I ended up here. This place gave me the strength to endure my fears until I was found by the rescue team. And since then I never miss coming here"

"Aww, what a sweet story" I said smiling.

"It isn't a story Cherry but reality" he said sounding displeased for referring to his childhood experience as a story.

But isn't it a story? Can't help but wonder. Another thought cross my mind so I ask

"Tell me, why do you like calling me Cherry instead of my name?"

Adam turned to me, until he was facing me "Because you are my Cherry and please don't ask me how or why. I don't have the answer to that..yet"

I couldn't help but laugh, like seriously? So why is he calling me that then, what a strange man.

But I must confess I find the nickname cute "Alright I won't ask" I said blushing.

As I looked into his eyes, I saw desire in them. His head started descending low for a kiss. Closing my eyes, I position my lips anticipating his hot lips on mine. But the loud growl of my stomach ruined the moment.

Adam's deep laughter made me want to hide my face in shame. The thought of pushing him off the Cliff cross my mind but quickly, I shake it off before I do something stupid.

"I see someone is hungry, you should have said something earlier" he said, still chuckling "So tell me what would you like to eat, Chinese or Italian?"

Thinking deeply I made up my mind.

"Chinese please" I said while grinning sheepishly.

"Alright Chinese it is. There is this Chinese restaurant I know, let's try it out" he said as we both headed back to his car.

We drove in silence to the restaurant. Getting there we parked in a free space at the parking slot. We were so lucky we arrived on time because another car was about to park there.

Gazing through the window of the car, I look at the restaurant. It is breathtaking from the structure to the exterior decoration.

It is a top class restaurant for only the rich and famous. Just how I expected, with the type of wealth Adam is swimming in he will only go for the best and nothing less.

"Thank you" I muttered as Adam opened the car door, for the first time acting like a real gentleman making it feel like a real date. I couldn't help but blush.

"You're welcome. By the way have I told you how beautiful you look? If yes, I don't mind saying it again. Catherine you are beautiful"

"Aww, thank you." I blush even more, almost giggling. " I must give it to you Adam, you have a way with words"

"Really?" He asks, faking surprise. " Then, I must add that to my hidden talent." He said before chuckling.

Trying to walk past him to the restaurant, I felt a hand stop me putting back into place. The place he touches burns feeling like electric shock, I gasp as I look into his eyes.

"Before we go inside, I would like to say something." He said, drawing every word sexually awakening desire in me. But just like that his expression changed, becoming unreadable.

I don't like this, something tells me whatever he has to say won't be good. But I hope otherwise, praying I am wrong.

"Catherine, this is a first for me. I don't do dates or courting. All my women and I have a mutual understanding, they know their boundaries and never cross it because I don't make a commitment." he said, his eyes burning into mine making my knees weak.

But I am confuse as to why he is telling me this, his sex life is not something new. "Okay. So why are you telling me all this? It's not like we are actually dating. Right?"

"Yes, you're right. We are not dating. I just want us to be clear on that so you don't start getting any wrong ideas. We are here to figure a way out putting an end to this pretense"

His words hit me in ways I can't explain. It is not like what he said is something new but I felt he will have the decency not to rob it on my face.

Anyway, what was I expecting, this is Adam.

Just like I predicted, one minute he is sweet, and the next cold hearted. He should be given accolades for his mysterious talents and change of attitude.

For a moment there, he got me thinking something was actually growing between us. But I am happy, because now at least I know my place,.. and it is nowhere close to his heart.

Swallowing the little pride left in me, I yanked my hands off, walking past him as I headed straight to the restaurant ignoring his shock glare.

"Welcome ma'am" Someone like an usher greeted me as I entered the restaurant.

"Please are you here for someone like a date?"

"No, I came here to eat!" I said, transferring my aggression at him feeling bad afterwards, it isn't the poor guy's fault.

"Okay, pardon my manners. Do you have a booked reservation?"

"No" I said more like a question

"I am sorry ma'am, but all our seats for today are filled and fully booked." Now it is my turn to be shocked.

Without giving me an opportunity to speak he held my hand, escorting me outside. My God, I have never felt so embarrassed like this before!