Chapter 22: Chapter 22

ROYCE

Nelly hesitated for a second before she stepped forward. She roamed her eyes around upon entering the room. I closed the door behind me, leaving it unlocked.

"So, what do you think? First impression?"

"Spacious, minimalist design, neat, and organized. Do you really keep it this flawless?" Nelly asked, amused.

"Oh, that's more than I expected. Thank you. And yes, this room stays clean since I only sleep here once or twice a month."

She drew near the old cabinet and leaned over, her back on it. "So, how about you give me a little hint of what's in this room?"

"Sure. First, all of the furniture used here is old; I chose to keep all of these in the memory of my great grandparents.

"You mean they were from the '80s?"

"Yeah, some of them are from the '70s. This whole house is like a collection of oldies but goodies. My closet, mirror, sofa set, and even this bed," I said as I sat on my bed and tapped the cushion while staring at her.

"WHAT?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Come, sit beside me," I invited, my voice with a hint of tease.

She rolled her eyes at me and then snorted. "Dream on."

I chuckled, knowing I annoyed her as I always do.

She walked close to an old mirror where I put all my skincare and perfumes. When she was close enough, she lifted the bottle of perfumes one by one. Until she held the empty bottle of my favorite scent. She sniffed the fragrance of it, and then she turned to me.

"Is this your favorite?"

It came as a surprise to me. How did she know? "Why do you say so?" I said as I drew near her.

Nelly was beaming like she was victorious. "Tell me," I asked again. I was eager to know how she found out about my favorite perfume.

"From the day I met you and every time I get close to you, this is what you wear." She lifted every corner of her mouth like she had just won a prize. I love it when she smiles that way; it's genuine and enticing.

"Does it mean you were so intoxicated by my smell that you remember it so well?" I lifted my hand on her face and trailed a finger on her cheek. She instantly blushed at my touch.

Her smile faded. "I'm not intoxicated. It's easy to remember; everyone would remember if they smell it more than once."

"Okay, I'm not gonna argue with you." I held my hands up to declare that she won.

She raised an eyebrow. "But why do you still wear this scent when it's already empty?" Nelina placed the empty bottle near her nose again and sniffed it as she closed her eyes.

I imagine her near me, eyes closed as I kiss her lips. I voluntarily shook my head out of reverie. Such a naughty thought.

"That's a gift from my grandpa. Every birthday he would buy me a new bottle. The last one is in my condo in Angeles City; the reason I still wear it to this day."

"How sweet; you do have a sweet family, Royce."

"Yes, I do. I'm sweet too, you know that, right?" I said as I moved close to her. An inch closer, she raised her head to meet my eyes. I leaned over, looking at her beautiful face.

"S-shall we proceed to your garage for another tour?"

I was disappointed in myself; I was expecting something special between us. "Sure," I said as I took the empty perfume bottle. Nelly's hand was cold, I'm sure not of anxiety; it must have been the distance between us. And her cheeks were red, just the way I wanted it.

"Show me the way."

"We just have to take the veranda from the outdoor dining area, and it will lead us to my car parking space. I'm sure you'll enjoy the tour."

Nelly's eyes lit while I talked about it as we went down and headed to the garage where I store all my car collections. Upon opening the garage, Nelina was stunned, watching the cars lined up.

"I have 5 vintage cars; 3 of them are from my grandpa." I pointed to the last row. Nelly was attentive; she nodded.

"The other 5 are the ones we used when we drove as a family. But since I'm all alone, I put it on the second row. These are the SUVs my grannies bought when I was still in high school, and the latest was 3 years ago."

"And of course, the front row cars near us are my sports car collection. These are for my drag and car racing; the first is the Hennessey Venom F5 2017, which we used this morning. And the one I used the most is the Mclaren 650s 2016, the car I drove when we first met. I also have a white Mercedes Benz CLS 2017; I usually drive for corporate meetings and events. I have the two of them in my condo in Angeles City." Nelina nodded, staring at the cars every time I pointed my fingers.

Nelina touched the cars one by one and had me discuss them, especially the vintage collections. Her curiosity was astounding. And, of course, I couldn't say no, so I obliged every request she made. She even hops inside the car, scrutinizing the interiors and its wheel.

The following hour was spent riding on the vintage cars. Nelly made me drive; she begged that it was her dream to ride with my vehicles since she hadn't tried riding them. It was fun though, I couldn't be happier having Nelly by my side every time I get a chance.

We went back to the ancestral house after hours in the garage. "Nelly, let's talk," I said. I guided her to the living room.

She looked at me in confusion, but she followed. She sat on the opposite couch and crossed her legs. "What is it? We can't waste more time; it's almost 6. Hurry up," she said with a tone of command.

Like it was my fault when it was her who loved the vintage car ride. She enjoyed sitting and discussing all the sports cars and vintage collections. I'm not complaining; I have to admit I prayed and planned for her to stay with me tonight.

I adjusted myself and leaned over to the center table to get close to her. "I can't take you home now."

"What?" Her facial expressions hardened, and her eyes were sharp.

"It's late, and besides, I was thinking of teaching you how to drive tomorrow. Getting used to driving the car will eventually get rid of your anxiety. I believed it would be a huge help. Instead of just focusing on the car's speed, you focused on operating the car."

"When did you start making decisions for me?" she spat, without a reluctance in her face. She took it as an argument like we were in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship. I laughed when the thought came to mind, but I didn't voice it out.

It was hard not to giggle, though. "I talked to your mom about this. You don't have to worry, okay?"

"Royce, I'm not six years old." She said as she uncrossed her legs and stood up. Only by then, I realize it may have been too much. I shouldn't have taken it behind her back. I understand how she feels; she's an independent woman who makes her own decisions.

But my intentions are pure. "I'm sorry, I only want to help," I said as I stood and followed her.

"I have to call mom." Nelina grabbed her phone from her pocket, dialed, and put the call on speaker mode. The third time it rang, the call was answered.

A woman's voice was heard. "Hello sweetie, how was your trip with Royce?"

"We're good, mom. I'm calling to ask you if you talked to Royce about me staying for a night. Royce insists on a sleepover. He said you approved it," she said as she put a hand on her waist, seeming irritated.

"Yes, you may stay there, Nelly."

"But mom, you just met him."

"It's okay; I trust Royce, Nelly. Have a good time on your little tour with Royce."

She took a long breath. "Alright, mom, thanks. Bye." Nelina cut the call; she stepped back and sat on the couch. Perhaps, realizing she was defeated, she didn't speak a word.

She rolled her eyes when she shifted on me. She must have hated the wicked smirk on my face. I couldn't help but chuckle, looking at her blushed cheeks.