Chapter 42: Chapter 42

"You're late Mr DeMorgane." I teased as he rushed into his office more than an hour late. He rolled his eyes playfully as he walked in and took a seat. I followed him and took a sip of his coffee I placed on his desk.

"It's all your fault." He grumbled and I raised a brow.

"Me? What did I do?" I asked him arranging his desk according to the most important meetings and appointments.

"I couldn't fall asleep last night till 2am. I'm so used to sleeping in your arms, it was hard without you." He grumbled drinking more coffee and I smiled. I wanted to pinch his cheeks at how cute he was.

"Aww! You should have called me. What were you doing instead?" I told him and he looked up at me from his beautiful eyes.

"You didn't seem to have a problem sleeping did you? Hmph!" He complained and I smiled and walked over to him and sat on his lap. He has no idea that I couldn't

sleep as well. Thinking of this whole thing between Nick , Harry and Cami. It gave me a headache and I cried a lot. I didn't tell him and just touched his face, savoring the moment.

"I missed you though. I'll come over this night." I told him kissing his nose and gazing at him. He's so handsome.

"I'd love that but I have to let you know that we're going for a dinner with my parents tonight."

"Oh! Really?" I asked shocked and anxious especially after his mother saw us yesterday.

"Yes. I'm officially introducing you as my girlfriend. Dress casually. I'll pick you up."

"B-but... don't I need to cook something to take for dinner? Can you give me some few hours so I can make a small meal? What would your mom like? And what about your dad? Is Zoey going to be—" he cut me off promptly. I was ramblings and nervous thinking of what to do and what to wear. Will they like me? His mom already doesn't.

"Stop Tesoro. Stop worrying and just be natural. It's going to be fine. You don't need to make anything okay?"

"But.." I said frowning and he shushed me. "No more talking when I haven't had my good morning kiss. I thought you missed me? Won't you prove it?" He said and I giggled.

Giggled! Woah. When did that start?

I held his face and gave him a small peck knowing he would frown and kiss me back ferocious and of course he delivered. I felt him pulling me closer to him and I pulled away swiftly.

"What happened yesterday won't repeat itself! I was so embarrassed Nick. And now your mom doesn't like me and you just acted like nothing happened!" I yelled standing up from his lap and walking to the other side of the office while he groaned and rolled his eyes.

You're overreacting Ariane. Come sit on my lap." He said acting as nonchalant as ever and I wanted to smack his head.

"Overreacting?? What if she came 5 minutes earlier ? What would you say then?" I asked remembering the look on his mother's face.

"But she didn't okay?" He said standing up and putting his hands in his pockets. "She didn't and I don't want you to worry about it. You look a little stressed. Are you okay?" He asked and I nodded.

"Are you sure?" He asked walking over to me and touched my forehead. I nodded and he hugged me. I sighed into his embrace and basked inter feel of him while I could.

"I should get to work. You have a meeting at 3 and it's very important. And you also have your photoshoot for a magazine in half an hour. I know you don't like photoshoots but you have to smile for this one okay?" I informed him and he smirked

at me

"Yes ma'am. Any more requests ?" He said and I copied his signature

smirk.

"Yeah. Stop touching my ass." I told him pushing him away and swaying past him and out of the door knowing I looked good in my check pants and black top.

I heard him laugh and say something along the lines of " That'll never happen cara. I'll do more than touch your fat ass!" I smiled and took a seat at my desk.

He makes my heart glow. Literally. I sat down and tried sorting out work issues but I couldn't focus. I really wanted to impress his folks. That's what good girlfriends do right?

Except , you're not a good girlfriend.

You're technically not his girlfriend in the first place.

I hate her. I really hate my subconscious. I wish I could just shut her up for life. I took opened my drawer and realized I had much more candy than I left there. There was also a note on one of my Kit Kat's.

Stop eating candy so much Ariane. Bad for the health.

~N

It didn't take me a minute to know Nick wrote it, even without his signature "N" at the bottom. He's so sweet. He got me more candy but advised me not to eat it so much? Aww

"Sent from heaven.." I muttered to myself and took a bite of the Kit Kat regardless. I kept the note in my bag. He always writes notes. And I have a stack of them by my bed. He doesn't use so many words. Short notes like;

Hope you like the dress—N

I loved your what you did with your hair today—N Have fun at lunch—N

They never cease to make me smile. I'll hold onto them forever. Even after this whole mess is over. Maybe that's what will keep me sane, holding on to a little piece of him.

I was cut off from my train of thought when the phone started ringing. I picked it up and the person on the other line spoke. " Stop thinking so much." Nick spoke on the other end and I smile cane to my face immediately.

"How'd you know I was thinking?"

"I can hear your thoughts from my seats. Don't worry. It'll go great."

Alright. It's good you called, we will be late for that photoshoot if we don't leave now."

"Ugh. Can't they just add me? Like photoshop. I have way more important things to do."

"Nope. They can't. C'mon .. don't be such a baby." "Fine. On one condition though."

"What?" I asked him still with a smile. "Come to my office and I'll tell you."

"Nick! I think we already spoke about sex in the office." I said rolling my eyes

"Who said anything about sex? I think you're thinking about it way more than me Ariane." He said chuckling and I blushed.

"Fine. But 5 minutes only okay? For whatever it is. It better not be sexual!" "Hmm. That's all I need." I hung up and walked into his office.

It's safe to say..it was PG 13. Annoying infuriating man right there.

*******

We had arrived on time for the photoshoot and the photographer started to talk to Nick who seemed less than pleased about having his photo taken. I mean, who doesn't like being photographed? What a weird man. I went to the refreshment table and had some snacks. Nick went to his dressing room and changed.

"Alright. We should be starting in a few minutes." He announced and the lights were set up. He came out in a dark blue suit different from the black one he was wearing and a white shirt. He looked so good!

He sat on the chair placed for him and didn't smile and just stared at the camera.

I wanted to walk over and tell him to smile but I read that the photographer, Jason Colin, didn't like being interrupted when he was working. That was probably why he was one of the best Vanity fair photographers.

"Can you relax your shoulders Mr DeMorgane?" He said and Nick frowned even more. "I am relaxed."

"O-okay can you give me a smile?" He said again and Nick gave a tight lipped smile. What's wrong with him?

I just kept looking from the sidelines and I hoped he would look at me so I could tell him to smile. As if hearing my thoughts, he turned to face me. I mouthed "Smile" and he just raised a brow at me.

I blew him a kiss and he just kept looking at me unimpressed. I rolled my eyes and made a face at him. "You look really handsome." I mouthed and then added quickly "Sexy even." I told him and he smiled almost immediately.

I instinctively smiled too! Cocky idiot. Just boost his huge ego and he smiles. As if he realized what he did, he stopped smiling as soon as he did. The shot was already taken.

"Awesome! That was a good one. 5 minutes break and then the next outfit!" Jason yelled and Nick rolled his eyes. Jason then turned and noticed me and my eyes widened. Oh no! I feel like he's going to scold me. I didn't notice Nick motioning for me to come to him. He was still sitting in the chair with all the lights shining at him.

"Why were you staring at him?" He asked once I walked over to him and I shook my head. "Oh. I thought he was going to yell at me .. for distracting you.." I told him.

"Say it again." "What?"

"You said I looked sexy. I want to hear you say it again.". He said and pulled me close to his chest. I blushed and ducked my head. He chuckled and I blushed even

more. "You look so cute when you blush. Why are you still shy? I thought you'd have overcome it."

I hid my face in his shirt , embarrassed when I heard the camera click. We both turned to see Jason with the camera in his hand.

"W-What?"

"Get her in a dress!" He yelled and I was shocked. "What's going on Jason?" Nick asked standing up.

"You both seem to have chemistry. And apparently she's the only one who can get you to smile. I don't want the shoot to look so artificial..she'll just be a little addition. You'll still be on the front page. Plus she's very beautiful and has the perfect size.

Agreed?" He said explaining using hand gestures.

"Next time ask okay? Don't fucking put my girlfriend on the spot like that!" He said 'girlfriend' like he was trying to prove a point.

"Apologies Mr DeMorgane. Can we get started?" He asked and Nick nodded. He then left and Nick turned to my panicked face.

"What? Nick, I can't be a model! I've never done this. What am I supposed to do? I knew I shouldn't have come!"

"Babe babe. Chill. Relax. You'll do great. And plus I need you here if you want me to smile right? Just act natural."

"B-but.." "Relax."

"O..okay..." I muttered still skeptical and panicked. "Let's go get dressed."

Before I knew it , I was put into a fancy outfit and had makeup on while somebody straightened my hair. I looked good! Wow. Is that really me?

"Sembri così sexy cara!" Nick said once he saw me and I blushed. He was now in a dark blue shirt. He looked sexy too.

"T..thanks.."I Saïd squeezing his hands because of how nervous I was. I need candy! It'll calm me down.

"I've got you. You don't need candy to calm you down. You've got me now, okay?" He said squeezing my hand back. He kissed my forehead and I calmed down.

Jason started taking the photos and I tried to act as natural as possible. We were posing like couples! My favorite was when he was whispering something in my ear and I smiled.

It went well. Of course, it's because he was right there by my side. I was so overwhelmed that I turned and kissed him. He was caught off guard and that's when I heard the last click. We were in our own bubble. And the rest of the world didn't matter...

***********

"Do you think they'll like the cookies?" I asked when we were at the door of his parent's house later in the evening. After the photo shoot, Nick dropped me home

and I baked some cookies. Tammy helped so it was faster. I dressed in jeans and a top with wedge sandals. I hoped I looked decent a lot.

"They will. But you didn't have to though."

"Sir Nick! It's been a while since we've seen you." The butler greeted us. He looked like he was in his fifties with a bald head.

"Missed you Greg. This is my girlfriend, Ariane." I smiled at him and he smiled back. "Lovely to meet you Miss. Can I take your coat? And I'll take that too " he said motioning to the cookies

"Oh !" I exclaimed taking off my coat and giving to him. "Thank you!" Nick gave him his jacket too and we walked to the living area. My palms were sweaty.

"Relax baby.." he whispered and then I heard somebody screaming. I turned to face Zoey. She was wearing a Gucci shirt and black pants

"Ari!!" Zoey screamed and hugged me. I hugged her with a huge smile. We had been texting since her birthday but I couldn't get a chance to meet up with her. She's been so busy with school.

"Zoey! How are you doing!?" I asked her and she smiled. "Good good! What did you do to your hair? It's so pretty! You look good too."

"Hey. I'm right here. I'm good too, thanks for asking." Nick said we laughed. "You like attention too much Nick. I've seen you all my life. You finally have a

girlfriend who I like and you're keeping her to yourself? What's your problem?" She said walking close to him trying to bully him but he was a lot taller

"Woah woah big head. I was just kidding .. chill ."

"I thought so small dick. Now give me a hug." I saw the smile drop from nicks face at her comment.

"I'll fucking kill you Zo." He muttered and she laughed so hard making me laugh too.

"C'mon. Mom said dinner's Ready. And I'm so hungry. Let's go." She said pulling me to the table.

The table was already set and I saw Nick's dad coming from the hallway. He was wearing glasses and took a seat at the head of the table. "Daddy! This is Nick's girlfriend." Zoey announced and he took off his glasses. The resemblance to Nick was striking! Like they were twins.

"You need to shut up Zoey. I was going to do the introduction myself." Nick grumbled behind me and Zoey just ignored him and rolled her eyes.

"H-Hi.. I'm Ariana.." I said sending my hand out to greet him and he kissed my hand. Like father like son!

"Dad! Fuck, I told you not to do that!" Nick yelled behind me and his dad chuckled as richly as Nick does. Zoey laughed too while my cheeks were as red as tomatoes.

"I knew I'd rile you up with that. I'm Zach. Nice to meet you Ariana. Benvenuti a

casa nostra. Nick has spoken about you a lot." He said and I blushed. ( Welcome to our home)

"She doesn't understand Italian so we should refrain from using it this night!" Nick said grimly again.

"Have a seat Ariana. Zoey call your mother. I'm hungry." Zach said and Nick pulled me close to him and pulled a chair out for me. He looked annoyed and I squeezed his hand. His dad seemed to like me. Now, just his mom is left.

" Your dad is so friendly. Like a younger version of you." I told him and he groaned.

"He still thinks he can flirt with young girls. I told him not to do that."

"It's no big deal. I find it cute that you talked to your dad about me , you know" I said teasing him and he scratched his neck. "Oh! You're embarrassed!

Now you know how I feel."

"We're not talking about this.." he said and I laughed just to hear somebody clearing their throat. His mother.

2nd strike Ari!

"I'm sorry." I muttered and she sat down next to her husband. "Mother." Nick said like a warning.

Dinner went on smoothly after that. With small talk here and there. Most of the conversation was from Nick , Zach and Zoey with Nicole talking once in a while.

" Where's Nigel?" Nick asked about his other sibling. "He's still in London. He should be back next week" Zoey answered.

"This tastes really good. Where did you get them honey?" Zach asked and I recognized that he was eating my cookies.

"I have no idea where those are from. I'll ask —"

"I baked them" I interrupted her and almost regretted it from the look she gave me.

"You didn't have to. But they're good. Thank you." She said and I smiled. She has no idea how much her comment made me happy. I squeezed Nick's hand under the table.

"You should make more of these Ariane! Deliziosa!" Zach said and I grinned. "Non mangiare troppo miele. É malsano " Nicole said and I had a feeling it was a

bad remark.

"Mamma!" Nick said staring at her. Zoey nudged me and I looked at her. "Don't mind mom. She really liked Alyssa for some weird reason. She's no harm though. She just said dad shouldn't eat so much because it's unhealthy."

I nodded my head and continued eating. "Alyssa's here Mr and Mrs DeMorgane." "Mother! Did you invite her?" Nick said standing up enranged. Nicole just continued

eating like she didn't hear.

"Sit your ass down Nick. And watch your tone." Zach cautioned him and I pulled him down to his seat.

"I didn't invite her. I have no idea why she's here."

"Hi guys!" I heard the high pitchy annoying voice. She was wearing a black jacket with a plunging neckline. She looked gorgeous as always and I suddenly felt conscious about my simple look.

"Get the fuck out of here bitch! No one wants you here!" Zoey scowled and Alyssa and she scowled right back and rolled her eyes.

"Hi Zach ! Nickyyy! How are you baby? Oh you brought your toy of the season with you. That's awesome. Do you guys braid hair and tell each other secrets? Because that bitch definitely keeping some ."

I felt my heart stop. What could she have found out? Is she just bluffing? "What the fuck are you talking about? You know what?I'm not even interested.

Just leave. Go the fuck away." Nick said standing up. I sat still with my heart beating. "I was coming here to tell Nicole that her son is dating a lying bitch but since

you're here — might as well tell you all. Harry's cousin? Oh! That was all a lie. I have no idea why she would come up with that and why Harry would back her up unless they are sleeping with each other."

"What? No! I would never sleep with Harry!" I stood up defending myself. Nick turned to me with a frown on his face and all eyes were on me and I swallowed hard.

"Is it true what she said then? You're not cousins?" Nick asked with frown.

"I-it is true but—" I started when Alyssa started laughing and clapping. I was about to cry and tell them the whole truth.

" Told you guys!" She yelled.

"Why would you tell us you're Harry's cousin? Thinking about it.. it doesn't even make sense. We grew up with him and we literally know all his cousins." Zoey said and my palms were sweaty.

"Well..because—"

"Because we've known each other for a long time and it's easier saying we're cousins. Remember when I used to live in Louisiana Zo when I was 6? Yeah..we met there." Another voice interrupted and I turned to see Harry standing in the hallway.

"Sorry I'm late. I was caught up in traffic." He said casually and kissed Nicole's cheek. He then faced Alyssa who had a shocked look on her face.

"You can leave now." He told her and I felt my heart beat fall back to normal. "Escort her out Greg." Zach spoke for the first time and we all took our seats. She

screeched and left the huge estate.Dessert was brought and we were all silent. I could feel the change between Nick's stance. And I could feel the stares Harry was giving me. The rest of the evening went fairly well without any more incidents.

Oh Ari! Your lies are finally catching up to you.. What am I gonna do?

********

Long one!!

Unedited !!!

Xoxo!

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