STAY

I am done washing the dishes we used for that mouthwatering omelet we had for breakfast. He is a great cook, to be honest. I give him that as well. I turn to stroll out, but I almost collide with him walking in yet again. I step back to avoid the collision.


He has been overly quiet throughout breakfast, and I didn't meddle. At first, I was just trying to respect his space, but I am getting irritated by how this silence is becoming awkward. I am beginning to think that he lied when he said he wasn't angry. It seems like he just wanted to massage my worries. Or just so I could leave his presence. That hurts, honestly.

"Do you feel any better now?" he asks, maintaining a cautious distance from me, his voice carrying a hint of concern.

I nod slightly, unable to meet his gaze, feeling shame and guilt weigh heavily on my features. "Yes," I mumble softly, admitting to the relief of my headache, but also to the discomfort of my emotions.


"Are you sure?" he probes further, his tone gentle yet searching as if trying to decipher the truth hidden within my response.

"Yes," I assert more firmly, a hint of defensiveness creeping into my voice, though it's overshadowed by the lingering unease in the air.


"Alright. Go get changed," he instructs, his words practical and devoid of any lingering sentiment, signaling the end of the conversation.

Ahem! Ahem!

I clear my throat nervously, feeling the weight of his gaze on me as I give myself a quick once-over, checking my clothes from up to my toes, then lifting my face again in confusion. There's nothing wrong with my clothes. Yeah, I acknowledge that my shorts might be a tad too short, somehow. But really, in comparison to him, who has been shirtless for the longest time, it hardly seems worth mentioning. Despite the distraction his bare torso presents, I refrain from complaining, unwilling to draw attention to the turmoil his piercing eyes are causing within me. After all, I am not exposing anything, I rationalize silently, attempting to maintain a facade of nonchalance amidst the palpable tension in the air. There is absolutely nothing wrong with what I am wearing. This is Coast; humidity is why, and that perhaps explains why even a vest would make his skin itch. So what is wrong with me trying to blend in with the climate here?

"Why?" I implore.

"Because I say so."

I stare at him for minutes, trying to understand his expression but failing in the end. He seems coldly flat, and I can't fathom why. Since I have given him enough trouble during my stay here, I choose to spare him my outbursts this time. I don't understand why he has to dictate to me what to wear.

"Okay. I will change. I will also step out to look for a house," I say unwillingly as I tap my feet on the floor and start walking out.

A step away from him, he blocks my way. He takes one stride and closes the gap between us. He towers over me, and I bow down. His shirtless body must be causing this heat that I am feeling right now. Why does he have to roam around like this? It's bad manners, especially with a female guest around. Deep sigh!

I feel his finger gently touching under my chin, lifting my head, so I have to look at him. We are very close, too close for my comfort. It makes me nervous. I gulp hard, trying to pull my face away from his touch and taking a step back. His touch feels like magic, like it could make me burst into flames. Actually, everything about him seems to have this strange, powerful energy oozing on me.

He closes the gap again, gazing at me with the look of a beast taming its prey, and I know better than to take another step backward. I can't afford to be pressed on the kitchen table by his dangerously hot and strong muscles. That I can't handle.

"What's with the hurry?" He implores, and I struggle to keep eye contact.

"I..."

"You are not leaving!" Shoot! "Not today."

Huh? He is joking, right? He can't stand me, and neither can I. "And why exactly is that?" I implore.

He wiggles his head slightly, just once, a half-shake. "Because I say so."

I see! Why do I feel like he is up to something? This look in his eyes isn't innocent at all despite his attempts to remain cool. He can not fool me. What does he want? For us to annoy each other's ass out in this house? Why?

"I am sorry, but I had my plans before I ran into you. I have things to take care of," I say, refusing to be belittled by his powerful demeanor.

Who does he think he is? I am grateful and all for his help, but that doesn't mean he can tie me down here for as long as he damn pleases. He simply can not. There is no need either.

"I don't know who has a memory disorder between the two of us, but I think I remember you saying that you came for a vacation. Am I right?"

Dang!

Shit! Why did I have to be honest, huh? I should have said something like a business trip. Now how do I get out of this?

I smirk a little, his demeaning looks not taking any effect on me. "Yes, and I can't do that while in here. I need space. Besides, I have caused you enough trouble already. I am sure you are wondering when I am leaving," I state, and I swear, he is about to drop a bomb. A mind-blowing one that is making me shudder all of a sudden.

"I also remember saying that I am not chasing you away. And," he leans in, "it's bad manners to judge someone so harshly, don't you think, Ellie? This poor innocent guy hasn't complained, has he?"

Ooh, poor guy! I am touched! Damn, his acting! The innocence he is obviously faking doesn't suit him at all. I would be an idiot to fall for his shenanigans. Innocent my arse!

I open my mouth to speak, but I close it immediately when I notice our closure. I pause to stare and understand the meaning of this tempting move of his.

He inches in closer, supplying us both with the sweetest and most alluring oxygen that I have ever smelled. It's so richly scented and heated. It's calming and arousing at the same time. It's almost paralyzing my spice with cold shivers while setting my entire being ablaze.

At this point, my voice abandons me, or maybe I swallowed it, leaving me with no option but to shake my head at his questions.

"STAY!"

My eyes shoot at his blazing ones, and I would give the world to know how my weak ones look right now. I stay? Did I hear that right? He must be joking, or maybe I misheard.

"Excuse me?" I implore.

" For one week."