LILY
“Lily, I want us to fully know each other. Ask me whatever you want. Let’s forget our past conversations and start anew. If you want, we can go see your parents, and I’ll talk to them.”
“Arlo, isn’t this too fast? You just said we should start fresh, but now you’re already talking about my parents.” I said, feeling like he was devouring me with the way he stared at me.
“Okay, if that’s what you want, then we’ll do it your way. After all, you didn’t sign any contract with me,” he said.
“Go put some clothes on, Arlo, and stop staring at me like that.” I couldn’t hold back anymore and had to call him out because the tiny hairs on my arms were standing on end.
“I just can’t get enough of looking at you. You’re so beautiful, and your lips are so soft—they’re irresistible,” he said seductively.
My heart pounded as he leaned closer to my lips. I froze when his muscular chest brushed against mine. I could feel him deliberately pressing against me since I wasn’t wearing anything underneath.
“Let’s just sleep,” I said, pushing him away.
If I let him keep seducing me, something might happen again. I wasn’t ready yet, and I was afraid I might end up in the hospital because of him.
“Are you scared, babe? It’s only the first time, but I promise you won’t get a fever,” he teased, making my cheeks burn with embarrassment.
“Whatever, Arlo. If you don’t want to sleep, that’s your problem. I’m going to bed,” I said, standing up.
“I’ll sleep, too. Can I sleep next to you?” He gave me puppy-dog eyes, and I couldn’t help but laugh at his antics.
“You’re so weird,” I said, playfully hitting his arm.
“You’re so cute.”
“I know. That’s why you can’t stop staring at me.”
“That’s because I like you, Lily. From now on, I’ll court you. And if anyone even looks at you, I’ll break their neck.”
“Are you crazy? You’re acting so differently. Before, you’d come home late, hanging out with your other girl.”
“That was before. This is the new Arlo. It’s just us now!”
“I haven’t even said yes to you courting me, and besides, someone else wants to court me too,” I teased, only for him to suddenly lift me up.
“That doesn’t matter, babe, because from now on, even your shadow is mine!” he said authoritatively.
Two days after something happened between us, Arlo had been stuck to me like glue.
“Where are we going?” I asked as he drove.
“To the golf club. I want to take you there.”
“Golf? Are we going to play?” I asked, smiling, and he nodded confidently.
“Yes, babe. Don’t worry, I’ll teach you,” he said assuredly.
I didn’t say anything after that. Honestly, I already knew how to play golf since my dad had hired a private trainer for me. We even had our own golf club.
When we got out of the car, the view was stunning. Two men greeted us, and I put on my black sunglasses and hat, just to be cautious.
As Arlo and I were walking in, I saw someone standing there. I wasn’t imagining it—it was Douglas, my dad’s cousin. I grabbed Arlo’s elbow, my hand shaking. He looked at me, his gaze dropping to my trembling hand.
“Lily, what’s wrong?” he asked, concerned.
“Can we play golf another time?” I said softly.
“Of course, if you’re not comfortable, we’ll come back another time.” He smiled at me.
“Thank you,” I said, leading him back to the car.
As he spoke to one of the men, I turned away and quickly walked back to Arlo’s car. I hurried inside without looking back at him, relieved once I was seated. A moment later, I saw Arlo saying goodbye to the man and noticed Douglas glancing in his direction. The first outing Arlo planned for us turned out to be so awkward.
Once he got back into the car, I apologized.
“It’s okay, babe. I’ll take you somewhere else. Don’t worry, I should’ve asked you first before bringing you here,” he said, holding my hand.
“Yeah, let’s go somewhere else,” I replied.
As Arlo started the car, his phone rang. My phone rang too. I pulled it out of my sling bag and saw it was Violet calling.
“Hello, Violet,” I said, thinking Arlo would ask who was calling me. I glanced at him, and he smiled and winked.
“Say hi to your sister,” Arlo said.
“Who’s whispering to you?” Violet asked on the line.
“Uh… um…” I stammered, unsure of what to say.
“Lily!” Violet said loudly.
“Violet, the signal is weak. I can’t hear you. Hello? Hello?”
“Lily! Lily!” she yelled, but I quickly ended the call.
“The signal seems fine.”
“It’s because my keypad phone has weak signal reception,” I lied.
“Whether you like it or not, we’re replacing that phone today!” Arlo declared, calling someone and speeding up the car.
