Curse you, Alex. Cruse you to hell.
I know you'll be wondering what happened that I'm retorted to such measures. Don't worry I'll brief you.
After that sensual kiss, Alex awarded me with, he ran. Yes, he ran like his tail was on fire. As he doesn't have one at the back we'll imagine the one on the front.
After stealing my first real kiss, he has the audacity to run. If you'll think that after claiming me his in front of Giselle he would proclaim his undying love for me you are in the wrong my friend.
As I was.
I was too stunned to respond but apparently, he has enough experience because he not only give one more reason to Giselle to annoy me he also did it in a way that would get women swooning.
And look at me, the fool that I'm I spent my whole night thinking about him and his warm lips, his hard muscles, and his big hands all over me.
I didn't even sleep a wink.
Twisting my hair in a half updo I secure them with a golden hair clip.
Looking at the dark circles around my eyes I cursed him one more time and grabbed my shoulder bag, my car keys, and the chocolate cake I baked.
No, this cake isn't for him. It's for my family, especially Maya.
My sister, that cute little thing that she is, is just as obsessed with chocolate as I'm. Every Sunday I would bake her a chocolate delicacy and then we both would scoop up the biggest portion and run to her room for movies.
And this Sunday was no different.
Dialing my mom, I lock up my apartment, informing her that I'll be there in another 20 mins.
Pushing hard on the accelerator, I pull out of my building complex not waiting for my secondhand beetle to warm up.
Am I that bad a kisser, or does my breath smells? Taking my wrist I lick it and smelled to check. Nope, my breath doesn't smell.
My mind just wasn't ready to let go of that moment. Every 5 mins it would replay that kiss and every time I would melt, which isn't a good thing considering I'm going to spend my evening with my parents.
Turning on the radio, I decided it's for the best if I let go of this Alex situation for now. Shaking my head I sang along with the artist on the radio and focused on driving.
"Why is Matt's car in the driveway," I murmur to myself as I move forward to ring the bell.
"KARAAA," before I could press the bell the bottle of sunshine, more commonly known as my sister pulled open the door and hugged me.
"We saw you from the window," she said as she literally crushed me with her strong arms.
I don't know how she got so much power in her tiny little arms, but man is she strong.
My little sister is a petite 18-year-old and a powerhouse. With short shoulder-length blond hair, a cute round face and a jawline to die for, and clear grey eyes she stands at 5'3" a total of 6 inches shorter than me.
The prettier among the two of us and a total softie at heart.
"Maya baby if you don't want the cake to get ruined let go of me," I squeeze out as I raise my arms over our heads to keep the cake from being squished.
"Oh yeah sorry," she let go kissing my chin, that's how far up she could reach.
Laughing at her antics I handed the cake to her, and she immediately ran inside calling dibs on it.
Next up in line was my dad, who I might add looked cute supporting a mickey mouse apron and a spatula in hand, "I was getting the salad ready for the brunch, come everybody's outside." he side hugged me and together we made our way towards the backyard.
The smell of bbq hit me as soon as I stepped out, and I spotted Matt right away helping mom set the table. They were laughing at something and I could tell he was trying hard to earn the extra brownie points, he always told me that he inspired mom.
Sometimes I think he's smitten with her but he has denied that every time I asked saying that I should get my eyes clean, whatever that means.
"Why the extra chairs?" I ask my mom draping one arm over her shoulders and giving Matt a bro punch.
"I didn't know you were invited today as well?" I received an elbow in the stomach from mom as soon as I asked Matt.
"Manners," admonishing me she turned towards me.
"They're here," Maya shouted from inside, excitement clear in her voice.
"Oh, wonderful," taking dad by the arm my mom went inside as well.
Raising my brows at Matt, I link our hands and ask him, "Do you by any chance know who else was invited?"
"No, come let's look," Matt said adjusting the sleeves of his button-up.
"By the way, I like this midnight blue on you," he winked and I looked down at myself.
I was wearing a plain long chiffon dress with spaghetti straps, "Thank you?"
Words died in my throat as I saw who were my mom's guests.
Just my luck, fantastic. Hands stuffed in his pockets looking rather bored, Alex stood there in the foyer with his parents.
I have to do a double-take because Alex in casuals?
Sporting dark blue washed jeans with a black t-shirt and Chelsea boots, he looked mouth-watering. My inspection of him wasn't done yet when Matt dragged me with him to greet them.
"Look Kara is here already," motioning me to come quickly my mom did the introductions, "This is Matt, Kara's best friend."
Alex's hard eyes met mine before he looked directly into Matt's eyes. Shaking his hand he introduced himself, "Alex."
"Matt, I remember we met that day," Matt said smilingly but his smile immediately turned into a grimace.
"Kara," Raven called my name and kissed both my cheeks, with a quick handshake with Max. I turned towards the boys and guess what they still were busy having a stare-off.
Alex's eyes slide to mine for a moment and I felt heat rush to my cheeks, I instantly had a flashback to yesterday and it was not something I need to imagine when my parents are standing just a few feet away from me.
So, I excused myself and went to the kitchen. I cold glass of water is what I need right now, taking out the water from the fridge I filled my glass to the brim and took 2 huge gulps.
"Oh god, how am I going to avoid him now?" I was panicking, drinking another glass I slide down on the kitchen floor.
There is no way I'm going out. Not when I've been imagining different scenarios with him, where every time after kissing me he didn't run but came inside my apartment.
Burying my head in my hands, I was thinking of reasons why I need to stay in the kitchen for the entirety of the brunch when my mom called me outside.
"Coming," shouting I stood up and started pacing the kitchen floor, gathering enough courage to face him once more.
"I think he broke my hand," nursing his hand against his chest Matt entered the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water.
"Who?" taking his hand I checked if it's alright.
"Your pseudo fiance," irritation clear in his voice Matt answered and looked at me with accusation clear in his eyes.
Taking out frozen peas from the freezer I passed the packet to Matt. "Keep it over your hand, it'll help soothe your pain," pouting I instructed him.
"You guys mom is calling everybody out, dad has started with the bbq," Maya came rushing into the kitchen and took one look at Matt's hand, and gasped.
"Oh, what happened?" she asked but before Matt could tell her I interjected, "Matt shut the door on his hand," shrugging I grabbed him by the hand and we all together made our way outside.
I think as long as I sit far away from Alex and avoid him at all cost I'll be fine.
"Mom, look Matt shut the door on his hand," Maya exclaimed loudly to get everybody's attention.
Matt gave me the stink eye, and I absolutely agree with him, Maya is my sister but sometimes she deserves a good beating, like right now.
Mom and Raven rushed forward to examine the damage. Dad and Max turned around from where they were standing next to the bbq pit, and Alex looked up from his phone and smirked going right back to do what he was busy doing.
That asshole so did that on purpose.
"Honey, you alright?" mom touched his hand slightly and then looked at me and frowned, "Go get him an ice pack."
"It's okay everybody, I'm fine. Kara gave me an ice pack already. Maya is just exaggerating. Look," Matt said and flexed his hand left-right proving his point. Subtly moving behind me to avoid mom.
"I'm starving," I spoke before they could inflict poor Matt with anymore inspection, looking directly at dad so he could finish cooking.
"One cheeseburger coming right up," dad clinked his tongs against the table and went straight to work.
Mom, Raven, Maya, and Matt all went to sit along the table. I was scanning the table for a seat farthest from Alex, but the only seats available were beside mom, reserved for dad. One next to Raven obviously for Max.
Gulping I looked towards the only seat available which was between Alex and Matt. Nope, nope I decided I'll sit next to Raven, Max won't mind sitting next to his son, right?
"Kara sweetie would you mind?" dad asked looking towards the dish placed on the table next to the pit. His hands were already full, and Max was making his way towards his wife, holding a smoked salmon platter.
NO !!!!!! No, no, no. Prospect sitting position 1 down.
"Coming Dad," I quickly grabbed the kebabs and dashed towards prospect seat no.2.
Putting down the dish, I immediately sat down at the seat beside mom. Phew, danger averted.
"Kara, the watermelon, sweetie." Mom said to me while eyeing the table, I looked towards the table and found hamburgers, grilled hotdogs, smoked salmon(eww), hash browns, bacon, and eggs. But clearly no watermelon.
"What about watermelon?" I asked raising my eyes at her, confusion clear in my voice.
"You forgot to bring them from the fridge, go quickly get them." She shooed me.
"Me?" pointing a finger at me I asked but she was clearly done with the conversation because she turned her back towards me.
I looked at dad hopefully, but he was already busy serving food. Next, my eyes collided with Matt who waved his not-so-injured hand in front of his face he went to eat.
Traitor.
"Nope, not even think about it, "Maya said without looking at me. "If I were you, I'd hurry before mom realizes you're still sitting." she grabbed a burger.
Resigned, I stood up "At least save my spot," I whisper screamed in her ear before dashing towards the kitchen, the fast I move, the more chances I've of getting my seat back.
But I think luck isn't on my side today, Dad has already gotten hold of his seat and it leaves me with only one option that is the unfavorable seat.
Smack in the middle of Alex and Matt.
Internally screaming at how unfair this is, I drag my feet towards the table. I glance once at Alex and he's still busy on his phone, maybe he won't notice me sitting there.
Placing the bowl with a loud thud on the table I took my place.
"You don't talk to me, otherwise I can't guarantee your hand would even function by the end of this brunch," gritting my teeth, I speak in a low voice near Matt's ear.
He only furrowed his brows but kept his mouth shut, good boy.
"Will you pass me the hamburger," placing his right hand over my left thigh Alex said loud enough for everyone to hear.
Goosebumps rose all over my skin his hands were warm and it felt nice. Shuddering slightly I scolded myself to get a grip.
Pushing his hand away to the best of my ability, so that no one notices I moved forward to grab him a hamburger.
"Here, enjoy," hope you choke on it, I added silently and grabbed my burger and fries.
Brushing his bicep against my bare arm he made a move to grab my fries, "You forgot to give me some," he kept his voice neutral not once showing his emotions. A total contrast to how he was behaving yesterday.
Shoving a handful of fries onto his plate, I slide a little to the right towards Matt.
It was getting hard for me to focus on the conversation going around me, what were they all laughing at? Laughing a little at whatever was happening, I pretended that I was part of it all.
Please God, let this brunch be over soon. I sent a silent prayer heavenward.
"Pass me the salt, Kara," he breathed my name next to my neck causing me to tremble and basically melt on the spot and let me tell you it is not a pleasant thing to experience when you're surrounded by family.
My body nonetheless responded and shivered a little.
I shoved the salt shaker in his hand, such a wrong move on my part because the next thing I know he closed his hand over mine.
But before I could drill some sense into his brain, Dad called for his attention. "I heard the defense ministry approved of your prototype? That's great! You thinking of selling it to them?"
The Maxfield industry makes the latest weapons, drones, and military technology. They are the most sort after in the arms industry, and currently, all the hype is about a new weapon Alex and his team were working on.
He engineered a prototype for a drone that could detect any ammunition over a range of 1000 square meters. Pretty impressive if you ask me.
"We are still in talks right now, they've tested it but they seem a little reluctant at the moment. There is a Japanese company interested in this drone as well, the highest bidder takes it," he said smiling, composed like the true businessman that he is.
"The bid would take place next month as soon as he takes over as the CEO," Max proudly exclaimed and gave a meaningful look to Alex.
He on the other hand was busy rubbing circles on my hand, and I think I have had enough. Snatching my hand I abruptly stood up.
"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom," I said and made a run for the restroom.
Closing the door, I leaned against the door and took deep breaths to calm my heart. Looking in the mirror, I splashed some cold water on my face washing away what little makeup I've applied.
My face was refusing to cool down. Splashing some more water on my face I dabbed my face clean with a paper towel.
What's gotten into him? He's behaving very odd, so not like him.
I can handle him, I mean what more he could do? He wants to hold hands fine, I'll show him, once I stop being so affected by him.
Giving myself a little pep talk I bolted open the door and went out.
And regretted because he stood leaning against the wall in the corridor, waiting for me?
Keeping my head down, shielding my face with my hair I tried to move past him, but apparently, he have other plans.
He grabbed my arm and moved so swiftly that my back hit the wall and he stood in front of me blocking my exit.
"Alex, you listen here..." my words died right on my tongue because in the next moment he let go of my arm and grabbed me by the waist.
Pulling me tightly against him, he didn't give me a second to comprehend what was happening before he took claim of my lips.
He was kissing me, kissing me again, that too without my explicit permission.
My mind was screaming at me to pull away, but my body was latching onto him as if I need him to breathe my next breath.
His hands slowly made their way up towards my back, skimming over my bare back and neck he got hold of the back of my head and tilted my head upwards.
Come on Kara, push him away, you don't want this. Don't I though?
He bite my lower lip hard and I gasped he took that opportunity to invade my mouth with his tongue. And let me tell you I've never been kissed like this before.
As someone wanted, no needed me. He pulled me even closer, I could feel his every muscle, every ridge. Blood was pounding inside my ears and my brain has gone mushy.
"Would you look at them, can't get enough of each other," listening to mom's voice was like being drenched with a bucket of ice-cold water.
My senses came back in action and I pushed at Alex's chest hard with all my might.
Panting hard, I looked at the audience that have gathered in the corridor.
Dad was trying to cover Maya's eyes, mom and Raven were busy giggling like schoolgirls, Max stood like a robot emotionless and Matt was giving his hardest stare filled with disdain directed towards Alex.
And Alex, well I need to turn around for that, and I'm not sure I would want to.
"Kara," Alex called from behind me and I turn around craning my neck upwards only to find him, kneeling beside me on one knee, a ring in his hand.
Someone gasped loudly or was that me I've no idea.
"Will you marry me?" he asked and I think I'm going to faint.
How did a simple Sunday brunch with my family turn into this?