Rhia woke up with a yawn, stretching her arms above her head. She had grown accustomed to not seeing Zander for the past few days, but as she opened her eyes, she gasped, her heart racing. A tall figure lay sleeping beside her, his chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm. Zander's face looked calm, peaceful, a contrast to his usual cold and emotionless demeanor. Rhia's heart raced as she stared, her mind struggling to process the sudden shift in their dynamic.
As she gazed, Zander's eyes flickered open, and he gazed up at her. Rhia tried to stand, but he swiftly grasped her hand, causing her to lose her balance. She fell back onto the bed, and Zander was quick enough to catch her, his arms wrapping around her in a gentle but firm hold. Rhia's heart raced, her cheeks flushing as her eyes widened in surprise. They were in an awkward position, their faces inches apart, their bodies tangled together.
Zander's expression remained calm, his eyes revealing no emotion, but his tone was slightly softer than usual. "Good morning," he said, his deep voice low and husky. Rhia's voice caught in her throat as she tried to respond, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions she couldn't quite process. She nodded, her eyes locked on Zander's, her heart still racing from the sudden movement and their unexpected closeness.
As they sat there, Rhia felt a flutter in her chest. She couldn't help but notice the way Zander's calm expression made her feel, the way his gentle hold made her heart race. She pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand. But as they sat there, Rhia couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted her, something she couldn't quite define.Rhia's face turned bright red as she quickly retreated to the bathroom, her heart still racing from the unexpected encounter. She closed the door behind her and leaned against the sink, taking a few deep breaths to calm herself down. She couldn't believe how flustered she had become, and she couldn't help but face-palm herself in frustration.
"What is wrong with me?" she muttered to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm acting like a total fool!"
She took a few moments to collect herself, splashing some water on her face and trying to shake off the lingering feelings of embarrassment and confusion. But as she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but notice the hint of a smile playing on her lips.
Despite her best efforts to deny it, Rhia couldn't help but feel a spark of attraction towards Zander. And as she stood there, she couldn't help but wonder what other unexpected moments the day might bring.
Rhia stepped out of the bathroom, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as she didn't see Zander waiting for her. The last encounter between them had been awkward, to say the least, and she was grateful to have avoided another uncomfortable moment. She had been dreading the possibility of running into him again, but it seemed she had dodged that bullet.
With a sigh of relief, Rhia began to get dressed, choosing a comfortable baggy top and skirt to wear. She let her hair fall freely down her back, feeling a sense of freedom and relaxation wash over her. It was her day off, and she was determined to make the most of it.
As she finished getting ready, Rhia instructed the butler to inform James to prepare the car for her trip to Lesley's house. She was looking forward to a peaceful visit with her friend, and a chance to put the awkwardness with Zander behind her.
Rhia entered the car as James was driving, settling into the plush seat as he navigated the roads. As they drove, an idea suddenly came to her mind. "Mr. James," she said, her voice clear and firm.
"Yes, Miss Rhia?" James responded, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
"I would like to make a stop at the bakery, please," Rhia said, her gaze focused on the road ahead, not looking at James directly.
James nodded slightly, his eyes never leaving the road. "Very well, Miss Rhia. I will take a detour to the nearest bakery."
Rhia smiled to herself, Rhia's smile grew wider as she imagined Lesley's happy face seeing her hold her favorite cake. She was lost in thought, envisioning the joyful moment, when the car suddenly screeched to a halt. Rhia's eyes snapped back to attention as she exited the vehicle, James following closely behind her.
As she stepped out onto the sidewalk, Rhia noticed James positioning himself slightly behind her, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a hint of vigilance. She understood the unspoken order - to never leave her out of his sight. It was a familiar routine, one that Rhia had grown accustomed to for the past week.
With a subtle nod, Rhia acknowledged James' presence, her eyes locking onto the bakery just ahead. She quickened her pace, her heart beating with excitement as she pushed open the door and stepped inside, James following closely behind. The sweet aroma of freshly baked goods enveloped her, and Rhia's smile returned, her mind focused on the delightful surprise awaiting Lesley.Rhia pushed open the door and stepped into the bakery, her eyes scanning the colorful display case. She spotted the perfect chocolate cake, just as she had imagined, and her face lit up with a satisfied smile. She requested the cake, and the baker expertly packaged it in a cute bunny-shaped box, complete with a ribbon and a tiny chocolate bunny on top.
As Rhia left the store, the bunny box securely in hand, her smile grew wider. She couldn't wait to see Lesley's face light up when she presented her with the delightful treat. The sweet aroma of the cake wafted up, enticing her senses and adding to her excitement.
With a spring in her step, Rhia walked back to the car, James following closely behind. She felt a sense of joy and contentment, knowing that this small gesture would bring happiness to her friend. The bunny box seemed to radiate warmth and happiness, matching the feeling in Rhia's heart.