Not even when she went on a date with Wyatt and Andrew did this amount of nerves build up in her.
She looked at herself in the mirror a hundred times because he said he would pick her up by eight so she used the entire Sunday to get ready. He didn't like when people showed up late so she made sure she was ready.
Kayla paced across the living room, playing, "Bed Chem" to help her calm the fuck down because her stomach churned, her head pounded and her heart had it the worst.
She stared at the wall clock wondering if time was truly this slow. The time read 7:45. Her routine this morning consisted of an everything shower, waxing everywhere, and the whole week was dedicated to finding the perfect outfit.
What did it mean to wear something comfortable? Weren't they going to a high-end restaurant? Luckily Loui wasn't at home to see her best friend fretting over a date.
Louisa was the best friend in the world. Wednesday night, she had trouble sleeping because her body somehow had gotten programmed to want Oliver to be beside her. So as the good friend Loui was, she noticed this and stayed up with Kayla binge-watching every movie they could think of.
That was where the problem was. Oliver. She had been thinking about what he told her at the office. He was sexually assaulted by his mother. Kayla couldn't imagine what that would feel like. She was extremely grateful that he could touch her and he could tell her such a horrific thing. It almost felt like he needed her as much as she had grown to need him.
He brought her a healthy breakfast that he cooked for her every day, he still hadn't stopped delivering groceries to her and the way he was interested in anything she had to say was the highlight of her entire day.
For the umpteenth time, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. A grey beanie sat on her head, a long-sleeved white top, brown cargo pants, and the sneakers he bought for her, not Asher. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
A knock sounded at the door and Kayla's heart skipped multiple beats which in hindsight wasn't good for her health but that was what Oliver did to her.
"Come in!" Fuck he was here. Shit, she didn't know what to do. Should she open the door?
"No kidding Sherlock, we have to open the door!" Her mind was a mess as she left her room and went to open the door.
'Deep breaths, Kay. He is Oliver. The biggest asshole in the world.' But her hand hovered on the door handle. 'Open the fucking door!'
She wouldn't think about it and just open the damn door and that's what she did. The force she used to open the door felt like they would be ripped from their hinges.
"Hastings," Oliver said with a smile and she blinked, taking him in. He had put effort into his 'casual' outfit. His hair lay lazily on his head but she knew better. It was carefully styled to look like this. The Cologne he wore she recognized to be a custom-made one worth millions of dollars.
They both wore similar clothing and a knowing smile formed on her lips. They both must have hacked each other's Pinterest. How could there be a boring moment when both people were hackers?
"I didn't know what exactly was comfortable since I didn't know where we were going," she explained, playing with her fingers.
"You look amazing. There's nothing you could wear that wouldn't be great, Hastings." The compliment made her breath hitch.
"Thank you," It came out as a squeak. What the fuck was wrong with her!? She needed to get her shit together.
Oliver chuckled and said, "Let's go, Hastings." She nodded which surprised Oliver. Normally, she would have bombarded him with the most atrocious accusations.
When they got into the car, he paused turning on the ignition. Kayla kept fidgeting with her hands, clothes, and purse. He placed his hand atop hers.
"I was also nervous about this date but just act normal," Oliver admitted. Her neck snapped towards him. He was being vulnerable with her again.
"Nothing needs to change between us. You're still the annoying Hastings to me and I'm your asshole." This made her roll her eyes.
"Oh, so I'm annoying, Oliver. What a wonderful thing to say to your date!"
"What did you expect me to lie that you are the most sane person in the universe? Those kinds of lies take people to hell, Hastings." He retorted, starting the car.
"Cut the bullshit, professor. You and I both know that hell for you has been a long time coming," Hastings scoffed, shaking her head.
"And hell would have to freeze over if you also don't make it there. You would have to be there with me. Wherever you go, I go."
Kay folded her lips, hiding the obvious blush creeping on her cheeks. He wasn't a flirt like Wyatt but his words? She could be buried under them and she would die the happiest woman alive.
"Really? Do you think we are the next Hermoine and Harry?" She sighed. "You are too full of yourself."
Looking at her through the rear-view mirror, he replied, "It's not arrogance when you know the outcome. Two of us, together makes sense more than anything else in the world."
Kayla shrunk into her seat, muttering, "Stop saying stuff like that. It would seem like you might have feelings for me." She hoped that he would say 'yes' but Oliver kept quiet. She deflated like a balloon.
Was she the only one feeling this? Or was she delusional that Oliver liked her? Did she like him was the true question.
Finally, they arrived at their destination and they both got out of the car. The view before her was breathtaking. Seeing her awed look, Oliver felt that she was the only thing he would see for the rest of his life. The stars were in her Hazel eyes. To him, her eyes were the color of sunset and the sunrise in some lighting.
The floor that they walked on was made of grass and beautiful flowers and in the middle of this vast garden was a stunning outdoor gazebo.
The gazebo had a wooden pergola-style roof with string lights draped across, creating a warm, soft glow. He was careful about the lights because in this light Dawn and dusk swirled in her eyes.
Hanging baskets with yellow flowers added pops of color, with various potted plants.
Inside, there was an outdoor kitchen complete with a stainless steel grill and countertop space for food preparation.
"This…" Kayla pointed at the kitchen with wide eyes. This was the best thing anyone had done for her.
There was also a stone fireplace in the background, which she guessed was to give the place the same vibe as the Hogwarts Common Room. It was too thoughtful. Too intentional.
He led them to a wicker couch with a blanket, surrounded by a coffee table with a built-in fire feature.
She sat down because if she stood she might faint because of how fast her head was spinning.
"How did you do all of this?" She breathed.
"I bought the place for the date." He answered coolly. How much would this place be worth? She didn't want to know. For her mental health, it was better to not,
"How long have you been planning this date? It's too…" She could smell the barbecue, and the dishes were spread on the coffee table. All of her favorites.
"Well…" Oliver scratched his head sheepishly.
"Don't lie to me, Oliver. How long?"
He hesitated, "Since your first date with the weasel."
Her left eye twitched. Fuck. A gasp escaped her lips.
"Do you not like it?" Oliver didn't quite understand her reaction. Was it not to her liking? He should have just taken her to a restaurant. He frowned.
"Like it? I love it! This is the best date I've been on! Thank you." She said sincerely and Oliver's face softened.
"You don't have to thank me for doing any of this. You deserve all this and more, Hastings. If you like this then I wonder what you'd think of the next date." He clicked his tongue sitting beside her.
"Did you make all these dishes? They look amazing."
"I wanted to but it appears cooking is not my forte so I asked Rory to make them for me."
The fish tart in her mouth almost fell out. "You asked Rory to… make these?"
"Relax Hastings, I didn't tell her that it was for a date. She was happy to help even with her busy schedule." Rory was a doctor at a renowned hospital and worked in the same Research Lab as Nate.
She was smart enough to graduate Med School early because of the cure she procured two years ago. The same cure caused a lot of trouble for her because it was tampered with when it was administered and the culprit was Daniel's dead best friend who wasn't dead.
"So tell me, Oliver. How many times have you read the H.P. series?" She asked, before sipping her boba tea.
"More times than you have. You know what I think?"
"What?"
"That you like the movies than the books."
"What!? That is insane! I would never do such! It would be betraying the community!" She scrunched up her nose.
"Haven't you already betrayed the community by reading the Percy Jackson series more times than the H.P.?" Oliver accused seriously.
Kayla laughed nervously, "That is not true! I only read it once! Once!" She defended.
"Liar. You came to class one day wearing an orange top and when I was arranging your closet I saw the entire edition and graphic novels in a wardrobe with the Camp Half-Blood top!"
"You are a stalker and I don't like the P.J. series more! I just really love the books. I hate reading. I would rather stick needles in my eyes than read but both series allow me to read," She said honestly.
Oliver arched a brow, "What's your favorite book in the H.P series then?"
"Well…" It was a high-pitched sound. "If people found out they would kill me. It's not actually the original works but a fan-fic." She averted her gaze.
"A fan-fic?"
"Yes. It's a Dramoine fan-fic."
"Dramoine as in Draco and Hermoine? Why would anyone think they would make a good couple? Gryffindor and Slytherin?"
"Because they would. Enemies to lovers you old man. It's called Secrets and Masks which some would say it's criminal for me to choose it over the others but who cares?" Kayla shrugged.
"You are crazy for thinking anything is better than the real deal."
"You know who you remind me of? Professor Snape." Seeing his twisted face after her comment, she busted out laughing. "You both are meanies and look down on Gryffindor!"
"Hastings," he warned, his face darkening.
"It is so true! Hahahaha! Why didn't I see it before? You must be Snape and Belliatrix's love child!" Her laughter became hysterical because of how constipated Oliver looked. God, it was easy to rile him up.
"Stop talking nonsense."
"Or else what? You will Avada me? Go ahead Voldemort." Kayla didn't heed his warning and continued. "You know what? I think you look like Voldemort." She touched his nose. "If we cut your nose off, there we have the Dark Lord! Pfft!" The girl couldn't hold in her laughter anymore.
However, the laughter was quickly swallowed when Oliver's lips captured hers in an angry kiss. She tried to push him away but he grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her closer.
The way their lips crashed and moved in sync, Kayla sighed into his mouth. When she was breathless, Oliver pulled away.
"Fuck, I've wanted to do that all night." His lips curled upwards.