The Arranged Bride novel Chapter 20

Sophia's POV

Nick parked the Porsche in front of a very posh restaurant. I guessed that he would set up our date at such a extravagant restaurant . I tried dressing up accordingly, in order to not look out of place.

Coming out of the car , he came to my side and opened the door for me. I took his hand and walked out. He placed a hand on the small of my back which caused me to shiver a bit but I didn't pull away . I felt safe being close to him . The familiar cologne filled my nostrils.

On entering the restaurant , the manager hurried to us . By the look on his face , he was tensed.

He greeted and led us to a table that was beautifully decorated with flowers and scented candles.

Nick pulled out a chair for me and settled down opposite me. A waitress arrived to take our order.

Yeah , a typical one ! Extremely short skirt and her top giving away too much view of her cleavage.

She stood in front of Nick , pushing her breasts forward .

" Sir , your order ?" She batted her eyelashes at Nick , giving a seductive look.

" What would you like ? " Nick asked me.

" Red wine will be fine." I said to which he nodded.

" Get us your best red wine.Rest , we will order in a while." Nick ordered but I doubt that the girl heard anything because she was busy eyeing Nick like he was some piece of meat . I was getting so mad at her behaviour.

" Anything else I can do for you ?" She asked in a sickening tone and that was it.

" Oh , trust me , you can do a lot of things ." I said in a sickeningly sweet tone, putting my elbows at the table Both Nick and the flirt looked at me.

" Firstly you can learn acknowledging each and every customer on your table whether you like the person or not. Secondly, brush up on your professionalism and concentrate on your job instead of flirting and batting eyelashes at a man who is on a date with his wife." I said , my voice moderate. Some of the other waiters were looking at us.

She visibly paled and her eyes widened.

" S-sorry ma-ma'am." She shuttered and scurried away.

I rolled my eyes and looked at Nick. He was looking at me amused.

" You're jealous ." He said it like a statement.

" No , I am not. Just that she should learn how to behave." I plainly lied.

" Then what about letting her know that you're my wife ?" He raised his eyebrow . "Just accept it that you're jealous."

" Fine , I was jealous ! " I looked away.

" But I liked it. " I turned to look at him smirking.

I rolled my eyes at him. Just then another waiter came with the wine. He served us and we placed our order.

I ordered Chicken Alfredo while he had Chicken Lasagna .

Through the dinner we had small conversations. We were already past the stage of favourite colours and favourite food. So we shared some fond memories . I realised that Caleb was one of the most important people in his life though they fight like school kids.

I told him about how Char and Ryan became so close to me and he was visibly relieved at the fact that I considered Ryan as my brother but still he didn't seem to be fond of him.

He suddenly spoke.

" See , I am not a man of sweet words. So I will come straight to the point." Nick spoke with so much of seriousness that I was scared. Was he going to break my heart and ask for a divorce? So all this romantic decoration is for giving out the news?

" I like you." What !? "I have tried fighting the attraction , running away from it but I can't do it anymore . So , yes , I like you Sophia , a lot." He said and looked at me, expecting some reaction and he had it.

I looked at him like he was some stupid. Is this how he says it!?

" Aren't you going to say something? I understand if you don't reciprocate my feelings but I wanted you to-"

" Oh God Nick ! I like you too but if this is how you confess your feelings , I might have to reconsider my feelings. " I shook my head.

" So you like me too ?" It was the first time I saw him grinning.

" Really? That's the only thing you picked up ? You had me worried that you are going to divorce me." I said and his expression changed at that.

" Why would you think that ? " He said in a low voice.

" Because you started like that."

"See , I am not a man of sweet words. So I will come straight to the point." I mimicked him and maintained the same poker expression for a few seconds after which we laughed out loud.

" Well , yeah that was .." he scratched his neck , clearly embarassed .

" So romantic ! " I put my hands together for a dramatic effect. He smiled sheepishly at that.

The rest of the evening was spent like that. Honestly, I loved the date. Maybe , it was a conventional dinner date at an expensive restaurant which I wasn't really fond of but still I enjoyed it because of Nick. He put in his efforts and that's what made it special.

When we we reached home , it was around 10. By this time , Ethan was asleep . Nick walked me to my room . I took the initiative and kissed him on his lips . Holding me firmly , he deepened the kiss. After we broke the kiss , he pecked my forehead . We were done for the night but he didn't move . I didn't want him to leave yet , I enjoyed his company. We just stayed rooted to our places , looking at each other.

After a long time he spoke.

" Sleep with me, please." I was surprised at this. I wasn't yet ready for this.

He must have seen my eyes widening at his words and he realised what it meant.

" I mean , I don't mean .. I am just speaking of sleeping , in my room , beside each other, on the same bed. I won't do anything ."I blushed at his words while he seemed nervous. Nowadays I see this emotion on his face a lot.

" Ok , let's sleep together. I will just change and come to your room ." He nodded and left.

My first date kept replaying in my head. When Nick said that he likes me , I didn't blush or anything because of his weird way but now remembering it, I was blushing so hard. I had a smile on my face while I changed my clothes.

As I was outside his room , I was nervous. This was the first time I was going to sleep in his room with him on his bed. Was this going to be the last time as well? I certainly didn't want that.

Knocking on the door , I entered. He was sitting on the bed in his t-shirt and sweats. He smiled at me which I returned. I carefully climbed up the bed and sat beside him. Looking around the room I saw many details which I hadn't noticed before. I didn't get the time to. The day after , I left this room , I avoided coming in except for when I needed some clothes from the wardrobe.

" I know , your previous experience in this room has been pathetic but I promise to make up for it.... Will you move in ?" He asked.

" Uhh , I don't know." I said fiddling with my fingers. He looked hurt but still nodded in understanding.

I wasn't sure but then I thought even if he hadn't been a jerk to me since day 1 , we would still have been somewhat strangers yet we would have been sleeping in the same room. Now that we had confessed our liking for each other , it can't be that bad , right ? Making up my mind , I spoke.

" I think I will move in here." He looked up at me with confused expression.

" No it's okay , you don't have to do anything against your wish , take your time." He said in a soft voice.

" No , it's not against my wish. It's just that I was a bit confused but now I am sure." I smiled at him and he returned a warm smile.

He switched off the lights and slipped in beside me under the cover. He lightly pulled me towards him from the back. Although we have slept like this before but still my cheeks reddened at our position.

" Goodnight Sophia."

"Goodnight Nick."