[29] a
I spent time watching two action movies. We didn’t talk much except for commenting on the films. Cedric sat right next to me, occasionally massaging my hands and feet gently. I just enjoyed it, as refusing would be pointless, right? After showering, a glass of milk and snacks were already on the table.
Sometimes I wonder, who’s the guest here, really? Well, it doesn’t matter. I think I’m getting used to having Cedric invading my personal space now.
“It’s getting late. You should go to sleep,” Cedric said, breaking my focus on Jason Statham’s action scenes.
“Are you going back? It’s really late now,” I replied.
Cedric just smiled. “Am I allowed to sleep here? I don’t want to be kicked out again.”
This guy always manages to annoy me, doesn’t he?
“Fine! Just go home!” I said without knowing why I said it that way.
“Do you want me to stay the night or go home?”
“You said you were going home earlier. Fine, just go home!” I retorted.
“I was just asking, Joice. Can I stay the night here? I’m afraid your comfort will be disrupted-”
“If you want to stay, then stay! I won’t be bothered or kick you out, okay? Don’t accuse me of doing things without reason!”All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.
“I’m not accusing you,” Cedric chuckled. “Okay, I’ll stay.”
Secretly, I smiled with satisfaction. “I’ll get you a blanket and a change of clothes. Dona probably has some here. She’s careless when she leaves clothes around. It looks like I’m keeping a guy at home.”
I didn’t know what Cedric was thinking. But one thing for sure, I immediately went into my room, closing the door a bit hard, only to realize, is this serious? Did I just ask Cedric to stay and spend the night here? Damn! I must be going crazy!
But what can I do? I really wanted him to be close to me now. I don’t even know the reason why. Even when I was soaking in the bath earlier, I wanted to hurry up and sit next to Cedric, enjoy his homemade milk, and maybe chat about who knows what. And it turned out, that made me feel comfortable and truly cared for by him.
Moreover, it’s already late, right? Maybe it’s not a problem for him to go back to his place, but it’s dangerous, right? What if something happens to him? Oh, no, I shouldn’t think negatively. I quickly opened the closet and took out a spare blanket and Dona’s shirt. I hoped it would fit Cedric’s body size. I remembered, his body shape was quite nice.
His muscles looked perfect on his body. His chest was broad, and he had a six-pack. His skin was also nice, in my opinion. I remembered everything, even when he was on top of me. I felt how his tight abdominal muscles seemed to be formed through regular exercise.
Wait! Why am I even thinking about that? I quickly shook my head to get rid of those strange thoughts.
When I opened the bedroom door, I looked around to find Cedric, who was actually on the balcony. I placed the blanket and Dona’s shirt on the sofa, hoping he wouldn’t feel uncomfortable sleeping here all night. I was curious, so I followed him, opening the sliding door slowly so as not to startle Cedric.
I could clearly see his broad back standing tall. His hair was slightly messy due to the wind, but he seemed focused on his phone. Today, he was wearing a maroon collared shirt. I could still smell his cologne, which I noticed earlier when I sat next to him. Maybe I should ask him what brand he’s using? I was so distracted by Cedric’s cologne.
I approached him slowly. My hand cautiously reached out to touch his shoulder.
“You should know what I want! Tomorrow, all the reports should be on my desk. Anya won’t let Krystal handle everything. Got it?!” Cedric said with a stern voice.
I was taken aback. What did he mean?
****
That piece of conversation disturbed my thoughts a lot. Seriously. I rolled around hoping to fall asleep but couldn’t! Not at all! I even remembered Cedric’s casual smile when he said it was nothing.
Oh my goodness! What kind of man am I involved with?
He said, “Instead of thinking about my words, you better go to sleep. It’s already late. Do I have the blanket and shirt?”
I nodded stiffly, my mind full. His fingers slipped between mine, gently holding them as he pulled me in. He said I was cold and that it wasn’t good for my health. Then, by my bedroom door, he even kissed my visible baby bump, softly stroking it and slightly pushing my shoulder to encourage me to get inside.
“Sleep, Joice.”
My eyes were still challenging his black gaze. Curious about everything I just heard. I’m not deaf, but it felt pointless as Cedric only smiled and closed my bedroom door. Damn! I’m so annoyed!
Well, maybe he had some business with Krystal. But… it’s too suspicious.
Who is Cedric really?
I glanced at the wall clock; it was already 2 AM. I gave up on trying to fall asleep. I was too curious whether Cedric had fallen asleep or continued that conversation, which I considered important.
When I opened the door, Cedric was still focused on his phone. He seemed surprised when we finally made eye contact.
“You haven’t slept yet?”
I shook my head.
“Is something wrong? Do you need something? Is the AC not cold enough? Or is the aroma therapy finished?” Cedric got up, leaving his phone behind and approached me with a worried look. Part of my heart, covered by curiosity, warmed a little due to his concern.
Without saying anything, he touched my belly.
“Don’t keep Mommy from sleeping, baby. Dad is here, okay?”
Then, his eyes locked onto mine.
“What do you need? I’ll get it for you. You have to sleep, or you’ll be exhausted tomorrow, Joice,” he said again. “Do you often wake up like this at night?”
I nodded slightly. “I can’t sleep; I don’t know why.”
“What can I do to help?”
Forget about who he is. I can’t sleep and need rest to face tomorrow. Whatever his issue is, I’ll interrogate him tomorrow. Tonight, I need him to hold me. Don’t ask why I’m being this vulnerable!
“Hug me,” I whispered.
I think Cedric didn’t expect me to say that. He even blinked in disbelief. “Are you sure?”
I just nodded. That’s what I wanted. Maybe, yes, maybe… a warm hug is what I need.
“Okay.”
Cedric fulfilled my request. Under the blanket, covering part of our bodies, Cedric hugged me, using his right arm as a pillow for me. If it’s about him taking off his shirt, it’s his son’s desire! Not mine! When we were both lying down, my foolish mouth said I wanted to be hugged by Cedric shirtless.
I’m going crazy!
Cedric was amused, making me almost lose my breath because, seriously, his body looked great! I had to bite my lip to avoid touching him even slightly. I just accepted the hug Cedric gave, hoping my eyes would close soon, no matter how hard I tried later.
I could feel Cedric’s gentle strokes on my long hair. His breathing became regular, and I think he closed his eyes. If he’s sleeping, it wouldn’t be a problem if my hand is on his chest, just for a moment.
“Joice?”
I looked up and found Cedric staring at me intently.
“Don’t touch me like that.”
Suddenly, I pulled my hand that was on his chest. Since when was it there!!!