An Unexpected Love

D-Day

Elena wakes up and sees Neil. He is still staring at her, smiling.
"Merry Christmas." he said, kissing her quite passionately, cupping her face.
"Merry Christmas." she whispered, catching her breath. She puts her hands on his shoulders. She clears her throat. "Woah."
He smiles.
"Were you sleeping next to me?"
He nods. "I wanted to go to my room, but I fell asleep."
She smiled.
"How long were you awake?" she asked.
"About ten minutes."
She raised her eyebrows.
"So you were looking at me. This whole time?"
He nods. "I was admiring you. I told you. You're cute when you're asleep."
She smiles and gives him a quick peck.
"I think we need to get ready." she said.
He nods and gets up.

She showered first and got changed into sweats. She remembers that she still has Neil's sweats from a few months ago in her bag. She takes it out, along with a hairdryer and curling iron.

She goes into Neil's room, assuming that he is in lounge. She sees Neil, with his shirt off.
She closes her eyes.
"Sorry. I thought you were in the lounge."
He laughs.
"I was, but I am going to shower."
She nods.
"Your sweats. Thanks again."
He nods.
"Thanks. And you're welcome."
She struggles to find his hand and touches his chest. She freezes and he takes the sweats from her, smirking and puts it on the desk.
"I am going to go eat." she said, eyes still closed.
He nods. "Okay."
She turns around and opens her eyes and walks out.

She is in the hallway and feels her heart beating faster and faster. She tries to catch her breath.

Elena heads to kitchen and see that Neil made huevos rancheros. She starts to eat and shortly after, Neil joins her in his sweats.
She starts to blush.
"Why were you so shy to see me shirtless?"
"I... Don't know."
He laughs.

They finish eating and she started to dry her hair in her room.

Neil enters. She doesn't notice him coming in.
She feels his hand touch hers as she is drying her hair. She stops.
"May I?" he asked.
She is surprised.
He laughs. "Why are you surprised? I have a sister."
She smiles and shakes her head.
"I just am. I never imagined you as a hairdresser."
He laughs. "A hairdresser? Really?"
She smiles and hands him the hairdryer.
She sits as he does her hair.

"Done. I think I did a good job." he said, proudly.
She looks in the mirror.
"Better than I usually do it. Thanks."
He nods and kisses her on her cheek.
"I am going to get changed for lunch."
She nods and he leaves again.

She curls her hair by herself, leaves it loose and once she is done, turns off the switch and she puts on a beautiful long sleeved blue dress with black stockings and black shoes, which have a bit of a heel. She struggles to zip up her dress, but gets it eventually.

She puts on her coat and takes the gifts.
She heads to the lounge. She sees Neil.
He is wearing a blue blazer, white shirt, similarly to one he wears to work, and blue pants with shoes and a black coat. He is wearing a blue tie as well.

He exhales. "You look absolutely beautiful."
She smiles, blushing. "You look very, very handsome."
He smiles and she walks towards him. He leans in to kiss her. She straightens his tie.
He laughs.
"That's what you wanted to do?"
She smiles. "We'll be late."
He opens a box and puts a bracelet around her wrist. "Merry Christmas."
She gasps. "It's beautiful. Thank you."
He nods.
She gives him a peck and they leave and visit Gabi.

"Merry Christmas, Elena!" said Gabi as they walked in.
"Merry Christmas, Gabi!" said Elena hugging her.
"Merry Christmas, kid." said Neil, hugging Gabi.
"You look very pretty." said Neil to her.
She smiles. "Thanks."
"Are you ready to go?" he asked her.
She nodded.
Elena is confused.
"Gabi, are you having lunch with us?"
She nods.
"Ahh! I am so excited." Elena said.
"So am I." said Gabi.