When Rain Falls

Chapter 10 | Boundaries (Part 2)

     There were a bunch of restaurants near the hotel. I asked Rain if we could just eat at a regular restaurant and not at an upscale one. He laughed and said that was the reason why he changed. Of course. Stupid me. He wasn't wearing a suit. I got so excited to meet up with him for dinner that I completely forgot to change. I was still wearing my dress and heels. I could have changed into something more comfortable.

     We were walking about a block when my ankle suddenly twisted, thanks to a small pothole. Fortunately, Rain got a hold of my arm.

     "Are you alright?" Rain immediately crouched down to look at my ankle. He hesitated touching my foot as if he was afraid to break it. He looked up. "Is it okay if I..."

     I nodded. "It's okay."

     He assisted me to a bus stop bench nearby. I winced in pain as he slowly massaged it. His hands were incredibly smooth. Not surprised since he's a well pampered man.

     "Are you able to walk?" He asked after massaging it.

     "Not sure, but I can try," I stood up but it still felt a little weak. Rain held my arm to balance me. "On second thought, I don't think I can. Maybe we should just call an Uber. I'll pay for it."

     "No, we're not calling an Uber," Rain countered. He immediately went in front of me and lowered himself with his back facing me. Heat scorched my cheeks. No way? Is he insisting on giving me a piggyback ride just like in those Asian dramas I watched? My heart did a happy twirl. He looked over his shoulder, looking impatient. He was probably wondering what's taking me so long to decide. "What are you waiting for? Do you seriously want to walk all the way to the restaurant with an injured ankle?"

     "I don't think it's a good idea, Rain." I mustered a weak smile. While a part of me hesitated because it was definitely a hard pass, the other part agreed wholeheartedly.

     He let out a soft laugh. "Well, I think it's a good idea. Now, hop on. C'mon, Raina. It's a free ride."

     "What if someone saw you with me? You'll be in the headlines for sure. Play silly games, win silly prizes, you know?"

     He frowned. "Do I look like I give a shit? We're not doing anything illegal here."

     He does have a point. Desperate times calls for desperate measures. Clutch your pearls, girls. I'm going in.

     "Sorry if I'm a little heavy." I apologized in advance as I positioned myself at his back. I wasn't sure if he could carry me all the way. Rain's going to be so tired after this.

     "I don't think you are. Now, please hop on."

     I cast him a guilty look before hopping on his back. I placed my arms around his neck. My face was so close to his head. He smelled so good, it was intoxicating. Once he hooked his arms under my legs, my skin rippled with pleasure. How awkward. My boss has offered me a piggyback ride. This doesn't happen all the time. Heck, it felt like I was a female lead in my own drama.

     "Are you tired?" I asked.

     "No." He didn't seem bothered at all. "We're almost there."

     We crossed one more street and we finally arrived at a café. It looked a bit on the formal side, so I told him to put me down but he insisted in staying that way until we were seated. The woman at the counter smiled as she led the way to our table. I blushed so hard as he carefully placed me on a chair.

     I looked around. People around us were staring. But in a good way. They weren't shaking their heads or anything negative like that. At least that's what I think. They were all smiling at us, probably from admiration, perhaps?

     "What drink can I get you?" The lady with the strawberry-colored hair asked.

     "I..." I stared at the menu in front of me. "I just need water, thank you. Maybe with a lemon wedge."

     After the lady was out of earshot, my smile disappeared. "Whatever happened to the regular restaurant?"

     Rain shrugged with a smirk on his face and opened up the menu. "This is a regular restaurant."

     "I was thinking more like a burger joint, or a pizza place. Not a high-end café like this one."

     "Okay, so what are you suggesting?" He lowered the menu to look at me. "Do you want to leave this place and give you another piggyback ride to some burger place near here?"

     Another piggyback ride is going to give him a body ache for sure. So, that's a no. I don't want him to blame me and dock my pay.

     "You win." I grinned.

     He gave a light chuckle. "If you grin, you're in."

     I was smiling so hard, I covered my whole face with the menu.