In which I fall in love with my brother's best friend.
*****
"Don't pretend like you don't feel anything." His voice is low, sending shivers down my spine.
"What do you mean?"
"You know damn well what I mean."
"I don't know what you're talking about...
Sorry. Another one, guys. Let's just think that this is their chance before... the storm comes.
OK. I'm zipping my mouth now.
***
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Earlier this morning, Vaughn gave me a ride with his motorbike to campus and went straight to his apartment to pick his clothes and belongings in preparation for staying in my house.
I'm really glad that he made such a decision because I definitely feel much safer when he's around. Now, after finishing my class, I'm on my way to his apartment even though he insisted to pick me up. That would be such a hassle. I can just take a cab -- which is what I'm doing.
The location he sent me on the GPS indicates that I'm about to reach the place soon. Once we reach the building, I tell the driver to pull up. Through the window, I look up to a beautiful landmark in the Boston skyline that blends traditional and contemporary theme, with warm bricks and modern glass. Honestly, this is definitely above middle-class apartment, and I wonder how Vaughn can afford living here with his own money. It's not like he's a graduate with a permanent job already. He's still a third-year college student. Maybe all those side projects he worked on with researchers and companies have paid him well.
I pay the cab, get out of the car and enter the lobby. While I'm about to call Vaughn to inform him that I've arrived, a bell boy walks past me, and I impulsively follow him, hoping that he'll assist me.
OK. This is wrong, but I've done this kind of thing so many times before.
Since Vaughn has informed me about his room number -- in case I would have to report to the receptionist while waiting for him -- I can just ask this nice bellboy to use his card and press the button for me, can't I?
He glances at me, and I plaster a charming smile, flipping my hair over my shoulder. I guess that it's enough, because his cheeks turn slightly pink as he clears his throat.
"Which floor, ma'am?" he politely asks.
"12," I say, unable to suppress a grin creeping on my lips.
When we arrive on the said floor, the elevator opens, and I step out. I walk along the corridor and stop when I reach his room. Sighing with a smile, I press the bell.
A few seconds after that, Vaughn opens the door, looking surprised.
"Hi." I giggle.
He raises a brow, and a smirk touches his lips. "What are you doing here?" he teases.
I roll my eyes and laugh. "Visiting you." But he keeps staring at me with amusement in his eyes. Right. I guess that I'll play along. I let out a sigh and shrug. "But if you want me to go, then it's totally fine." A slight smirk forms on my lips, and I pretend to turn on my heels.
