The Royal Contract

Chapter 984: A wallflower

She was smiling, laughing, and having the time of her life. When was the last time she felt this way, giggling again at what he said? It seemed it had been a lifetime ago, remembering that she never had the luxury of being carefree.

Sadly, she did not have much of anything growing up. She had to work most of her life and study hard to prepare for a better future. Then, she had to face a crucial bump in her life when she had her son.

“You should finish the last bite.” He offered, scooping the last portion of the chocolate cake from the small plate.

Unfortunately, the restaurant had run out of his order, leaving them with one plate to share. The manager offered a different dessert, but they settled to share that one piece.

“I think I have enough.” She muttered, smiling while holding onto her fully packed stomach. She believed she had eaten more than enough to last her until tomorrow.

“Please, one more piece.” He insisted, taking the spoon closer to her lips as he urged her to take another bite.

She chuckled again as she refused the last piece of the delicious treat, but he was relentless. Eventually, she took the bait and ate the cake to make him stop. “Satisfied?” She noticed they were already gathering attention from the nearby tables and feeling slightly embarrassed.

.....

“Quite a bit.” He reacted as his lips turned upward into a contented grin. “But I will be happier if you go out with me again.” He added as he leaned forward, closer than before, with a pleading look this time.

Tonight, with the help of alcohol in her system, she felt different. She was more upfront and fearless as she said what was on her mind without inhibitions. “You are a funny and charming man, Zachary Andrews.” Smiling adorably at her.

In her book, that was two different things. She met quite a few who were attractive but were never funny, not all. But a few had a great sense of humor but lacked the finesse and appeal. But a deadly combination could be devastating, especially for the female population.

“I am glad I can be a source of your amusement.” He responded with a boyish, charming grin, showing a few dimples on both sides of his cheeks. “But you have not answered my question.”

Once again, this a perfect example of men who she should be avoiding. She concluded that he was dangerous as she gazed into his eyes, mesmerized by his handsome and friendly face. But as much as she wished to look away, she could not.

Still, her mind warned her that she was crossing a line she should not take. She should not be flirting with a stranger. After all, what did she know about him other than women were falling at his feet?

Suddenly, looking at him reminded her of being a victim of a guy like him. It was in the past, but it was something she would never forget. It was a lesson she swore to ingrain in her mind so she would never commit the same mistake again.

“I think I need to go to the bathroom.” She said, needing a space between them as she excused herself. She needed to avoid answering him because, in her condition, she might say yes.

She was afraid that her walls had fallen, and he was starting to sneak into her personal boundaries. She could not have that. She had to snap out of it, not wanting to break her promise.

In her defense, he kept refilling her glass, and she unconsciously drank more than her limit as she enjoyed his company. In truth, it had been a long while since she had an intellectual but humorous discussion outside her work.

Most of her conversations at home were syllabic monotones between her and her baby, who barely understood her instructions. So? Yeah! She had a great time tonight with this man that she barely knew.

“Woah!” Nonetheless, her head started swirling as she stood up. Her sudden movement affected her equilibrium, making her unbalanced in her steps.

As she had reminded herself beforehand, she should not drink more than her body could handle as she realized that her world was spinning. She finally realized that she was drunk.

It might be just two or three glasses of wine, but it was more than she could manage as it impaired her movement, even her vision, it would seem.

“Are you alright?” He asked her, quickly moving to assist her back to her seat. “Are you drunk?” Looking surprised as he stared at her closely. “But you only have...” Then, his eyes seemed to light up, probably realizing his mistake.

“I am sorry, but I think I drank more than I can handle.” She interrupted him, unsure if she was slurring her words, but felt her head floating as if she was in the clouds.

“Then, let me drive you home.” He offered, looking like the alcohol did not affect him that much.

She observed that he looked like a man who could handle his liquor well. But what did she expect from a man like him? He seemed to be the light of the party.

“No, I can manage to go home myself.” She attempted to stand up again, ready to leave, but failed as she fell back on her seat. But it seemed that the more she moved, the more her condition worsened.

The alcohol was finally doing its possible worse as it reached her head and started affecting her thinking. She believed she could barely manage to coherently formulate words anymore as her thoughts swirled in her mind.

“I don’t think so.” He announced with finality as he held her in place. “Wait while I settle the bill.” He called the manager’s attention.

“Fine.” She answered him as if she could go anywhere with her current condition. She could barely stand up without falling. Then, how could she leave without assistance?

She watched him under her woozy eyes as he dealt with the manager and asked him to have his car ready at the front entrance. She concluded that he was a man in charge, the center of attention, while she was just a wallflower, comparing herself to him.