Page 17 of Autumn Secrets
“Sure. I’ll still be at the office. It looks like I’ll be here another few hours.”
“That’s fine. I’ll call you later, okay?” I hung up and turned my attention back to Adrian. “Sorry, it was Mum.”
“That’s okay. Now, let’s finish these pizzas before they get cold.”
I nodded and looked at the pizza in front of me, my mouth watering. I was starving, and it didn’t take long before I let go of any thoughts about who was sitting there with me, so I could concentrate purely on the food, without my nerves getting the better of me. Once I relaxed, we were able to talk quite easily. Adrian seemed genuinely interested about my life, and I found myself telling him stories about how we’d moved around from place to place for as long as I could remember. He was charming and funny; he made me laugh. However, as soon as I tried to turn the conversation back to him, he somehow managed to avoid any deeper insight into his life, and instead, smoothly turned the conversation back to me. I realised that by the end of our meal, he knew way more about me, than I did about him.
“Are you finished?” he asked a little while later and looked in the pizza box, where there were just a few tiny pieces of crust left.
I nodded and he grabbed the box and put it on top of his. The earlier intense moment we had before Mum had interrupted us was gone, and I couldn’t help but feel a sting of disappointment. I knew deep down that it was probably for the best, but somehow it still stung.
“Well, that was great. Would you mind showing me around before I go? I’ve always been so curious about this place; I think everyone in Angel Falls is.”
I couldn’t find the courage to ask him about Evangeline again as we walked through the house. I really didn’t want to sound liked I cared so much, because I was determined to get over this silly littlethingI had for him.
“What’s behind that door?” Adrian asked as we reached the second floor.
“Mum decided to keep that wing of the house closed. There are at least another six rooms that way, but she didn’t think we needed them all.” We walked down the other end towards my room.
“Mum’s bedroom is at the end of the hallway, and this is mine,” I said and opened the door. I tried to sound casual about it, but in truth, I was starting to freak out. What was I supposed to do with Adrian in mybedroom? Show and tell?!
As Adrian passed me to walk into my room, his arm touched mine for a brief second, sending tingling sensations around my body. This wassonot a good idea. Still, I followed him inside, but left my hand on the doorknob just in case. It made me feel a little safer, as I watched him take a look around with great interest.
His beauty completely overwhelmed me at times. He created an unwanted desire that I knew I should never give in to. If I ever did, I knew I would get burned. He would have the power to crush my heart if I ever let him too close and I knew better than that. He was simply one ofthoseguys, the kind that girls should stay far away from.
Trapped in my own thoughts, I didn’t notice that Adrian had turned his attention back to me. There was a moment of silence, and I felt myself losing control again, as my heart picked up speed.
“Aurora, relax.”
“I am relaxed.”
“No, you’re not.”
I couldn’t really argue with that. I honestly couldn’t think or talk around him. I tore my gaze away from the eyes that threatened to unravel me.
He tilted his head to one side and studied me. He was just about to say something when I heard a ringtone, not mine this time, interrupting us for the second time this evening. He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out his phone. He looked at his display and then at me.
“I better take this.” He walked out of my room, leaving me standing breathless against the door. I had a sinking feeling I knew who it was and I decided in that moment, this woulddefinitelybe the last time I spent alone with Adrian. Nothing good could ever come of this. I didn’t trust myself in his company and it was obvious that I had completely lost control of myself.
When he didn’t come back after a few minutes I left to find him down the hall, still talking to someone on the phone. His eyes met mine, as he replied to whatever the other person was saying.
“I better go. I’ll call you when I’m back in town. Okay?” He put his phone back in his pocket and looked at me. “Well, Aurora. This has been a great evening, but I need to get going. Will you be all right here by yourself?”
“Of course. Thanks for driving me home, and for the food. I guess I owe you,” I said as we walked downstairs. The sensible part of me wanted him to leave, but the other part, the bigger part, wanted him to stay. I opened the front door, determined to listen to the sane voice inside me.
Adrian stopped just in front of me and softly shook his head. “No, youdidowe me your company, but as far as I’m concerned, your debt has been paid.” He winked. “But I think it’s good if you take my number. You know, just in case you need a hand in the future.” He pulled his phone back out. “Give me your number and I’ll give you a quick call right now. Then it’s up to you if you want to save mine or not. No pressure. What do you say?”
I tried to ignore the happy dance going on in my stomach at the thought of exchanging numbers with him. “I don’t think I’ll need it any time soon,” I replied, even though the thought made me feel giddy. “Actually, I’m quite sure I’llnevercall, but thanks anyway,” I added. I wasn’t sure who I was trying to convince: him or me.
He chuckled. “Never say never. Can I please have your number?”
I nodded and, flustered, gave in and offered him my number. “There. Well, I just called you, so it’s up to you what you want to do with that.” He smirked. “I’ll see you at school?”
“Sure.”
“Have a good night, Aurora. It was nice spending time this evening with you.” He smiled and slid past me, as I shut the door behind him.
A moment later I heard the engine of his car start and I slowly exhaled. Adrian Hunter is definitely too much trouble for me. Still, I couldn’t help but rush into the kitchen to pick up my phone as soon as he left. He was right. It was good to have his number. You know, just in case…