Page 70 of Autumn Secrets
I could only nod in reply, as I was too busy inhaling Adrian’s toxic scent, making me wish we were anywhere but here right now. His bed, my bed, or even back in the orchard.
“Looking forward to it,” he said softly and placed a feather-light kiss on my cheek.
I couldn’t just let him walk away without a glance at him, so I spun around to admire the view.
Adrian grinned. “Catch you later.”
“Sure.”
Without thinking I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him in close for another kiss. I noticed his surprise, before his arms sneaked around my waist again, pulling me towards him. He was normally the one who took the initiative, but lately I found myself feeling braver.
“Get a room,” a voice said with a laugh beside us, interfering in our private moment.
Embarrassed I broke away from Adrian, and desperately tried to catch my breath.
“Seriously, you two…” Lexi giggled.
Adrian winked at me. “Later, girls.”
I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as I turned to Lexi.
“At least Luca will be there tonight, so I don’t have to be too jealous of you two, thank God.”
When school finally finished, I drove back home to get ready for the evening. I was excited for tonight, mostly because I would be able to spend the evening with Adrian. I had found the perfect dress and believe it or not, I’d found it in my own closet. It was the same colours as the orange and red earthy tones of the autumn leaves outside, very fitting for tonight’s theme. It was a floor-length evening dress made of stretchy silk material. It was sleeveless and had a deep V-neck. It was elegant and didn’t show too much skin. I had bought it in Paris for a function we never attended, so I’d never had a chance to wear it until tonight.
After spending a few hours getting ready, I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling quite proud of what I’d accomplished all by myself. It was the first time I had ever tried to make myself beautiful for someone special, and tonight I actually cared about my appearance.
“That will have to do,” I mumbled to myself in the mirror and left my room.
“Aurora, honey, you look beautiful,” Mum said as I came down the stairs.
“Thanks, Mum.”
“Spin around. Let me have a look at you.”
“Mum.” I blushed, but did what I was told.
“You look absolutely amazing, sweetheart.”
“Thanks. Are you ready?”
Mum grabbed her handbag. “Whenever you are. My suitcase is already in the car. Would you like to have a little clutch with you for your belongings? I think I have one that will look just right with your dress.”
“Yes, that would be great actually. I didn’t really think about that.”
“Give me one second,” Mum said and hurried up the stairs.
A few minutes later she came down with a glittery, ivory pouch. “Perfect.”
“So, are you ready for your London trip?” I asked as I took a final look at myself in the mirror.
“Yes, I want it to be over and done with, to be honest.” Mum sighed. “You look so beautiful tonight, sweetheart.”
“Thank you, Mum.”
As we drove into Angel Falls, we chatted about non-important things. We were both still treading lightly around each other.
“Don’t forget, if there is anything you need, Mr and Mrs Peters are only a phone call away. I wrote down their numbers; they’re on the kitchen table.”