Chapter 10

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The view from the balcony was breath-taking. The garden was decorated with strings of lights, highlighting the trees and beautiful flowers. A small fountain right in the middle sprouted water and the lights made the water look colorful. There were even a few benches to sit and two of them were occupied by couples talking and kissing. It looked peaceful, contrary to what I was feeling.

"Great view huh?" I jumped at the sudden voice before letting out a puff of air through my mouth. I didn't care to turn back, knowing who it was.

"Yeah." I agreed, leaning further on the rails. If I fell down now, would I die or just break a few bones? I didn't get the time to find it out.

As I felt a presence I had become surprisingly soon accustomed to. His strong scent engulfed me and although I hated perfumes, his was always welcoming. It wasn't strong, it was soothing. His hands rested on the rails right next to me as he took in the exquisite night, not sparing me a glance.

I patiently waited for him to speak, finally after one minute and nineteen seconds minutes of pure torture he spoke. "You called?"

I liked my lips, suddenly feeling nervous. "Yeah, I –uh I don't know why you're pissed." I hesitantly admitted, staring at tiny pink flowers. "I mean are you angry because I met Kevin's parents? Or angry because I haven't met yours? Or because this is all fake?" I bit my tongue at the last question. Of course, he wouldn't be angry for that, he suggested this whole fake thing.

He took a step closer. I didn't dare move. My breath got caught when he tilted my chin upwards with his thumb and forefinger. My skin burned, the only I could feel now was his touch. I stared into his eyes as he stared into mine. They were full of determination to prove something- what?

His thumb slowly caressed my bottom lip and I promptly forgot the meaning of breathing. "Breathe." He whispered and I felt it echo into the night. With a gulp, I exhaled and inhaled deeply.

He leaned forward, his face coming close, close enough that if I was to just stand on my toes our lips would meet. "Do you feel this is all fake?"

My brain didn't register the question because lips seemed more enchanting than the words coming from them. When it finally did, it froze. I blinked inarticulately. "Huh?"

His thumb grazed my bottom lip again and then to my left cheek, making small circles on it. "This. Does this feel fake?"

Did it? "No." I breathed out.

A small smile dawned on his face. "Exactly." His arm went around my waist, pulling me closer. I hit my head on his chest at the sudden action. Unconsciously my arms went around his shoulder, looking into his eyes for some guidance on his next endeavor.

His lips came close and I unconsciously closed my eyes.

Just then the balcony door burst open and we jumped a few feet away from each other. "Shit! You didn't lock the door." I whispered sharply, looking down suddenly feeling ashamed.

"Sorry." He whispered back and then I saw his feet take two steps ahead. "Hey, mom, dad!"

My jaw dropped and I closed my eyes with mortification. You got to be kidding me!

A melodic voice came into the cool air. "Hey, you must be Racheal. Colton speaks a lot about you."

Taking a deep breath I slowly lifted my head looking at one of the most gorgeous couples ever. His mom was dressed in a long royal blue mermaid dress and silver design embedded on it. It made her eyes shine even more. Her long blue earrings sparkled as her light brown hair blew due to the balcony air. She was smiling politely at me with her nude lips. His father was dressed in a full black suit with a virgin white shirt and plain black tie. His eyes were grey, just like Colton's, and black hair with a strong jawline. Now I could see from where Colton got his gorgeously charming looks.

I let a small smile settle on my lips. "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Hastings." I turned to Colton's dad who had a blank face. "Mr. Hastings."

"Oh dear please call me Ciara and him Andrew." She came closer and pulled me into a small hug. I hugged her back awkwardly.

"I already met your mother Diana, such a delightful and beautiful lady. You do get her looks. Colton has definitely got himself a catch this time." Ciara spoke with enthusiasm, a huge grin was permanently drawn on her face.

"Thank you." I muttered, blushing a little. I got more traits from my father but didn't care to mention it.

"I hope we didn't interrupt anything." Colton's dad spoke, his voice gruff and unamused.

"No." I instantly squeaked out at the same time Colton said. "Yes."

I sent him a glare while Ciara chuckled. "Oh, Andrew they are teenagers, of course, we can't stop them from doing such things."

Oh my God! Did they think I was slut? Trying to reason with the situation I spoke up. "Colton was just- um removing a fallen leaf from my hair."

Colton's eyes drilled into the side of my head while his dad raised his eyebrows, his lips formed a flat line. "Good to know you have such shorthands that you needed my son to do that for you."

I blushed furiously, opening my mouth to frame an excuse for that too when someone spoke on the mike for everyone to be seated as dinner was to be served. Well, thank goodness! Who knows how much further I could have embarrassed myself?

"Let's go and eat. I have made arrangements so that we are all at the same table along with Nathan's family."

I sighed again with relief. At least the people I knew would be around me. "Thank you, Ciara."

She just smiled and stepped out with her husband glaring at us. I phew-ed. "Your dad doesn't like me."

Colton shrugged carelessly. "He's not dating you. Come on let's eat." He walked out and I followed him, somewhat sad that we didn't get to kiss.

Our table was right at the center. Mom, Josh, Nathan, his parents, and Colton's parents were already seated. Colton pulled out a chair for me and I sat down with him sitting beside me.

"This is Zack Brown and his wife Tia Brown." Ciara introduced, looking at Nathan's parents. "And this is Diana Smith, her son Josh and daughter Racheal who is dating Colton."

They smiled sweetly and we smiled back. I ignored Nathan who was wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. "How was the balcony?"

I scowled at him, while Colton answered. "Why don't you ask Eva?"

I struggled to keep my laughter in my mouth as Nathan kicked Colton under the table. Tia (Nathan's mother) looked at Nathan curiously. "Who is Eva?"

"No one." He instantly spoke, too instantly.

"I'll let her know that." I said, grinning cheekily at him and dodged gracefully when he tried to kick me. Instead, he ended up kicking my mother and apologized furiously, his cheeks burning red. My mom simply shook her head in amusement.

Josh, me, and Colton were already laughing with napkins covering our mouths. Even Nathan's parents and Ciara seemed to struggle with their grins. Colton's father, on the other hand, wasn't even looking at us, his eyes were strained on Victoria who was seated at the next table along with Jake.

I sneaked a glance at Colton who had also followed his father's eyes and was now sitting with a hard face, laughter wiped clean. Hesitantly I let my hand go round his afraid he would shake it off. Instead, he tightened the hold and didn't let go until the dinner ended after an hour. Safe to say I couldn't eat a lot because of the butterflies invading my stomach.

"Hey." I whispered softly to Colton, walking on the balcony. There were few people in there, standing and talking. Dinner was great and Mr. Hastings had made his speech and thanked everyone for coming tonight. A few guests had left and the remaining were just about to go in 15 minutes.

"Hey." He enunciated flatly. Throughout the dinner, he hadn't cracked more than five smiles and glared at his father most of the time.

I touched his arm, making him look my way. "Are you okay?"

"Fantastic."

I rolled my eyes. "Colton come on. I'm your girlfriend."

"Fake."

I winced physically, taking a step back. The instant guilt in his eyes didn't ease my hurt. I pressed my lips together, trying to push my snappy retort back inside my throat. So the balcony moment was just a fleeting lapse of sensibility. I nodded grimly. "Yeah, I forgot, fake."

Colton tried to take my hand but I stepped back, shaking my head. "It is fake." I nodded again in determination. I didn't know whom I was trying to convince, myself or him.

"Look I'm sorry, I didn't mean it." He rubbed his forehead. "Trust me, Racheal. It is as fake as you want it to be."

"I want it to be fake completely. Just three months and then done." I lied, turning and walking out. I just prayed I wouldn't regret this decision later.

Mom and Josh were already waiting for me, saying goodbyes to Colton's parents. "Thank you for the lovely dinner." I smiled at his parents.

Ciara grinned. She was such a happy bubble. "A pleasure. Maybe next time we'll have dinner without so many eyes to scrutinize us. We need to know more about each other."

Yeah sure! And while we are at it, I should let you know your son is a bloody blackmailer and this is all fake. Also, your husband seems very interested in big boobs, maybe you should get a boob job done too.

Mom laughed. "I'd love that."

Just then Nathan and his parents came and said their goodbyes. I rolled my eyes when Nathan puckered his lips making kissy noises. "Go get a life asshole."

Colton didn't come out to say goodbye, his mom wasn't happy about it but I said that he had to tend to something important. I instructed myself to not let it affect me. It was his choice after all. Just as we got into our car I felt my phone vibrate with a text.

Blackmailer- 'Thanks for coming today. I did enjoy it except the last few minutes.'

Despite the unwanted horrible turn of events, a small smile crept up my face. 'Same here. I didn't want the night to end this way.'

Blackmailer- 'Me too. Maybe I could join you in the bed? That would be a great end to this night ;)'

And he was back. 'Oh, I'd love that!'

Blackmailer- 'Wait, really? *shocked*'

I snorted. 'No duh.'

Blackmailer- 'Damn got my hopes up for nothing.'

'Sad, so are you really okay?'

I waited patiently watching the three dots that indicated he was typing. And after a few seconds they disappeared, I scowled. Did he die while typing?

After five minutes when there was still no reply, I debated on sending a text myself asking why he isn't replying. But that would sound too clingy. So instead I sent – 'Ah I see you got too excited upon construing that question demonstrating concern and promptly fainted. Text me back when you are in your senses.'

After two long minutes, I got a reply. 'Very funny. Was talking to mom, she likes you. But then she has always liked stupid people.'

Rolling my eyes, I replied. 'Oh, she must be loving you then.'

Blackmailer- 'Yeah she loves smart and awesome people like me, likes dumb people like you. You people entertain her.'

'*eye roll* stop stalling the question.'

Blackmailer- 'Yeah I'm good now. Thanks.'

'Anytime. *grin*'

Blackmailer- 'Reached home?'

'Just now.' I got out of the car and unlocked the door, waving goodnight to mom and Josh. They looked pretty tired, one touch on the bed and they seemed ready for a dreamless sleep.

Blackmailer- 'Good. So what are you going to do now?'

I looked at my dress and the makeup was still there on my face. 'Freshen up, brb.' I replied and hurriedly went inside the washroom.

I changed into my minions PJ set and washed my face faster than ever. I tried to tell myself it was because I was tired and wanted to sleep but deep down I knew it was because I didn't want him to sleep before talking to him.

I finally settled on the bed with the phone in my hand, he had texted twice.

Blackmailer - 'Okay let me know if you want some help in undressing ;)'

And one after six minutes. Blackmailer- 'Sleepy?'

Yes! Very much. I stifled a yawn as I ended up replying. 'Nope... say?'

And the next one hour was spent quoting movies and guessing them and completing song lyrics. I didn't even know when I had fallen asleep with my phone vibrating beside me. I picked up the call reluctantly.

"Hello?" My voice coming just above a whisper.

"You slept?"

I blinked registering Colton's voice. "Yeah sorry, a long night I guess."

"That's okay, I'm just about to sleep too. You didn't reply for ten minutes so decided to call."

"Sorry, didn't know when sleep came over."

"Sleep now. Goodnight. Sweet dreams. Miss me."

I smiled. "Nope, it's said that you can't sleep if someone is remembering you and you need your beauty sleep."

"Please I am handsome as it is."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay Hastings, okay."

I could hear his grin through the phone. "Fine then meet me at the Starbucks near school tomorrow?"

I thought for a while. "Too crowded."

"Um, then Café Day?"

"Yeah, that's better."

"Great see ya at 10 tomorrow. Have a great wet dream babe."

Without waiting for my reply he cut the call and I was just frozen for a few seconds. Did he just tell me to have a wet dream? And call me babe? I hated anyone calling me 'babe' but from his mouth, it made me feel...sexy?

I shook my head, clearing up my mind. If I have to go out by 10 then I need a good sleep. And soon I wandered into a dreamy slumber where this unknown guy kept calling me babe and I kept telling him to shut up because I didn’t want anyone else calling me babe.

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