Chapter 5

Shane

I went close to her and kneel down. I pick her up and place her head on my lap as I took her hand and checked her pulse. Without wasting more time I lifted her up in my arms and took her to my cabin.

I never do this for anyone but then why am I doing this? I was really concerned when she was not opening her eyes.  I was worried about the girl I hated and played games with.

"Open your eyes, Skyler."

I took her in my office and laid her on the couch and then immediately I called the doctor and texted Tyler.

I sat down beside her as she was laying on the couch. I was holding her hand when Tyler came in and I slowly left her hand. "I got your text. What happened?"

I stood up and walk to him. I explained him everything that happened. "I was waiting for her downstairs to leave and when she didn't answer my calls. I came up to check and I don't know how she got trapped in the archive room. She is claustrophobic I am guessing she collapsed there. I really hope she is fine."

He looks at Skyler on the couch and then he looks back at me.

"But something else is triggering me."

I ask him confused as to what was triggering him."What?"

"Like carrying her up and bringing her was something anyone would do and that's okay but holding her hand and looking at her with a worried look on the face. It's so unlikely of you. I don't understand."

He noticed. Of course he noticed. I told you he wouldn't let it slide. He knew me too well to have noticed my sudden change in behaviour towards Skyler. I look at Skyler while saying."I don't know Tyler. It's strange for me too, yet seeing her like that I am worried."

What are you doing to me, Skyler?

The doctor came in after fifteen minutes of Tyler coming. We waited outside my cabin as the doctor checked up on her. All this time I was worried and concerned for her. After a few minutes, the doctor came up to us.

"Everything is fine. The lack of oxygen made her unconscious. I have written down a few medicines. Make sure she takes them and if something like that happens again, call me. Also, I would have to run some tests on her. I would say everything is fine for now but I would like to see the reports first."

I sighed in relief to know nothing happened and she was fine.

"Thank you, doctor. Is there anything we should be worried about?"

"For now, Yes. I still feel there may be something but it can be untrue. She should schedule an appointment soon also she is unconscious now. Don't wake her up until she wakes up on her own."

"Ok doctor. Thank you so much."

Tyler takes the doctor to show the way out and I slowly open my cabin door. I found myself kneeling down to look at her.

Look how peacefully she is sleeping. I took a close look at her.  With my left hand, I tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ear. I wish we hadn't met like this. She is beautiful. "Damn Skyler, You had me worried. I don't know what are you doing to me." I found myself admiring her face.

"Now what?" I was dazed when I heard Tyler. I didn't realize when Tyler came in. I place a finger on my lip indicating him to shut up.

I stood up and take him outside so that our voice doesn't wake her up.

"Shhh! You will wake her up."

"Ok we can't keep her here and I checked her form. She doesn't have any family member to contact or address for that matter." I was curious. Why she didn't leave any contact? Is she alone? Where were her parents? Questions filled mind but I decided to ignore it for now.

"I will take her home." I saw the bewildered look on his face. Never in his wildest dreams he might have anticipated I would say this.

"Are you sure? You never take girls or anyone home whatever the reason."

"It's fine. Now help me take her to the car." I dodged the question. He raised his eyebrows as he smirks.

"Ok, so now you need help. You didn't need any help earlier."

"If I lift her up who will open the car door and my house door." He is annoying as hell but I love him.

"Chill I was just joking."

I picked her up softly so that she doesn't wake up. I sat in the back seat with her on my lap as Tyler drives my car. When we reached home and Tyler opened the door for me. I took her upstairs to my bedroom and very carefully laid her in my bed. I came outside to check on Tyler."I guess that's my cue to leave. Have a good night."

"Yeah. It's late. Mom will be worried." I gave him a hug and bid him goodbye. After Tyler left, I took a shower and changed into something else. I checked my phone and saw a text message from the organizers of the event. The event was canceled due to bad weather.

How lucky. I never missed an event before and seems like I didn't miss this one too. After that, I went back to my bedroom, took a chair, and placed it near the bed. I pulled the blanket over her so that she is not cold.

I take the novel from the table and start turning over pages but then I glance at her. She was sleeping so peacefully and I was a little lost. When I found her lying there I was worried and it isn't the kind of worry everyone faces. Anyone would have been worried to see someone like that but for me, it scared me a bit.

I don't know what was happening to me. Why did I have a soft spot for her?? What are these feelings I am feeling for her? Why do I feel jealous when she talks with other guys?Why a smile forms on my face when I see her smile?Why my heart flutters and the undeniable attraction whenever she is close to me.

She was different and unlike the other girls I have met and I kind of liked that. It was something about her that stimulates this undeniable attraction towards her. Lost in thoughts I fell asleep sitting on the chair.

The next morning I woke up and saw Skyler squinting her eyes as she sits up on the bed. "I see that you are awake."

She takes a minute to realize it wasn't a dream and I was real. I could read it clearly by the confused look on her face.

"A few minutes ago. How did I come here? Where are we?"

I stood up from my chair and stretched out my arms. Okay, I am never sleeping on a chair again. My back hurts. I explained everything that led to her on my bed.

"I was waiting for you in my car downstairs but when you didn't come. I went up to check on you and you were stuck in the archive room. You collapsed and you had not provided any family contact or address. I brought you to my house." She held her head. Must be having a headache. She glances at me with a apologetic look.

"I am so sorry. Not only you had to take me to your house. We missed the event all because of me. Thank you so much. You waited here for me to wake up."

I could have gone and slept in the guest room but I sat on the chair waiting for her to wake up.

"I wanted you to see a familiar face when you wake up rather than you wondering about where you are. I would have done it for anyone and as for the event. It was canceled."

Well, you are the first girl except  my sister I brought home but you don't have to know that. I saw the frown on her face when I say that.

"I should not trouble you anymore. I should leave." She said as she gets up from the bed. She starts tidying up the blanket.

"No, wait. At least wait until breakfast." I insisted. I looked at her for an answer and she says.

"I don't want to trouble you anymore. You already did enough."

"I was going to make breakfast anyway. It's not an issue." I don't do this. Yet I am doing it."As you wish Sir."

"You can call me Shane." I smiled

I never let my employees call me by my name then why did I make an exception for her? I am going to go crazy.

After she agrees for breakfast. I went into my kitchen to make breakfast. What should I make? I don't know what she likes or dislikes. I toasted some bread and made sunny side eggs. I also made some pancakes with whipped cream. After I was done cooking I set up the table and I called her.

"You have a pretty big house."

"Thank you." We sat at the poolside table and eat our breakfast.

"You live here alone. I didn't see anyone else."

"I love living alone and with Tyler and Taylor living at my parent's house. I moved out. If you don't mind me asking I wanted to ask something." That was true. I loved being alone. Mentioning alone it reminded me of yesterday. She didn't have any family contact number or address. I was curious to know. "Sure. Ask away."

"You haven't provided any information about your family..."

She clutched her necklace which she wore everyday. I saw the smile turn into a frown. Maybe it is an emotional topic for her. I wonder what it is? I shouldn't have asked. Looking at her frowning made me sad for her. I wish I could take all the pain away from her.

"It's okay. I shouldn't have asked."

"I live with my grandmother. My parents are not with me."

She tried holding back her tears but then she couldn't. A tear escaped her eye. She was holding her necklace the entire time which definitely meant a lot for her.

"Hey, It's fine. You don't have to say anything. I am here."

I held her and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She gives me a faint smile."Thank you Shane for everything."

She smiles and I forget everything around me. The effect her smile did on me was bewildering and I don't know why I feel so happy.

"Its okay, Skyler. Now that we are done with breakfast, Let me drop you home."

"I will go by myself. You don't have to drop me. You saved me and I will always owe it to you." It's not even twenty four hours since she collapsed. I am not leaving her alone to go back."I am not taking a no as an answer."

She agrees after I didn't give her a choice. I drive as she gives me the directions."Since we are not at the event. You can take leave today. You should rest."

"It's not a problem I can come today." She says.

"You should be resting and here are some medicines you have to take. The doctor advised running some tests. Here is the prescription with the tests written on it."

"Thank you. We are here. You can stop the car." I handed her the medicines as we reached her place. She got off the car and said goodbye but then I called out for her. "Skyler..."

She turns around as she comes closer leaning to the car window. I extend my hand towards her for a handshake and she was conflicted because of what happened last time. She was confused and I smiled. "I won't take it away this time."

She shakes hands with me and a huge smile flashed on her face.

"We really started on the wrong foot. Let's start over. I am sorry for all I did to you."

"Myself Skyler." She said chuckling.

"Ahhh.Okay.I am Shane Smith. I guess I am your boss."

I said a bit awkwardly and she gave me the biggest smile. I had never seen her this happy and it made me happy.

It was as if her eyes, her lips, and her spirit all at once smiled at me. If only I knew she would be this happy to see me lose, I will lose every day for her. "Wait, that means you accept that you lose."

"No, not at all. It was all just a stupid thing." I say. I was hoping she wouldn't remember but she does. "Whatever it is. I won Shane Smith."

"Fine, I lose."

But why did I feel like I won everything...

(What is the truth behind Skyler's parents? Will Shane ever know about it? Shane is slowly getting close to Skyler...What happens between the two of them?)

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