Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Valerie's POV

“Of course, Damian. You are welcome” I moved to allow him to come in. As he walked past me, I caught a whiff of his cologne and I can't deny that he smelled so good.

“Have a seat” I said again as I pointed to my two-seater cushion.

I was a bit nervous because I was wondering what brought Damian to my house. I stood as I watched his every movement. His eyes scanned my living room as though he was taking note of every arrangement. I was sure he was impressed by the faint smile on his face.

Damian is a very handsome guy with the body of a gym coach. I wonder if he hits the gym often. I love guys that always make out time to take good care of themselves.

“So….I came over to know how you were doing.” Damian started.

“After you ran away yesterday, no one heard from you again. Your parents were worried sick...” He continued.

“...To hell with them.” I cut in with a frown.

“Val. I think you should take it easy for now. I understand that the news came to you as a shock. I feel the same way too, but you must understand that this is an agreement that was reached …” I didn't allow him to finish before I interrupted.

“Without my consent! Without our consent. Don't you understand, Damian? They can't sit over a table and decide my fate. I won't allow it.” I shouted as I sprang from my chair.

I was so infuriated.

“Valerie, please calm down. I believe we can sort this out amiably. You don't have to get all worked up because of this.” Damian said in a very calm voice.

His voice had a soothing effect that made me feel so calm.

“Oh God…tell me this is a dream. This can't be true” Before I knew it, tears rolled down my cheeks.

Damian walked over to where I stood and hugged me. His broad shoulders and solid chest gave me a feeling of safety. His strong arms were wrapped around me and they gave me warmth.

I began to sob. I was so hurt.

After I had cried for some minutes, he wiped my face with his handkerchief and he was staring deep into my eyes with his grey eyes. His gaze was so intense.

“Valerie, I'm sorry you have to be in this situation. It's not our fault. But together we can work through this and I want us to face this storm together. I want this to work out between us.” Damian said.

“You do?” I asked surprisingly.

“Yes, Val.” He affirmed.

His words made me feel so light. I smiled subconsciously and before I knew it he was smiling at me too.

I felt slightly embarrassed because I knew my makeup must have smeared on his handkerchief.

“I'll be right back.” I said as I hurried into my room.

*****************

Damian's POV

Most times I don't know what prompts me to say or do the things I do around her. I can't believe I was the one giving her the assurance that we can face this together.

There is something about Valerie that draws me close to her. I can't point my finger on it but I'm sure of it.

When she wept in my arms some moments ago, she looked so vulnerable. I began to see her from a different view.

The first day I spoke to her, she seemed like a fierce young woman but this evening, that fierce, defiant look was not on her face. It was replaced by a soft look with her blue eyes that I enjoyed staring into.

She looks lovely this evening, I must admit and her skin has a very tender feel, like that of a baby.

Valerie is very beautiful and something tells me that if I come closer to her, I won't regret it. I feel she is worth giving a shot.

Marrying her may not be such a bad idea.

*****************

Valerie's POV

As I rushed into my room, I shut the door behind me. My chest was beating furiously.

He was standing so close. He held me so tight I could feel his breath over me.

His words of reassurance kept ringing in my ear. His voice gave me all the conviction that I needed.

Damian Richardson. I never knew he could be so calm and romantic.

I reapplied some powder on my face and blush on my cheeks. I applied some mascara on my lashes and eyeliner on my upper eyelid which accentuated my eye shape. I sprayed my perfume and body spray graciously all over me.

With a last look at the mirror, I left the room.

I walked to the kitchen and got two tumblers; accompanied with a champagne flute which I brought from the refrigerator.

I took them into the living room and was about to go to the kitchen when Damian grabbed my hand.

“Is there a problem?” I asked in surprise.

“No, I want to assist you with dinner arrangements. You can set the table while I get other things ready.” Damian replied.

“Damian, you are my guest. Allow me to serve you. Just settle down. I'll be back shortly” I answered with a big smile.

“Val. I insist.” He persuaded me.

“Okay, okay. Just come with me and bring out the sandwiches” I said as I walked into the kitchen.

“Alright, carry the sandwiches and bread inside. I'll be right behind you with the plates. Thank you”. I said as I showed him where to carry the food items from.

In a few minutes, we settled down at the dining table to have dinner.

*************

“The meal was delicious, Val. I enjoyed it. Thank you” Damian said when we just finished dinner.

“My pleasure.” I smiled because I love being complimented.

“So tell me, what are your hobbies? We don't know much about each other. I'll be more than willing to tell you some things about me.” He shrugged.

“I love music and art. I play music in my leisure time and most times when I close from work, I visit an art gallery. I enjoy painting too. Although it's been quite long I painted.”

“Wow, that's awesome. I love music too but I prefer science to art. I'm not a lover of paintings either. I love scientific terms, coming up with ideas that can improve aircrafts and spaceships.” He completed it.

As he spoke of aircrafts, I remembered my flight that had already been booked.

“Hellooooo…are you still here?” That brought me back to reality.

“Oh, I'm sorry about that. I just remembered something” I answered

“I asked if you are currently engaged,” said Damian.

“Engaged? The only engagement I have now is with my work.” Damian chuckled at my response. I smiled as I watched him laugh. I never knew that would crack him up.

“And why is that so?” Damian asked again.

“No reason. Maybe I have been too busy with work. Well, with the turn of events, I suppose that is about to change.” I said with a sad smile.

Damian noticed the change in my voice even though I tried to hide it with a smile.

He came and sat next to me in the two-seater cushion that was opposite his own seat. He was sitting very close to me, our skins could touch. My heart began to race faster than usual.

He took my hand in his. That single touch sparked a thousand butterflies in my belly.

“Valerie, if things must change, then we have to make it worthwhile. I know that it is a whole lot to take in. But I promise to help you settle in. I love your personality, Val.”

“I've enjoyed the little time we spent together and I want us to spend more time together.” Damian concluded.

I was staring into his eyes now. Searching for any traces of lies or deceit. I didn't find any. I wonder if Damian just has a sweet tongue or did he actually mean what he said?

“Damian, do you really mean what you said now?”

“With my full chest, Val. You're the kind of person I'd love to have in my space.

My heart skipped with joy. But I didn't show it facially.

It felt like an eternity as we were just staring at each other. Then, he cupped my face in his hands as he drew in closer for a kiss. I closed my eyes as his face came very close. I could feel his breath now.

In the next instant, his lips were touching mine. His fingers tunnelled into my hair as he brushed his thumb tenderly over my cheeks.

My heart started thumping as he nibbled quick little kisses over my mouth, inching toward my neck.His breath tickled my ear and raised tingles that raced over my shoulders and settled in my belly. His hands caressed my hair and went down to my neck.

I let out a moan in need. He paused the kiss for a while and stared into my eyes. My body was literally on fire. The kiss was a good one. I wanted more. I want this. I want him.

He enclosed my lips with his again and it was very intense this time. I locked my hands at the nape of his neck. His lips went down to my ear. He nibbled at my ear, making whispers that were incoherent.

Next, was my neck. He rained a thousand wet kisses down my neck. My hand found my way through his hair and began to unbutton his shirts. As soon as his shirt was off, I touched his broad chest and nipples.

He was still kissing my lips as his hands went to my back and unzipped my gown. He pulled the gown down to my waist and my chest was exposed. He cupped my right breast with one hand and as he bent over, his mouth encircled my left nipple.

My heart was throbbing and my legs were trembling. It felt so good as I moaned in response.

Damian carried me up from the sofa and headed inside the room.