For a category of men like Andreas-for Vlora, he was a man who tended to be rough and mischievous-the choice of Westlife as their companion on the ride home was quite surprising for Vlora. It contradicted Andreas’ outward appearance.
Andreas glanced over, his often-teasing gaze sharp enough to catch even the slightest difference in Vlora’s expression.
“Why?” Andreas opened the conversation. “Don’t you like the song? If not, you can change it. What song would you like to hear? Taylor Swift?”
Vlora shook her head. “I like Taylor Swift’s songs, but it doesn’t mean I dislike Westlife. I was just surprised by the fact that you’re playing Westlife.”
Andreas burst into laughter. He genuinely laughed heartily at Vlora’s honesty.
“So, you thought I’d play what, Metallica?”
Vlora did not answer. Of course, she had not guessed Metallica. But at least not Westlife.
“Actually, I wanted to play Metallica, but I was afraid our dinner would come back up through our mouths.”
Forty minutes passed. Andreas drove the car towards an apartment building area. It was not too luxurious by Andreas’ standards, but it did not mean it belonged to the lower class either. He knew that Vlora’s income as Lucas’ right-hand person was more than enough to meet their needs and lifestyle, especially in terms of quality housing.
Andreas stopped the car by the side of the building, instead of the parking lot. He turned and found Vlora unbuckling her seatbelt. Immediately, he reached out to stop her.
“Don’t you want to invite me to your unit?” Andreas asked, unbuckling his seatbelt with one hand while the other hand kept Vlora in place. “Maybe just for tea. I think that’s the usual courtesy between a man and a woman who have just finished a date.”
Vlora gave a faint smile. “I’m sorry, Sir. It’s nearly half past ten at night. I need to rest immediately to go to the office on time tomorrow.”
Suddenly, Vlora squinted her eyes. An expression of uncertainty briefly shadowed her face.
“Don’t tell me this can be a thorn in your proposal because, if it is, it would be a great pity considering how diplomatic your proposal was earlier,” Vlora said.
“What do you mean?” Andreas asked.
Taking a moment to breathe, Vlora released Andreas’ hand that was holding her back. She did not intend to get out of the car at that moment, but rather adjusted her sitting position slightly to be able to look at Andreas more freely.
“I have an unwritten schedule for all my activities, Sir. Sleeping at half past eleven and waking up at half past four in the morning. In my thinking, you’re certainly more active at night.”
Andreas understood and a smile spread across his handsome face. “Do you think this different habit will be an obstacle in our future marriage?”
The word “our” felt uncomfortable to Vlora’s ears, but she nodded once.
“Of course. The differences are too prominent, and over time, they will surely cause problems for us,” Vlora replied, not forgetting to provide an example. “Imagine when you want to have a late-night chat with me, but I have to go to bed early because I have a morning meeting tomorrow.”
Andreas nodded. “Your analogy makes sense.”
“I’m sure it does.”
“But I believe it’s only because I’m not very active during the daytime. When we’re married, I think that habit will fade over time, and, of course …”
Andreas’ smile took a slight turn. The curved line shifted slightly, and his expression became teasing.
“… I can make sure there are a few things we can do before eleven at night. Something that can make me tired and go to sleep early.”
Vlora was too smart to understand the implied meaning behind Andreas’ words. Even though she was a logical woman, it did not mean she had no feelings. In fact, Andreas’ words made her heart seemingly stop beating.
Vlora’s face hardened while Andreas’ expression remained flat. It was as if Vlora was unfazed by his words. Vlora’s ability to maintain her poker face was another thing that intrigued Andreas.
Unpredictable.
“Regardless of all that,” Andreas continued after taking a deep breath. “I will still wait for your answer. Tomorrow morning.”
“Tomorrow morning?” Vlora repeated.
Andreas clicked his tongue and casually shook his head. “You’re smart, Vlo. You don’t have to use all those formulas to give me an answer. So, tomorrow I want my answer. I hope you reflect on everything I said tonight.”
“I will have a household that no other man can offer me,” Vlora repeated Andreas’ words. “Is that right?”
A satisfied glimmer filled Andreas’ eyes. He was amazed at how accurately Vlora repeated all of his words.
“Ah! You even remember every word without any difference at all. So, I hope you make the right decision, Vlo. I’m sure you know that opportunities never come twice. No man can offer you something like this.”
Andreas’ gaze sharpened. He fixed his gaze on Vlora and spoke in a lower voice, as if trying to influence her.
“Only me, Vlo. Only me.”
Vlora nodded with a thin smile. “Of course. I will consider it carefully. You don’t need to worry.”
“One thing before you get out of my car, there’s something I need to say.”
Vlora momentarily suppressed her urge to exit Andreas’ car. “What is it?”
A moment after that one-word question slipped from Vlora’s tongue, Andreas leaned closer. Vlora’s body tensed, but she did not move when she realized that Andreas was approaching her, not with the intention of kissing her, but rather to take his place by her side. Right next to her ear, Andreas whispered.
“Other men might enjoy having a woman beneath them, but believe me, Darling. I like it when you’re on top of me.”
As a finishing touch, Andreas sealed it with a fleeting peck on Vlora’s cheek.
Oh, God. Andreas may not have kissed her lips, but that did not mean he could not kiss other parts.
*