SHAWN’S POV
He smiled broadly as he packed his things, ready to leave for home. He was supposed to leave the next morning since the conference ended late in the evening, but he was too excited to stay back.
He thought about the event of the conference and how everyone applauded his contribution to every topic discussed. Without being told, he knew they were happy with his performance and his chances of being made chairman had increased.
His father had called and he told him of his decision to return that night but begged him not to inform anyone. He wanted his return to be a surprise as everyone was expecting him the next day.
After packing his bag, he called his personal pilot.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes, Sir. I’m waiting at the airport.”
“Good. I will be there in a jiffy.
Casting one last glance at the mirror, he hurried out of the hotel. A chauffeur was already waiting for him. He slid into the car and they hit the road.
A few minutes later, he arrived at the airport, and his luggage was taken up by the air hostess.
As the Plane took off, he exhaled sharply in satisfaction. He couldn’t wait to be home.
He was roused from his short slumber by the sound of the pilot announcing their landing. He looked outside and realized everywhere was dark.
Soon the plane landed and he got out with his luggage. His car was already parked and waiting for him. He got into it and drove straight to Mr Dion’s house.
He arrived and drove into the compound. Mr Dion was watching a reality show when he walked into the sitting room.
“Shawn?” He called in Surprise.
“Good evening, Sir.”
“What a pleasant surprise. We were not expecting you until tomorrow.”
“I Know. I decided to come back as soon as we were done.”
“Is Tiffany aware?”
“No, she is not. Where is she?”
“Oh, up in her room. She said she needed to talk to her friends.”
“Okay. I will go up to her room now. Can you please tell me where it is?”
“James?”
The butler suddenly appeared and bowed in greeting. “You called me, Sir.”
“Take him up to Tiffany’s room.”
“Okay, Sir. Kindly follow me.” The butler said and led the way.
Shawn followed him and they took the stairs. They soon arrive at her door, and the butler motioned him to it. “That’s her room, Sir.”
“Thank you.”
He rapped his knuckles on the door afterward, and waited for her response.
“Who is it?”
No response.
“I said, who is it?”
No response.
He knocked again when she said nothing for a while.
“I’m coming and why do I feel it’s you, Dad…” She stopped halfway as she opened the door and saw him standing.
“Sha…Shawn?” She asked, blinking her eyes.
“Hey, there.”
“Oh my God!” She yelled happily and threw herself in his arms.
He was surprised at first, but gently wrapped his hands around her waist as he returned the hug.
“You came back ahead of schedule. Was the conference cancelled?”
“Can I come in? I can’t answer your questions while standing.”
“Sure, come in.” She said and made way for him to pass.
She gestured him to the couch and he lowered himself on it, as his eyes surveyed her room.
“Do you like what you see?” She asked when she noticed he was looking around.
“I think so. Your room looks cool and organized for a daddy girl’s room.”
“I thought we are past the daddy’s girl calling phase?”
“Are we? I didn’t realize.” He said, feigning ignorance.
“We are. So back to my question. Why are you back ahead of schedule?”
“We finished this evening and I decided to come back. Does that satisfy your curiousity?”
“In a way. So, are we going back home tonight?”
“Yes, but not until I do this…” He said and leaned towards her.
TIFFANY’S POV
“Yes, but not until I do this…” He said and leaned towards her.
Tiffany froze for a moment as she watched his lips draw closer to hers in what she imagined to be a kiss, but before anything could happen a knock sounded on the door.
“Ma, your dad asked if your finance would love to stay for dinner.” The maid’s voice sounded behind the door.
“Umm…yes, he will. We will be downstairs in a moment.”
“Ummm…I’m sorry about that. I was lost for a moment. I promise, it won’t happen again.” He apologized, and she felt bad.
He was regretting his action but she wanted it badly, but she was not going to admit it anyway.
“It’s fine. Let’s go down for dinner. And we are leaving, right?”
“Yes, we are.”
“Let’s go then.” And with that they headed downstairs.
The table was set and dinner was served. Dinner was fruit salad and chicken.
“I think you should pass the night here. It’s past 9:00 pm.” Mr. Dion suggested.
“I would love that, but we have to go home, Sir. I will be going to work and it won’t be feasible.”. Shawn said.
“That’s true. If that is the case, you have to both hurry up and finish your food.”
“We are almost done, Dad.” Tiffany whined.
A few minutes later, they were ready to leave. The maid brought the bag Tiffany came with and they headed out.
“Drive safely.” Mr Dion said, waving at them as they drove out.
The drive home was quite, as the tension from their nearkiss incident hung in the air.
They arrived home and walked inside with their bags. They bid each other goodnight and went to their rooms.
She dropped the bag in her closet and made a mental note to unpack the next day. She was exhausted and needed to rest, but she had to call her Dad and inform him they were gone safely.
She could tell he was worried about their safety and she needed to calm his nerves.
“Hey, Princess.” He answered the phone immediately like he was expecting her call.
“I know you were worried. We are home and safe in our rooms. Are you in bed already”
“No, I’m watching the news.”
“It is late, Mr. Dion. Remember the doctor’s instructions.”
“Fine. I’m turning off the television and going to bed.”
“That’s more like it. I will talk to you tomorrow, Dad. I’m exhausted.”
“Sweet dreams, princess. I love you.”
“I love you more, Dad.” And the line went off.
She sighed in exhaustion as she got off the bed and stripped off her clothes, after which she walked into the bathroom and got under the shower. Tonight was one of the nights where she was too tired to run a bath.
The water cascaded down her body as she remembered the incident with Shawn in her room. She smiled sheepishly and turned off the shower before stepping out.
She got to the room and after drying her body she slipped on a loose fitting nightgown. She got on the bed and was tempted to check her whatsapp for messages from her friends but thought against it. She will see them the next day at school and they can catch up, but for tonight, she will sleep and rest her aching bones.
She wore her mask and turned off the bedside lamp.
Lights out, Tiff!