Chapter 2

Ava’s Pov

I couldn't stop staring at him. He was undoubtedly more handsome since the last time I saw him. His brown hair was wet, which gave off the fact that he had just taken his bath. His strong masculine scent was quite literally breathtaking.

“Ava?” My thoughts halted and I came right back to my senses when I heard his deep voice call my name.

“What are you doing here?” Lorcan said, staring at me with his soft orb-green eyes. Why wouldn't I be distracted? It was enough to make anyone lose focus. I don't remember him being this stunning.

I finally found the right words to say as my head was in shambles even after so much rehearsal and thought.

“I came to see you” the words hesitantly came out of my mouth. Lorcan smiled, and immediately my heart skipped a beat. I wasn't completely in his eyes and now he hit me with such an irresistible smile, I was truly captivated, and I unintentionally gulped.

“Okay, would you like to come in?” Lorcan offered with a reassuring smile. I could feel my heart racing.

“Yes please”. I was already going to break his heart. The least I could do was be polite.

His home was a modest one. It had an eye-catching interior and a spacious home. He signaled for a seat which I made my way to. I made myself comfortable, but not too comfortable as I didn't know for sure the outcome of my decision. I hope my parents don't kill me for this.

“What do I owe this pleasure?” Lorcan, who was sitting opposite me, asked. It was a nerve-wracking question. I couldn't bring myself to talk and the more I kept quiet the more tension I was building for myself, so I decided to start slow.

“Why are you interested in mating with me?” I asked with a fixed gaze.

“I want you,” Lorcan said freely, my eyes widened at those words he had just uttered.

I was fighting the butterflies in my stomach. He has always been a straightforward person.

“Wh- what do you mean, Lorcan?” This time I couldn't bring myself to look into his eyes as I was too overwhelmed to form a proper sentence.

“You can take your time, Ava,” his reassurance sounded so good in my ears that it eased me up, but why? It's not like I genuinely wanted to spend all the days of my life with him. The tension was palpable. He diffused the whole situation by speaking up.

“Remember that time you fell into a pool of mud”, Lorcan teased.

“I remember you pushing me”, I retorted, folding my arms across my chest.

“I was trying to make you notice me” Lorcan stated. Wait, was that a slip? Did he mean it?

He threw me into the mud and soiled my dress for my attention.

“You wanted my attention?” Of course, he did. Why am I still asking? I hope he doesn't think I'm being pushy.

“Yes I did, I wanted you to be my friend” Lorcan openly said. I felt the sweat slowly flowing at the back of my neck. I was pondering, but I had to remind myself to take a deep breath.

We talked and recalled our memories, nostalgia filled the room and we discussed our past experiences and how he bullied me. With every topic brought up, there was a memory behind it. He made it difficult to reject him. The fond memories and playful exchange of humorous remarks made me start to rethink my decision. Perhaps I should give him time.

As we continued our conversation, we dived into a deeper part. He spoke about his dreams and how he wants to be more fulfilled in life.

As we spoke, I realized that we shared more things in common than I had imagined. Who would’ve thought?

I went on to talk about the struggles of being the only child and how I'm relied upon to be perfect and, although my parents don't show it that much, I could feel that they expect so much from me. As I was talking I could see his change in demeanor. He became soft-spoken. He joked less now and he was staring at me in a caring way.

“What are you looking at?” I uttered sharply.

“You must be the most beautiful woman I've set my eyes on,” Lorcan declared without any trace of a joke in his voice. I was so flustered, that I hid my face so as not to expose how red my face turned.

The evening wore on, thoughts swirled in my mind, and I couldn't believe I enjoyed his company. He was once unbearable, and now he's comforting. I came up with a decision and now this encounter is clouding my judgment.

“I should get going”, Lorcan suggested. I felt unhappy that I was leaving. I'm not sure what I enjoyed but that was … good.

“Let me walk you home.” I wasn't surprised that he offered to walk me home. He is a gentleman now, even if it's hard to believe. Of course, I agreed, and we strolled home. He was as sweet as ever. His presence made me feel safe. When we reached my doorstep and we stood there for a while, he spoke up.

“You don't want me to leave?” Lorcan cheekily said with a smirk on his face. I'll admit it was a mix of emotions, but I didn't want him to know.

“No, you're out of your mind” I replied. He grinned and we bid farewell and he left. I was completely unaware my mother had been standing in the kitchen. Secretly peeping through the window, when I got inside, I was swarmed with questions.

“How was the walk?” My mother asked.

“Does this mean you've accepted the proposal?” My dad, who was at the dining table, chipped in.

“Of course she has. You didn't reject him, right? My mother asked desperately. I hurried into my bedroom, leaving them with unanswered questions, if only she knew my mind was filled with uncertainty and hesitation.