The Royal Contract

But the best part of the flight was having his arms wrapped around her. She had never felt happier and safer in her entire life. Honestly, it felt different when she was with him compared to when she was with Ryan.

But she did not want to get her hopes too high. It was still too early to tell if their relationship would work. Nevertheless, she had never felt more alive. Maybe it was a sign that this time, it would be different.

“I guess this is your stop.” Zach parked the car in front of her apartment. She was supposed to take the cab home, but he insisted on dropping her off before he went home.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Suddenly, Ria felt awkward. “Do you want to come in for coffee or water?” She asked, not knowing what else to say.

She did not exactly have many backgrounds with dating or having a boyfriend. Ryan was her only boyfriend, her first and last relationship, which was not what she would consider a good example.

Anyway, she would like to give this relationship a shot and would do anything to make it work. And she hoped not to mess it up with her lack of experience.

“I want to.” He extended his hand, covering hers that was resting on her lap. His face looked apologetic, making her conclude that there was something more he wanted to say.

“But...” She heard the hesitation in his voice, so she decided to help him. She could feel the warmth of his hand that seeped through her skin. It was a feeling that she never thought she would feel again. But she also felt disappointed.

.....

She had no idea why she felt this way. But her gut feeling told her that her worries were far from over. However, she tried to shake it off, not wanting to put doubts about their relationship when it hardly began.

Besides, her fear might stem from another source, remembering the situation she left behind at the resort. She could feel the terrible feeling crawling beneath her skin as she thought of Ryan coming after her.

“Hey, I truly want to join you.” He probably noticed her dismay as she squeezed her hand gently before pulling it to his lips. “But I have a few things that I need to finish first.”

She did not know if she should consider that as an excuse. What could be more important than spending time with her and meeting her son? Of course, there were many. At least for him.

“That is ok. I just thought...” But she decided not to finish her sentence. “I guess I will see you tomorrow at the office.” She said instead.

She should not fault him if he had another life besides her. After all, they both needed to adjust to this relationship. She could not impatiently force her son on him just because he decided to give them a try.

“Hey! I am not changing my mind about us.” He moved nearer to her, leaning his face closer to her face. “Just to be clear.” Then, his fingers caressed the right side of her face, tilting her head until his eyes locked with hers.

“I am...”

“Ssshhh...” He stopped her before she could say more. “I wish to meet Edison, but I want to do this right.”

She could remember the first time he saw her son. It was not exactly a meeting she would forget. But he was right. She should not rush their situation. She should give him time to know what he was getting into when he agreed to this relationship.

“Ok.” She guessed she understood his situation as she slightly nodded her head.

Then, his lips touched the side of her lips, just a tender kiss that she barely felt before pulling away. But she wanted more. Therefore, when he kissed her again. She pushed herself to meet him halfway.

Eventually, he slowly pulled away, but she felt his reluctance. She also saw in his eyes the intensity of his desire to stay. But as he said, he had other matters to attend to, so she had no choice but to wait.

“What about you invite me to lunch on Saturday?” He suggested as he kept her still close to him. “At least it would give you time to prepare. I know we will still be swamped with work tomorrow.”

She believed it was a good idea as she mauled over his proposal. “Are you sure you won’t be busy by then?” She could not help but ask. Getting disappointed had been a norm to her that she could not help but be skeptical sometimes.

“I will not miss it for the world.” He promised. “I will even bring the wine.” But when she looked at him with a frown. He quickly revised his statement. “I meant the fruits or the milk?”

It was clear he had no idea what he was talking about as he mumbled. “Just show up.” That was all she wanted.

“I promise.” He leaned down again, kissing her but not as intense as before. “I will see you tomorrow.” He finally said, which meant that it was time for her to come down.

He offered to bring her luggage upstairs, but she stopped him when she reached the steps. She knew he seemed in a hurry, so she did not want to take up much more of his time.

“Go. I will see you tomorrow.” She repeated, giving him a quick peck on the lips before shoving him away. For someone who did not want to stay, he seemed reluctant to leave.

Anyway, she was giving him the benefit of the doubt that what he had to do was important. But it did not mean it was more significant than her or her son.

For a long time, she never asked for anything for herself. Since she had Edison, it had always been about him and what he wanted and needed. She had set aside her desires.

But today, she wanted him as she watched him drive away in his car. She wished that this relationship would stand the test of time. She desperately hoped this would not turn into a nightmare but a dream come true.