Chapter 1014 - Relationships (4)

Charlie is observing Emma who offered to get more food items for the two of them. He is not in the wheelchair, but she still treats him as a disabled. 

Charlie remembered how earlier that week Sarah reminded him that he should tell Emma how he feels.

He came up with a plan to start taking Emma out for meals, with an addition of flowers and occasional gifts. Nothing too expensive because he does not want to scare her off, but to start with something small… a keychain, maybe. And then to work his way up.

But all his plans got out of order when his uncle, Jarred, told him that it's time for Charlie to go back to work and into the circle as well.

"You had four months to play around. I need you to come back and take over so that I can retire in peace… Maybe Jeffrey White can keep his business matters contained in a window from nine to five on weekdays, but you are not him, and you need to work on your network until you establish yourself…", Jarred told him with an expression witch conveyed that there is no room for negotiations.

Another thing that stirred Charlie is that his uncle 'recommended' three girls. They are all from families of big business partners for Smithsonite corp., and a relationship (and a marriage) to any of them would be beneficial in firming up Charlie's position.

"I'm not telling you to get married.", Jarred clarified his intention. "I'm asking you to get to know them and see if you like any of them…"

This was one thing that Charlie didn't want to agree on. "Uncle, I am not interested in any girl other than Emma."

"Hmph! I'm not saying she is not a good girl, but why are you rejecting others if you didn't meet with them yet?", Jarred protested but he allowed Charlie to explain further. He was curious to see what will Charlie say about Emma to defend his right to pursue her.

Charlie was relieved when Jarred accepted the view that even though Emma does not have an influential family background, she has a lot of influential friends. All three Hill sisters are close to her which means Orion Enterprise, and one of them is Mrs. White. Emma is also close to Ellie who recently got engaged to Jasper Kiani who is currently leading K Industries.

"She can be added to the list of promising candidates.", Jarred agreed with a smirk.

Jarred liked that Charlie stood up for something. Even if that something is a girl.

From Charlie's point of view, all this means that he does not have much time. If he does not make Emma his officially, his uncle (and potentially other family members) will start recommending other girls to him forcefully, and he is NOT interested in any other than Emma.

Emma returned with two plates full of food.

"I was not sure what you want, so I got a little bit of everything.", she said with a smile.

"What I want?" Charlie glanced at the plates and then turned to face Emma. She is as beautiful as ever, relaxed and smiling. And in this light her warm brown hair shines in red hues. Charlie steeled himself. It's now or never. "I want you to join me next Saturday."

Emma raised her eyebrows while wondering, why is he sounding so official? "What is next Saturday?"

"There is an event. Food, dancing, socializing. I want you to come as my date."

Emma's expression stiffened. "An event? Formal?"

He didn't want to lie to her. She will find out anyway. "Dress code is set. But you don't need to worry about it, I will make sure you have a dress and everything else... You only need to keep your Saturday evening open."

One more point came to Emma's mind, but she was not sure if he realized what he said… and if he said it in the same way she thinks that it should be used. "As your… date?"

"Is that a problem?"

"I… I'm not sure I will fit there. Aren't there many others who will match you better? Why don't you invite someone who is more deserving than me?"

"More deserving?" Charlie thought about this and realized that it's not so simple to get Emma to come with him. She thinks that the circle of rich people is something out of reach for her. Charlie smiled while thinking that Emma does not realize that right here she is already surrounded with some of the richest people in the country and she is doing just fine. But if you put them in a formal setting, she gets all flustered. However, he will not give up. He just needs a different tactic... The one that leaves no room for doubts.

Charlie stood up and pulled Emma to stand in front of him.

"Tell me…", Charlie spoke to Emma in a deep voice while twirling a strand of her soft hair around his index finger. "Who is more deserving to be by my side than you? Thanks to you I can stand. And I can dance. There will be dancing, and I want my first dance after the surgery to be with you."

She wanted to ask what about his second and third dance? And what after the dancing is over? Does he want her there only for a first dance? Then what? She knows that there are many girls lining up to be with him, is he going to reject them so that he gives her company?

"Charlie…"

He understood from her tone that she is about to start listing reasons why that is not a good idea, and he is not going to let her do that. Charlie swiftly took half a step toward Emma, their bodies almost touching and leaned his head lower.

"Say yes…", he whispered into her cheek.

"Is this only to thank me for my treatments?", her voice trembled and she was not sure why.

"If I say that there is more to it, will you believe me?"

He inched closer and took a deep breath, inhaling her sweet scent.

Charlie straightened his back and observed her expression. He smiled when he realized that Emma closed her eyes. Charlie traced the edge of her lower lip with his index finger, and her lips parted slightly in response.

"Say yes…", he repeated and this time his breath kissed her lips.

Emma inhaled sharply and opened her eyes just in time to see him close that last fraction between them and plant a light kiss on her lips. She was too shocked to respond to his kiss or to push him away or to breathe.

She thought that Charlie might have some feelings for her. And there were days when she hoped that it's more than just an affection toward his caretaker. And she is standing in front of the man who was always approachable and friendly but right now he is domineering and impossibly handsome and she is… frozen.

Charlie's eyes were locked on Emma's, and he asked in a husky voice: "Will you?"

His breath splashed on her face again, sending shivers down her spine… and she responded with a nod. But then she realized that she does not understand what the question is for. Is he asking her to be his date for the event? Or is he asking her to date him? Or is he asking if she will return his kiss (if he kisses her again, maybe)? And she is embarrassed to ask for a clarification since she already answered. But at the end, whichever it is, the answer is: yes.

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