Chapter 41 RISK IT ALL
"No way...he is so handsome! My little baby got herself a hot shot. Wait, have I seen him somewhere?(Paused and decided to wave it off) Look at that height difference...she looks so tiny next to him, he is definitely Beauty's type".
She giggled and went to get her husband.
Who was seated nearby, reading, going through his phone.
"Hill? Hill? Come have a look at this!" she whispered excitedly, pulling him to the window. "Come on."
Mr. Hill groaned as his energetic wife pulled him up to his feet.
Hill arose by himself and smiled at her little effort. Then he walked with her to the window.
They both peered through the rain-soaked glass. They could see a young man standing in front of Beauty, who was staring down shyly, wrapped in a tight hoodie yet oversized sleeves.
Those are clearly not hers.
"Who's that?" Hill asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Is that her boyfriend?"
"I don't know," His wife replied, her voice brimming with curiosity. "I think I have seen him before, like on a blog or TV show."
They both leaned closer to the window, trying to get a better look without being too obvious.
"He gave her his clothes," Mrs Hill whispered, her eyes lighting up. "That's not something a just friend does, right? Hill, I think this is serious!"
Mr. Hill chuckled, shaking his head, but unable to hide his own curiosity.
"So she's been hiding a boyfriend from us, huh? Our little Beauty's all grown up. Also, I wonder why she is hiding him from us. Look at that car. He is loaded! He looks like a good and responsible guy from his body language, but also he is too good-looking, he could be a player."
Mrs. Hills playfully swatted his arm.
"Stop it, we don't know that for sure, honey. Let's not jump into conclusions. But did you see the way he looked at her? And those clothes..."
They shared a conspiratorial smile, both excited but also eager to know more.
"We should ask her about her boyfriend, when she gets in," Mrs Hill suggested, barely able to contain her excitement.
Her husband grinned and raised a thick brow.
"What happened to 'Let's not jump to conclusions'?"
They continued to gossip quietly by the window, both secretly hoping that this young man might be the best one for their daughter.
Someone true and not a hit-and-run.
The possibilities swirled in their heads, the excitement of it all keeping them glued to the window as they watched Beauty unlock the door and step inside.
Beauty's heart raced as they exchanged goodbyes and turned towards her house door. She could feel her legs wobbling as she looked back at Bruno, who hadn't driven away just yet.
He stood at the same spot, his eyes were still on her, like a monitor, designed and manufactured for her body only.
Beauty bit her lip, trying to steady herself and find the right words to say goodbye.
She fumbled with the hoodie he had given her, the sleeves hanging long over her hands.
*My legs are so weak. Why do I have to look so ridiculous in front of him?* She thought.
"I... um... thanks for the ride,"
Beauty stammered, feeling her cheeks flush under the weight of his intense gaze.
"You said that before".
Bruno smiled softly.
Just then her foot slipped slightly on the wet pavement, and she flailed her arms to steady herself, teetering dangerously.
Bruno's eyes widened as he instinctively stepped forward and rushed toward her, his hands catching her just in time before she could hit the ground.
His arms circled wrapped her waist, pulling her close to him.
Beauty gasped as she found herself pressed against his chest, her hands landing on his shoulders for balance.
The warmth of his body seeped into her even through his clothes.
Her boobs were pressed hard against his body; she might not have noticed, but Bruno did!
In fact, he had his whole body heated up, from the sensation of her nipples.
She must have pulled her bra along her blouse.
Heaven!
She feels so soft.
He had never held her like this before, and the feel of her body pressed against his was intoxicating. His grip on her waist tightened slightly as he looked down at her, his pulse racing.
He tried to maintain his composure and not act like a damned virgin.
"Careful," He finally found his voice, low and filled with concern. "You could've really hurt yourself."
Beauty's face was red with embarrassment worse, their faces were only inches apart now, and for a moment, neither of them moved.
She opened her lips to thank him but only mumbled inaudible words.
Bruno's breath hitched, his eyes locked on her lips, and he couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if he could kiss her right then and there.
At the same time, Beauty could feel the strength of his hands on her waist, steadying her, but also sending jolts of electricity through her body. He was leaning over this time!
Her heart pounded so loudly in her chest that she was sure he could hear it.
At this point Bruno was ready to risk it all.
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Chapter 42 42 THANK YOU, RAIN
But then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw moving shadows from the window, upstairs.
He looked back to Beauty, she had her eyes closed, pouting.
He smiled at her, embarrassed on her behalf.
"Look at that, Honey, they are about to kiss!"
Mrs. Hill whispered in excitement.
"Let's give them some privacy".
Mr. Hill replied.
"What? You can't bear seeing your daughter kissing a man?"
Bruno noticed Beauty's parents were standing by the window, watching them intently.
His heart skipped a beat and his body stiffened.
He quickly stepped back, breaking the moment. His face flushed with embarrassment as he cleared his throat, trying to compose himself.
He couldn't let himself get carried away, not with her parents watching.
As much as he wanted her, he had to be respectful.
It could turn way worse if Beauty reacted in some way that shows that they are not a couple yet.
"Be careful please".
He said to Beauty...
Beauty, opened her eyes, flustered and confused by the sudden shift, glanced over her shoulder and noticed her parents at the window, her embarrassment came double loaded.
She stood awkwardly in front of him, not sure what to say or do.
"I... I will".
"Uh... I... guess I'll see you tomorrow at work?" he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.
Tomorrow?
No way she will be in the company tomorrow after this.
But she has no choice but to say yes.
"Yes, sir...see you tomorrow, sir".
Bruno nodded, forcing a tight smile as he shoved his hands in his pockets.
"Take care" he replied, his voice stiff and formal now, the earlier warmth gone.
Beauty gave him a clumsy wave, her hand fumbling with the hoodie sleeve as she turned and almost tripped again, making her way up the path to the front door.
She could feel Bruno's eyes on her the entire time, her skin tingling with the awareness of his gaze.
She stole one last glance at him before opening the door.
As Bruno stood by the car, watching her disappear inside, he sighed deeply.
He had come so close to crossing that line, but he knew it wasn't the right time, not with her parents watching, not when he wasn't sure how she would feel about it.
He ran a hand through his wet hair, in frustration.
"That was intense, I wasn't prepared for it".
He climbed back into his car, he didn't drive away immediately
He closed his eyes and all he could picture was the face she made when he cupped her nape.
Then the scar came to his mind, his brows tightened.
He will definitely get back at that bully.
He looked at the house door.
Beauty's lights were on, he could see the shadow of her by the window and that of her parents.
I wonder what they would think of me.
As he drove away through the quiet, rain-slicked streets, he sighed deeply, feeling thankful for the rain.
All this wouldn't have happened if there was no rain, right?
He would cherish this little moment of theirs, forever.