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.