Chained To You - Chapter 56：Mia

Once again, I took a peek at him, and instantly my heart skipped a beat. Gazing at that handsome man and standing so close to him in the small space of the elevator did nothing to ease my fascination and craving for him. My foolishness of molesting him in his sleep last night did nothing to soothe the sudden urge of wanting him the moment I’d seen him at the door just moments ago. Even though I did vow to myself last night would be the very first and last time I’d do such an embarrassing and naughty thing.

But it was quite nice to be naughty sometimes. The feelings of just letting go and doing whatever you desired most was wonderful. Apparently, making love to James while he was still deep in slumber was one of those things for me.

Even right now, all I wanted to do was to kiss him and throw myself into his arms. But of course that was a stupid thing to want to do because it looked as though I didn’t even exist at the moment. He was quiet and staring straight ahead, his expression dark, as though he had something troublesome on his mind.

I wanted to break the icy atmosphere hanging heavily between us and work to warm it up. The only subject I could think of was food. “Where are we having lunch?”

That drew his attention, and he flicked his eyes to me with an amused smile. Even if it was for the briefest second, it was still something, and I smiled in return, pleased.

“What do you feel like eating?” he asked.

My eyes brightened with delight. I hadn’t had Chinese for ages since Andy’s nineteenth birthday last year in fact. Of course, Andy and I had hardly eaten out because, well, there just wasn’t any money to do that.

“Chinese please,” I said with glee.

He laughed. I knew I must have sounded like a kid who got very excited when she got her first smartphone for Christmas or something, but I couldn’t help myself.

The door dinged open, and James and I stepped out into the busy lobby packed with guests. James was heading toward the entrance of the restaurant section of the hotel, and I happily followed.

In no time at all, we were seated in one of the fanciest Chinese restaurants I’d ever been to, which of course hadn’t been many. Just two in my twenty-two years.

This particular establishment was called Beijing Fusion. The smell that greeted me as we came through the door was mouthwatering.

The staff, both front and back of house, were friendly and efficient. After we ordered, our food arrived promptly, still steaming hot. We had sweet-and-sour pork, crispy pork, Chinese green vegetables and mushrooms in oyster sauce, and chow mein.

Needless to say, I enjoyed the meal tremendously, though I couldn’t say the same about my lunch companion. He kept watching me while I ate, as though he found me fascinating. Or maybe he thought a little thing like me eating so much was disgusting. But I couldn’t help myself. I loved food, so there. He could judge me all he wanted.

It was an hour and a half later when we left the restaurant. I was making my way toward the elevator, intending to head back up to find Andy, when James caught me by the wrist and led me instead to the main entrance.

“Where are we going?” I asked, staring up at him.

“Shopping,” he said. I noted the slight, amused smile on his lips.

“Why?”

He gave me a once-over. I could see the scowl on his face. He wasn’t happy about something.

“So you don’t like the dress I bought you? Or my shirt?”

I understood the meaning behind his words and blushed profusely. “It’s too big for me.” I defended myself. “The shirt I mean.”

“So is that one,” he said. “Andy’s?”

“Yes,” I replied. “But this one isn’t as big.”

We were outside now, and James’s sports car was brought around for him. The valet handed him the key, and James ushered me into the passenger seat. A few moments later, he drove out.

We were in the midst of the thick traffic when James said, “Do you and Andy always share clothes?”

He sounded perplexed. I couldn’t blame him. Normally, we didn’t, but now and again, I’d wear Andy’s shirt just because mine was in the wash or something. It was no big deal.

“Nope,” I said.

James was quiet again after that.

Some twenty minutes later, I found myself in one of the coolest shopping malls ever. It was called The Nevada, the name of the state itself. It was humongous and six stories high, with marble floors and crystal chandeliers. It was busy, jam-packed with happy people who couldn’t wait to part with their hard-earned or not-so-hard-earned money.

James led me along the main lobby and then into the elevator with a group of other people. He pulled me close and made sure I stayed there by wrapping his arms over me. It was odd, but I had a nagging feeling at that moment, as if we were out as a couple on a date.

As the lift ascended, I looked up at him. He returned the gaze, even with a small smile for me. It was enough to make my heart flutter with joy and my body shiver with delight.