The Arranged Bride novel Chapter 18

Sophia's POV

As I settled in Nick's car with him , I spoke.

" Nick " I called.

" Yeah ?" He said looking at his phone.

"Uhh .." , I hesitated. I was worried that he might again insult me saying that it is his house and I was no one to invite someone over. His changed behaviour had given me the courage but now I am seriously worried considering his great liking towards Ryan.

" Come on , say it." Keeping aside his phone , he looked up at me.

" Actually , I uhh I had just invited my friends , Caleb and Erica over to your house for dinner . Caleb called and he wanted to meet so I uhh just thought... but please don't shout , if you want I will change the plan. I can just ask them to meet at a restau-"

He cut me off by placing a hand over my mouth. I looked at him.

" Slow down woman!" He said

He looked into my eyes and spoke.

" Firstly, I don't mind if you call your friends over , secondly it's our house and third.." he came closer before continuing , "you look cute when you're nervous."

I could feel my face heating up at this. He was looking so deeply into my eyes , like he could see through me.

He shifted his hand from my mouth to cup my cheek. Without breaking the eye contact we both leaned forward. I closed my eyes and after what seemed like ages , our lips met.

His lips moved softly against mine. The kiss was slow and passionate. His one hand held me by my waist and he pulled me even closer while his other hand moved towards the nape of my neck. With one hand I was massaging his scalp and put the other hand on his shoulder to keep support.

He licked my lower lip , asking for entrance which I gladly granted. He was dominating the kiss and explored every corner of my mouth. We only broke the kiss when we were out of breath. I kept both of my hands on his shoulders while he used his thumb to brush my cheeks. He kissed the corner of my mouth before leaning back.

The rest of the ride was silent . I kept looking out of the window and we were soon at our home.

Before I knew I was in my room.

Quickly changing into a crop top and shorts, I came down to the kitchen.

There wasn't much time left , so I had just ordered the dinner but I wanted to make the dessert . So I settled on making the carrot cake.

All the while I thought of his words. Did he mean it when he said that it is 'our' house? Is he accepting me as his wife? Will I be able to accept him as my husband after how he had treated me? The kiss kept replaying in my mind. What was in it .. care ? Does he care for me ? I automatically started blushing at the thought of the kiss. Oh God ! One kiss and my mind remains occupied for the next few days.

I finished icing the cake , topped it with lots of nuts and set it aside when I heard the door bell .

A maid opened the door while I went to the living to see Caleb and Erica together.

" Hey , I was waiting for you guys." I hugged both of them.

" I smell something tasty." Caleb closed his eyes sniffing.

" Although he always behaves like a hungry puppy but I got to admit , the smell is too good to ignore." Erica said to which Caleb pouted.

I laughed at this. " Oh , I just baked some carrot cake for desert. I couldn't prepare the whole dinner so .." I trailed off.

" So where's that idiot friend of mine ?" Caleb asked putting his hand on my shoulder.

" Here , and hands off her shoulder." Nick somewhat ordered descending down the stairs.

" Why me and Sophia are friends right ? " Caleb teased Nick while I look at Nick confused. Is he seriously jealous of his best friend ? Weird man!

Nick came and hugged Erica and then pulled away Caleb from me.

After a few minutes , Char and Ryan came in. Char came and pulled me in a tight hug.

" I missed you so much ." She said.

" I missed you too." . I pulled away only to pulled into a hug by Ryan.

I pulled away to see Nick glaring at Ryan. God !

We sat down and started talking about anything and everything. Caleb shared a lot of embarrassing moments of Nick as a child and I literally couldn't compare the present Nick to that one. We laughed our asses off at his expense.

After sometime I saw Ryan and Erica talking. Ryan said something to which Erica blushed. Hmm.. I see some progress there.

On the other hand, Caleb and Char just kept stealing glances at each other.

If these guys hit it off , we could go on a tripple date maybe. But , would Nick want to go on a date with me ? Why am I even thinking of all these?

"SOPH !" , Char yelled .

" Why are you shouting ?" I asked.

" Because we were talking to you and you were lost somewhere. Are you okay ?"Caleb asked with concern . Ryan and Char looked at me like they were trying to read my face while Nick looked a bit concerned.

" Yes , I am fine . I will go and ask someone to help me set the table." I smiled and got up.

Just as I entered the kitchen I heard the doorbell . Who has come now? We'll see.

Suddenly I heard footsteps behind me.

" Soph , we need to talk." Ryan said with a serious face while Char stood with a serious face which was very unlikely of her.

"About what ?" , I asked.

" You said , you're fine but you're lost in your thoughts. Tell me , did something happen? Did Nick do something? Just tell me and I'll make him pay for hurting my best friend." Char whisper-yelled.

I smiled at her concern.

" Come down , it's no-" I cut myself off when I heard some loud voices .

The voice seemed familiar.

We went out to see that Christina standing in front of Nick. Caleb stood with a worried expression and Erica's face mirrored that while Char and Ryan were absolutely clueless.