What started as attraction has bloomed into something more. Talking with Yangbin today gave me courage, and I plan on using it to confess.
Tomorrow is going to be the best day ever. As long as he doesn’t turn me down.
There’s a First for
Everything
It’s hard enough to dress-to-impress, and even harder with injuries. It’s probably a good thing I don’t have my whole closet here, because I’ve already been through three outfits, each one more painful to wear than the last.
I settle on my favorite gray sweater. It has a really cool lace pattern on the front and an open neckline that makes my shoulders look good. If that’s a thing. I couldn’t wear my skinny jeans because of the injury, but I tuck my pants into one faux-leather boot and strap the other side into the cast-boot.
Miriam has lent me a really cute super-long bohemian necklace to pull the whole look together. She did my hair too, because reaching up with my ribs is worse than trying to get dressed. I’m grateful because my hair is ON POINT, but also worried because what am I going to when Yangbin sees me without Miriam’s amazing hair-styling skills?
I have never, and I mean ever, gotten flowers from anyone, not even my parents. So when Yangbin shows up with a single rose, I about faint on the spot. It doesn’t help that he’s looking fine. He’s wearing a baby blue dress shirt under a navy sweater, sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
Sexy forearms are always a win.
“Should you be walking like that?” he says, stepping right into my personal space and holding an arm behind me like I can fall any second.
“I’m fine,” I smile, although I almost want to pretend to fall so he can catch me.
He’s done that enough in our relationship already.
“Come on in,” I say, sweeping my arm toward the kitchen.
Yangbin busies himself getting a cup of water for my rose, and I sit on one of the barstools at the counter.
“Is that comfortable?” he asks, setting my rose between us.
I love how worried he is about me. I’m worried about him too. All I want is for him to be happy, always.
“It’s fine,” I say, smiling. “Now come sit here, because I have something to ask you.”
He chooses the stool right next me, puts his elbow on the counter, and rests his cheek on his fist. “What is it?”
Goodness he’s handsome. I still don’t get what he sees in me. He’s smart, kind, beautiful. Basically, he’s my knight in shining armor. He’s even rescued me plenty of times to prove it. Not that I’m a princess. In fact, it’s more like I’m a mud covered peasant.
“I was thinking,” I say, nervousness fluttering in my chest. “That we should... do something... together... sometime.”
Way to be eloquent, Vee.
“You know,” I continue, “Like not just hanging out, but more like...”
Why can’t I just say the stupid word? I mean, the dude brought me a rose. If he didn’t like me, he wouldn’t be here. I have nothing to worry about.
Yangbin is moving his hand in a circle like he’s waiting for me to finish my sentence. “...Like a date?” he finally says.
I let out the breath I was holding. “Yes. That.” My tell-tale blush inks across my cheeks.
He grabs his stool and scoots it closer, his face moving forward until we’re within kissing distance again. “Are you asking me to be your boyfriend?”
Holy yes. That’s what I want. But the word won’t come out because I’m a chicken. I nod instead, my eyes glued to his.
He tips his head to the right, his lids closing as he approaches me. “Then I would say yes. I’ll take you for as long as I can.” he says, his sweet breath filling my nose.
My eyes close with his nearness, one hand clutching my stool and the other on the counter. I can’t think about what he means by saying he’ll stick around as long as he can, because he’s here and he’s agreed to be mine.
It’s amazing how the tiniest brush of skin can set my whole body alight. We haven’t even properly kissed, but every nerve ending is buzzing with the sensation of him. My senses expand to take in every movement, every sound, every taste. Even in the darkness behind my lids, I know the world is more vibrant. There’s all kinds of things that can only been seen through the lens of a kiss.
His fingers graze my knee as he tests the air between us, no pressure on my lips, but enough feeling for my spirit to fly outside my body.
Just when I think it’s about to happen for real, that I’ll get to know what it’s like to be kissed until there’s no longer air in my lungs, I ruin it.
I didn’t mean for my hand to glide along the counter and knock over the cup holding the rose, nor did I intend for the glass to shatter so loud it makes me jump. If I could take it back and change that one second, I would.
“I’m sorry,” I yelp, clambering away so I don’t get drenched, or cut, or both.
Yangbin stands back too, a wet stain already spreading across his jeans.
“I’m such a klutz,” I say, covering my face with hands, but still peeking through my fingers.
Yangbin grabs a paper towel and starts brushing at his pants. “It’s okay,” he says, “Really.”
I rush over and start picking up the glass and throwing it away. “No, it’s not.”
He stills my busy hands, forcing me to look at him. “Listen to me. I already knew you were a klutz, we both have the bandages to prove it. I want to be your boyfriend anyway.”
There’s a lump in my throat so huge I’m not sure I can swallow. I try anyway.
“You mean that?”
One corner of his mouth goes up, dimple appearing. “I told you at the concert. You’re special.”
My heart is on overload, beating at three times the acceptable speed.
“Now,” he says, releasing my hands. “You go sit on the couch and let me clean this up before we have to get out more bandages.”
I look at the ground as I laugh. He’s probably right, I’m bound to cut myself on the broken glass if I don’t walk away.
My cast-boot is heavy, but I manage to rest it on the coffee table while I watch him work. There’s nothing hotter than a man who knows his way around a mop. I don’t mean to stare, but he keeps facing his backside to me like he wants me to look. He shouldn’t have worn such well-fitting pants either.
He finishes his clean-up with a new glass for the rose. But this time he puts it on top of the fridge where I’m sure not to knock it over.
“I think we need to get some fresh air,” he says. “Obviously, this room is a danger to your health.”
Um...it’s not the room. It’s him. I don’t think I’ve been this accident prone in my life. Still, I think that kiss might’ve lasted longer if I wasn’t worried about my mom walking in on us.
Maybe she likes Yangbin, but not that much.
Yangbin gets the wheelchair, because he doesn’t want me walking. It’s sweet, but I feel like I’m his grandmother and he’s just wheeling me around to be nice.
“If we’re gonna date,” he says, once the elevator doors are closed. “I’m going to need to know some information about you.”
That sounds ominous. “Like what?”
“Like your favorite flavor of ice cream.”
I laugh, throwing my head back so I can look at him. “Is that really a requirement of our relationship?”
“Yes,” he says, like I’d be crazy to think otherwise. “Unless you don’t like ice cream. In which case, we need to break up.”
Oh my goodness. He is too precious. “News flash, I work at bakery. I don’t have any problem with sweets.”
“Phew,” he says, wiping his brow. “I was worried for a second.”
I want to squish his adorable dimples and kiss his cute little nose. “Yeah, well I wouldn’t date anyone anti-dessert either. Those people aren’t human.”
“So that means...,” he says, “your favorite flavor is...?”
“Mint Chocolate Chip.”
He nods. “Good Choice, good choice.”
We get to lobby and he wheels me out. “What about you?” I say as we walk toward the doors.
“Me? I’m a vanilla man.”
No way. I didn’t see that one coming. “Vanilla?”
“Yeah,” he says. “It’s the best flavor because you can add whatever you want to it and make it your own.”
I hadn’t thought of it that way before, but it makes sense. Maybe vanilla will become my favorite too.
“What’s your favorite scary movie?” He asks, like that’s the most natural question to follow up ice cream.
I go with it anyway. “None. I don’t like scary movies.”
“Good answer,” he says, “me either.”
He takes me out to the back courtyard, and we’re talking so much I don’t pay attention to my surroundings until the sound of water is too loud for us to be heard.
“What is this?” I say, as he stops in front of a giant waterfall.
“Do you like it?”
The thing is manmade, but it’s so tall it’s overwhelming. “Like it? It’s incredible!”
If it wasn’t for all the snow, this would be an amazing garden. It’s probably green and lush in the spring. I’ll have to come back then.
“Imagine,” he says, as if he can read my thoughts. “Flowers of every color in these pots, trees dripping with blossoms, and lush fields for as far as you can see.”
I hug myself to keep warmer. “I can imagine it. It’s beautiful.”
“I always come here when I need to think,” he says, rubbing his chilled hands together.
“And what do you need to think about today?” I ask.
“Nothing,” he says with a sigh. “That’s why I wanted to bring you here. I haven’t shared this place with anyone. I try not to let people know so I can have it for myself.”
Wow. That’s pretty personal. I can’t believe he’s chosen me to bring here.
We watch the waterfall in silence for a moment, enjoying the calming effect of falling water. “It’s perfect,” I say after a while. “I can’t remember the last time I was this relaxed.”
It was before I met Yangbin, that’s for sure.
He touches my hand. It’s only for a moment, but it warms my soul. “I’ll have to bring you here more often.”
I don’t want this moment to end, but I’m freezing and Yangbin knows it. I don’t have to say a word for him to stand up and brush off the snow.
“So tell me about your novel,” he says, turning me around so we can defrost inside.
How does he know I have a book in mind? I only told him I want to be an author. “What novel?” I respond, even though the idea is stewing in the back of my brain.
“Come on,” he prods. “I know how this works. I want to be a rock star, so I make music. You want to write, so you must be writing.”
Dang he’s good. “It’s a stupid idea,” I say. “I’ll probably throw it out.”
He pokes my shoulder. “I’m sure it’s not. I’m your boyfriend now, so you have to tell me.”
I don’t have to do anything. But I want to.
“Well,” I start, not sure how to put such a big idea into a few words. “It’s kind of like American Idol meets Hunger Games.”
He laughs, hitting the handicap button so the door opens on its own. “That sounds brilliant. Teenagers fighting for the chance to be the next big singer.”
“Sort of,” I answer, getting excited. I haven’t shared this with anyone. “Only, the nation’s best voices are forced to compete for the crown, and anyone who gets kick off ends up in a life of a servitude. They basically become jesters for the rich to use however they want. But if you win, you become royalty.”
We stop in front of the giant fireplace in the lobby, and he sits facing me “I’d totally read that.” He toes tap the feet holder on my wheelchair. He’s so close he’s almost putting his leg between mine. “I told you, you don’t suck.”
Well, I’m glad he thinks that. “You’re just saying that to be nice.”
He puts one finger to my jawline, effectively turning my head towards him. “No. I would never lie to you. You mean too much to me.”
I inhale and hold. Not sure what he’s planning next, but I have a feeling it involves another kiss.
“Liar!” someone shouts. I turn to see a bulky guy in a fitted suit. He looks a lot like Yangbin, only older.
Yangbin stands in front of me with his arms spread like he’s protecting me.
“Dad,” Yangbin says, blocking my view. “Let me explain.”
I have no idea what’s going on, but I’m pretty sure my date is over.
The Meaning of Goodbye
I bend down enough to see under Yangbin’s arm. Yangbin’s dad has a finger pointed at us, his expression stern. Reminds me of the face my dad uses when he’s about to ground me.
“We will talk about this in private,” Yangbin’s dad states.
Yangbin reaches behind him and takes my hand. “Not without Vee.”
Holy macaroons, I’m really his girlfriend! There’s no way he’d want me part of this if it wasn’t real. I can’t believe how good his hand feels in mine. Like we belong together. Something I hadn’t let myself believe until this moment.
“Leave her out of this,” Yangbin’s dad says, but Yangbin grips my hand tighter.
“No way.” Yangbin returns, still half blocking me with his body. “She comes or I cause a scene.”
Not sure why causing a scene is a threat, but Yangbin’s dad looks shaken. With the tilt of Yangbin’s dad’s head, a security guard runs to his side. That was weird. I have so many questions, but I don’t dare open my mouth. Yangbin’s dad is too scary.
“Will you please escort this young lady to my office,” Yangbin’s dad says to the guard.
The guard bows. “Yes, Mr. Lee.”
Huh. That strangely reminds me of when that doctor came to help Yangbin and called him the same thing.
“I’m not leaving her side.” Yangbin adjusts his hold on my hand so our fingers are intertwined.
Whoa. I never thought a guy would be beside me like this. Every experience I’ve had with guys before has been different. Sure, I’ve had crushes, but the guys have never really cared about me. They all played with my emotions and used me only as long as they needed me. For once, I’m ready to open myself up to someone. To put away my reservations and really feel.
“It’s going to be okay,” he whispers in my ear as we start moving. “Don’t worry about a thing.”
His words are nice, but I’m still scared stiff.
We end up going a back way, and Mr. Lee uses a special key to open the elevator. I thought he said we were going to his office, but we’re not leaving the hotel. I guess Mr. Lee works here. He probably got Yangbin the bellhop job, which would explain why he hasn’t worked the last two days without consequences.
I thought I was staying on the top floor of the hotel, but this elevator has a number six, and Mr. Lee presses it.
Nothing has to be said for me to know there’s anger floating in the air. I can see from my wheelchair how tense Yangbin’s back is. No doubt he’s ready for a fight. I wish I could massage his shoulders, but I have a feeling this isn’t the best timing.
When the elevator doors slide open I exhale. Guess I was holding my breath because of the tension in the air.
I’ve never been in a penthouse before, but I’m in one now. Mr. Lee must have a spectacular job if his office takes up an entire floor. This isn’t just an office though, it’s a home.
The living room directly in front of us is lowered, plush carpeted stairs squaring in the space. Mr. Lee naturally walks to the other side of it, standing next to the main hallway. I can see part of the kitchen from here, and it’s swanky. All the furniture is modern and trendy, like it was just purchased. There’s fancy lighting everywhere too.
I thought Yangbin said he lives in the condos on the property. Does that mean he lives alone? Or maybe with
his mom?
“You can go,” Mr. Lee says to the security dude, and the guy exists with another bow.
I feel disadvantaged in this chair. Since I still have my boot on, I decide it’s time for me to stop sitting and stand by Yangbin’s side the same way he’s metaphorically staying by me.
“Vee?” Yangbin whispers as I get up.
“It’s fine,” I say.
I know what’s going on here. Mr. Lee is trying intimidate me, and it’s working.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” Mr. Lee says. His words sound nice, but his tone says he sees through my actions.
“No thanks,” I answer, speaking to him for the first time. My voice doesn’t waver, which is a surprise.
“Then,” Mr. Lee says, pointing to a room off the main hall. “Shall we?”
Hobbling down the stairs into the main living area doesn’t exactly show my strength, but I’m trying.
Sure enough, when we enter the room it’s an office. Mr. Lee stands behind a mammoth desk, his palms pressed into the thick wood.
“Please, take a seat,” he says, gesturing to two chairs that look tiny next to the desk. Those are obviously seats for the subordinates. I try to suppress the feeling of being called to the principal’s office, but it’s too similar a situation.
“No thanks,” Yangbin says, holding me back so we’re still standing by the door. “You have your privacy now,” Yangbin continues to his father, “So tell me what’s going on.”
Mr. Lee sinks into his master chair behind the desk. “Have it your way.”
He takes his time straightening papers in front of him even though the place is spotless. There’s huge windows behind his seat and I can see Yangbin’s waterfall from here.
“You’re not going to introduce the girl to me?” Mr. Lee says, not looking at us.
He’s good at making me feel small. My leg’s starting to hurt and that chair looks nice, but I can’t take it. If I do, I might as well be a puppy with my tail between my legs.
Snowflake Kisses Page 6
