Daisy’s Secret Crush

***Daisy’s POV.***

The party starts in full swing. The guests are enjoying themselves and the host and hostess are happy, too. Richard and Heather look such an amazing couple. They inspire young couples to have relationships like them.

29 years and they are still going on as they were before. My parents have also been together for 25 years and I am happy to see that nothing has changed between them even after all these years. My Dad still dots on Mom and my Mom still gives a tough love to Dad.

We have dinner and the dance starts. Adam steals the dance from Richard as he refuses to leave his Grandma’s side. I dance with my Dad and Richard. Noah and I dance too. Theo leaves the floor after dancing with Heather, my Mom and Lily. He doesn’t dance with any other girl who approaches him, and I know exactly where he is going.

I make an excuse to take an important call, but actually, I am going to meet Theo. I go to the first floor and look down the hallway, just to be sure no one is there. This kind of sneaking around is making me quite excited and giddy.

“Just in time, you are. It is one of my favourite songs.” Theo says as soon as I lock the door behind me.

“Really.” I say and walk towards him.

“Shall we?” He asks as he gives me his hand.

“We shall.” I say and take his hand.

We dance to the slow music and for the first time while dancing with him; I don’t have to feel at the edge. I can just relax and enjoy his arms around me. He turns me around and nuzzles my neck.

“You look cute with short hair. And also I can access this.” He says and lays a small kiss on the side of my neck and I smile.

“We should join the party before anybody notices our absence.” I say, not wanting to end this abruptly.

“Okay. Can we go out on a date tomorrow?” He asks.

“Tomorrow is not possible.” I say.

“Why?” He asks.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

“Well, I am taking everyone out for dinner.” I say.

“What’s the special occasion?” He asks.

“It’s a surprise.” I say.

“Am I not special enough to hear it first?” He asks.

“You are, but so are my parents.” I say.

“Okay. Then maybe on-” He says, but I interrupt him.

“Saturday. I also want to buy a car.” I say.

“I can be of help. I am an expert in that.” He says.

“And this too.” I say and bend his head down to kiss him.

We came back to the party separately. Theo comes first and I come after washing the blush off my face. The party didn’t end till midnight and I was so tired that after getting changed, I literally fell into bed.

Next day, when everybody was present for breakfast, I said, “Tonight I am taking you all out for dinner.”

“Why? What’s the occasion?” Dad asks.

“It is something you will all know at dinner only. And no excuse, everyone has to come.” I say.

“But tell us at least what it is about?” Richard asks.

“I will. But at dinner. It is a surprise.” I say.

“But-” Mom starts, but I interrupt her.

“Please don’t ask any questions. Wait until dinner.” I say and everybody nods.

Step one is complete. Now I have to make a reservation at a restaurant for the family. I called at one which Clara recommended to me and they said they were full. I am so stupid to tell them about going to a restaurant without making reservations at first.

“Done.” Theo says as he gives me a piece of paper.

“What is this?” I ask as I look around to be sure we are alone in the gardens.

“The name and address of a restaurant. I made the reservation.” He says.

“I was supposed to do that.” I say with a pout.

“So what? I did it for you. I am sure you would have done this yesterday, but you were ill at first, then partied.” He says.

“You are the best.” I say looking around once again, then grab his cheeks and kiss him.

“Wanna go to the beach later?” He asks after shaking his head as if in a daze.

“Sure. I will pick up Adam. I promised to take him to the beach.” I say with a smile.

After lunch, we go to the beach and along with Adam, Noah accompanies us, too. It was quite the turn of critical events. Because Noah walked between us as a loyal friend to protect me from getting more heartbroken, however, Theo looked irritated.

But I kept myself busy with Adam, who enjoyed it the most. In the evening, I got ready in a dusty pink dress with a mermaid hem which reached past my knees and pearl button detail. I go down and see everyone ready to go out.

We reach the restaurant and place an envelope in front of Mom, Heather, and Lily. They look at me in question and I just ask them to open the envelope while the men look at it with curiosity.

“Oh, my gosh!.” Mom exclaims and Dad takes the card from her while she comes to hug me. “I am so happy. My baby is finally achieving her dream.” ‘

“Looks like I have to buy that kit earlier.” Dad says and hugs me, too.

One by one everybody congratulates me and we sit down to have dinner. Dad asks for a bottle of champagne to toast for my future ventures. We had a merry time, and I paid the bill before anyone could.

“Check please.” Four people spoke together. My Dad, Richard, Ryan and Theo.

“It is already done, sir.” The host says.

“Who paid?” Richard asks.

“Obviously I did. I learned a trick from you guys for years now. I now know how to be sneaky.” I say and Lily and others laugh with me while the men shake their heads.

After dinner, Dad says, “Let me drop you.”

“No need, Dad. You are all going to Ryan, and Lily’s house, and it is the opposite of mine. So I would take a cab.” I say.

“I can drop her.” Theo says coming up behind us, “I am going to meet up with a friend who lives that way.”

“Are you not going to stay with us, Theo?” Heather asks.

“I am coming back home, Mom, after meeting my friend and I won’t be leaving anywhere.” He says and kisses his Mom’s cheek.

“Then it is good. I don’t want my daughter to leave alone, even though I know she is tough.” He says and pats my cheek.

I sit in Theo’s car and Noah comes to me and says, “Would you be okay?”

“I would be just fine. Don’t worry. I will call you when I reach home.” I say and wave at him.

“Someone is worried about you.” Theo says once he starts driving.

“Noah is my great friend. I have hidden nothing from him except for some secrets which are not mine or not mine alone.” I say as I look at him.

“That’s fine. Friends like Noah should be cherished. I know it must be hard for you to hide this from him.” Theo says.

“How did you know?” I ask.

“You looked sad earlier when we were walking on the beach and also now. And I don’t think it was certainly because he was the third wheel.” He says.

“No. It was because he cared so much for me and looked out for me, even against his own brother. I am grateful that I have such a good friend. I will make sure he will be the one to know about the relationship first.” I say, and Theo takes my hand in his.

I don’t want to hide things from Noah, but Theo and I need time for our relationship to grow and to know each other better with no interruptions and judgements. I know family means well, but sometimes they can be overprotective without knowing.

I know my Dad would be furious thinking Theo is with me for his benefit, but I know that he is not. Theo took this long just to acknowledge something between us and, with a condition we should keep it secret.

I don’t mind that, as the intention behind this one condition is good. I trust Theo to know he never is a liar. He always says what he means. If he said he didn’t want me, then he would keep his distance, but the minute he wants me, he would not leave my side.

“Here we are.” Theo says as he comes to a stop in front of an apartment building.

“Thanks. Wanna come up for a cup of coffee?” I ask.

“Not today. Maybe next time.” He says.

“Okay.” I say.

“Be ready tomorrow by 1. We will go out on a lunch date then to buy a car for you.” He says.

“Okay.” I say with a smile.

He bends a little and looks into my eyes as if to ask for permission to kiss. Like he needs one. I lift my face towards him and feel his lips touch mine. I kissed him as much as I could, as I would not meet him till tomorrow afternoon.

“You are…” He says as he tries to breathe.

“I am what?” I ask.

“So alluring.” He says, “But I should stop now. I don’t want to sleep with you.”

“Well, that’s weird information and the one I’m not looking forward to happening.” I say.

“I mean, I don’t want to sleep with you now. I want to wait for some time. Also, if we are dating, I am not sleeping with you on the first date.” He says as he nuzzles my ear.

“Oh, but aren’t we technically waiting for almost four months? There is no need to wait anymore.” I say with a shrug.

“You should leave.” He says suddenly.

“What? Why?” I ask as he opens the door.

“Because technically you always have a way with words and can convince anyone to do anything.” He says.

“Thanks for the compliment. I am a businesswoman. I had to have this power.” I say and kiss his cheek before going out.

I go to his side of the window and he says, “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight. But just so you know, if you get midnight cravings, I am still here.” I intentionally whisper seductively in his ear.

“Daisy!” He exclaims.

“What? I was talking about food. Naughty, Theo!” I say and he feigns to come out of the car, “Okay, Bye. I am going.”

I giggle as I go inside and wave at him when he leaves. I learned a new thing about myself. I love teasing Theo.