Chapter 16 – I Wish

Harmoni

These past few weeks have been incredible.

Every morning I would wake up and go train with William. He could be quite funny when he wanted, but most of all, I could see how protective he was of me.

~Of course he is, it's his job~. A voice in my head reminded me.

But somehow it felt different than with the other bodyguards. We would be focused and dedicated during training, but as soon as it was over, we would talk and laugh all the way back to the house. I quickly found myself relaxing when I was with him. I had come to realize that I genuinely enjoyed hanging out with him, and although I didn't want to admit it, each day I opened myself up more to him.

William had asked to take on more shifts which my dad happily accepted. After all, the more protection, the better in his eyes. This time I didn't mind because it made us spend more time together. Sure, most of these times Logan, David, or Benjamin were there as well, but it was still pleasant.

Will was different when the others were here. It shouldn't surprise me, after all, he was a team leader, he needed to set the example and stay on top of it all. This was reflected through his actions as he didn't go out of his way to talk to me, but I sometimes caught him watching me with a smile on his face.

Their shift hours had also changed. Since William was with me for training, the night guard could leave when William arrived, and the day guards didn't have to be here until I left for school. Everyone was happy with it. This meant that morning practice was just us two and I couldn't help but look forward to it every morning. That was a moment in my day I wouldn't trade for anything.

A shiver ran down my spine as I recalled the past few training sessions. We had become more physical these previous few sessions. Whether it was when William corrected my posture, or when our hands brushed against each other when we crossed paths, or even us lingering a little longer, panting on top of each other after a sparring session. I started looking forward to those moments of contact. The feeling was exhilarating and I could feel the attraction I was developing for him grow with each passing moment.

At school, Marcus was still MIA, not that I was going to complain. As for Jessie, since we met him three weeks ago, he spent most of his time with us talking and joking. He stayed clear of the topic of family and well anything too personal, which was perfect for me.

Turned out Jessie wasn't a cocky flirt, as a new kid he tried to be one but couldn't keep it up. I don't get why he thought it would make him fit in better. He had joined the football team and quickly made his way up the high school social scale. Although he kept telling us he would much rather stay with us.

“I'm going to miss you guys so much!” Emily said as she hugged us both tightly in the school's parking lot. The last bell of the day had rung five minutes ago, marking the start of the two weeks winter break.

“Actually, when are you leaving for Spain?” Jessie asked Emily while swinging his arm around my shoulder. It had become a habit of his. It didn't mean anything, and all the initial flirting he had done went out the door when I made it clear to him we were barely friends.

“I'm leaving on Wednesday afternoon.” Emily and her family planned on going to Spain during the holidays. Something about needing family bonding time over paella and tortillas.

“How about you Har? Any change?” My father wasn't able to get away from work other than for Christmas Eve and Day as well as New Year's Eve. Therefore, we wouldn't be doing any traveling this year.

“No, I'm still planning on staying here for the full two weeks,” I answered.

“Perfect!” he said excitedly, his eyes glimmering.

“What do you have planned?” I asked, already familiar with that look.

“Well, there's this meteor shower happening on Monday night, it's supposed to be huge. I thought we could all go together! One last get together before we see each other next year,” he said, his excitement seeping out of each word.

“Sounds fun, I'm in!” Emily immediately said. Both of them turned to me, waiting for me to answer.

“I'll ask my dad.” They seemed happy enough with my answer. My curiosity was piqued. I hoped my father and William would let me go.

We chatted for a few more minutes until I felt like someone was watching me. I turned around to find William leaning against his car, glaring. At first, I thought I had done something to make him mad, but I soon understood that he wasn't glaring at me—hell, I don't think he even realized I was looking at him. He was glaring at Jessie.

I quickly said my goodbyes and left to join him beside the car.

“Hey Simba,” I said, smiling.

“Hey,” he said flatly before getting in the car. Well, that wasn't promising. I needed him to help me convince my father to let me go. If he agreed, it would go a long way when I would ask my father.

“What? No 'princess' today?” I asked teasingly. I saw him roll his eyes as he took a seat behind the wheel. “No, seriously, what's up?” I asked in a more serious tone. Maybe something happened at work or at home.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” he answered with a sigh. I didn't push him, knowing that if he wanted to tell me, he knew he could.

“So…” I started, giving him my best smile. I guess now was as good a time to ask him about the meteor shower.

“I know that look,” he said, chuckling. “What is it this time?”

“Well, Jessie invited both Em and me to go see shooting stars on Monday, and I would really like to go.”

“Let me guess, you want me to bring it up to your father as a good idea?” Something in his voice changed in his statement. He seemed tenser. Was I making him feel used? Was that why he suddenly went back to his serious self?

“Well, actually, I was wondering if you wanted to come,” he seemed surprised by my answer, his eyes drifted from the road to give me an incredulous look. “You know, like joining the security that night so you can join the excursion,” I quickly added, already feeling self-conscious.

Somehow, I was often like this when he was around, turning into a blushing mess. Most of the time I could hide it, but he did call me out on it a few times. When we were training, I could blame it on the heat, but otherwise, it was relatively hard to find an excuse.

“You mean you want me to tag along with you, Emily, and ~him~?” the way he said him clearly showed his dislike towards the guy. He'd been like this since the first time Jessie came over to the house so we could study together.

“Yeah,” I ignored his previous tone and answered cheerfully.

“Sorry, but I'll let Logan and David handle that one. I don't feel like being a third wheel with Emily,” he scoffed. The third wheel, what in the world was he talking about?

“You think Jessie and I...?” I couldn't finish my sentence because I was laughing so hard. How could he think that?

Then I remembered how Jessie was a very touchy friend, often giving hugs or slinging his arm over Emily or mine's shoulders.

“No way,” I continued when I managed to get my breathing back to normal.

“Right,” he said disbelievingly.

I couldn't believe it, he was jealous, or was that just wishful thinking? I didn't dare call him out on it, knowing it would backfire, but I was nearly certain he was. Giggling to myself, I looked out the window shaking my head. I still hoped he would come, everything always seemed more interesting when he joined.

***

Finally, it was Monday. I wish I could fast forward the time to be at the meteor shower and then freeze the time so William wouldn't have to leave. I was happy it was finally the holidays, but I was sad to find out William would be gone for most of it. He had asked for days off to go celebrate with his family. He would be leaving on Tuesday. Right after the meteor shower.

It had taken a while to convince my father, but since William and Logan would be there to accompany us, he finally agreed.

“You better keep up your training while I’m gone,” William warned.

“You know, I will.” I had developed a passion for fighting, and I was becoming good. Nearly two months of training with William and he admitted I could probably beat a patrolman if we sparred. I didn’t know if he said that just to encourage me or if it was true, but I decided I would believe the latter.

Later that evening, Jessie, Emily, and I were sitting in the truck under a few thick blankets. We had brought snacks, pillows, and basically anything to be comfortable in the back of this truck. Yet, I couldn’t help but wish I was watching this cuddled up in William’s arms. Instead, I was seated on the left side of Jessie while Emily was on his right.

Will was currently checking around to make sure there would be no surprises.

“Oh my god, it’s starting,” Emily said excitedly. We all looked up to see many shooting stars in the night sky. It took my breath away.

Once William finished checking everything, he came to stand next to the truck on my left side. I noticed his hand resting on the side of the truck.

~Should I? God, I really want to.~

Before I could overthink what I was about to do, I gently placed my hand over his, while my eyes stayed glued to the illuminated sky.

My heart was beating out of control in my chest. That was bold even for me. I was a nervous mess, but I kept my head facing up hoping I could hide it.

I felt my heartbreak when he removed his hand from underneath mine. This was embarrassing, I would never dare to look at him in the eyes after this. Fuck, I probably even ruined our friendship! What was I thinking, well I wasn’t that’s for sure...

My internal rambling stopped when I felt his hand land back on top of mine, his thumb slowly drawing circles. My eyes shifted to him, only to find him watching the sky like nothing was happening. Each stroke of his thumb sent goosebumps up my arms.

The skies were magnificent, but I couldn’t help but close my eyes for a few seconds to enjoy the sensation of his skin on mine. Despite all the shooting stars above our heads tonight, I didn’t have anything else to wish for, I was content. When I opened my eyes, I was met with his grey ones. I smiled, almost shy and was rewarded by his own smile. This was perfect.

After dropping everyone off, we arrived back home. It was already three in the morning, and I couldn’t wait for my bed. I was walking up the stairs to the front door when I saw him doing his manly handshake with Logan. The realization hit me like a bucket of ice water. He was leaving. Now.

Logan went to do his round, and Will turned to me. We walked towards each other slowly. I wanted to slow time down, make him stay longer.

Once he was close enough, his hand slowly reached out to grab mine. In the silence of the night, I wouldn’t be surprised if he heard the erratic sound of my heart.

“Be good okay, princess,” he said looking at me from his towering height. I chuckled at that.

“No promises,” I teased.

Something crossed his eyes, but before I could recognize it, he turned around, calling out “Bye princess, I’ll see you next week.”

I watched him walk towards his car, frozen in my spot. I didn’t want him to go, I didn’t want us to part like this. Especially when we hadn’t been apart for that long since we met. Taking a deep breath, I decided to do one last bold thing tonight.

Running up to him, I hugged his waist just as he turned around. “Have an amazing holiday,” I said. Despite his initial surprise, he placed a hand in my hair while the other went around my waist, pulling me closer. I was engulfed in his manly smell, a mix of aftershave and cologne. I wish I could capture this moment and store it for stormier days.

Wrapped in his arms felt like coming home. I hadn’t known him for that long, but he had become a massive part of my life. I would miss him for the next couple of days.

“I’ll see you at the end of next week, Princess. Have a great Christmas and New Year,” he whispered in my ear before letting go. I took a step back from his embrace, feeling the cold of the winter night.

“Bye, Will,” I smiled, still giddy from the hug I had received. I watched him as he stepped into his car and drove off. Turning back to head inside, I couldn’t help but think: this had been the best night of my life.