Chapter 30 – First Date

Harmoni

“I can’t believe he asked for your father’s permission and that you’re about to go on a date with him!” Emily squealed excitedly. I had invited her over for a much-needed girl talk. With everything happening, I felt like I barely had the chance to spend time with my best friend anymore.

Truth be told, I still hadn’t come to terms with it either. It all seemed too good to be true. It felt like I was in a dream, one that I didn’t want to wake up from. The thought of our date alone had my heart rattling in my chest with anticipation.

William had asked me out on a date and my father had approved. No, it didn’t get better with time, it still felt surreal when I told myself this.

“Yeah, I can’t believe it either,” I said falling back onto the bed. Emily joined me and we both talked and laughed like old times. I felt the stress and fear I had felt over the past few weeks evaporate as I spoke with her. It felt like we were kids again, laying on my bed with nothing to worry about.

“So who’s going to replace William, now that he isn’t part of your security?” Emily asked curiously.

“I’m not sure, dad mentioned something about going to HQ to see their Captain again, but I haven’t heard anything back. As far as I know, he hasn’t been replaced yet,” I told her truthfully. Now that I thought about it, it felt strange to have someone take William’s spot on the team.

David had woken up and was still recovering, so he was currently being replaced and now William was too. It felt like my security detail was changing entirely. I hoped the new bodyguard wouldn’t be a pain and that the new head of bodyguard would be as flexible as William was with me.

“I hope he’s cute,” she said giggling. I shook my head, well this was Emily everyone. I was glad to see she was back to being herself. It had been really hard for her after the school shooting, but the hours she spent with her therapist truly helped her overcome her fears.

“Haven’t you and Jessie been flirting like crazy all week?” I teased. They had, I heard them teasing each other and giving each other compliments all the time. Not to mention the ‘accidental’ brush of their hands. Whatever was happening between them was going somewhere, or at least I hoped it would.

Emily blushed at my statement. Did she think I hadn’t noticed? I’m pretty sure the blind mind across the street could feel it as well. The tension between them was palpable.

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a good view,” she replied confidently.

“So what’s up with you and Jessie?” I asked, ignoring her attempt to change the subject.

“I don’t know, sometimes I feel like he’s flirting with me, that something is happening between the two of us and the next he’s cold and freezing me out. I think he’s scared. Well, at least I hope that’s what it is,” she explained, exhaling slowly. It was never easy to receive mixed signals from the person you cared about.

“So you really like him?” I teased, smiling widely. It was refreshing to see her like this again.

“Yeah, there’s something about him that I haven’t felt before. Who knows, if it all works out between the two of us, we could go on a double date together,” she exclaimed excitedly, clapping her hands together. I truly missed seeing her happy and bubbly. “Speaking of date, shouldn’t you be getting ready for yours?” she asked, turning her wrist around to check the time on her wristwatch.

Suddenly panicked, I checked the clock. Crap! We had been so caught up in our conversation we hadn’t even noticed how late it was. I only had about an hour and twenty minutes to get ready. Which included showering, getting changed, putting my makeup on, and styling my hair. Luckily, Emily was here to help me.

William

I had spent the entire week thinking of what we would do on our date. Note to self, next time know what you want to do before you ask the girl you like out. I felt like I was in high school all over again.

Truth be told, I was greatly lacking when it came to dating. When I still lived with my father, the idea of dating hadn’t even crossed my mind. After I left, I had one short relationship in the twelfth grade before leaving for the army, in which the only fun I had turned to disaster. Let’s just say I had only been on a handful of dates in the past.

I ended up making a date out of two parts. I mean, I could take her to a fancy restaurant and spend a lot of money on her, but I doubt that would truly make her happy. Plus, I’m pretty sure she had already experienced all the luxury this city had to offer.

I was going over my plans for the night as I got ready. After trying on different outfits, I opted for my favorite black skinny jeans, paired with a grey shirt and a leather jacket over it.

My nerves were kicking in as I was putting my shoes on, and I was starting to ponder all the different things that could go wrong tonight.

~Stop it! Many things could also go perfectly fine and make you guys closer than ever.~ The voice in my head reminded me.

I had finally gotten the approval of her father, I had resigned from my job as her bodyguard, and tonight if all went well, I would ask her to become my girl.

Checking myself one last time in the mirror, I stepped into my car and drove the fifteen minutes to the Pearson mansion.

I rang the bell at the gate and waited for it to open, driving up the driveway I parked the car in front of the house. This way, Harmoni wouldn’t have to walk in the cold. I wanted this to be perfect, and we all know that perfection is in the details.

Stepping out of the car, I stopped dead in my tracks.

"What the heck are you doing here?" I asked as I saw Jason outside of the Pearson's house.

Catching his attention, Jason turned to face me. Why was he here? Having to see him at work was more than enough, why would heavens make me see him out of it as well?

"Haven't you heard? I'm her new bodyguard,” he smiled smugly. So he was the guy James hired to replace me?

Let’s hope he was better at his job than he was at communicating and being respectful. Who knows, maybe Harmoni would try and make him run away.

It was hard, but I needed to put my personal opinion about him aside. If he was good at his job, then it should be good enough for me. Even though I despised his personality.

"Now what are ~you~ doing here?" he asked, crossing his arms, no doubt ready to kick me off the property.

"Haven't you heard? I'm the one taking Harmoni Pearson out tonight.” This time it was my turn to smirk at him. I could see the surprise on his face; he hadn't exactly gotten the emotionless mask right just yet.

Chuckling, I pushed past him and walked up the stairs leading to the front door, ringing the bell. My earlier nervousness was back in full force, quickly making me forget the encounter I had just had.

~Please let everything go smoothly!~ I prayed to whoever would listen.

Selena opened the door for me, and I greeted her with a kiss on her cheek. Selena was a sweet lady, and I was glad she was here for Harmoni. I hadn’t had the chance to talk to her much, but I could feel her motherly traits from miles away.

"Wait here, dear. I'll go tell her you've arrived,” she said with a wide smile on her face.

As instructed, I waited at the bottom of the stairs for my date. Hearing movement, I lifted my head, only for my breathing to stop as my throat tightened.

She was mesmerizing; her attire was simple, yet elegant and casual. She was a sight to behold.

She wore a black turtleneck sweater, which fit her form perfectly. She paired it with a white skirt going down mid-thighs, and as it was quite chilly this time of the year, she had put on some tights and a long coat. She was beautiful. I felt lucky to be the one to have her by my side tonight. Harmoni was one of a kind.

I could see she was nervous, from the way she played with the bottom of her skirt, making the corner of my lips curve up into a small smile. It felt nice knowing I wasn't the only one.

"You look amazing,” I whispered into her ear once she reached me. I could see the shiver that ran down her back in our close proximity. I loved that I could have this kind of effect on her.

"And you look very handsome,” she replied, accompanying her words with a kiss on my cheek. Yup, I had definitely died and gone to heaven.

“Do you have everything?” I asked before we headed out.

She looked into her small handbag to double-check her belongings. Once she was satisfied, she nodded and we headed out.

“Have a good night, kids,” we heard James say as he appeared in the doorway. “You better take care of her, Will,” he added as Harmoni and I both waved at him.

“I wouldn’t dare not to,” I answered him confidently. A light blush spread across Harmoni’s cheeks as she heard my words.

I grabbed her hand in mine, bringing it to my lips for a gentle kiss, as I guided her to my car.

“Ready for tonight?” I asked.

“Yeah, I can’t wait to see what you have planned for us,” she answered, looking up at me through her eyelashes. I know I’ve said it before, but she truly was stunning.

I opened the car door for Harmoni and held her hand for her to take a seat. Our eyes met as she settled herself; it was like we were in our own little universe.

Just her and I. I hoped she would like what I had prepared for our date tonight.

Our moment was interrupted by someone opening the back door of my car loudly.

“What are you doing?” I asked Jason, annoyed by his presence and interruption.

“As requested by Mr. Pearson, one bodyguard should always be in the car with Harmoni. So I'll be taking a seat in the back,” Jason stated, shrugging as he took a seat and closed the door behind him.

If he ruins this for us, I'll make him regret it.