Chapter 7 - The first date

Five years ago

Troy's POV

After Rose had left, I grabbed my phone and called my father. I decided to stay here for a while and spend time with Rose. There was something in her I couldn't understand which drew me towards her. I wanted to know her better.

"Why? Is there any problem? Did he get both of you in trouble?" My father asked, concerned as I told him about my decision.

"No, Dad; everything is perfect. And Romeo didn't get us in trouble." I replied, smiling. It seemed Romeo was still on my father's blacklist.

"I doubt that, but if you say everything is fine, then I trust you." He stated firmly.

"Thank you, Dad."

"Did he try to get Sienna's number?" He asked.

"No, Dad. Don't worry." I replied and ran my hand through my hair nervously.

He didn't try to get it. He just texted her. That's all.

I am sorry, Dad.

I felt guilty for lying to my father, but I thought it was the best decision. It was just a few innocent messages, nothing more. However, I didn't lie to my father; I didn't just tell him everything. It was different.

"Be careful with him. He is a sneaky bastard." He warned me, emphasizing the words sneaky bastard.

I chuckled in amusement.

Yes, Dad, he is.

"Don't worry. I will be careful. See you."

"Take care of yourself. See you."

As soon as I hung up, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Romeo.

'How was your hurricane? Rough? I hope you didn't shatter the suite too much. Don't need to thank me. It was my gift for your favor. We are even now. Have a good flight, bro.'

I shook my head, rolling my eyes, and placed my phone on the table without replying; if I told him that I decided to stay in London for a while for Rose, he would tease me non-stop. So it would be better if he thought I was going back to New York. Then I went running.

After coming back, I took a shower and put on black jeans and a navy blue shirt. Then I sent a message to Rose.

'How about dinner this evening?'

'With pleasure.'

I beamed as I read her message.

'Great! Then I will pick you up at 7 p.m. Could you give me your address?'

'No need. I will come myself. I have something to do before meeting up with you. Just send me the location of the restaurant.'

'Ok. I will send it. See you soon.'

****

I was sipping my wine while waiting for Rose impatiently at the restaurant.

Did she ditch me? Maybe, she didn't like me; she pretended because she didn't just want to hurt my feelings.

Calm down, Troy. She is just running late.

I breathed deeply in relief as I saw my black-haired angel walking into the restaurant. She wore a cream mini dress. She looked so beautiful.

I stood up, smiling at her while she approached me. After greeting each other, we ordered our meals.

She took a sip from her red wine and listened to the classical peaceful music playing in the background. It made me happy that she liked the music. I actually chose this restaurant because of it. I really enjoyed listening to the piano music as well as playing the piano.

"I always wanted to play the piano." She confessed and sighed as she turned her gaze to me.

"Then I will teach you." I stated and winked at her.

"You know how to play?!" She said in excitement.

"Yes. And I should admit I am not bad at it." I winked and gave her a playful grin.

"Could you play for me now?" She asked, pointing to the piano, staring at me with puppy eyes.

"Umm... Now?" I asked in surprise. She nodded happily. "....Alright."

"Thank you." She grinned ear-to-ear.

I stood up and approached the pianist. After asking him to let me play the piano, he agreed and stood up. I sat down and started playing the piano after looking at Rose. She gave me a bright grin and entwined her hands under her chin, looking at me attentively.

As soon as I ended the song, she applauded cheerfully while smiling at me happily. I winked at her and gave her a wide smile.

After having dinner, we strolled along the Thames, enjoying the starry night while chatting.

"Are you cold?" I asked as I saw her wrapping her arms around herself tightly.

"A little."

I took off my jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders.

"Thank you. But you will get a cold." She said, worried.

"Don't worry. I am fine." I gave her a warm smile.

Suddenly, her phone rang. She pulled it out of her bag and looked at the screen.

"I am sorry. It is my friend. I have to pick it up. It must be urgent because she knows I am with you. Otherwise, she wouldn't call me." She informed. I nodded, giving her a warm smile.

"Ann, are you okay?" She asked, concerned as soon as she picked up her phone. "Oh, okay, I am coming."

"Is everything okay?" I asked, concerned.

"No, she feels bad. I need to go." She said hurriedly and looked around.

"I will drop you off. Come on."

"No. I will just get a taxi." She refused, searching for a taxi.

"I will not let you get a taxi while I can drop you off. Let's go." I stated confidently as I grabbed her hand and headed us towards my car.

"What is your address?" I asked as I started the engine.

"Umm.... Drive straight. I will give you the directions. It is close." She mumbled.

I pulled to the right as she told me and parked my car in front of the apartment.

"Thank you." She said and placed a soft kiss on my lips. "Good night."

"Good night."

She waved at me and gestured to me to leave as she turned towards me after approaching the door while I was waiting for her to walk into the building. I gestured to her that I would wait till she went in. She nodded and ruffled in her bag looking for her keys. Suddenly, the door opened and a man walked out. She instantly grabbed the door and waved at me. I waved back at her and started the car as she got into the apartment.

****

I was checking my emails on my laptop in my suite when my phone buzzed. A wide smile appeared on my face as I saw the message was from Rose.

'Hey! I am waiting for you in front of the hotel.'

I instantly stood up, grabbing my keys, and jacket and went downstairs quickly. I looked forward to seeing Rose. I hadn't seen her since last night. This morning we just talked on the phone.

My eyes widened in surprise as I saw Rose on the motorcycle, beaming at me.

"Get on!" She waved as she threw a helmet towards me. I instantly caught the helmet and get on the motorcycle.

"Where are we going?" I asked as I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind, breathing in her mind-blowing scent. Jasmine. My favorite.

"Surprise!" She gave a dazzling smile and started the motorcycle.

She parked the motorcycle and we got off. She grabbed my hand and gave me a mischievous grin as we took off the helmets and dragged me with herself. When I asked where we were going, she gestured to me to be silent.

We turned the corner, and she stopped next to the tree leaning against the fence. I saw a white luxurious house. I didn't understand why we were here. It wasn't definitely her house. Maybe it was her friend's. But then why didn't we approach the gate?

"Help me to climb the tree." She said firmly.

"What?! Rose, whose house is this?" I asked nervously.

"The Duke of somewhere." She replied nonchalantly and shrugged her shoulders.

My eyes widened in shock. "I suppose you don't know that Duke. Am I right?" I asked, giving her a questioning look.

"No. But there is a beautiful garden in his house with rare flowers. I need some inspiration and those flowers are what I need for my next collection. I need to see them in real life. I saw their pictures; they are so beautiful and exotic." She informed, excited. "And don't worry there is no one inside other than a security guard who probably is sleeping now. They don't protect the house very well because the Duke rarely comes here." She added and winked at me.

"Rose, no. We can't do it. If we get caught, we will be in deep shit." I stated anxiously.

"Don't be a chicken! We will not get caught."

"No, Rose. Please, let's leave." I shook my head.

"Fine. Don't come with me then. I will go alone." She said firmly and started climbing the tree.

"Rose, what the hell..." I breathed deeply, checking around and said in a low voice. "Fine! I am coming with you." She grinned at me ear-to-ear. I sighed and climbed the tree while praying that no one would catch us here.