His Date.

**CAMILLA**

In some way, I fought to find the hidden meanings behind those words. It was Dylan, it couldn't have been that plain, there's something tucked away, I just can't see it yet.

He wants me to accompany him to this event. That almost makes it seem like...

Was Dylan Emerton asking me out on a date or something? That can’t be possible. I'm in over my head, but then again bringing someone to an event signifies asking the person out on a date, he also said it'll be less boring if I'm around.

Could I be overthinking it?

There's the other option. He's said this before and I believe him at this point.

Seeing as his parents are trying to make me feel comfortable and at ease, they might have put him up to this, Dylan can't say no to them. Apart from the "parent" title, they can cut him off from everything he needs to keep up the bad boy lifestyle, his credit cards will be shut down, no clothes, no flaunting money around, and no girl. Something he needs to breathe.

If that's the case, he knows I wouldn't agree if I feel it's forced on his part, that explains why he'll keep it a secret

In that case, I shouldn’t get overly excited about something which might turn out to be false.

But am I excited? If I was, why would I be anyway? It's just a forced date with lies coated in it to convince me to tag along.

He's well aware of what he's doing. Besides, I'm keeping away from him till further notice so a date is a big no.

Sadly I owe him one for fixing a problem he caused, everything is so fucked up and I'm confused.

I have so many questions, some of which I can't answer but can't help ponder on, all this while I stare at Dylan. He was waiting for a response from me. And here I was deep in thoughts weighing the hidden words behind his statement and the consequences of any response I give.

Saying yes is at my possible detriment, declining might backfire since he'll bring up my debt.

He didn’t seem to be phased by my trance, the face he made seemed used to stuff like this.

How many girls does he make speechless every day? Wait. Where is that coming from?

I cleared my throat. He does these things. I hate them yet can't seem to control myself.

Okay, Camilla. Breathe. Just breathe.

I paused for a few seconds more before offering him my answer; no answer, a diversion mostly.

"I’ll think about it"

I wiped the silly smirk plastered on his face. What? I truly didn't know what to say.

Yes or no?

Once I get back to his place, I'll take a long bath then decide, great ideas always pop up in the shower.

Next, I grabbed the spare helmet and mounted it on his bike. We weren't moving after nearly a minute. I parted my lips to protest but he beat me to it.

"The party is tonight."

He said with a deep sigh. Did I hear correctly? That's not good.

"Cool."

I chirped trying to sound uninterested.

I wasn't about to let him know that the thought of going to a party as his date was making me English.

But why? Images began to flash in my head. Images I struggled to keep at bay, but being this close keeps cracking those walls.

It isn't good. I can't keep recalling things like this.

His smile that night, his touch under the night, his groans of pleasure, and how handsome he looked. I recalled everything. Every little detail. It was implanted in my brain, even if I tried I couldn't shake it off.

That was me.

But he forgot. He didn't remember a single thing. It meant nothing to him, but for me, it was the best night of my life.

I thought I could do this, but as it seems, I can't look him in the eyes without having those memories, flashes at the very least.

That feeling isn't shared.

A party caused this. I'm attending another one. Another one with him.

I exhaled without responding. He copied my movements and got on the bike.

Turning the keys, he started the engine and drove off.

****

I held on loosely, if I grabbed him even an inch tighter I would remember leaning into him on his bare abs, he took a hard turn. On impulse, I fell into his chest and those memories came flooding.

Luckily, the house was right in front of us.

He stopped his bike and I jumped down like the seats were on fire. They were in some way.
I walked briskly towards the door eager to get in, take a warm shower and hopefully forget all these crazy memories. I've been suppressing them so why are they resurfacing? Why now?

My hands were on the doorknob when Dylan pulled them away, My formerly cold hands became hot as warmth spread through them where he touched me. I turned to face him and my eyes met with his.

This isn't good. Those eyes were my weakness. If I hung on, I'd get flooded with more memories. That's exactly what happened. As I stared, it was that night all over again.

Our glass clinging against the other, his eyes fixed on mine as we gulped the contents down, getting wasted with no clue of what awaits.

"No!"

I yelled then shut my eyes.

"Are you okay?"

His hands connected with my cheeks, he could be acting on purpose, pushing me to my breaking point, or the soft stroke he left at the corner was fully innocent and not intended.

I brushed them away but it was too late, they already affected me.

"Please Camilla, go to the party with me. I won't annoy you I promise."

He pleaded, I couldn't look away, I can try. My resolve should last for three seconds before shattering.

"Yes." I stumbled.

I get how this looks, but trust me it's hard. He knows it as well.

"On one condition." I quickly added mimicking his words.

"A condition for a condition, how sweet."

He smiled. That knocked me off. All I got was smirks and grins, but this was a fucking genuine smile, it didn't come to stay, but those two seconds were enough.

"What's the condition." His lips moved, it took a second for the words to register in my head. He's distracting me.

"Get a grip!"

My subconscious warned. Not again. Not again. Camilla!

"You won't try to touch me. No stroking cheeks, no hands, nothing. I'll tag along and that's it."

That's drawing the line. If he agrees, I won't get caught up and start talking.

"Okay."

He nodded. He didn't argue?

"You won't try to act cheesy or make snarky comments."

He nodded once more as I counted with my fingers. Those were two conditions

"You won't act like a glorified playboy to girls."

The smirk was back after that one.

He hesitated even, but eventually gave a small nod. Three conditions.

"Lastly, if I don't want to talk to you, you won't force me."

He shook his head in negation at this. My brows shot up.

"Then I'm not going."

I almost opened the door but he shut it with his hands. I groaned getting sick of our bickering

"Okay, Okay..." He trailed off with yet another smile.

It beats smirking hands down. If only he could do it more often.

"Good. That's all settled. As long as you don't violate those four conditions, the night will turn out smoothly. I'll be ready before eight pm."

I offered a plain look and he nodded. I turned to enter.

“Camilla.”

I squeezed my eyes, swearing under my breath. He'll be the death of me if he doesn't stop calling my name like that. I took a deep breath and turned back to face him.

“What!”

I snapped getting impatient.

He smirked without a response. I glared about to go in.

"It's nothing, but you've listed four conditions, those conditions are meant for me to agree or else you won't tag along right?"

He arched his brows. I'll slap him. I'll truly smack him.

"What are you? Five? Have you been listening to a word I said? Yes. If you don't meet those conditions, I won't tag along as your..."

I stopped myself about to use the "d" word. He never said I was his date. Can't get ahead of myself.

"I won't tag along"

I corrected myself almost immediately.

"Got it. I see. Noted."

He grinned.

"What is it? You better not..."

"Better not what? I'm just thinking out loud, nothing wrong with that. Those conditions need to be followed, I can't help but feel you didn't set a duration, that means it's up to me. You didn't say I need to keep to them throughout the night now did you? No take-is. I'll see you at eight Camilla."

I gasped. My lips fell open. Literally.

"And princess, you're my date."

He gently brushed my shoulders before passing me and going in.

Either the next thing I'm about to say was an innocent coincidence, or he was purposely taunting me. I felt his breath fan the back of my neck just as he opened the door. I have a long night ahead of me, I'm not sure if I'll be able to put up with him.

Shit. Why did I say yes?

****