My heart

Chapter forty-three
Ryder
I close my eyes and open it again. I stare wide at Gwen. I sit up and jerk back, startled for a moment.
"What are you doing here?" I scream.
She steps back and laughs, "I knocked but you didn't answer. And I thought it was weird that you were sleeping at this hour."
I take a deep breath to relax, " I've been feeling so tired."
Maybe it's because of yesterday and the day before. But I haven't been able to rest. Aside from that, I had to take care of all my luggage before driving to Mrs. Johnson's house to pick Gwen up.
Gwen nods once, "your room is beautiful."
"Really? Thanks. Have you seen yours? Do you like it?"
Gwen nods again, her eyes moving all around me. She looks surprised and pleased. I like that look on her.
I get up from the bed and walk to my wardrobe. I pull out some paper bags and walk out again.
"Here are the clothes, I hope you like them."
Gwen moves to collect the bags, "Thanks so much."
I nod briefly, "Have you had something to eat?"
She nod, " Mr. Johnson made me pasta."
An idea struck me because I don't even want her to leave now.
That reminds me, there's a party coming up soon. The party Derek told me about. Gosh, I've forgotten about it.
I can't take Mimi with me and I seriously can't go with Heidi.
Gwen is the only option for me now.
"Ehrm, Gwen. I need your help," I look at her and study the expression she's giving me.
" What is it? Is something wrong?"
"Not really. I just have a party I need to be and I'm supposed to go on a date. So, I was thinking perhaps you can help me out."
She blinks once, and fear enters her features, "What about Heidi? What will she do if she discovers this?"
I smile, understanding why she feels so scared but I will never let it happen again. Everything that happened at the congratulatory party will never repeat itself.
Now, I promise to do whatever it takes to make sure she's safe every time.
"It's ok. I have it under control. Heidi won't be allowed entry that day no matter what."
She stares at me for a while, " Why do you want me to go with you? What about your girlfriend or your wife-to-be?"
I laugh so hard at her question. Well, I never do think about it before.
But now that I realize it, it feels like I was born to be a bachelor.
"What's so funny? You've been laughing, just like Mrs. Johnson and Lizzy when they were asking me if I can marry you."
My heart made a sudden thud at the revelation. Mrs. Johnson knows about my predicament and my resolve.
"What were you guys discussing that led there?" I try to make it light so she wouldn't suspect anything. I take a seat and look up at her.
"Well,* she sits beside me, " Mrs. Johnson asked me if I can marry someone despite the age difference."
" So, what was your response?"
" I don't know," she shrugs slightly, " I can't say but if the guy definitely behaves as you do?" She turns to look at me, a bright smile on her face, "Then I will accept."
The answer causes a surge of happiness in me. I can feel the butterflies rise in me.
So, she does love someone like me? I can't believe that. I mean doesn't that mean I have a chance with her?
"I mean, you are nice, handsome, and kind. Is there anything more than a lady will want? Your wife will surely be proud to have you."
I open my mouth to let her know she's the one I love but I bit it in immediately.
I shouldn't rush things. I might lose if I do that.
I stare at her for a while. It doesn't matter if she's not mine now, as far as I'm rest assured she can be. At least, she now has a nice view of me.
For that, I am happy.
"Come," I hold her right hand and pull her to the bed.
I take my laptop and place it before us. I open a file about shops.
"I got some nice shops for your business."
She looks at me, surprised, " What? My shop?"
I nod briefly, "Yes. You said you wanted to be a florist. And I got some nice shops for you. So, look at them and tell me the one you want."
She smiles and looks at the laptop. That smile, that's always awakening thousands of hormones in me.
While she was looking through the shops, I was looking at her. I like her black hair and the way it seem to fall on her shoulder.
I love her round, wide eyes and her small mouth. I can kiss that mouth all day.
Gosh! That's like in a million year