Chapter 22

**SCARLET**
If he was going to set up his own rules, I was setting up mine too. Two months was still long, but I wouldn’t discuss it tonight—not in our parents’ house.
“How about we discuss this tomorrow?”
“I don’t like suspense.”
“For your information, we’re in your father’s house. And I’m setting my rules, too!”
His mouth curved in a playful grin. “Finally, a part of Ericka I remember. Let’s see what rules you’ve got, witch.”
God, his smile was to die for; I almost gave in.
I shook my head, then crossed my arms. “One of my rules: Don’t ever call me witch again.”
I strolled back to the pool and stood by the edge. Luke had barely called me by my first name, and he had called me a witch several times. I didn’t know if it was because I looked like a witch to him. I wasn’t his type.
Luke walked next to me but kept a short distance this time. He slid his hands into his pocket. “Alright, I won’t.”
Silence.
I gazed up at him. His face was calmer now, and he was staring at the water. “Luke?”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t you miss our late-night phone calls?”
“Why’d you ask?”
“Because I miss it.” I miss you.
“We don’t need that now. We’re just right in front of each other.” He cocked his head. “We don’t need to play that childish game.”
“Call me Ericka instead.”
“What?”
“Call me that, but not some witch. I hate it. So, I still need to prepare my things. Goodnight, Luke.”
He nodded. “Nine o’clock, sharp. Don’t be late.”
I didn’t answer and headed inside. The last thing to do was convince Mom

***
I went downstairs, dressed, with my suitcase ready. Luke was already outside waiting for me.
It was almost nine; Mom and Thomas were in the living room. I paced toward Mom and embraced her. She was kind of sentimental. I always knew that about her. She was only like this whenever we were going to be apart. In a matter of days, she would get used to it.
“Come on, Mom. It’s almost graduation. We can be with each other again,” I said, just to rectify the situation. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to live with them.
“It’s only two days more, Scarlet. Stay, darling.” Thomas asked, trying to convince me. I was such a bad daughter.
“I’m so sorry, Thomas. I promise to call you when I get there. It’s only two months, and we’re going to see each other again at my graduation, right, Mom?”
“I am so not going to your graduation!” she cried out.
“Seriously, it doesn’t have to be like that.” I knew she didn’t mean it; she could be childish regarding her only daughter.
“Then I’m going to attend your graduation,” Luke abruptly came in, looking so gorgeous in a casual gray long-sleeve that was folded up to his elbows, ripped faded jeans, and Louboutin russet boots.
“Luke…”
“What’s taking you so long?” He picked up my suitcase. “I’m taking this outside.”
“Lucas!” Mom scowled at him; her eyes followed his movement. “I’m not letting you—”
“Good morning, Gene.” He kissed her cheek and flashed the most boyish smile he could give. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we really have to go.”
“But I thought you said you’re not on good terms?”
“Come on. When did I say that? We’re good.” He chuckled coyly. “Don’t worry about her. She will stay with me during the last days of her vacation.”
“What?” I pulled the fabric off his shirt. Going to stay with him? That wasn’t part of the deal.
“You heard me. Let’s go.” He gave me a ‘don’t say anything else’ look and headed out first.
Thomas heaved out a sigh. “I guess we’ll just see you in two months, darling.”
“Of course.” I moved to hug him. “Thank you, Thomas. You have such a lovely house.”
I pulled away and embraced Mom. “I love you, okay? No matter what.”
She responded with a nod, finally giving in. “I see I can’t stop you, but call me, okay? I love you too.”
I kissed her cheek and then waltzed out of the house.
A black limousine was already waiting at the pathway. I approached him, a bit hesitant, but then he opened the door for me, inviting me to get in.
“Ladies first.”
All I had to do was to step inside and enjoy every moment. I guess my heart already knew its choice. I stepped into the car, and Luke settled in after me.
“Tell me I made the right decision,” I asked, holding my breath. “I feel guilty, and Mom cried because of me.”
He frowned. “You’re going back to Cambridge in two days anyway, so what’s the big deal?”
I snorted. “Whatever. Just to remind you, I made this decision because there is no other choice. And why did you tell them I would stay with you?” I shifted my body to one side and faced him. “That’s not a part of the conversation last night.”
“I did say make yourself available on weekends, right?”
“But it’s not the weekend yet.”
He smirked. “Why delay the fun?”
“Seriously? You’re really just going to do whatever you want?”
“Why not?” He leaned over to my ear. “Do you know how much we are going to both enjoy this? You just have to submit it to me. I still haven’t touched even the tip of your hair because I want to savor you properly. We both know how we want that, right?”
That didn’t sound like a good idea, but every hair on my body stood by his words alone. What was wrong with me now?
He ran his thumb on my lip. “I can’t wait to have you.” I felt his breath on my neck, and I inhaled the scent of his perfume—earthy, like wood with a hint of mild soap. “Alone.”