Chapter 21-CLOSE PROXIMITY

If it was possible, Wren Austin’s eye sockets would have gotten hooked behind her head, because the amount of times she rolled her eyes, particularly every time Giovanni O’Connell spoke was medically not advised.
Even his presence got her annoyed. It was only because she had had enough drama for the day that she didn’t storm out of the pub, because she knew too damn well that it will stir rumours from people.
So, she was forced to suck it in.
The only thing, that somehow made being next to him bearable was the shot of tequila before her, but as downed each glass and more shots were placed before her, Wren Austin realized she needed to slow down as her vision was quickly becoming blurry.
“Psst, hey Wren” she heard her name being called, followed by a tap on her shoulder.
Rolling her eyes for the nth time, Wren Austin turn to the eloquent young man with a bored expression on her face.
Giovanni O’Connell smiled in amusement at Wren’s annoyed expression. “How you doing” he said with a wink as he mimicked the southern accent.
Again, Wren rolled her eyes at him before turning her attention to Gwendolyn who had an amuse look plastered on her face as she struggled to hold in her laughter.
“Fill my cup” she ordered at her friend who gave her a knowing look.
“No. That’s enough Wren. You’ve had a lot to drink” Gwen retorted, seizing the glass from Wren who frowned in disagreement.
“Gwen, if I’m going to sit through whack ass conversation you have going on with him, then I don’t need to be sober for it” the blonde replied sarcastically.
“You should listen to her” Giovanni O’Connell butted in.
“And you should shove your opinion where the sun doesn’t shine” Wren Austin’s sarcastic reply came in almost immediately.
“Oh, feisty” Giovanni mocked, making the blonde rolled her eyes again.
This time, she was fed up. Fed up from hearing his voice and fed up with him acting like he didn’t disrespect her few days ago.
“That’s it. I’m leaving” the blonde got off the chair and stormed out of the pub, ignoring Gwen who called out to her and the stares she received.
Wren Austin stopped dead in her tracks as Giovanni got a hold of her arm.
“Let go off me, you dimwitted asshole” Wren spat, abruptly brushing away his hold on her.
Out of nowhere, Giovanni burst into a fit of laughter, infuriating the blonde like never better.
“What’s so funny?” she inquired with an attitude.
The young man struggled to contain his laughter. “You Wren. You’re so funny” he said, holding to his stomach.
Wren Austin scoffed and rolled her eyes before walking away.
“Hey! Wren. Hold up” Giovanni called out to the blonde who ignored him and kept matching forward. He took large strides until he finally caught up with her.
“Wren, Wren. I’m sorry” he said, gently taking Wren’s hand in his.
Wren Austin felt something in her. Something that wasn’t present before. It wasn’t the first time he was holding her arm like this, so why the hell did it stir something that had been dormant in her for years.
Suddenly, everything around them faded. The chirping sounds from crickets, as well as the cold evening air was almost inexistent. The darkness around them didn’t matter to her right now as she realized the sparkles in her eyes was the only light she could ever need. The smell of his cologne intoxicating her nostrils and the close proximity between them making it difficult for her to make use of her senses. Giovanni O’Connell was close to Wren. So close that she could perceive the smell of alcohol on his breath, instantly making her arouse.
“Did you feel that” he whispered, leaning closer into her.
The blonde understood his question because she felt it. In the short span of seconds, he had managed to ignite a burning flame in her that hasn’t been active in so long. So, of course she felt it. But the fact that he was able to stir that reaction out of her, vexed Wren Austin. Because it will only mean one thing, and that thing, the blonde didn’t dare admit to herself.
“I know I was an ass, and I’m sorry. I realized I was going about it the wrong way” his voice filled the silence.
Wren Austin didn’t utter a word. Right now, giving how her body was reacting to his touch, she feared her voice may betray her too.
“But I just want to talk. I just need ten minutes of your time” the young man added and was met with more silence from the young girl.
As if on cue, a cool breeze swept by, brushing the blonde luscious hair to her face. The dashing young man brushed away a strand of hair from her face, before trailing his fingertips down her jaw and began caressing her cheeks.
Gradually, Giovanni O’Connell leaned in, whilst simultaneously lifting the blonde’s face to meet him halfway. He searched her eyes for permission, but he was met with eyes clouded by confusion, still, he didn’t let that stop him.
“I’m going to kiss you” he whispered, his lips inches away from Wren’s.
Did Wren Austin want to pull back? No, she couldn’t, even if she wanted to.
Did she want to kiss him? Hell yes. She didn’t think it was possible to hunger for something like she hungered for a taste of his plump luscious lips.
Just as the young man leaned in further to connect their lips, it felt like the blonde was struck by a trail of reasoning thought as she quickly pulled away from him. This time, she didn’t snap and instead tried to wrap her head over what had just happened.
And when it finally sunk in, she didn’t utter a word. Instead, she quietly stepped away from him and began to take her leave, and this time, he didn’t stop her.
He let her walk away.
And this time, Wren Austin hated the fact that he didn’t run after her.

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