“I was saving this for your sister,” he says as he hands Penelope the flower. He leans in towards my little sister.
“Please Penelope can you keep my secret?” She gazes at him and a massive smile presses from her full lips. She nods at him and she reaches out and gives him a gentle kiss on the cheek. He smiles at her and my heart melts at the sight of them. I am stunned at how amazing Adrian is with my little sister and it is clear to see that she adores him. Penelope stares deeply into his eyes and she truly believes that he is a real prince. She holds the white rose close to her chest and she beams as she strokes its petals. Adrian rises up and he again stands beside me. I take his hand as he pushes back his hair.
“Well sweetie, again, we are so proud of you. Please look after yourself in London and don’t forget to call.” My mom says as she shoots my dad a look of ‘it’s time to go’. My dad nods at her as he begins to say.
“I am counting on you to look after my daughter.” Adrian quickly replies.
“Absolutely, she will want for nothing.”
“Good,” my dad says as he again gently hugs me.
I watch as my family walk away and as soon as they are out of sight, I lunge into Adrian’s arms once again. He holds me firmly as he kisses me and I melt into his demeanour.
Eighteen
I sit on Adrian’s private jet with Sophie, Emma and, of course, Adrian. Michael and Katharine are also here and I beam as I look around at their happy faces. Sophie is ecstatic as she sips a glass of champagne. Emma is talking freely to Adrian all the while he is glaring at me. Michael and Katharine are kissing and I must say that the passion they are using is a little inappropriate. I try to look away from them as Michael catches me staring. He flashes me a wicked smile as he raises his dark eyebrows. I do not react to his gesture instead; I look out the window of the airplane. I gaze at the stars as I take in this moment. I am now a college graduate. I have the most amazing boyfriend and I am on my way to the most beautiful city in the world. Then there is Michael and without him, I would not be here. He saved my life and I owe all this to him. I close my eyes as I remember last night’s encounter with him. We almost kissed and I almost betrayed Adrian. My face flushes hot with shame as I think back on the feelings I had towards Michael. He stared at me with those ice blue eyes and I gave into his teasing. He stroked my hair and I felt safe. I quickly try to shake the thought of Michael out of my head, as I am suddenly aware of him standing next to me. He gently sits onto the chair next to me and I finally bring myself to look at him. He is stunning tonight and I cannot tear my eyes from him. He lightly smirks at me.
“Are you glad that college is over?” He says as he leans over and gently pats my shoulder. I quickly nudge him away as I notice that Adrian is glaring over at us.
“I am glad that I have graduated.”
“Alanna, are you okay?” My heart races as I take in his words.
“Yes, why wouldn’t I be?” Michael leans in closer towards me and now our faces are only inches apart. I lean back a little from him as he whispers.
“You are still angry with yourself for what happened last night aren’t you?”
“How can I not be I almost kissed you and I can never forgive myself.” I whisper firmly. Michael gazes around the airplane as he responds.
“Something inside of you wanted that kiss. The reason that you are angry with yourself is because you know that you feel something for me. I wish that you would just admit it to yourself.” I am stunned by Michael’s honesty and my heart begins to pound. I am starting to believe what he is saying is true and guilt takes over my body at that feeling.
“Even, if I did, I am with Adrian and I love him. Please Michael don’t make this harder than it is.”
“You know how I feel about you. Alanna you cannot expect me to forget my feelings. I know that you feel the same way.”
“Michael please don’t do this. I care about you so much but I will always love Adrian. If you have any sense, you will forget me and please focus on Katharine. She is good for you and she can make you happy.”
“Alanna I don’t love Katharine and the truth is that… I never will. You are the only girl for me, please darling be with me.” My heart stops as I hear Michael’s words. I close my eyes for a second and when I open them, I am surprised to see Adrian standing before me. I begin to panic, as I fear that he has heard my conversation with Michael.
“Baby, are you okay?” He asks softly. I cannot respond but thankfully, Michael can.
“Alanna was a little fearful a second ago. You know what she is like with airplanes. But you are all better now aren’t you, babe?” I nervously smile towards Adrian as Michael rises from the seat.