Beginning with Forever by Lan LLP Read Free Book Online

my listless body sink deep into my super comfy bed and exhaled an appreciative breath as I stared into a mural ceiling of light blue and white clouds.
    My belongings were unpacked and neatly placed in my personal closet, but something was missing. Oh yes, the graduation picture of me with my mother and two best friends and my lucky fortune. I set them both on my desk and then took a couple of steps back to appreciate it. Now I was ready to call this place my home.
    A rhythmic knocking on the door startled both Amelia and me. I wondered who it could possibly be. Amelia jumped off her bed and clumsily stumbled over her feet to open it. It was Richard, standing at the door entrance, looking particularly charming in dark slacks and a light ivory linen shirt. He was holding a fancy bottle of champagne in his left hand. Perspiration dripped along the sides of it, indicating that it had been properly chilled and was ready for drinking.
    “May I come in ladies? I have a welcoming gift to christen your dorm room,” he asked with a smirk and then leaned his broad shoulder against the wooden doorframe. He was a tall, lanky man. Both Amelia and I were appreciating the same handsome view from different angles. Amelia smiled bashfully and turned a magnificent shade of cerise while walking him into our room. “I’m Amelia,” she shyly introduced herself. He tells her his name while staring at me.
    He hand ed me the bottle, and it was chilled, just as I speculated. “There’s a special place I’d like to take you for dinner tonight,” he reminded me in a warm, deep voice. Oh holy crap, he didn’t forget that I had agreed to go to dinner with him. I quickly included Amelia to help ease the pressure of having dinner alone with him. “Amelia, would you like to come with us?” I asked desperately, giving her pleading eyes.
    “ I wish I could, but I have a dinner date with my parents.” Amelia seemed sincerely disappointed that she was unable to come with us, but Richard was rather relieved. He had a triumphant smile plastered across his face.
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    Richard escorted me to a fancy restaurant targeted for the upper class tourists as I predicted. I scanned the elaborate establishment and found myself underdressed and completely out of place. Most of the women were wearing elegant evening gowns, and I was wearing a simple, black dress.
    “Richard, why didn’t you tell me I needed to wear something fancier?” I asked, slightly irritated. It wouldn’t have made any difference, I guess. I had nothing fancier than what I was already wearing.
    “You look stunning to me. It’s the person, not the dress that matters.” His expression was humble. How nice of him to pay me such a sweet compliment, but unfortunately, I still felt like an odd piece that didn’t fit into this perfect puzzle.
    We s at outside on the terrace with a mesmerizing view of tranquil, cerulean waves flowing endlessly to the edge of the earth where it met the embrace of a crimson sunset. Even though the humidity was still present, there was a calm, constant, cool breeze that balanced the evening’s atmosphere. I ordered grilled fish with asparagus and so did Richard. The waiter recommended a crisp white wine to complement the fish. Being an amateur drinker, I was careful to take only a few small sips at a time. I’m a total light weight; therefore, it doesn’t take much to influence me.
    I had to admit, I enjoyed it all very much, maybe too much. The ambience was truly romantic, and my company wasn’t Mr. Average Joe. He was charismatic and so good looking. It would’ve been fairly easy to get lost in the moment, but not for me. I’m too determined to allow myself to stray. I cautioned myself to keep things simple between us. Nonchalantly, he reached for my wrist and adjusted my bracelet so the smooth pink stones faced up. “I see you’re still wearing my priceless bracelet. I’m honored,” he acknowledged with delight as he brought my hand