Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Maybe... He Likes Me

Clarissa had seriously never imagined her sleeping posture could be this... tragic.

The sky was just starting to brighten when she stirred, and right as she shifted a little, she realized-her arms and legs were wrapped tightly around Elian.

Honestly, the whole scene screamed desperate clinginess.

She recalled how before bed last night, Elian had said, "I won't do anything, can I at least give you a hug?"

Awkwardly scooting a bit closer to him, she mumbled, "Why is your mind always in the gutter lately?"

He chuckled lowly, pulling her into his arms. "Well, twenty-something years without a girl, finally got a wife-I mean, can't I cut loose a little?"

It did sound reasonable... if not for the awkward situation between them.

But somehow, when she fell asleep, it was him hugging her. And now? The roles had totally reversed.

She carefully tried to extract herself, cautiously sliding her leg off him. Curious, she ducked under the blanket for a quick peek-only to discover that this man was...

Wearing nothing but pants.

Her face instantly turned tomato red as she ducked her head back out, holding her breath like even the slightest noise might wake him.

Unfortunately, her efforts were pointless.

Even before she made a sound, he was already stifling laughter, eyes still closed, lips curled up as if he couldn't hold it in anymore. His whole body was trembling from choking it back.

Clarissa instantly felt like she was lying to herself-classic ostrich approach.

"Don't hold it in too hard... you might explode or something."

Sure, she realized how ridiculous the whole thing looked. But honestly? If he was gonna laugh, might as well do it to her face.

Elian finally opened his eyes, propped himself up on one arm, and just watched her silently.

There was this oddly serene vibe in the air.

But to her, that gaze was nothing but teasing.

Blushing harder, Clarissa edged back to get up, only to lose her balance the moment her foot missed the edge of the bed.

Panicking, she instinctively grabbed onto something random-turned out to be Elian's arm.

He reached out with one hand, holding her by the waist just in time to stop her from falling.

The blanket that had been covering his chest slipped off when he moved, revealing his bare torso.

Clarissa's eyes had no idea where to look. With the heat of his breath brushing her skin and their faces this close, she was about to short-circuit.

She thought-wait-was he planning to do something?!

Then suddenly, his arm around her back tugged, pulling her toward the center of the bed.

And then he just let go.

Just. Let. Go.

Her brain instantly went into overdrive, trying and failing to decode his motive.

He let out a silent chuckle and said casually, "Don't worry, I won't touch you without your permission. No need to be so..."

His eyes flicked downward meaningfully, and Clarissa realized there was a breeze-on her shoulder.

Her spaghetti strap dress...

"AHHHHHH! Elian, you freaking creep!!"

She spun around and scrambled to fix her dress.

But Elian braced himself with both arms beside her, leaned his chin on her shoulder, and said in an even voice, "Morning, babe."

Clarissa went stiff on the spot. Her ears flushed bright red and the color crept all the way up to her cheeks, giving her a surprisingly radiant glow.

She had no idea when he'd left, only that her heart was beating way too fast.

And it's not like she was some shallow girl who'd fall for a guy just for his looks or voice.

She was convinced he just scared the hell out of her.

Yeah. Just biology freaking out. That's it.

Otherwise, why did it kinda feel like Elian actually liked her?

*****

Clarissa had just finished her morning routine when she stepped out and saw the table filled with breakfast.

There it was-a crisp breakfast wrap with carrot.

It'd been forever since she last had one of those. She picked up her fork and took a bite.

Yup, still tasted just as good.

She looked at Elian and asked, "How do you know how to make this?"

This used to be her go-to breakfast back in high school. After getting to college, she couldn't find it anywhere and gradually gave up eating breakfast altogether.

Elian paused briefly, his voice low and calm. "I just do."

He'd always known how.

Clarissa chuckled, not thinking much of it. "So you learned from that lady near school or what? Tastes exactly the same."

Elian didn't respond-just kept eating.

After breakfast, he was about to head to the office. Right as he turned to ask about her plans for the day, her phone buzzed.

The screen clearly showed: Margaret Hamilton.

Sebastian's mom?

Elian's gaze lingered on the screen, his thoughts momentarily drifting.

Clarissa blinked when she saw the caller ID too, then walked off to take the call in private.

Elian was heading out, but his fingers trembled a little on the doorknob. He glanced back-she was looking down, messing with her slippers.

It was his place, yet somehow it still felt a bit unreal to him.

About half an hour later, he came back in.

As soon as he opened the door, he saw Clarissa already dressed up, standing at the door putting on her shoes.

She glanced at the clock, eyes widening. "You haven't left yet? Aren't you gonna be late?"

"Forgot something," he answered.

She nodded slightly. "Then go on."

She was just about to step out when he grabbed her wrist. Brow slightly furrowed, he asked directly, "Where are you headed?"

Clarissa wasn't sure what was up with him-he seemed kind of off.

"Uh... Mrs. Hamilton asked me to come over for a bit," she replied.

Only after saying it out loud did she remember-the whole thing with Sebastian.

"But it's nothing to do with Sebastian, he's still in Hawaii with Aria. I'm just going to see his mom, nothing else."

Worried he might overthink it, she added that last part.

Elian knew she and the Hamiltons were close. The families had ties too, and cutting things off completely wouldn't be easy.

Plus, Sebastian was one thing; Margaret was another. She'd always treated Clarissa kindly.

He nodded. "I'll drive you."

"Huh?" She clearly didn't expect that. "Don't you need to get to work?"

"I don't draw a paycheck. I'm the boss," Elian replied smoothly.

So basically, go when he wants, stay when he wants.

Alright dude, you win.

She hadn't even told him where the Hamilton place was, but Elian didn't pull up GPS or anything-just drove as if he already knew.

She almost asked but let it go.

If she did, he'd probably just say, "Good memory."

When they reached the Hamilton residence, Clarissa unbuckled her seatbelt, gearing up to say goodbye, but Elian beat her to it.

"You coming home tonight?" he asked.

Huh?

"Yeah... I mean, it's my home too, y'know?"

Her voice trailed off toward the end, carefully watching his reaction.

When he heard "my home," he couldn't help a faint smile tug at the corners of his mouth.

It was gone in a flash, but Clarissa caught it.

She smiled to herself too.

"I'll swing by to pick you up later," he added.

Clarissa nodded-she actually liked the idea.

The area wasn't exactly central; having him come get her felt safer.

Before closing the door, she even waved at him with a grin.