Chapter 5 My wish list, his wish list

As I slowly opened my eyes, a banging headache welcomed me. I winced, trying to shake off the haze, but my attempt was futile. Where was I? I pondered as I squinted my eyes, scanning the room. This wasn't my room, nor was it familiar. The bed, the furniture, everything seemed foreign to me.

Panic washed over me as I realized I was naked, tangled in unfamiliar bedsheets. Was this a dream? I double-checked myself, trying to recall the events leading up to this moment, but my brain felt foggy.

And then, like a fountain, my memories came rushing back.

Miller.

Last night's events replayed in my mind like a movie. The club, the dance floor, the kisses, the way his hands explored my body, the passionate make-out session in his car before we drove here. His hotel room.

Just as I reconstructed the night's events, the main character in my wild fantasy came in. Miller appeared before me, his shirtless torso on full display. His jeans hung low on his hips, displaying his well-structured physique.

"Good morning," he said, his voice husky, with a hint of a smile.

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as our eyes met. The way his gaze lingered on me made me conscious of my nakedness. I pulled the sheets up to my chest, trying to cover myself.

"Morning," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Miller's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "How are you feeling?"

His concern for me made me more conscious of what had happened between us. Clearly, last night was a mistake. We were under the influence of alcohol.

I assessed my mind, weighing the gravity of my actions. "About last," I paused, my cheeks growing warmer.

Miller's expression changed, his sparkling eyes became dull. "What was it about last night?"

"I think it was a mistake," I rapped, rushing out my words.

"You think it was a mistake?" Miller asked, his eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

"I was only trying to forget my boyfriend. Last night was a rebellious act on my part," I explained, hoping he would understand me.

I couldn't even look at Miller as I talked, but his silence made me steal a glance at him. A wary smile played on his lips with a hint of disappointment on his face.

"Why are you not saying?" I asked, flashing him a questioning look.

"What do you want me to say, Amelia?" The way my name rolled out of his lips had an effect on me, but I quickly shook off the feeling.

"We don't have a relationship. This is just a casual thing for both of us. Let's just forget that it happened so you can go back to your life." I paused, biting my lip as I thought about a better way to handle the situation.

"You said you came visiting, right? You can go on with your tour, enjoy your Christmas with whoever you came with. We can just forget last night and bury it with us."

"Amelia," he called me, calmly. "Listen to me," he pleaded. "To me, last night wasn't a mistake. To be honest, I enjoyed the moment I spent with you and I don't want to forget it."

"I don't want you to say that because you don't want to hurt me," I interrupted him. "I'm sure you have plans for Christmas. I don't want to be the reason why you have to cancel your plan."

"I thought I made myself clear last night. You are my plan for Christmas, Amelia. I don't have other plans," Miller replied calmly, but I sensed the seriousness in his voice.

"How is that possible? Why won't you have other plans for Christmas?" I tightened the sheets around my body as I continued, "Take a look at me, I had plans with my boyfriend before I caught him cheating on me. Everyone has someone special they want to spend their holidays with," I explained, rambling my points.

"What if I told you that I didn't have a special person to spend Christmas with? What if I told you that I wanted to spend Christmas with you? Not everyone makes plans in advance, some of us go with the flow. The world isn't promising, anyway." Miller rambled as he unconsciously played with the belt loop of his trousers.

I could tell that he was becoming emotional about the whole topic and I didn't want him to feel like I was rejecting him after using him to forget Raphael.

"I....I don't really know what to say," I stammered.

"You don't have to overthink anything. All you have to do is believe me, Amelia," he retorted.

A long breath escaped my lips as I sighed. If I had known that my rebellious act would become this, I wouldn't have done it at all. Now, I was rendered speechless, having no clue about what to say.

*I have an idea that can help the both of us," Miller said as his face lit a little. "What if we spend Christmas together fulfilling your wish list?"

"My wish list?" I flashed him a confused look.

"Yes. The things you wanted to do with your boyfriend, you can do them with me." Miller clarified, causing me to wonder what kind of man he was.

"Miller, I don't want you to feel obligated to help me. Yes, I am heartbroken, but I am not a damsel in distress. I'll be fine on my own, the wish list could wait."

Before I knew it, Miller moved closer, sitting at the side of the bed, closely to me. My eyes lingered on him as he got comfortable beside me.

"I don't feel obligated to help you. All I want for Christmas is to spend time with you. I want to see you smile. I want to be with you, even if it is until the holiday ends."

At this point, I think I should go ahead and go through with Miller's idea. Why not enjoy the holiday instead of drowning in self-pity?

Raphael, who had hurt me, would definitely be enjoying his time with Rachel. So, why should I not enjoy myself too?

"Can you make a Christmas tree?" I asked, surprising Miller.

"Yes, why did you ask? Miller replied.

My eyes sparked with amusement because Miller was there, right in front of me, sending me a promising smile.

"Decorating a Christmas tree was the first thing on my wish list, I answered him.

"Merry Christmas, Amelia. Thank you for deciding to spend your time with me." Miller appreciated, his voice cool and calm.

"Merry Christmas, Miller. And thank you," I replied.

'Thank you for taking me to the club on Christmas Eve. You helped me escape a sad reality that could have destroyed me.' I omitted this part, keeping it to myself.

"Anything for you," he replied. "Let me get you something to wear," he said as his eyes scanned my body with darker eyes.

As he turned to leave, I caught sight of his broad back, the muscles rippling beneath his skin. Desire stirred within me, despite my attempt to stay away from him. Maybe this was a necessary change I needed to mend my broken heart.