Friends and Marriage

Chapter 6

Once in the kitchen, Bruno and Irina smiled at each other. They knew Tana needed to feel safe, and Edward was one of those men who would put her feelings first. Especially because he was Irina's uncle and Bruno's close friend.

"Do you need a cup of coffee?"

"I intend to go sleep in the next hour. Caffeine will keep me up."

Bruno sat across from Irina on the kitchen, his eyes on her as she leaned back with her eyes shut. She could faintly hear some conversation. She could tell the two were being gentle with each other. So far, so good.

She could feel Bruno's eyes on her but she dared not open hers. After all, if she did, her feelings would openly betray her. He was so good-looking and kind, and she was weak in her knees because of his honesty.

"Irina," he called out gently, his voice deeper than usual. She gulped at the feelings stirring inside her at that. "Shouldn't we have a nice little chat?"

"What do you want to talk about?" She replied, her eyes still closed.

"About the date we will go and register for a marriage certificate."

Irina struggled to keep her eyes shut, but lost the fight. They made four with his, and he winked at her. Her body was suddenly warmer than normal as he studied her. She wanted to ignore these feelings until they disappeared. However, she was not sure if that was going to happen. Bruno was going to be especially nice to the woman he married, and he would avoid divorce by being the best man he could be.

"Any suggestions?"

He smiled. "I would have said right away, but I also want to give Andrew and Tana a chance to make this decision."

"Wouldn't it be better if we go on separate days? That way it looks less like an arrangement."

"That's smart... but Edward and I are also swamped with work and travel, so we might all go on the same day."

Irina nodded, and smiled before leaning back in her seat. Bruno watched her and sighed. He came over to her, and tilted her chin to face him. Irina's eyes made contact with his before she broke it quickly. He didn't look away though.

"You're beautiful."

She blushed, and he smiled at her. "You're going to be a beautiful wife. I can't wait to marry you."

Irina was feeling overwhelmed. His words were giving her no chance to retreat. He seemed like he was really hot in pursuit. Of her, or of his business opportunity, she couldn't quite tell. He probably did not even know that his words were the reason Irina was unable to retreat. Those strong feelings were only one-sided... and she stood to lose the most if he left her.

If he left them.

"Ahem." She cleared her throat. "Um, so..."

"So... where's my compliment?" He teased as he sat on the table, his hand still on her face. Irina's face was hot, but somehow she couldn't pull away.

"Um... you... you look nice too," she barely managed, struggling to keep her composure. She was trying, and failing, to stop herself from falling in his arms. She knew he wouldn't mind, but would he feel what she felt?

"Uh-Huh," Bruno responded. "What happened Irina? You have changed. Are you getting shy? Why are you shy?"

She looked up and down at him as if to ask if he had seen how good-looking he was. Bruno laughed, and leaned closer, making her gulp at the proximity. This was not a friendly cuddle moment... he was having too much fun and she barely had any space to escape.

"Bruno..."

"What?" He responded, his eyes on hers, his face just centimeters away. If she tilted her head, their lips would touch. She could kiss him if she wanted... and she really wanted to.

"You're... too... close," she managed.

He leaned back and let go of her chin. His eyes regarded her. They were warm and inviting. She let out a sigh of relief. She knew she was in safe hands, even if he just dangerously tempted her a few seconds ago.

Did he also feel something? Knowing him, he never hesitated to express his feelings and sentiments. Perhaps that was him scanning her face properly, so that he would be more composed when they had to face the business partners together?