Hot Pursuit

Chapter 9

[Georgina's POV]

He said it was going to be a "private party". But he also said that I "can't bring" my "camera with me". Meaning, I can't really take any valid proof of what could happen in that said event. But I had been invited... To a party... that could totally be a den filled with a lot of possible "secrets" surely. And by secrets, I can only guess it's a BIG SCOOP. A MAJOR SCOOP. And lots of possible writable articles that I could make for a span of just one week.

That was very tempting. Honestly.

I mentally applauded Kieran for actually baiting me with that magnificent idea. But I knew I should hold back a little. That offer was also, same as what we were having right now for a so-called "interview", just too good to be true. And my doubt-o-meter was just peaking at high levels at this point. I squinted my eyes at Kieran who seemed to be not even fazed in the slightest at the apparent skepticism that was definitely showing on my expression as we looked at each other. He was just smiling... Damn this, hottie. And I even admit, that seductive grin was quite a little too distracting too so I shifted my gaze closely to his nose. Well...

That totally took my mind off to another subject. But scratch that, Georgie, I should totally think of a plan in my head. I had to come up with a nice tactic to outsmart this clever dude before time ran off. This interview was obviously all a sham. It totally just seemed more of a casual conversation with loopholes rather than a real edgy one. It was, personally, an epic failure and I have to find a leeway. I had to regain my pride here. Seriously.

I clicked my tongue then bit the inside of my cheek, and took my time letting the thoughts ran inside my head. It was a bit challenging.

And at last, like a lit bulb, I sat up straight in a bolt. Kieran got startled as his eyes blinked several times at my agitation. Our eyes met again but this time, I was the one feeling the joy to actually know that I could have the upper hand. I leaned forward, enough that I was already hovering over my half-filled mug of turning-cold coffee on the table between us, not letting my eyes leave his. Kieran held my gaze, his lips slowly curved. Smoothly, the lines on his face creased as he charmingly grinned. He must have read my mind.

I no longer waited to waste any more time.

"I'm not gonna write whatever we talked about this whole night, but you have to promise me one thing," I told him in a really lowered voice as if we were in on a secret. Pretty clever, ain't I? Well, I was channeling a pretty damn kickass female character here and it seemed like Kieran was actually finding me more amusing at this point as his grin widened more.

"What one thing, darling?" his sudden term of endearment, which in no sense must have really meant nothing when he had used it in that response, still gave a leap in my chest. I inwardly screamed and mentally counted to three just to keep a straight face the whole time. That was uncalled for, but I survived, luckily.

"You'll be my free pass," I intoned. I expected him to actually get it but Kieran frowned at what I said, looking a little bit confused. He did not really get that though and I almost laughed at his unexpected reaction. Not hiding my enthusiasm, I let out a short chortle as I explained it to him briefly by saying, "It meant, I want you to give me free passes on every private party there is in town for celebrities. You'd be my golden ticket. What do you think?"

"Oh." His brows perked up after finally understanding it.

"Yeah," I rolled my eyes, still chortling, "Oh, right. Now you know."

"Well, that's a pretty good bargain. Great competitiveness you have there in you, huh?" he jokingly commented, sighing with a lazy smirk as he leaned back on his seat, crossing his hands over his chest, and laid his head on the cushion behind him. I just shrugged my shoulders for the lack of verbal response. It was not ideal for me, but that could still work. I may not have gotten the best scoop to write about Kieran this time but at least I got the confirmation that I could have him on my beck-and-call now. That was progress, and I won't ever really turn away from any kind of progress, no matter how small or insensible it is.

"Now, I'm really starting to think it might be just a bad idea that I almost wanted to give you a full exclusive interview next time," Kieran added on. But on this one, I really had to let it all out.

"Come on, loverboy," I snarkily replied to him, shaking my head in disbelief while Kieran just gave me a raise of his brow as I leaned away from the table, still staring at him, "We both know you weren't really going to give me the serious tell-all tonight. You just wanted to test me, didn't you? But who knows?" I shrugged one shoulder as I went on, "Maybe someday, sometime, it's going to be you who'll end up begging me so badly to interview you."

I suddenly felt wanting to have a cigarette. That was a cool line though and I think the slight drowsiness and the small effect of caffeine mixed with the remaining alcohol in my system did a huge part in making me say that. I laughed at myself, not even bothering if I had looked weird to Kieran and I didn't really care. I heard him chuckling too and that was quite a moment.

"Alright, you win, darling," Kieran finally said in defeat, letting out a puff of breath as he stood from the couch, raising both palms up, "Now that it's all settled, I guess it's time for me to escort you back to your place, Miss Georgina."

I was holding both of my arms up for a triumphant pose from my seat while he said those words to me. I was still giggling foolishly like a little girl while he crossed the distance between us.

"Oh, you better take me home in one piece, loverboy," I was telling him, as soon as he got closer. He did not say anything back for a moment and I just stared into his eyes. They kind of like melting green against the moonlight. It was pretty. I could feel myself drowning in it the more I stared at his eyes. He never flinched. I suddenly felt like a total mess and I think I was also becoming a little bit too warm. I must have been still drunk though... I guess? I mean, my vision was really starting to get hazy... I don't get it. How?

"Safe, darling. You'll definitely be safe."

Suddenly, I just felt something really comfy wrapping me around the body. I sighed in relief. That felt so good. It made me relax but I no longer know if I was even standing on anything or if I was still sitting or if I was still with Kieran or what? Wait, what? The only thing I could sense around me was that unfamiliar warmth and this undeniably comfortable feeling. Something also smelled really REALLY good. It's intoxicating. Maybe I was still drunk. Or too sleepy... I felt too tired and it suddenly felt more like I was in my bed but I didn't feel like I was in the right balance. I might be even just levitating around... LOL.

What the hell's going on? SERIOUSLY. I was terribly confused, I had no idea if this was even all real or if I was just dreaming everything.

"You're cute..."

Did he just say I'm cute? Wait, what the hell? But I don't know where I am? I don't see anything anymore... I feel like sleeping... I can't keep my eyes open anymore...

Am I...?