Chapter 1
1050 Words
Even though she didn’t know him that much, she knew that she liked him. From the first time she saw him, Meredith knew deep down that she would never like anyone the way she liked William Hudson.
She had first seen him at her best friend’s house. Meredith had been invited by her best friend, Celeste, to celebrate her father.
“He always does this thing where he invites all these important officials and families to celebrate… anything. Just anything. I have no idea what we’re celebrating this time around,” Celeste had told her.
Wearing her favorite silky peach diner dress, Meredith felt confident that she looked gorgeous. She drove with her father to the event at the Anderson’s mansion.
Celeste rushed outside and grabbed her best friend’s hand. She was excited because that was the only time her mom hadn't paid attention to her, so she vowed to drink herself to death.
When they got inside, Celeste grabbed two glasses of wine and handed one to Meredith.
“Celeste, you know I don’t like drinking.”
“Where on earth can you find a twenty-three-year-old who does not drink? Besides, this isn’t like those bitter things that your dad drinks. Come on, be a good girl and take it.”
Meredith, reluctantly, took the glass from Celeste and took a sip. Celeste observed carefully before adding, “What was so hard about that? You’re such a baby. Oh, my boyfriend is here,” Celeste said, playfully.
Her boyfriend, James, walked towards them and briefly greeted Meredith. He took Celeste by her hand and led her out of the room. If Meredith had known this would happen, she wouldn’t have agreed to come.
Meredith observed the environment. Everyone seemed to enjoy alcohol. Well, she didn’t. Especially because her father was always drunk following her mother’s death. But he had fought hard to be sober now most of the time. She was proud of him.
Her father was sitting next to his girlfriend, Judith… Not that Meredith approved of their relationship. She had never liked Judith, her two children inclusive. She had never thought her father would want to remarry after her mother. She didn’t like that idea.
She shifted her eyes from her father and his girlfriend, and for the first time, she saw William Hudson. He was even more handsome than the pictures described. He stood next to his father... adopted father, rather... doing nothing apart from being effortlessly hot. Oh, he was drinking alcohol like everyone else… he actually seemed drunk. But she didn’t mind.
She found the perfect spot to help her glance at him with satisfaction and sat down. He was now talking to some of his father’s guests and laughing. He had nice white teeth, she noted. He had many interesting features on him. His body was masculine and well-built. And the olive green suit he wore that night made his body more attractive. She imagined him in many ways and ended up feeling ashamed. She was destructed by a message from Celeste.
Come outside.
Meredith sighed and went out. James’ car was parked just near the entrance, and Celeste called out her name as soon as she walked out of the mansion.
“Hey, are you having fun?” Celeste asked when Meredith stood outside her window. “I’m sorry I left you. I’ll have to explain later and make it up to you. But I have to leave.”
“Where are you going?” Meredith asked.
Celeste looked at James and laughed, “somewhere private.”
“Okay. And where did you take my purse?”
“The floor where my room is… But don’t turn to your right. Go to your left instead. The last room.”
“Alright. You guys have fun.”
Celeste and James sped off, and Meredith went in search of her purse. She quickly ascended the stairs, hoping not to meet anyone. She opened the door to the last room, got inside, and closed it. She found her purse on the pillow, and she walked to the bed and sat. Being away from all those people was a relief. She laid her back on the bed.
“I knew you’d come,” a baritone called from the entrance of the bathroom.
She turned her head and almost jumped up after seeing him.
“I came to get my purse.”
“Surprising how your purse found itself here.” William said, still standing at the bathroom door with a towel in his hand. He had taken off his shirt and was from washing his face. That wasn’t how she imagined their first conversation to be... But at least he looked even hotter without a shirt.
“I saw you,” he walked towards her, “staring at me across the room. I knew you would come.”
He stood in front of her and touched her hair. Meredith was shaking. Fear or excitement?
“It’s such a relief to be away from all those people, isn’t it? Would you like to go back?”
Meredith knew he was drunk, but she shook her head.
“I see you want to spend time with me. Sit, I’ll get us some wine.”
"No, I don’t drink, actually,” Meredith said and sat down.
“Well, I do.” He opened the sideboard and dragged a bottle, half empty. “Talk to me.” He leaned backwards and pulled her gently to his side. Meredith said nothing.
“You don’t want to talk? Maybe we can do something that doesn’t involve talking.”
He touched her chin and made her face him before carefully kissing her. Sensational, she thought to herself. He tasted of sweet wine. She didn’t know what to do or where to touch.
He placed his hand on her lower abdomen, and she pulled him closer to her. He placed his hand in her dress before quickly taking it off.
“You’re beautiful,” he said before kissing her whole body. He looked her in the eye, “should I get protection?”
“… touching down in 30 minutes. All passengers kindly fasten your seatbelts.”
Meredith was brought back to the present. She fastened her seatbelt and looked out the window.
- Writer
