CHAPTER NINE
1685 Words
KIERAN
Rochelle Sutherland... Rochelle Sutherland... Rochelle De La Vega.
Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?
I chuckled to myself, peeling off my bathrobe and slipping into bed.
The sudden ringing of my phone broke my train of thought. I glanced at the screen—Ethan? Last I saw him, he was dropping Rochelle off at home. Did something happen?
I stared at his name, dreading the call.
“Ethan?” I answered, trying to steady my voice.
“It’s Rochelle...” he began.
I swallowed hard, nerves tightening in my chest.
“...Her sister Becky collapsed. I took her to the family hospital.”
“And Rochelle?” I asked, anxiety creeping in.
“She’s fine. She’s here with me—worried sick, but fine.”
“Alright. I’m on my way.” I said, grabbing chinos and a t-shirt, throwing them on.
I snatched my car keys and sprinted downstairs.
“And where do you think you’re going?” my father asked, stepping out of his study.
Awful timing, Father. Really bad timing.
“It’s important,” I said flatly, walking past him.
“How’s your fiancée search going?” he mocked, sarcasm dripping from every word.
Old man. Did he really think it’d take that long?
“Oh, ye of little faith.” I stopped and turned to face him. “I’ll be pleased to tell you, Father, I found the prettiest, loveliest woman. Her name is Rochelle.”
He coughed, clearly stunned.
“You do see, don’t you?” I pressed, pursing my lips.
“Anyway... I have to go,” I chuckled, heading for the door.
“And yes, I’ll bring her for the family boat cruise tomorrow. You all can officially meet her.”
I closed the door behind me.
●●●
“Rochelle Sutherland,” I said to the nurse at reception.
“Kieran?” A small voice called behind me. I turned to see a familiar redhead, her eyes puffy, freckled face flushed from crying.
“Hey, Ginger,” I cooed, wrapping her in my arms—surprised by my own tenderness.
“I saw her... sprawled on the floor... I thought she was... s—swo...” She coughed, burying her face in my chest. I stroked her curls, inhaling her soothing scent—coconut, carrots, and cinnamon.
“Where’s Ethan?” I asked softly, rubbing small circles on her back.
“Speaking with the doctor,” she replied muffled.
“He’s trying to get Becky into a cancer program... chemotherapy,” she explained, grabbing my jacket, hiccupping from her sobs.
“Stop crying and wait for me right here, okay?” I said, holding her shoulders and looking into her eyes—shocked again by the softness in my own voice.
“I’ll get Becky sorted out. She’ll be fine. Trust me?”
“I trust you,” she whispered, returning my smile between sniffles.
“Good.” I turned and headed toward the doctor’s office.
After settling Becky, Ethan and I walked downstairs to find a certain ginger-haired girl asleep in a reception chair.
“That’s cute,” Ethan laughed, smirking at me and wiggling his eyebrows stupidly.
“Don’t be stupid, Kauffman,” I scoffed, hiding my smile at Rochelle’s peaceful sleep.
“You’ll be okay with her?” Ethan asked, voice suddenly serious.
I glanced at Rochelle, a small smile tugging at my lips, my insides leaping at the thought of being alone with her.
“Yeah... we’ll be okay,” I said, masking my excitement.
Ethan nodded, patted my shoulder, and left.
Once he was gone, I crouched down to meet her level.
“Hey Ginger, let’s get you home.” I tucked a loose curl behind her ear.
“Hmmm... Kieran?” she murmured, stirring awake.
“How’s Becky?” she jumped, the exhaustion fading from her eyes.
“Becky...” I started, holding her steady. “...she’s fine.”
“The doctor says she needs rest. And so do you.” I smiled, and she nodded.
She stood abruptly, staggering into my arms.
I caught her easily as she leaned against me.
Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she shyly looked away.
“Rochelle...” I murmured low and sultry.
“You’re my fiancée—you should learn to be close to me.”
I bent my head, whispering in her ear. Her body shivered under my touch.
“C’mon, let’s get you home.” I chuckled, leading her outside.
●●●
“This is me,” she laughed as I pulled up in front of a quaint little house, much like the café.
I smiled and took her hand, slipping a hazel-blue diamond ring onto her finger.
“What’s this?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Your engagement ring,” I replied, grinning at her surprised face.
“It’s hazel blue,” she smiled.
“Like your eyes.”
I exhaled sharply, my breath hitching as her gaze locked with mine.
Her lashes fluttered, eyes drifting to my lips.
*Goodness gracious.*
I took a sharp breath, placing my palm behind her neck and bringing her lips to mine.
A hungry kiss.
“Kieran, I...” she moaned softly into my mouth, driving me mad.
I silenced her by deepening the kiss, leaving no room for protest.
She moaned again, body relaxing into mine, her tiny hands threading through my hair, pulling me closer.
“Want me to come in?” I breathed, breaking the kiss and staring deep into her eyes.
Her chest heaved, breath heavy, eyes fluttering closed as she bit her lip, weighing the decision.
“Kieran...” she sighed uncertainly.
“It’s fine,” I smiled. “We still have the rest of our lives.”
She laughed softly.
“My family has a boat cruise tomorrow. I’ve been told to bring you.”
I toyed with a strand of her hair.
“Ethan will pick you up early so I can get you ready.”
She whispered, “Okay.”
“Goodnight, Kieran,” she smiled, closing the car door.
I nodded, watching her disappear inside.
ROCHELLE
I yawned, rolling over, burrowing deeper into the warmth of my sheets.
*KNOCK! KNOCK!*
Is someone knocking? Who could it be at this hour?
“Go away!” I groaned, burying my face in my pillow.
The knocking persisted—louder, more insistent.
“Who...” I shouted, throwing on a t-shirt, padding downstairs, and opening the door.
“Ethan...” I smiled sleepily. “What are you doing here?” I yawned, brushing curls from my face, spitting out a stray strand.
“Kieran didn’t tell you?” He raised an eyebrow, eyeing me up and down.
*s**t! I’m in a t-shirt and panties!*
“Uh... uh... the boat cruise!” I shrieked, pulling the shirt down desperately.
“Don’t be shy...” He chuckled deeply, smiling knowingly.
“Oh, sod it!” I snapped, turning sharply and marching upstairs.
His laughter echoed through the living room.
“I’ll be down in a bit!” I shouted, slamming my bedroom door.
*That wasn’t awkward at all... not weird in the least!*
I rushed into the shower, washing away the tension.
After brushing my teeth, I threw on a yellow sundress and flats.
Drying my hair, I tied a ribbon into it and stood before the mirror.
*I look good, right? Sure... good enough for stale cheese!*
“Who’re you kidding, Rochelle?” I groaned, flopping onto the bed.
“His entire family?” I groaned again, burying my face in my pillow.
You know how crazy rich *he* is. His family’s probably a snobbish, pompous bunch of... oh forget it.
“Rochelle?” Ethan knocked softly.
I stood, smoothing my dress nervously, and opened the door.
“I’m ready. But can we stop by the hospital so I can see Becky?” I asked, smiling.
“Sure, Ginger.” He returned my smile.
••••
“You’re late!” Kieran growled as Ethan and I entered the house.
“Not my fault,” Ethan whistled, raising hands in surrender.
“I stopped to see Becky,” I quickly explained, frowning as Kieran turned to face me.
“We can’t be late.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me upstairs.
“My family doesn’t tolerate tardiness or absence. The boat leaves at exactly 10:00 a.m. We have less than an hour.”
He led me into a dressing room, designers swooping in to work their magic.
“Oh... so this is a big deal,” I exclaimed, gulping at his nervousness.
If he’s nervous, I should be scared.
He left the room, leaving me with the designers.
•••
“Well... what do you think?” I giggled, twirling in my yellow designer sundress.
“Whooo! Somebody open a goddamn window!” Ethan whistled, eyeing me approvingly.
My ginger curls were tied in a neat bun, a few strands framing my face.
The sundress matched with golden sandals and a bright cream shawl.
“You look...” Kieran started, putting away his phone and gaping.
“You look good.” He shrugged, grabbing his keys and motioning for me to follow.
What?!
I shook off my nerves and confusion, following him to the car.
▪︎▪︎▪︎
“Any tips on dealing with the De La Vegas?” I asked, desperate to break the silence and tension in the car.
He was oddly quiet, cold, and distant—plus, he seemed nervously tense.
“Are you okay, Kieran?” I asked softly, placing my hand on his free hand.
“Don’t be so mouthy. Period.” He snapped.
*What?!*
I stared, confused, then angry.
“Excuse me?” I spat, frowning.
“You know what? It’s best if you don’t speak at all.” He swatted my hand away.
My anger faded, replaced by hurt.
*He’s ashamed of me. Why wouldn’t he be? I’m nowhere near his status. He’s so out of my league.*
“Whatever you say, Kieran,” I murmured sadly, staring out the window.
- Writer
