So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we are gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me..... every day.

~ Nicholas Sparks.

......

Akira

From: Yale art department

Subject: Art Exhibition

Date: September 21, 2017, 09:13

To: Akira Ray

Miss Akira Ray, I'm glad to inform you that your painting has been selected for the art exhibition conducted by Yale art department on September 22. Your painting has made quite an impression on selecting members. As you are already informed that your painting would be put there for display to all other guests.

Through this mail we are inviting you and we hope to see you there with your plus one. Venue is attached by the end of this mail. As for dress code; Red gown for females and Black tuxedo for males.

Once again congratulations on your achievement.

With regards,

Helena Cruz

Head of the Art department.

I complete reading it for the forth time and the texts in it doesn't seem to change. Every words are still same and on the exact place. The only thing is bothering me is bloody red dress. I glance at the watch witch shows eight pm.

Where I'm gonna get red gown at this time?

If only I have read it carefully in morning, I could have avoided this complication.

Why? Oh why didn't I read it precisely the very first time?

I think of my earlier activities. After leaving library at about five pm I came back to my dorm instead of Romero's place. On the way I sent him a message informing he didn't have to pick me because I was going to my room for night and I had his Range Rover with me.

I choose it because well, this was the only car in his garage that I knew of when I went to pick one. It is a nice car, I enjoyed driving it with Romero's scent linger inside. His reply was simple 'Fine' which bothers me, I kind of expected some fight from his side for me to go back to his condo but there was none. He just accepted it and that's not something I expected from him. After so much of effort I succeed in shoving that thought away for later and tried concentrate on Sydney.

Though Sydney seemed in her usual self but I still wanted to be there for her, like she was for me. We watched few chick flicks together and ordered some pizza for dinner. To be honest I can't say I regret spending time with her. I think I even needed some girl time after grandma dropped that meeting Romero bomb earlier.

I let out a irrigated huff. I still have to give Logan some talk for opening his mouth about exhibition before I could. Though I think he only did it because he probably assumed I have already told grandma about it. Which would be true in other circumstances. I'm to blame as well for I just informed him through a small text yesterday without elaborating any further.

I groan loudly, falling back on my bed with a thump. I don't have any gown with me let alone a red one.

A red freaking gown!

I think I have enough money to buy one. I could go for shopping after my classes and skip the library as function would start by eight pm-

"Um are you okay?"

Startled I jump slightly with a gasp. Jesus! I turn toward door to see Sydney hovering over it. I nod frantically, "Yeah I'm fine. Why?"

Her eyes twinkles mischievously, "You were making weird sounds like you were fuc-"

"Don't you dare to complete that sentence!" I squint my eyes daring her.

She raises her hand in mock surrender, "Then why the hell are you moaning and groaning?"

"Because I don't have a red gown!" I throw my arms up with exasperation.

Her face confronts confusion, "Why do you need red gown?"

I sigh sulkily, "It's dress code for tomorrow's show."

She is silent for a second before her face brightens up along with a hope in my chest, "Give me a second." With that she sprints away from my sight.

When she appears next she has a red dress hanging by her arms. "Here it is!"

My eyes widens at the beautiful dress, "Wow, it's pretty." I whisper in awe.

She nods in excitement, "It is, isn't it? I bought it last year for a fund riser dinner and couldn't even go there. It's totally new. Don't just stare at it, go and put it on." She pushes the cloth to me.

"But I... how...I mean it's your ne-" I stammer with words.

"Shut up bitch and do as I say." She orders while trying to look intimidating. I don't have heart to tell her how miserably she is failing.

I look between dress and her weighing my option, not that I have any. I know I need it or I probably would not be able to attend that gathering tomorrow which will really suck. I end up taking it in my hands. It's silk accompanied with lace.

I make my way to washroom and after getting out of Romero's shirt that I have been wearing since morning, I put on the Syd's red dress and zip it up.

I observe my mirror image and smile. It is simply alluring. The fabric hugs my body in perfectly fitting way. The only problem in it is that its bit skin revealing. Though I'm glad it's not backless or strapless, even sleeves reaches to my wrist, it's still low cut with deep neckline showing swell of my breasts in uncomfortably attractive way.

I come out of the washroom just as Sydney jumps up from the bed. "You look hot babe."

I blush at the compliment, "Thanks Syd. I don't know what I would have done if it weren't of you."

She waves her hand, pacing toward door, "What can I say I am a bloody life saver. Now quit with your tensions and sleep tight."

I nod, following her to the door and lock it, "Good night Syd."

"Night babe." She calls out from other side.

I exhale a breath of relief. At least now I don't have to worry about the dress. I only have to ask Romero to be my plus one. I'm sure he has few tuxedos in his wardrobe.

I start to unzip my dress when a knock on my door stops me.

What does Sydney wants now?

Stomping to the door I unlock it and pull it open. The only difference is its not Sydney but my brooding boyfriend on the other side.

I blink my eyes rapidly and open my mouth to speak, "What-"

Within a flash I'm pushed against the door and his mouth slams down on mime with full force. I let out a surprised gasp and take few moments to grasp what is happening. When the realisation drowns upon me that Romero is here and he is kissing me, I don't wait to respond.

Almost immediately and instinctively I part my lips to give him better access of my mouth. He doesn't hesitate and dips his tongue inside touching each and every corner of my mouth. I moan when his tongue caress a sensitive area of my mouth.

When we pull away, his grey eyes are dilated with desire. "I missed you." His voice is hoarse and rough.

I catch his arms that are around me to keep on standing. I don't trust my knees to not give in after that breathless kiss of him. "I missed you too, like crazy."

"I was waiting for you." He whispers.

"I messaged you-"

He cuts me off, "I know but I was hoping you would miss me enough to come to me. Guess not." He chuckles drily.

I lower my head guilty, though I haven't done anything wrong, "I'm sorry but I was looking for dress to wear tomorrow. Do you like it?" I take a step back to give full view.

His eyes darken considerably, "You are not wearing it." He states without missing a beat. His eyes firmly on my chest.

What?

"Excuse me?" I frown. Did he just say what I think he did?

"You heard me." He repeats arrogantly.

I scowl at his nonchalant tone, "But why?"

"I don't want anyone to ogle what's mine." He says this as if it is perfect answer.

I roll my eyes, "You are kidding right?"

"I'm afraid I'm not." He grunts.

Okay, this is enough.

"You are being irrational."

"I'm not." He denies my accusation and my irritation flares.

"Yes you are but let me tell you something, you don't get to tell me what I could wear or what not." I snap, pointing my finger at his chest.

His lips form a thin line, "Fine but I won't be hold responsible for what I will do if some asshole looks at you."

I sigh, at least we are leaving this for now. I change the topic, "So will you come with me as my plus one?"

His eyes narrow, just slightly, "Why? Don't you want me to?"

"Of course I want you to." Why the hell would he think otherwise?

He releases a breath as though relaxed, "Then I will come."

"You have to wear a black tux." I inform him, gauging his reaction.

He shrugs as if it doesn't matter, "Done."

I can't wait to see him in a suit.

I wonder if he'd look just as beautiful in a tux.

Shaking off the thoughts, "I'm going to change." Telling him I turn to move but stop when something sticks my mind.

I whirl around and look at him warily, "Did you come here just because you missed me?" I don't know why but I wouldn't find it hard to believe if he says yes.

"Partially yes." He trails off.

"And?" I insist.

He stares me with a sheer intensity for what seems like forever before replying, "I can't sleep without you. You have become a necessity, an addiction for me. I can't seem to go on without you."

My breath hitches and heart skips several beats at his words.

Sweet Jesus!