Leah stared at the ticking clock behind the teacher's head. Why couldn't time go faster? Her mind drifted to the butler waiting for her. She had been excited to see him that morning, so much so, it had been hard to hide. He had sounded genuine in his pleasant greeting, but more reserved than usual. She wasn't sure what was up with that.

Shoving her hand inside her jean's pocket, she fingered the ten-dollar bill she had slipped there before leaving the mansion that morning. Would he accept her offer for ice cream? She huffed. It was only ice cream. He would! She nibbled at her lip and twisted a strand of hair in worry. Wouldn't he?

When the school bell blared, she shoved her books inside her bag as fast as possible. She didn't even spare a glance at Alyssa as she rushed past. It was only when her feet hit the parking lot did she slide to an abrupt halt.

Her eyes widened upon seeing Charles's red sports car rather than the black sedan. And instead of Wren leaning against the vehicle, it was her auburn-haired childhood friend. Charles smiled at her, his face brightening, but she struggled to return it. She ran a quick scan over the remaining parking spaces, her heart sinking when she found no Wren.

Plastering on a smile, she walked the remaining distance. "Hi, Charles. What are you doing here?"

"I came to sweep you away." Before she could react, he reached for her hand and pressed his lips against her knuckles. She flushed but more from the discomfort of the situation. He smiled again, not seeming to notice her tension. "I asked your father if I could have you for the day."

"You talked to Daddy?"

"I did. He's doing well and said to give you his love. He hopes to call you this weekend."

Leah frowned. "He's too busy to call his daughter but not you?"

His deep chuckle annoyed her. "I had something of importance to discuss with him." He smoothed a finger on her crinkled forehead. "Now, don't get upset."

Sighing, Leah forced another smile. "I'm sorry. So, Daddy said I could go? Did you let Butler Wren know?" His hand tightened on hers, making her realize he hadn't released her. She pulled away, blushing again.

"Tony cleared things with your butler himself. Mr. Adams knows you are with me."

Why did she feel worse knowing that? "Oh."

"Well, let's go!" Charles ushered her to the passenger's side and opened the door. "I have a special surprise for you."

Leah did her best to act pleased while Charles drove her through town. When he pulled in front of a Japanese restaurant, she raised a brow in question. She loved Asian food, but was this the grand surprise?

"Stop being so skeptical." He chuckled. "Keep an open mind."

Shrugging, Leah smiled. For the first time, it was genuine. "I'm sorry. I'll try." She allowed herself be led into the building but paused upon entering. The entire restaurant was lit with paper lanterns, lighting the open room with a gentle glow. Colorful beads of red and gold decorated the walls, and she noted that one table graced the floors. A deep red tablecloth covered it, a bouquet of white roses set as its center piece. As soft music floated to her ears, she turned in stunned reality to stare at the man beside her.

"Did you rent this entire place out?"

"Are you surprised?"

Leah swallowed under his intense gaze, dropped her own. "This is too much. I can't believe you did this for me."

"Nothing is too much for you. Just tell me you like it."

Leah gasped as his hot breath fanned her ear and stepped away from the sudden closeness. "I do. I love it. Thank you." She smiled again, trying to be calm but unsure of how to handle his frowardness.

Soon, they were seated at the table, and Leah was grateful for her etiquette training. Otherwise, she would have made a fool of herself with the utensils. She glanced at her jeans and blouse with a frown. "I'm underdressed."

"Not at all. You're gorgeous."

"Um, Thank you..."

Charles lifted a hand, flicking his fingers to a waiter standing in the shadows, but his gaze never left Leah. "Are you ready for a salad?"

A loud grumble from Leah's stomach caused him to chuckle. "I take that as a yes." The waiter disappeared, soon returning. Leah fiddled with her cloth napkin, tucking it on her lap as a small salad appeared before her.

Thus, the next thirty minutes proceeded. The waiter served Leah course after course until she could eat no more.

"That was delicious! Thank you so much." Leah smiled when her last plate was removed and gave Charles her full attention. But when he stood to his feet and walked toward her, her eyes rounded. She gasped when he dropped to both knees and clutched her hands in his. Sincerity reflected in his face, and she stilled herself from pulling away.

"You aren't going to propose, are you?" She raised a skeptical brow, grinned when he chuckled.

"No. Not yet, anyway. But I have something important to ask."

Leah said nothing; she waited.

He cleared his throat. "Leah, we have been friends our entire lives, but things have been changing for me. I'm not seeing you as a friend anymore. I've been fearful of telling you, scared I would ruin our friendship. But, it seems you already know of my feelings."

Leah swallowed hard. "You don't hide things well."

"I don't, do I?" His thumbs smoothed the back of her hands. "Is there any hope of my feelings being returned?"

Leah stared, confusion addling her mind. Did he have hope? She saw the fear, wishing, and love in his gaze, and it made her heart hurt to think of causing him pain. She loved him, she realized. But what type of love was it?

***********************************************************

Wren leaned against the guard shack wall and stared down the driveway. "It's ten o'clock. What do you think he had planned?" He asked the guard beside him.

Edward shrugged. "I don't know, but he better bring her back soon." A scowl had attached to his handsome face the moment he had learned Charles had taken Leah.

Wren sighed, his own mood disgruntled. His pride hurt as he recalled being told to leave by Charles, but when Tony had called himself, there was little that could have been done. If Tony wanted his daughter to date that -...

His thoughts were interrupted as head lights shone in the valley.

"And, they're back!" Edward smacked a fist into his palm. "Now I get to beat a certain game boy."

Wren had to chuckle. "She's special to you. Why?"

Edward swung the gate wide, its hinges complaining. "The same reason she's become special to you. She's a good kid."

Wren paused, considering those words, and realized their truth. Leah had carved a special space in his heart.

Guard and butler said little as Charles stopped the car, climbed out, and rounded to Leah's side. He nodded at the two men, his brows furrowed; he eyed Wren longer than necessary. He helped Leah out of the car, and relief flooded Wren. She was okay. That was all that mattered. He warmed when their eyes met, and she flicked him a quick smile before turning to Charles.

"Thank you, again. Be safe driving home."

Charles stared at her then leaned in and planted a kiss on her cheek causing the watching men to stiffen and swap glances.

"Can I beat him yet?" Edward muttered.

"I'll hold him."

"Too late," Edward whispered-sighed. "He's leaving."

"Well, shoot."

"What are you two whispering about?" Leah raised a brow as she walked toward them, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Nothing for delicate ears." Edward grinned. "How was the date?"

"It was nice." Leah glanced at Wren, her gaze softening. "Hey."

"Hey. Welcome home."

"Thank you." When she moved towards the mansion, Edward threw Wren an alarmed look, jerking his head in her direction and causing the butler to frown in confusion.

"What?" Wren mouthed.

"Ask her what happened. Details man! I want details!" The guard whisper-shouted back. It wasn't quiet enough. Leah stopped and turned.

"He took me to a restaurant and asked me to be his girlfriend." She shrugged. "That's it." She continued walking.

"Wait, what?" Wren jogged to her side, Edward at his heel. "Does your dad know this?"

"He does." She took the porch steps in swift strides.

"That's it? That's not fair! I want more information!" Edward leaped in front of her, blocking the door.

Leah scoffed. "What? Do you want every detail?"

Wren stood beside Edward. Both men crossed their arms.

"At least tell us what you said?" Wren scowled.

Leah stared in surprise before erupting into laughter. Butler and guard swapped glances again.

"What's so funny?" Wren dead-panned.

"You two are!" Her laughter turned to giggles before she finally sobered. "I told him I needed time and asked him to give me until my birthday. I need to focus on finals and graduation for now."

"Ooh." Edward nodded his head in approval. "Wise choice! Very wise choice."

"Do you think it wise too?" Leah asked, directing her question at Wren.

"Graduation is a wise goal. I won't argue that."

"Then will you two step aside? I'm tired, and it's been a long day."

When both moved in unison, Leah shook her head as she passed them. "Weirdos," she muttered, but her smile said otherwise.