It was half past seven and I was done doing the laundry around the house. I couldn't help but smile all the time I was working, happy about Chris' presence in the house which had boosted all of our spirits.

I watched him and Liam practice some technics from the kitchen window. Chris looked like a strict coach and Liam looked like an eager player. I was happy about how they bonded well. It was obvious as they were laughing happily at the end of their practice and how Chris had Liam in a headlock when they entered the house.

Liam had left an hour ago and Chris had gone upstairs with Daisy to play with her. I made my way upstairs and walked toward Daisy's room, smiling as I heard her excited voice.

I peeked inside the room and hardly kept myself from bursting into laughter at the sight in front of me. Chris and Daisy had sat on the ground, playing tea party. I stared at Chris with amusement.

He had some sort of wig made of yellow paper on his head. His cheeks had two red circles on them, certainly Daisy's handy work, trying to make him look like a woman. To complete the masterpiece, he had Daisy's barbie bed cover, knitted around his neck, like a cape.

I hid behind the wall next to the door and chuckled silently to myself while listening to their conversation and pulling out my phone as well. I couldn't help it. This moment was too cute and adorable. I had to capture it. My heart had fluttered seeing a bad boy like Chris grounding himself this much just to make a little girl happy and keep his promise to her.

"Oh, Mrs. Jackson, please have one of these cookies." said Daisy, offering an empty plate with imaginary cookies on them to Chris. "How are your kids?"

Chris flipped his yellow paper hair and picked an imaginary cookie. "Oh, they are great." he answered in a high-pitched voice, desperately trying to sound like Mrs. Jackson for sure. "They are flourishing greatly, like two puppies."

I let out a fit of giggles, not able to silence myself. Chris's head snapped to me and he frowned instantly and I swear his cheeks turned pink. He quickly glared at me as he saw my phone in my hand.

"Don't you dare, James." he grunted warningly, his tone dangerously low.

But of course, his firm manly tone and his warning glare didn't affect me a bit as I tried to control my laughter. "Smile, Mrs. Jackson. Say cheese." I said teasingly watching in the camera as his glare intensified.

"Cheese!!" chirped Daisy happily as I clicked the button and captured the priceless moment.

Chris slowly stood up and took off his yellow paper hair, throwing it away. "Delete it this instant." he said as he took a menacing step toward me.

"Nope!" I said and then dashed out of the room. I squealed as I heard Chris's thunderous footsteps behind me, following closely behind.

I jumped into my room shrieking with laughter and tried to close the door. But I was late. Chris slammed his palm on the door and opened it. I quickly hid my phone behind my back as I took small steps backward.

"Delete it, Eleanor." warned Chris, trying to sound stern, but I could see a ghost of a smile playing on his lips as he walked toward me like a predator, ready to pounce.

I shook my head as I let out another fit of laughter. "I won't. I want to frame it." I answered.

Suddenly, the back of my knees hit the edge of the bed, and at the same time, Chris pounced at me. With a shriek, I fell on my back and Chris fell on top of me, thankfully landing on his hands on either side of my head, trying to not crush me under his weight.

I opened my closed eyes and gulped as I took in the awkward position we were in. Chris was on top of me. Our lower bodies were flushed together and he had balanced himself on top of me. My head was caged between his muscular arms.

But what caused my heart to skyrocket was his handsome face which was an inch from mine. His rapid breathing was fanning my face and his jade eyes had turned a shade darker as he was staring right into my eyes.

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

Fuck my fucking fuckity life

Couldn't the fucking luck be more on my side and smash our lips while falling? It was taking every bit of my sanity to not smash my lips down on hers and not kiss the hell out of her perfect pink lips.

Her eyes were wide, staring into my own. A whirlwind of emotions was swirling in her blue oceans. Anxiety, fear, shock. But there was also a bit of excitement and .... could it be desire???

Was I losing my fucking mind???? Probably

Her small hands were on my chest, definitely feeling my heartbeat which was a thousand times faster than normal. I'm sure her heartbeat was matching mine because of how shallow and rapid her breathing was. Her enthusiastic fruity scent was driving me crazy with every inhale.

If that torture was not enough, she bit her bottom lip, her habit when she was nervous. My eyes fell on her lips and a growl rumbled my chest.

Fuck any sanity and take things slow!

I was about to connect our lips when suddenly Daisy jumped on the bed and began to jump around us on the bed. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!!" she began to sing excitedly, breaking our bubble effectively.

Eleanor's eyes grew wider and she gently pushed me off of her. She got up quickly and took a few steps away from the bed where I slowly sat, with my feet on the ground.

"But You should have kissed!" whined Daisy as she dropped herself beside me disappointed.

You and I both, little one. You and I both.

"That is how it happens in the princess movies." whined Daisy again.

"This is not a princess movie, Daisy." said Eleanor. "And don't talk about this to anyone."

I just watched her as she stood there, not looking at me while fidgeting on her feet uneasily. Her face was flushed and she was covering it with her hair again.

Fuck! I should have kissed her.

"I'm going to prepare dinner." she said quietly. "Everyone's okay with mac and cheese?"

I didn't answer, stunned that she was inviting me for dinner. And fuck me if I don't stick to this opportunity to stay more. Call me clingy or what you want. But I didn't want to leave that heaven. I wasn't ready.

Eleanor quickly left after Daisy let out a shriek of approval. I just sat there for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts. I was over the moon that she still wanted me to stay. Was it really desire for me I saw in her eyes? Did she really want me to kiss her? Had she any feelings for me?

I groaned and rubbed my face in frustration before getting up and walking toward the bathroom to clean my face before heading downstairs.

The atmosphere was definitely awkward in the kitchen. Eleanor never once glance at me, yet I used any second to stare at her. She had busied herself by preparing dinner and I was trying to help her in silence while staring at her.

Good Lord! have mercy on me.

She had pulled her hair up into a messy bun, giving me a good vision of her beautiful face. Her cheeks were still rosy, only fueling my desire for her.

Again, why have I not noticed this beauty before????

Her cooking was brilliant as well. That Mac and cheese was the best I had ever had in my life.

"That was so delicious!" I exclaimed while helping Eleanor with washing the dishes. She was washing and I was drying them. "That was the best Mac and cheese I have ever tasted."

"Thank you!" mumbled Eleanor, a smile forming on her lips and her cheeks flushed more. I couldn't stop staring at her.

"Can we please watch a princess movie?"

We both turned and saw Daisy standing at the entrance of the kitchen in her cute PJs while holding a blanket in her hand.

"I even have brushed my teeth. Look!" she said and gave us a toothy grin, making us both chuckle.

"Of course, sweetie." answered Eleanor while wiping her hands. "Just go and chose a movie."

"Chris, you will stay, won't you?" said Daisy while walking further into the kitchen, giving me the most convincing puppy eyes.

I chuckled again. This little munchkin was irresistible. "I'd love to." I said and then glanced at Eleanor. "If your sister allows me."

Eleanor quickly looked away. I was slowly getting worried. Did she have a fever? Was it normal for cheeks to stay red for this long?

"You are welcome." she mumbled with her back to me.

"Come on!" yelled Daisy and grabbed my hand, dragging me into the living room. A few minutes later, we were sitting on a two-seat sofa in front of the tv, under Daisy's princess blanket, ready to watch Nemo.

Eleanor walked in and quickly sat on the individual sofa still not looking at me.

"No!" whined Daisy and patted the space beside her. "You should come under the blanket, Ellie."

God bless your soul, Daisy!

I watched satisfied as Eleanor groaned but knowing Daisy, she stood up and come to us. Once she sat, Daisy gave the green light to start the Nemo.

Never in my fucking life I would have thought that I would see an Animation again. All I would watch were horror or action movies. But there I was, watching Nemo with two girls beside me and I was not minding at all. In fact, I was so content and relaxed.

Somehow during the movie, Daisy crawled on my lap and fall asleep some minutes later. Eleanor too was hardly keeping her eyes open. I was wondering how she still hadn't had a hole on the side of her face from my constant staring at her.

I slowly snaked my arm around her shoulders and scooted closer to her, pulling her toward me. She put her head on my shoulder without any resistance and even snuggled more into my side, seeking warmth.

God, I was ready to die at that moment. Okay, maybe I was not. I had not kissed her yet.

I couldn't help but stare at her peaceful face as she slept beside me. This moment was so surreal for me. Would I have believed if anyone would tell me a month ago that I will end up with Eleanor in my arms while watching an animation when I was exploding with contentment? Probably not. I would have laughed at their faces or even punched them.

Life for sure knows how to play with us by bringing things into our lives that we think are impossible or making us do things that we never think we do in million years.

After staring at Eleanor and basking in that foreign comfort for almost an hour, the movie finally ended. It was 10 P.M and both girls were sound asleep and I was stuck. Daisy was asleep on my chest and Eleanor who was seeking warmth had even her legs on top of mine. I chuckled inwardly knowing she would have become red like a tomato if she was aware of her position.

I managed to gently place Daisy on my other side. Thankfully she was so small and easily fit in the place. She stirred a bit but didn't wake up. I then more than gently took Eleanor who was partially on top of me in my arms and stood up.

She stirred and opened her eyes slightly. "Chris?" she whispered.

"Shhhh, it's okay." I whispered and kissed her forehead. "I'm taking you to bed."

She closed her eyes once again and snuggled more into my chest. I don't know what to call it, but as I stood there, looking down at the sleeping Eleanor in my arms, an odd feeling, maybe some sort of male pride hit me hard.

Maybe having the girl you like dearly is what needed to do the trick, I'm not sure. But I didn't want to let go of her. I just wanted to crawl into bed with her in my arms.

But of course, I couldn't. At least not yet.

So I walked upstairs, unconsciously walking slower to have more time with her in my arms. Once in her room, I slowly put her on the bed and covered her with her blanket. I sighed and gently removed hair from her face and planted a lingering kiss on her forehead.

I hesitantly stood up and turned to leave but her quiet angelic voice stopped me.

"Chris?"

I turned and saw her eyes slightly open again. I once again knelt in front of her bed and caressed her cheek with the back of my fingers. "It's okay, angel." I whispered. "I will tuck Daisy in bed and make sure all doors and windows are closed before leaving."

"There is a spare key for the front door on the hooks beside the door. Take it." she mumbled tiredly, fighting sleep. "I trust you."

I was shocked to the core. Did she really trust me that much to offer me the keys to her house?

"Chris?" she mumbled again, making me hum in response. "Thank you for today."

God, have mercy on me.

I leaned forward and kissed both of her cheeks and then her forehead. "Thank you, angel." I whispered as I saw her eyes finally closing. "You don't know how much you are helping me. How much I enjoy spending time with you."

I stood up once I heard her even breathing and made sure she was asleep before leaving the room and closing the door behind me. I found Daisy in the exact place I have left her with her mouth slightly ajar, making me giggle. After turning off the tv and tucking Daisy in bed, I checked everything and finally walked out of the house and locked the door with the key Eleanor had told me.

I stood there for a moment, just staring at the small house in front of me, thinking about the certain angel who had made my life upside down. I sighed and finally looked away, walking to my car when my phone went off.

I frowned as I saw the unknown number. "Chris Harrington." I answered with a stern voice. I didn't want any shit to ruin my perfect mood.

"Um, hello, Chris." a familiar nervous voice spoke from the other side. "This is Mia."

"Hey, Mia." I answered and frowned while sitting inside the car. "Everything is fine?"

"Uh, yes. I mean, I don't know, it's about Chase." she said and I felt a bit nervous. What had the idiot done this time? "Are you with Eleanor?"

"I'm heading home now." I answered, slowly getting worried for Chase. "What about Chase, Mia? What is wrong with him?"

"You know, he called me a few minutes ago." she began. "I think he was drunk and was at a party based on the blaring music. He said a few things plus how you have ditched him to be with Eleanor and he is alone."

"Fuck!" I cursed under my breath and leaned my head on the steering wheel.

"I'm worried for him, Chris." said Mia worriedly. "What if something happens to him? What if he decides to drive? I would have gone after him but you know, I don't know where he is plus I'm kinda afraid of dealing with a drunk Chase. You know how we are. I don't trust your other friends with him too."

"Don't worry, Mia." I said as I pulled out of Eleanor's driveway. "I'm going after him. Thank you for calling me."

"Thank you." answered Mia obviously relieved. "Text me when you got to him please."

I ended the call and drove toward the house I knew the party was on. I was supposed to be there with him. But I had called him this morning, telling him about my plan with Eleanor.

I cursed myself and drove faster. I have heard his voice dampening a bit and had noticed the bitterness in his tone when he had called me a lucky bastard. Yet I had left him alone.

That boy who was practically my brother was deeply liking a girl for years, but couldn't have her the way he wanted. And that was driving him nuts. And I was selfish enough to leave him on his own.

Soon I parked my car and walked toward the house where the party was going on inside. I passed from the teenagers who had passed away on the driveway or the garden and stepped into the house.

Immediately my ears were filled with blaring music. I squinted my eyes, trying to find Chase between the herd of teenagers who were dancing or smoking or chugging down alcohol.

"Chris! Baby!"

I cringed at hearing Lara's screeching voice, not wanting to face her at all. Couldn't she get the message? I ignored her and walked around searching for Chase. But soon I felt her hands on my arm, this time, my injured arm.

I hissed and yanked my arm away and this time turned toward her. I gagged at seeing her face caked with makeup. She was wearing a tight red dress that was leaving nothing to the imagination. Her appearance was screaming one thing; A whore!

"Baby, are you here for me?" she slurred obviously drunk, and rubbed her body to mine. "Do you want to go upstairs?"

"Get away from me, Samuels." I hissed disgusted and stepped away from her. "Go and find someone else to fuck. We are not together."

Then I walked away, ignoring her who was calling my name. I continued my search around the house, feeling more irritated by the second, praying to not be forced to go upstairs and drag a naked Chase out of one of the bedrooms.

"Hey, Harrington!" called a boy and I saw one of the junks of school, sprawled on a couch with a solo cup in one hand and a girl in his lap.

God! I had great collection of supposed friends around me and I used to enjoy their company.

"Finally you joined us." he slurred. "Come and have a drink with us."

"Not tonight, Fillips." I answered. "Have you seen Chase?"

"The last time I saw him, he went to the backyard gardens talking on his phone." a girl answered who looked a bit more sobber than others.

I nodded to her and rushed to the glass doors that was leading to the backyard. The gardens were huge. But there I found him, sitting on the grass with a bottle beside him, looking up into the sky. I sighed in relief and walked to him, dropping myself down beside him.

"Hey, Chase." I sighed as I looked at his face. He looked so serious and stern.

"I thought I won't see you tonight." He said and offered me his bottle. "Want some?"

I shook my head. "One of us should stay sobber." I answered. "And obviously you are not the one."

"Sorry, mate." he scoffed bitterly. "Not all of us are lucky to have an angel to comfort us. We should drown ourselves in alcohol to forget the fucking pain."

Quite frankly I knew what he was talking about. I was the same just two weeks ago before I get to know Eleanor. The pain and emptiness I saw in Chase's eyes clenched my heart. But he was wrong about one thing.

"Maybe you have someone." I said. "Do you know who sent me here after you?"

"Let me guess." he answered and made a thinking face but then snickered. "God? Or maybe a good fairy grandmother? Or my little guardian angel?"

"I think the last one." I laughed. "And her name is Mia. Mia Richards."

Chase's head whipped toward me and his eyes widened and shone with hope. "Really?" he asked in a low voice.

"Yup!" I nodded. "She was so worried for you."

"If she was, she was here now, not you." scoffed Chase and looked ahead again, taking a long sip of his bottle.

Arrogant dick!

"She wanted to come, but she was afraid of what you would do in a drunken state." I said and he looked at me again this time, looking sad and at the same time guilty.

"Come on, man." I said and put a hand on Chase's shoulder. "She cares for you and I think she is slowly liking you. Did you not see how she was looking at you last night? She definitely likes you. But you will ruin that spark with this behavior."

Chase rubbed his face aggressively and then dropped his head between his knees. "I'm fucking tired of waiting." he grumbled. "I can't wait anymore to have her in my arms. To kiss the shit out of her. To claim her as mine and see her eyes full of love while she looks at me. I'm fucking tired of waiting."