Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 85: Making a Move

Chapter 85: Making a Move

Arec’s POV:

As I stepped out of Ella’s penthouse, I closed the door softly behind me, feeling the weight of the night pressing against my chest. I couldn’t shake the image of her standing there, her eyes warm and searching, as if she were waiting for something more. And if I was honest with myself, I wanted to give her that "something more."

I made my way to the car. Once inside, I gripped the steering wheel, staring through the windshield at nothing in particular. I wondered if she would’ve pushed me away if I’d actually leaned in. Would she have been surprised... or had she been waiting for it?

I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel, feeling the urge to call someone, to spill all of this pent-up frustration and, maybe, excitement. I scrolled through my contacts until I landed on Sam’s name. If there was anyone who’d understand , even tease me mercilessly, it would be him. I pressed "call" and waited, tapping my thumb against the wheel.

After a couple of rings, he picked up. "Well, look who it is," his voice came through, dripping with amusement. "This better be good, calling me this late. Did you finally do it?"

I smirked, not surprised he’d jumped straight to the point. "Do what exactly?"

"Oh, come on, don’t be coy. Did you make your move on Ella or what?"

I felt my cheeks heat up at his bluntness, and I was grateful he couldn’t see me. "Not exactly," I admitted, rubbing my jaw. "But I did take her out tonight. Tried to make it... well, different."

Sam let out a low whistle. "Different, huh? So, you actually tried to court her like a real gentleman. I’m impressed, Arec."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Yeah, laugh it up. I wanted to make it special, you know? Show her a side of me that... I don’t know, maybe she hasn’t seen before."

"Sounds like you’re getting serious," Sam said, his tone shifting from teasing to genuinely curious. "Did you at least try to kiss her?"

I hesitated, feeling that familiar heat again as I remembered how close I’d been. "Almost," I admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "But I didn’t go through with it. I wasn’t sure if she’d... want that."

There was a pause on Sam’s end, then he let out a chuckle. "Wow, Arec, I never thought I’d see the day you’d be nervous about a kiss. You really do have it bad for her."

I groaned, rubbing my temple. "Is it that obvious?"

"Painfully. And honestly, it’s about time. You’ve been dancing around your feelings for her for awhile now." Sam’s voice softened. "You know, it’s okay to let yourself feel something real. Even if it scares you."

I let out a breath, nodding even though he couldn’t see me. "Yeah... I think I’m starting to realize that. I just... I don’t know what I’m doing, Sam. This isn’t exactly my area of expertise."

He laughed, that rich, knowing laugh of his. "Oh, believe me, I know. You’re all business and one night stands, my friend. But dating isn’t a business transaction. You have to let your guard down, show her who you are, flaws and all."

"Easy for you to say," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "You’ve always been a smooth talker. And besides, your dating experience is... a little different."

Sam snickered. "True. I might have a bit of a... unique perspective. But honestly, it’s not as different as you think. Love is love, Arec, regardless of who you’re with. The feelings, the nervousness, the wanting them to see the best of you... it’s all the same."

I sighed, considering his words. "So, any advice for a clueless guy like me?"

He paused, then said, "Alright, here’s the deal. You want Ella to fall for you? Make her laugh. Show her you care, in little ways, and don’t hold back on being yourself. The real you. Not the Arec everyone else sees."

I smirked, unable to resist the urge to tease him. "Look at you, the relationship expert. And here I thought you were just good at being charming."

"Hey, I’m full of surprises," he shot back, laughing. "But seriously, man, just be there for her. Be the guy she can rely on, the one she doesn’t have to second-guess. You’ve already got her attention. Now, just... keep it."

"Thanks, Sam," I said, meaning it. "I needed to hear that."

"Anytime. Now, get off my line. You’re ruining my evening."

I laughed, shaking my head as I hung up. As much as Sam liked to tease, he always knew what to say to get me thinking, to ground me when my mind was spinning. I glanced at the dashboard clock, realizing it was getting late, and decided to head back to my grandmother’s estate.

I pulled out of the parking lot and head back.

When I arrived, the house was quiet, the soft lights casting a warm glow. A maid greeted me at the door, bowing as I entered.

"Good evening, Mr. Arec. Mrs.Weston said to tell you she’ll be back late today. "

"It’s alright," I replied with a smile. "I already know she’s out for the night. I’ll just head up."

The maid nodded, and I made my way to my old room. Once inside, I loosened my tie and sank down onto the bed, my mind still filled with thoughts of Ella.

It was strange, really how she’d managed to get under my skin without me even realizing it. And now, all I wanted was to find a way to make her feel the same, to show her that I wasn’t just the cold, calculating businessman she’d signed up to marry.

Sam’s words echoed in my mind: "Just do the little things that mean something." I didn’t have all the answers yet, but I knew one thing , I wasn’t going to let her slip away.

As I drifted off to sleep, plans for tomorrow already formed in my mind.