Speak To Me

(Jolie)

"We need two ducks at table six!" I shouted over the bustling kitchen. My eyes glided over the meal ticket that was just placed in front of me.

I don't usually work the floor..well...I haven't for a while..but the assistant manager had to step out for a few hours to take her son to the doctor's. So I decided to just come in and help out instead of calling a bunch of people to see who could fill in.

I didn't mind...I actually grew up working in restaurants with my parents. Now that they own multiple places, they don't get their hands dirty that much anymore. But I kind of like the thrill of it. Plus it's good to pop in now and then to make sure things are running smoothly.

I watched as the head chef directed his staff, seeing the way he moved around the kitchen smoothly caused my mind to start to wander...Alder had that same confidence..and not just on the dance floor.

He seemed like he knew what he was doing at all times....well, the time that I saw him..which wasn't that long, let's be real.

I shook my head, trying to get that man out of my thoughts as I quickly walked towards the back office.

What the hell is wrong with me? All day long I have been thinking about him..wondering what he thought when he woke up and realized I was gone. Was he mad or relieved?"You're missing out! This book was meant for obniɓ.om, but if you're reading it elsewhere, it's a copy. Get the real experience at oɓnib.Jom, where all our original chapters are shared first."

Some moments I wished I would've stayed...others, I convinced myself that I made the right decision.

"Jolie, there's some guy here to see you." Ellen, one of the hosts informed me as I felt my brow furrow in confusion.

They would say if it was my brother or Jamie, considering they come here often.

"Okay...I will be right out." I stated as unnecessary thoughts began to flood through my mind.

No way..he wouldn't even know I'm here...

The only people I told I was coming in today were my parents and Rylan.

I peeked my head out, my eyes scanning the kitchen before I cautiously walked towards the front and that's when I saw him.

Shit..it was him.

Alder King was standing towards the main entrance. He had on a light blue button-up long-sleeved shirt and his hands were shoved into his back slacks and I couldn't help but drag my eyes up and down his tall muscular frame.

How could someone be that sexy in real life? I swear every girl in the room was checking him out, causing my mouth to set in a frown.

Suddenly his head turned, his eyes gliding across the restaurant before coming towards me as I quickly ducked down behind a half-wall partition.

Oh god..why the hell is he here? What do I do?!

I fumbled for my phone, pulling it out as I quickly turned on the screen, making my eyes practically pop out when I saw a text from Rylan.

From Rylan: So yeah..that guy from earlier showed up at your place while I was raiding your fridge..he was a real charming dude.. p.s. I might've told him where you were, dont hate me..love you!

That jerk! Oh my gosh..what the hell was he thinking?!

I quickly dialed Gabriella..not knowing what to do and began to panic as I peeked around the corner.

"H-hey!" Gabriella answered as I rushed out my situation..and then he saw me.

I swear I had never been rendered speechless by one look before..but the way Alder's eyes burned with so much intensity left me frozen in shock.

Wait..was he mad at me?

I watched as Alder weaved his way through the crowd, his eyes not leaving mine once as I stayed crouching on the floor.

I let my head tilt back, my jaw dropping as he now stood in front of me with his arms crossed.

"Hello Jolie." He said my name cooly, prompting me to swallow hard as I realized I was still on the phone.

"Gabriella..I will call you back." I whispered and hung up the phone before standing and brushing my clothes off awkwardly.

"A-Alder...what..what are you doing here?" I sputtered, making him step closer to me as I now had nowhere to run.

"Why do you think I'm here?" He asked lowly.

"I..I don't know.." I choked, confused about so many things right now.

First off..my heart was racing uncontrollably and my stomach was filling with butterflies. I didn't know what to think..did he really come to find me? Was last night just as incredible to him as it was for me? Or did he just want to make sure I would keep quiet about what happened? Alder cocked his eyebrow before he reached his hand out, gripping my chin firmly. Before I knew it, our eyes were now locked onto one another, making a shuddering breath escape me. "Should I just come out and say it then?" He breathed, making my head nod up and down slowly.

"First, Answer this..and don't even think about lying..I will know if you are." He warmed, causing my heart to leap into my throat.

"Why did you leave." He asked, and I tried my hardest not to look away.

"I thought you would want me to." I confessed..deciding to tell the truth..what else did I have to lose?

"Well..you thought wrong..and the next time, if you are feeling like that, you need to tell me."

"N-next time?!" I blurted, making Alder nod his head before a smile pulled at the corner of his mouth.

Before I could even react, he pressed his lips to mine, making my mind explode as my world started to spin. The kiss didn't last long..but it was enough to render me useless.

"Now..do you want to know why I'm here?" He asked, and all I could do was nod.

"I'm here to take you on a date..a proper one." Alder stated, as I blinked my eyes rapidly in response.

A date? What the hell is seriously happening right now?!

"But I am working." I blurted.

"Nope, not anymore! I've got you covered." My traitor of a brother came walking out from around the corner, making me scoff.

Was he just hiding there the whole time?! What a creep..

"Listen..I know this might seem like a lot..I mean..I didn't expect this either. But if you think I'm regretting lastnight.." Alder began.

"Okay..I'm going into the kitchen." Rylan grumbled before leaving us alone.

Alder waited until my brother left before speaking again.

"I'm just saying..this is my way of letting you know I'm not..and I want to get to know you more. No pressure or anything okay? Just one date..and if you decide you want another.." He began..making my heart flutter.

I looked down at my feet, my stomach all jumbled as I felt like a nervous wreck..

"Just a date?" I asked, hoping this wasn't some type of rouse to bed me again..which honesty, I wouldn't mind..but for my own dignity I had to ask.

"Just a date..nothing more." He whispered.

I stared at this man in front of me..the hopeful look in his eyes seeming so foreign as I never expierience this before..

I have never had someone I like, actually like me back..and I didn't know what to do honestly. I felt nervous and overwhelmed..but as much as those feelings began to take over, I also knew I wanted to try. I wanted to go on a real date and see if there really is something more to this. "Okay.." I said softly, causing relief to wash over Alder's face as he gave me the grin ever that left me blushing.

"Thank you..now how do you feel about heights?"