Chapter 19: Untold feelings

It was the weekend, and Jace decided to take Dorah out. 'You've been so dull this week. Is it because of Ronald?" Jace asked as they collected their drinks from the barista. 'Thank you," Dorah said with a smile, avoiding the question. 'You're not answering me," Jace pressed, handing his credit card to the barista. 'I thought you said you wanted to cheer me up. Why bring this up now?" Dorah replied and walked off. 'Geez, wait!" Jace called, looking between Dorah and the barista. 'Here you go," the barista said with a smile as she handed his card back. 'Babe," he muttered, running after Dorah. As he opened the door, he bumped into a lady. 'I'm sorry," they both said at the same time. Unfortunately, the smoothie Jace had been holding spilled all over his clothes. 'Oh no, I'm so sorry. I'm just in a hurry," the lady said, but Jace's eyes were already on Dorah, who was by the roadside trying to flag down a cab. 'It's okay," he muttered before rushing off. 'I'll take my leave now," he added hastily. 'You're leaving already?" Jace asked as he caught up to Dorah. She stopped a cab and got in. Jace slipped in beside her. 'I thought we had plans," he said, watching her. 'I don't think today is the right day. We can go out some other time. Let's just go home," she murmured with her eyes closed. They got home not long after. Grandma and Joseph weren't around—they had gone on a mother-and-son date. 'You good?" Jace asked, gently holding her hand. 'I'm good," Dorah replied, unlocking the door. 'You know I didn't mean to ruin your day," Jace said, caressing her hand as they sat on the couch. 'I know. I'm sorry I acted that way," Dorah replied. Jace smiled at her reassuringly. 'Excuse me," he said as his phone started ringing. He pulled it out and stood up. --- Jace (on call): Hey buddy, what's up? Yeah, I'm home... You mean right now? Hold on a sec. --- He covered the speaker and turned to Dorah. 'The guys want to hang out. Will you come?" 'No, I just want to relax and sleep," Dorah replied, shaking her head. --- Jace (on call): Bro, I don't think we'll come. Dorah isn't feeling well, so I'm staying with her. --- 'No need," Dorah cut in with a smile. 'You can go. I'll be fine." 'You sure?" Jace asked, worried. 'Yes. It's not like I'm a baby," she teased, eyeing him. 'Okay then." --- Jace (on call): Send me the address. I'll be there in a few minutes. --- He hung up. 'You should hurry, so you don't keep them waiting. And you definitely need a shower—you look dirty," Dorah said, squinting her nose. 'Why are you making that face? I don't stink!" Jace said, sniffing his shirt. 'You do." Dorah giggled. 'Well, I'll help you with your clothes if you don't mind. So just go take that shower." Before Jace could reply, she was already walking off. He smirked and followed her. In his room, she headed straight for the closet. 'How about this? What do you think?" she asked, holding up a set of clothes. 'Just pick anything. You're in charge," Jace said, giving her the go-ahead. 'I'm coming," he added and walked into the bathroom. 'Okay, perfect," she said, placing a pair of white sneakers by the bed. 'You're not done yet?" Jace asked, stepping out of the bathroom with only a towel around his waist. 'Yes—" Dorah started, then gasped and turned away. 'Why are you like this?! Can't you get dressed before coming out?!" 'But how would I get dressed without my clothes? It's not like I have a walk-in closet in there," Jace said, rolling his eyes. 'Just get dressed," Dorah grumbled, handing him the clothes while still looking away. 'Sure, sure, master," Jace teased and got dressed. 'I'm done," he finally said. Dorah turned to him and smiled. 'See? I have great fashion sense—it looks good on you." She walked over. 'Put on your sneakers." He sat on the bed and laced them up. 'Good. Now let's go. You're already late," Dorah said, turning to leave—but Jace caught her hand and gently pulled her into his lap. 'Wha... what...?" she stammered. 'What do you think I'm trying to do?" Jace asked, wrapping his arms around her waist. 'Jace, let go. We're too close, and we shouldn't be doing this," she said, nervously playing with her fingers. 'I don't want to let go. Everything about this moment feels like we're married," he whispered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. 'Are you crazy? What if someone sees us like this?" Dorah asked, her heart pounding. 'No one's home, babe," he said, pulling her closer when she tried to get up. 'Just let me go. Don't get me started, Jace," Dorah warned. He gazed into her eyes, and before she could say another word, he kissed her. She tried pulling away, but his grip was firm. After a few moments, she gave in and wrapped her arms around his neck. The kiss deepened, full of emotion and longing. Jace pulled away slowly with a chuckle and let her go. Dorah stood up quickly, flustered. 'Uhm… you're already late. You should get going now," she mumbled, avoiding his eyes and rushing out of the room.