Yes, another update! I now have much more time to write and much more time to think this story through. I have A LOT of ideas for this story and I was thinking about making two books about it ... hmm, we'll see. :)

And, yes, this chapter is long again. I know many people don't like long chapters, but I'm sorry if you're one of them, but I love writing long chapters - it's how I imagined this story to be!

Please don't forget to comment what you think so far and if you have any ideas what will happen next, feel free to write them down, also if you have any questions you can either write them in the comments or in my inbox. And, of course, don't forget to vote!

When I woke up this morning, Braden wasn't there with me in bed anymore. I presume he went to work, but I deeply hope it wasn't as early as it was yesterday. He needs more rest for how much he works.

And that's how I stay alone with my thoughts flowing in the flat. It's times like this that I wish I had a more normal job, working at normal hours just like everyone else does.

I grab my phone but don't know what to do with it. Braden hasn't left any messages. But then again, why does everything have to be about Braden?

I remember I haven't spoken with Lily since the outburst she had about baby. What a shitty friend I am, completely forgetting about others' well-being. With a lump in my throat, I type a message to ask her if she's okay and if she and Jared solved their problem. Thankfully, I know her number by heart, so I don't have troubles with reaching out to her. I send her another message that it's me and I have a new number.

Then, I just call my mum to inform her of my new number, too. I hope she wasn't trying to call me and then worry herself as to why I'm not answering my phone for days.

''Hello?'' My mum's voice travels in my ear, making me smile warmly. I miss this woman.

''Hey, mum. It's Rory,'' I inform her cheerfully.

''Rory, sweetheart! Do you have a new number?'' she asks.

I sit down on the couch and bring my legs on the table, relaxing. ''Yeah, that's why I'm calling actually,'' I reply.

''Not because you miss your old ones?'' she teases and I have to chuckle at that.

''Mum, you know I miss you. Both of you,'' I admit.

''I know, baby. We miss you, too,'' she says softly. My heart warms. ''You're still coming this Sunday, aren't you?''

''Yes, I am,'' I tell her.

''That's good, just checking. And that flatmate of yours – what is her name again? I can never remember!'' she says with frustration, puffing out air through her nose.

I laugh. ''It's Brooke, mum. Come on, it's not that hard,'' I joke.

''Yes, for you maybe. You're young and you remember things quickly!'' she disclaims.

I huff. ''You're not that old yourself, mother.''

''Yeah, yeah ...'' she dismisses. ''So, is she coming?'' she wants to know.

''She said yes when I asked her but I'll ask her today again, just so she doesn't forget.''

''Fine. I have to go, Steven needs me for something apparently. It was good talking with you, sweetie.''

I smile at the ceiling. ''It was good talking to you, too. Say hi to dad for me.''

''Will do. Goodbye, Rory. See you on Sunday.''

''Bye, mum.'' I hang up.

I'm in a much better mood now, having heard my mum's voice. I can't wait to see both my parents on Sunday. You could say I'm one of those people who loves their parents to death and isn't afraid to admit it.

My phone rings, startling me. Braden's name flashes on the screen and I scrunch my eyebrows in confusion. ''Braden?'' I answer, my voice worried.

''Hey, baby,'' he breathes with his usual deep voice, making my insides clench. He just said hi, Rory. Stop with this nonsense. Yeah. Easier said than done.

''Hey, Braden. Everything okay?'' I can't keep the curiosity out of my voice.

There's a pause. ''Yeah, why wouldn't it be?''

I shrug, but then remember he can't see me. ''I don't know. I was just asking,'' I reply. I try hard to keep my voice neutral and don't show any happiness to hear his voice. But it's damn hard since a have a big goofy grin on my face. And I'm filled with surprise because Braden actually called me.

''I've been trying to call you, but your line was engaged.'' I hear a question somewhere in his sentence, but I don't know what is he asking me exactly.

''Yeah, I've just got off the phone with my mum,'' I say, hoping to answer his nonverbal question.

I hear Braden exhale. I get goosebumps. ''That's good. Are you free, say, between one and two o'clock?'' he unexpectedly asks.

I think about it, but I don't have anything to do today. So if he can save me from this misery, I'll be very, very grateful ''Yes. I am. Why?'' My tone is wary, curious and excited all at once. Am I going to see him?

''I want to have a lunch with you.''

Oh. Oh, yes! I am going to see him. ''Hmm ... I didn't hear a question,'' I tease.

He groans and mutters, ''Stubborn woman,'' under his breath, making me laugh out wholeheartedly. ''Rory Warren, will you have lunch with me?'' he asks and I would say I can hear the smile in his voice.

''That's more like it. Yes, sure. Where to?''

''I'll send you directions.'' I hear some voices behind. ''I got to go. I'm currently in a meeting.''

I pause. ''What do you mean you're in a meeting?'' I yelp.

His laugh travels to my ear. ''Exactly what I said – there're currently fifteen pairs of eyes staring at me, wondering who am I talking to and what was so important that it couldn't wait until we're done.''

I put my palm on my forehead. ''Braden! You could've called me when you were done with the meeting!'' I scold him. What in the hell is he doing? God, that man. But I still can't wipe that smile off my face.

Braden chuckles. ''I couldn't stop thinking about you. See you later, baby.''

And the line goes dead. I smile up to the ceiling, still handing the phone to my ear. Just hearing his voice made my day. And he admitted he was thinking about me! I get giddily.

I wipe the smile quickly away. What's happening with me? Maybe he just wanted to call me to fuck me and having a lunch for an excuse so it wouldn't come out too straight-forward. I didn't think of that between our conversation. He sounded so ... happy. A dark cloud appears over my head.

But on the other hand, he said we're friends and it's okay if we call each other and invite each other out.

Damn, me and my over thinking. Why can't I just let it be and not destroy every happy moment in my life with over thinking it?

Minutes later my phone indicates I got a new message. It's from Braden with the directions of a restaurant. It's not really far, but I still get myself ready. My body is tingling with the knowledge I'm going to a lunch with Braden, meaning we'll spend some time together in a daylight and I'll get to see him. Maybe even know him better.

I catch myself smiling, singing and dancing in the mirror while I'm trying to tame my hair. I don't care. I'm happy and I'm alone so I can act silly all I want.

I apply a bit of a make-up, not that much, but still some. Yes, I do want to look good for Braden, I dare to admit to myself. I don't do much with my hair, though. It's no use, so I just mess it a bit and I'm done.

I'm smiling the whole drive to the restaurant. Thank goodness I checked how to get here. And when I arrive I have to double check Braden's text message that I came right.

I stand outside, looking up at the name, screaming down at me in all its richness and beauty. Everything about this restaurant screams rich. I frown down at my jeans, a simple blouse in a peach colour and my flats. Of course I should've known that Braden is a bit of high maintenance.

I want to turn around and run back home when I step into the restaurant and some people, all businessmen and businesswomen stare at me with a scowl on their faces. I swallow the lump in my throat.

But when I look around the place, I stop open-mouthed. The only word going through my brain is simply: wow. The interior design is gorgeous, in bright, light colours that make it all that more elegant.

''Hello, how may I help you?'' A tall man in a nice suit asks me politely.

I smile a little shy up at him. ''Uh, I'm meeting Braden Campbell for a lunch.''

He nods. ''Certainly, madam, this way, please.''

I follow him with my head hung low. I stare at the floor, but I can feel the stares of some people. It's embarrassing. I'm embarrassed. I don't look up until the man leading to the table suddenly stops and I have to stop, too, if I don't want to crash into his back.

He looks at me with a neutral face. I smile gratefully. ''Thank you,'' I thank him and his face brightens a little.

Then, I search for the man I wanted to see and my whole face feels like a sun in the morning, shining so bright just because of seeing him. But he has a frown on his face and he's staring at the man who brought me to his table. I clear my throat, feeling uncomfortable just standing there.

He faces me and suddenly stands up. He gives me a smile so big I feel my knees go weak. He's so beautiful. He's wearing a suit – no surprise, really – a light grey this time with his dress jacket across the back of the chair, wearing only a white dress shirt, which is complimenting his muscles deliciously, if I may add, and a tie. He looks ... hot. So, so unbelievingly hot.

''Rory,'' he says and my name from his mouth sounds like a prayer. I love it. He kisses my cheek. ''You look lovely, darling,'' he comments and I blush. Whether because of his comment or an embarrassment that I look anything but lovely and I know it – I knew it before I even stepped into the restaurant.

I clear my throat. ''Uh, I wouldn't say lovely is the right word for describing how I look ... especially not in this moment,'' I say to him, my words quiet and unsure. I flush even harder under his hard stare.

He quirks his eyebrows. ''Oh? Can you elaborate?'' He traces his bottom lip with his thumb, momentarily distracting me.

I lean to him a bit. ''Do you see how these people are dressed?'' I say in a hushed voice so no one hears me, looking around the restaurant for the bigger effect, but Braden's eyes stay trained on me.

''Boringly same you mean?'' he asks with a trace of amusement. Does he find this funny?

''Uh ...'' I look at the suit he's wearing and Braden laughs.

''Okay, point made. But you stand out, Rory. In this room full of people who are dull and all the same, you stand out, and don't be afraid of that. People will judge you anyway they can.'' He shrugs as if he's apologising. ''That's my world, baby. Take it or leave it.''

I have to take a moment to take his words in, and when they settle in my brains, my body suddenly feels really full. I like that feeling. I like how Braden makes me feel – like there's nothing wrong with me. Like I belong to his world. I smile big at him and he looks dazed for a moment before he returns me a small smile of his own.

A waiter appears at our table, asking us if we're ready to order. Braden's looking at me and I realise he's waiting for me to start. I flush. I haven't had the chance to look at the menu. ''I'll have a glass of red wi—''

''You're driving,'' Braden stops me mid-sentence, pointing out.

I stare at him. And then sigh, because he's right. ''I'll have a lemonade, if you have it, then,'' I tell the waiter who scribes it down on his pad. I don't dare to look at Braden.

''I'll have a water. Sparkling.''

''Very well. And would you like anything to eat?''

I fidget in my seat and I feel Braden's stare on me. His mouth tugs on a corner. He's laughing at me. Again! ''We'll order in a few minutes,'' is all that Braden says.

''Certainly, sir.'' And the waiter saunters away.

I take the menu in my hands and open it. My mouth instantly waters at the delicious food displayed in front of me. I already know what I'll have without having to even think about twice. I set the menu down.

''Have you decided?'' Braden questions. I still don't look at him when I nod. ''What will you have?''

''Pecan crusted chicken breasts and fresh lettuce.''

Braden seems delighted. ''A very good choice.''

I nod eagerly at him. Can the waiter come back so we can order already? Shit, I'm so hungry.

When the waiter appears, finally, with our drinks, I could start singing hallelujah right there. Braden orders for the both of us. He's just having tuna tartar with sesame seaweed salad. I want to make some remark on that, but I bite my tongue.

''So what's the reason for this lunch?'' I ask Braden all casual, when I'm anything but. I'm suddenly nervous what his answer to that will be. I take a big sip of my drink.

Braden lifts an eyebrow at me, apparently amused. ''Do I have to have the motive to want to hang out with you?''

My mouth drops slightly open. Say what? ''Um ... no?'' My uncertainty shows.

He slightly cocks his head to the side. ''Don't be so sure of yourself, Rory, some may think you'd have a big ego!'' he muses. His eyes sparkle and I notice he's in a really good mood today. I love when he's being all playful and teasing me, instead of being grumpy and all intimidating.

I purse my lips in a mockery, playing his game right back. ''I think my ego is on a safe level when you're near me,'' I tease him back. He throws his head back and a breathtakingly beautiful sound escapes him – his laughter. It seems like it feels the whole room. I can't help but stare at him.

''Are you telling me I have a big ego?'' Braden's eyes sparkle in mischievousness.

I purse my lips. ''Maybe,'' I play back.

''I can't remember you being this bold and straightforward the first time we met,'' Braden points out. I have to give him points on that because he's totally right.

I shrug. ''You intimidated me.'' My words sound casual.

''Oh?'' Braden says in amusement. ''And I don't anymore?'' He plays with his drink, holding it in front of his lips, seemingly waiting for my answer. It's distracting me when he's doing such a good job bringing attention to his lips.

''Well ... sometimes, probably,'' I admit, trying to be as nonchalant as possible. Which is really hard with Braden, because he always seems to bring some reaction out of me and I always feel like my emotions are showing on my face. And in my tone of voice. He affects me a lot, after all.

Braden seems to be thoughtful. ''Maybe I should try harder, then. You probably should be intimidated by me.''

Out of everything, I've never thought he would say that. I'm actually looking stunningly at him when he becomes serious out of sudden. ''Why?'' I can't help but ask.

He avoids my eyes. ''Just take my advice on it.''

''Okay ...'' I say a bit unsure where this conversation is really heading.

When Braden doesn't say anything and it seems like he's in a deep thought, I try to change the subject and ask him what I wanted to ask him yesterday already. ''Can I ask you something?'' I question warily.

Braden nods his head. ''Of course.''

''What did you say to Aaron yesterday?''

His mouth forms into a straight line and his jaw tightens, indicating he's displeased with my question. Well, suck it up, Campbell, I want answers!

''Why do you want to know that?'' I recognise his tone as careful.

''He was acting a bit strange after you talked with him.'' I don't want my tone to be so accusative, but I really can't help but blame him for Aaron's distance.

He leans back in his chair and puts his hands on the table, his arms stretched out before him, and he intertwines his hands together, looking all business-like. ''Not that it concerns you –''

''Oh, it does concern me, Braden. When I'm involved, it concerns me all the same as you both. So cut the crap.'' I'm leaning on my arms I put on the table so I don't have to talk loudly.

Braden doesn't like my answer. ''Why are you so mad at me?'' he asks in an unhidden interest after the seconds of the stare down we had.

I lift my eyebrows. ''I'm not mad, not really. But this caveman act you have going on has to stop. Last time I checked we were not in a committed relationship.'' As the words come out, I realise they hurt me more than they will hurt Braden.

Judging by the storm crossing his face, it seems they angered him more than hurt him. He suddenly bolts forward, face to face with me, tying me to the chair with his hard gaze. ''And the last time I checked you're mine. And I don't share what's mine, Rory. Especially not you.''

I'm taken aback by his outburst. ''I'm not yours, Braden,'' I say to him sarcastically, toying with the word. In fact, I'm quite pleased he sees me as his. I want to shout; I wanna be yours anytime you want, baby! But, hey, a woman has to have some dignity.

Braden's nostrils flare. ''Oh, is that so?'' he spits out. ''Do you need a reminder whose name you're shouting when you have your legs wrapped around my waist, coming so hard that you probably wake your neighbours?''

My whole body flushes. ''Braden,'' I warn. I'm so not going there with him, not now, and especially not here.

He even dares to laugh, while my body is swimming in the embarrassment.

''You seem to have this habit to speak about our sex life in public,'' I grumble.

Braden chuckles. ''I can't seem to help myself around you.''

Yes, well, we're on the same page here, buddy. My whole body warms up and, thankfully, the waiter appears with our food. That was fast. My mouth waters when the delicious smell hits my nostrils. My stomach lets out an embarrassing sound, making the urge to hide under the table higher.

I look at Braden under my eyelashes and see he's watching me in amusement. I narrow my eyes. ''What?'' I mutter. ''I'm hungry,'' I sound defensive. When his stare becomes too much, I look down at my food and dig in. Only when I have my mouth full and Braden clears his throat to catch my attention, I look at him.

I see he hasn't started eating yet. ''Bon appétit,'' he says and as much as he tries to bite down his big grin, it stretches his mouth unwillingly. The heat spreads to my neck towards my face.

''Uh, thanks, you too,'' I choke out when I finally swallow my food and empty my mouth to answer him back. I really know how to make a bad impression of myself. After I stop feeling sorry for myself, glaring down at my food as if it's the reason I'm such an idiot, it hits me that Braden successfully avoided my question about Aaron and changed the subject. He has a tendency apparently to that a lot of times. ''You didn't answer my question.''

Braden looks up from his plate. ''Mmm?'' he mumbles, wiping his mouth in the napkin when he swallows the bite he took. ''What question?''

Is he doing this on purpose? Avoiding answering my questions and then acting like he doesn't know what I'm talking about? But I can be pretty demanding if I want, so I decided that I'm not letting this go and I'm not letting him go off the hook that easily. I deserve to know the answers, damn it! ''About Aaron. What did you say to him?''

Braden's gaze darkens as he stares at me. ''Do we really need to talk about him right now?'' His voice is blank, not giving anything away, but I know he's pissed I brought his name up again.

''What's your deal with him?'' I want to know.

His face doesn't give anything away. ''My deal? He's just getting on my nerves, that's all.''

It's my turn now to stare at him. ''That's not a reason to hate him,'' I point out.

Braden looks away from my stare for a moment. ''I never said I hate him.''

He really didn't. But from his expressions and the way he talks about and to him made me presume that there's this tension going on between them. And I thought I tasted hatred between them, but I guess I was wrong.

''Okay then, but there is a reason why you dislike him?'' I ask, prompting him to talk, to open up and give me some answers.

Braden shrugs and digs into his salad. I see his jaw tick. ''He wants something that's mine. I don't cope well with that,'' is all he offers. But it's enough. More than enough for me to understand. He's jealous. Oh, he's so jealous. And that thought fills up my chest and making me grin.

''If you're worried about me and Aaron, it's simply platonic. I'm not attracted to him and I don't see him more than a friend.'' I take a slice of the food on my plate in my mouth and chew in thought. When I swallow I feel the need to add, ''After all, me and you have just a relationship based on sex, so if I wanted to be with Aaron, I could have been.''

Braden stops eating and looks at me under his lashes. Then something unexpected happens, making it almost impossible to hold in my laughter – he growls. Yes, in a restaurant full of business people, Braden Campbell growls. I admit, I said that to get a reaction out of him. I feel kind of pleased with myself right now.

''Don't make me break something and get us thrown out, Rory,'' Braden warns in a low tone, indicating he's all business. I sober up completely. Geez, I was only kidding, granny pants!

Braden's mouth twitches. ''Granny pants, huh?''

Oh, no.

Oh, fuck.

I said it out loud, didn't I?

And the blush in my cheeks is back. I quickly put a piece of meat in my mouth and chew so I can't say anything out loud anymore, making myself embarrass even further.

Braden's phone rings in that moment, saving me from my planning of how to disappear without being too obvious and without anyone noticing. Huh.

''I'm sorry, I have to take this,'' Braden apologises and stands from the table and walks away to take the call, leaving me alone with the sharks around me. And, of course, my thoughts. I can already feel the stares of people from all sides, but I don't acknowledge them. I continue eating until Braden comes back. It doesn't take him long.

He doesn't sit down, instead, he picks the dress jacket that he has around his chair and puts it on, buttoning it. ''Rory, I have to cut this meal short. Something happened and they need me back in the company.'' I look down at my food.

But I'm not finished! I want to whine, but I don't, of course.

And as if Braden was reading my mind, he adds. ''You can, of course, stay and finish your lunch.'' He has his mouth pressed together and I notice he's angry. I only hope it's not at me.

I look around the restaurant. Stay here where I certainly don't belong? No, thanks! I stand up. ''It's okay. Thank you for the lunch,'' I thank Braden ''I hope the issue you seem to have solves quickly.'' He only gives me a small nod in return.

He goes to pay the bill and I awkwardly trail behind him, keeping my head down and being careful I don't catch any attention. But Braden has none of that when he suddenly stops, turns around, hooks a finger under my chin and kisses me in the middle of the restaurant. I quickly get lost in the kiss, completely forgetting where I am and answer to his demanding mouth with my own. When we break apart he looks at me with kindness. I know what he tried to do and I appreciate it. I like him even more for that. I smile warmly at him and he takes my hand into his, paying the bill.

When we come out of the restaurant he escorts me to my car. And before I forget, I take out my wallet from my purse. Before I can take money out of it to pay Braden for the lunch, he groans a, ''Don't you dare, Rory.'' I'd be a fool not to hear the warning in his voice.

I frown at him, but he just shakes his head. ''No,'' he mouths and then kisses me again. ''See you later, baby.'' He gives me one last smile before taking his hands in the pockets on his pants and saunters away with powerful steps. I can't help but check his backside out. Damn. And what a nice backside he has!

I giggle at my pervert thoughts and go into my car. Driving home has never been so fun.

AND FOR THE FINAL: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO ALL MY AMERICAN READERS - HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT ONE!