The Carrero Heart - Beginning (Friends to Lovers)

I have finally unpacked the clothes I want to keep handy, into Arrick’s spare room wardrobe, and every other box is piled neatly in the corner. I know with the speed the Carreros get things done, I should have an apartment sooner than later. I’m looking forward to having my own space though and if last night is anything to go by, staying here will get harder as time passes. The sooner I move out and get some distance, a real step up in my life, get this show on the road, so to speak, the sooner I will feel better.

The drive home was strained, mostly silent, and Arrick hasn’t even tried to talk me out of my mood. He left me be to stare at the scenery, lost in my own thoughts and listen to the radio. Four hours of music and heavy silence, with only the odd conversation about food when he stopped at a drive through-u. I have literally lost all will to even try today, and he is doing what he does best. Submerged in his head, mulling over God knows what and presenting that cool facade to the world as though he hasn’t a goddamn care. It makes me feel like punching him in the throat.

I’m hurt and angry, and I want to shake him until he realizes he loves only me, whether it’s true or not. This is driving me insane, and I wish he had never said anything at all about his feelings, wishing I was back to never knowing that he cared at all. I wonder if I should have stuck to the plan of cutting him off and keeping him out, because I know it would be less agony than this dangling on a thread thing he has me doing now. This isn’t how true love is supposed to be; he is supposed to know he loves me, and only me, and throw everything else aside to be with me.

Why did I have to fall in love with a guy who over thinks, over analyses and cares too much about everyone and everything, to just go with his gut? Why did I have to fall for the one guy who is not an asshole, and won’t just do what he wants selfishly when other people are involved?

“Dinner is here.” Arrick ducks his head into my room and gazes at me expressionlessly, no hint of anything in his tone at all. We have only conversed when needed since we got here, and we’re going through some sort of passive-aggressive standoff. He seems as uninterested in resolving this as I am. Tired of the atmosphere and left me to unpack while he did whatever it is he does in his study when he disappears in there.

I don’t respond, just drop the makeup bag I’m holding on the bed and follow him out to his open-plan lounge. Unaware he even ordered dinner for us and surprised that it’s this late already. The growing dimness of the skyline alerts me to the fact it’s evening and my day has passed in a blur of driving, silence and being pissed off.

He’s set up the food on the dining table at the far wall by the long wide windows; the sun setting in that little corner, and the smell of food makes me realize I’m starving. My stomach grumbling and taking over the constant aching weight inside of me to give it some respite.

little when I spy the familiar red and white takeaway boxes from my favorite Chinese, spread out invitingly and neatly presented. Arrick normally orders from one on the east side religiously, but I always claimed that this one was far superior. I catch that quick glance my way as I run a finger over the nearest carton, tracing the logo emblazoned there with a little melting of my feisty resolve, then

things I normally order from the menu; my favorites, all of them in fact. Even things he always refuses to order simply because he can’t stand the smell of them. He’s really thought about this, even though it’s just food, and I start to unload a selection to my plate with the

going to be repeated, and he knows I would never toss food

and still being coy. I can see his face without looking up, see him watching me with that half smirk and dimples on

into my food heartily with the hunger of a starved stray. Not ready to forgive him so easily, just on principle, because I think I should make him suffer for a little longer. That kiss was special, amazing, and his willingness to dismiss how it felt, and act like it was nothing, is still getting to me

could melt icebergs. If they had

obviously not expecting anyone, and gets up slowly to walk out of the dining area to answer it. He has this intercom thing which disables access to his floor via the elevator if he wants privacy. To get up they have to use the front desk and call up for him to accept it, or if you have a key card and his passcode, then you can get up without buzzing. Whoever it is has no access

friend Nathan, to his fight manager, and sometimes Jake, or even Daniel. It could be anyone, so I don’t even acknowledge when I hear him buzz whoever it is in. I continue eating, loving my little selection of favorites, all while hating him a

I glance up, wondering what he’s doing, and realize he looks stressed and is staring at me oddly. No longer confident and

suddenly crouches down on his haunches so he can get more level with me and takes

for once, Sophs. I need you to behave, and not throw your dummy out, for like one night. Even if you’re still pissed at me.” He frowns at me and I look at him like he’s

and pull my hand away, wondering what the hell he’s on. Arrick hesitates, takes a deep