Chapter 11

1411 Words
Aiden had assigned me the task of overseeing the catering arrangements for the Selene festival. He explained how I needed to coordinate with the catering companies to ensure that a wide variety of high-quality dishes were available throughout the festival. He handed me a detailed list of the different cuisines and specialities that needed to be included in the menu, ranging from traditional delicacies to contemporary favourites. The first catering service I called was Southern Flavors, renowned for their roasted meats and vegetables from the southern plains. They were excited to be a part of the festival and promised to provide their signature dishes that would delight the visitors. Next, I reached out to Northern Delights, known for their flavorful stews and pastries from the northern highlands. They were equally enthusiastic and assured me that they would bring their best culinary offerings to the festivities. Next on my list was Oceanic Bites, a renowned seafood-focused catering service known for their delectable marine delicacies. I dialed their number and spoke to their head chef, who assured me that their offerings would showcase the finest catches from the nearby coastal regions. To cater to the vegetarian visitors, I contacted Garden Greens Catering. Their emphasis on fresh, locally sourced produce and inventive plant-based creations made them the perfect choice for those seeking vibrant and flavorful vegetarian options. For the dessert, I got in touch with Sugar & Spice Confections. Known for their exquisite pastries, cakes, and desserts, they were thrilled to provide a wide array of indulgent treats that would satisfy people of all ages. Lastly, I reached out to Sip & Savor Beverages, a specialty beverage catering service that offered an assortment of refreshing drinks, from artisanal teas and coffees to flavorful fruit punches and mocktails. As the preparations for the Selene festival continued, I found myself facing another challenge: a school project with Liam. We had been assigned to work together on a major history assignment. We had to submit it in five days and we had not even started yet. I hurriedly made my way to Liam's room which was located at the end of a long hallway. I knocked on his door several times but there was no answer. I tried the doorknob and it was unlocked. I pushed the door open and I found myself in a messy typical teenage boy's room. There were clothes scattered across the floor and the bed was unmade. The sheets were rumpled and partially hanging off one side of the bed, revealing the yellow spongy mattress underneath. It seemed that Liam had hastily gotten out of bed without straightening the sheets or arranging the pillows. Posters of his favorite bands adorned the walls, accompanied by a few sports team flags. There were a few additional posters of hot and sexy female models. It seemed that Liam liked girls with big boobies. Against one wall, a desk held a jumble of textbooks, papers and a computer displaying an open document. Curiosity compelled me to approach the desk and take a closer look. As I examined the computer screen, I realized that Liam had already started working on the history assignment. The document displayed research notes, highlighted passages, and organized headings, indicating that he had already made some progress. It was a relief to see that he had taken the initiative to begin our project, despite the messy state of his room. I scanned through the document, taking note of the ideas and information that Liam had gathered so far. My focus was abruptly interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Startled, I jumped in surprise and quickly turned around to see Liam looking at me. He appeared slightly annoyed and had a smirk on his face. My gaze travelled downward and I glimpsed the towel that was wrapped around Liam's waist. His hair was damp and the water droplets flowing over his muscles were a sight to behold! Each droplet seemed to trace a path down his well-defined physique, accentuating every contour and curve. He looked so sexy and it was hard to tear my eyes away. His presence in the room caught me off guard, and I realized that I had unintentionally invaded his personal space by going through his things without his permission. I stumbled for words, attempting to explain myself. "Oh, Liam, I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to invade your privacy or go through your documents without asking. I was just curious about our history assignment's progress," I stammered, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. It's alright," he replied with a hint of amusement. "You could have just asked, you know. But since you're here, I guess it's time we get started on this project together." Liam walked to his wardrobe, which stood against the opposite wall, and pulled out a clean pair of jeans and a fitted black t-shirt. The jeans were a dark wash, slightly faded in all the right places, while the t-shirt hugged his torso, accentuating his muscular physique. It was a casual yet stylish choice that suited him well. "Hey," Liam called out, catching my attention. "Do me a favor, turn around for a moment. I need to change into these clothes." I obliged, feeling a mix of nervous anticipation and a growing sense of attraction. I couldn't help but wonder if there was something more behind his request, if the tension I felt was reciprocated. As I faced the other direction, I could sense his presence nearby, the subtle shifts and movements that heightened my awareness of his proximity. "Well, you can turn around now. Let's dive into the exciting world of history, shall we?" Liam's voice carried a hint of playfulness. I turned around to face Liam, trying my best to maintain composure despite the flutter of excitement within me. His words lingered in the air, carrying a playful undertone that hinted at something more. I couldn't deny the attraction I felt towards him, but I was determined to keep my emotions in check and not reveal my hidden desires. "You know," he began, his voice laced with a teasing tone, "I couldn't help but notice your curiosity earlier. It seems like you're interested in more than just our history assignment." I feigned nonchalance, suppressing the surge of desire that threatened to betray my true feelings. "Oh, Liam, don't flatter yourself. I was just curious about the progress we've made. After all, we need to get this project done, right?" Liam chuckled, undeterred by my apparent disinterest. He took another step closer, closing the gap between us. "Come on, you can't deny that there's something between us. The way you looked at me just now, it says more than words ever could." I swallowed hard, my heart racing as I struggled to maintain a facade of indifference. "I think you're reading too much into it, Liam. Let's focus on the assignment." Liam leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, seductive whisper. "Are you sure you want to ignore this connection, this undeniable chemistry? I can see it in your eyes, feel it in the air." I fought against the overwhelming temptation, my voice betraying a hint of vulnerability. "We can't let personal feelings distract us. We have a project to complete, and that's our priority." Liam's eyes softened, and he took a step closer, his voice filled with sincerity. "Before we work on this project, there's something I have to ask you. Would you... go to the ball with me?" My heart skipped a beat, torn between the longing to say yes and the knowledge that it was a path I couldn't pursue. I plastered a fake smile on my face. "Liam, I appreciate the offer, but as I said, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to attend as a couple. You are my stepbrother." "I understand. If you're not interested, I'll find someone else to accompany me." Every word he spoke pierced through me, intensifying the pain in my chest. I desperately wanted to tell him how I truly felt, to confess the jealousy that gnawed at me, but I couldn't. "Thank you for understanding, Liam. I'm sure you'll find someone amazing to go with you." I watched as a flicker of disappointment flashed across his face before he masked it with a smile. "Yeah, I hope so too. We should focus on the project, then. Let's give it our best shot." I nodded, my voice trembling slightly. "Absolutely, let's do that."
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