9:00 p.m.
Ashley's office had a small party and so, she had changed into a sexy red dress, looking as if the dress was customized for her. She looked stunning, and was actually the center of attraction as she was given a promotion recently. Everyone was drinking, dancing, eating, singing and enjoying.
Lucas: Hey, congratulations dear Ashley!!! Finally, you did it! You need to give me and Hazel a treat! Got plans? Shall I accompany you till home?
Ashley: No, you can enjoy. Just come till the exit.
Lucas: Sure thing! Let's go. (gives his coat to Ashley and holds her hand as if they were dating...PS: Lucas likes Ashley-friends since 5 years now but she doesn't even know, afraid of loosing her if she rejects his confession, he never dared to come clean about his feelings in front of her)
Ashley: Thanks...
Lucas and Ashley arrived at at the main floor of their office building and Lucas noticed Noah waiting outside his car in front of the glass doors of entrance. He felt a tinge of jealousy. He held Ashley by her shoulders and hugged her to congratulate her but actually wanted to create an impact of marking his territories. He kind of succeeded in making Noah feel a bit inferior too. But, Noah, being all the kind and gentle one he ever has been, just laughed it off and waved towards them.
Ashley: Oh! That was quick. Bye Lucas, Noah's here to pick me up. Don't you drink too much and call a cab for home, do not drive!!
9:48 p.m.
Lucas: You should take care, you are drunk too. Don't let others take advantage of you. Call me if something happens and send a message when you reach home. I'll pick you up in the morning since your car's in servicing.
Ashley: Oh, I can't let you do that. Noah's been helping me. Thanks though. He's been waiting since long now, I should go. Bye, good night. Here's your coat. (waves at him with a smile, rushes to leave and removes her sandals when Noah covers her and then sits in his car, with Noah helping her wear the seatbelt, mixing their breath so close.)
Lucas sees them leave, and with no option, goes back to get his things and leaves too.
Noah: Are you cold? I have a blanket in the back.
Ashley: No, I'm fine. Thanks for the help. Let's go for the dinner, I have reservation booked. Hurry up, I'm starving!!!
Noah: Oh, okay! Let's go..By the way, no offense, are you close to that guy whom you hugged earlier?
Ashley: Oh, he's my best friend, we've been friends for almost 5 years now and he is like an elder brother to me. And, he's great!!
Noah: (sounded bit relaxed) Aaahhh! Fine then!!
Ashley: Did you say something? (Noah nodded a no in response)
10:23 p.m.
When they reached the restaurant, people stared at Ashley because of her striking irresistible looks and figure. Being too busy in her own world, Ashley didn't notice that, but Noah did. He felt bit protective of her and gave her his jacket. Then, as soon as eating was done, she paid and he held her hand, hurriedly dragging her out to avoid the eyes on them.
Noah: Let's go..I'll take you somewhere.
Ashley: You liked to food? That's one of my favorite restaurants, why were you in so much of a hurry to leave that place?
Noah: Oh, I was just feeling a bit congested there. Food's great though.
Ashley: Where are we going?
Noah: Just enjoy the ride.
11:59 p.m.
Ashley: Woahh. This place so good.
Noah: I know.
Noah took her to a meadow. It looked beautiful even in the darkness. They rode a boat nearby. The reflection of them, the moon and the stars looked so serene. Soon, they saw fireflies and she tried catching one, when loosing balance, she stumbled and fell right in Noah's arms. They had a lovely gaze in each other's eyes, lips just an inch away. Ashley tried getting up, but Noah pulled her closer, kissing her.
Ashley blushed, pulled away and sat silently. She smiled softly, trying to control her emotions, but failing. She kissed him back. They rode back and went to their home.
1:03 a.m.
Ashley: Bye Noah! See you tomorrow.
Noah: Bye Love!! (kissing her on the head.)
Ashley: (rushed out of the parking lot, she walked swaying like a happy giggling little kid, thinking he wouldn't see-but he did, and smiled admiring her cute actions) Byeeee (--fades in distance)
Ashley slept thinking about the kiss and same was the case with Noah.
(-the end-)