Chapter 386 - Gloomy thoughts..... (1/2)

But then, he might have come off as being too forward. One never really knew with women. She might have found another reason to be offended about how he did not even bother to ask her out properly, but instead, just dragged her along like she was some log of wood with no feelings and no thoughts.

The more he thought about it, the gloomier he became. His head was starting to throb from too much thinking. And now, his friends were making things even worse by jesting.

To ease himself even further, he walked towards the gramophone at the end of the room. Beside it was a stack of old records arranged alphabetically on a stand.

He leafed through absentmindedly and found one of his favorites, then slot it in. the melodious music of Xian Xinghai filled the large study room.

Edward made his way back to where his friends were seated, watching him like he were some strange new animal. He sat down and twirled his glass absentmindedly.

”Oh, I think I know exactly what has gotten Edward here in his feelings,” Henry said, springing up from his seat excitedly.

”Do you all remember the pretty little thing we saw at his office the other day? I could see the l.u.s.t written all over our man's face, especially when she turned her back to us,” he added looking eagerly at the other two to see if they were buying his idea.

The suppressed looks on their faces said they did but were trying hard not to show it. Henry, of all the four of them, lacked tact the most. Perhaps, he did not really lack it. He just did not see the point of employing it.

”Edward, is any of this foolishness he's yapping about true?” Jun Mo inquired sternly. The others sometimes teased him about acting too old for his age. As if he were the father to the others.

”There is absolutely no truth to it. I, however, have an interesting story concerning the girl,” Edward responded.

”Aha!” Henry chirped gleefully. He was so certain his suspicions were right.

He left the part about her refusal to ride with him back home because that would have only been more fodder for Henry to make stupid jokes about.

”Oh, Edward!” Jun Mo exclaimed with a palm to his face. ”How could you be so callous? That girl seemed like a nice young woman and if you cannot afford to court her like a decent human being, perhaps you should not even be with her at all.” His exasperation was b.a.r.e for all to see.

But Edward thought different. ”I was honest. There were sparks between us that we could no longer ignore, but don't you think for one second that I would let her think I am about to fall in love with some naïve little girl, because that really is the only reason I would be going through the stress of trying too actually date her when I, in fact, could be doing the good work and helping her learn the ways of the flesh, as I intend to,” he said, beaming a confident smile, his mood greatly improved.

He and Henry share an indiscreet fist bump. This was how he knew to be. He could not accept any form of vulnerability, especially not about a woman and in front of his boys.