CHAPTER 135
AUTHOR'S POV
Alexander's eyes seemed to linger a little longer on Zendaya's face, his gaze lingering on her lips before darting away, he didn't intend to make her uncomfortable.
Zendaya herself was drawn to him, the warmth of his smile, the way his laughter filled the room.
At this moment, it was just both of them. It may all seem rushed, but they were destined to be together. Just as Zendaya felt herself leaning in ever so slightly, their little spell was broken by the sound of footsteps approaching.
They were both startled and pulled away from each other with a mixture of embarrassment and disappointed as Alexander's father entered the room, a knowing look in his eyes.
"Hate to break up the party, you two, but lunch is ready, we are having barbecues for lunch and I have got the barbecue fired up and everything," Wilson informed them, "We should feed our guests well, so they come by more often," Wilson said and then winked at his son.
Alexander sighed and laughed shortly, "True though."
Zendaya and Alexander exchanged sheepish glances as she tried to suppress the blush that happened to be creeping up her cheeks, "Thanks, Mr. Wilson. We will be right there."
Wilson nodded, smiling knowingly as he headed back to the kitchen. It seemed like he had done the barbecue outside and now transferred everything into the kitchen as it was all ready, "Take your time. I will save you both a seat, but will not promise to not finish the barbecue."
"We should probably go…", Alexander said.
And Zendaya nodded, her heart racing, "Oh yeah, we umm we should…mhm", she nodded again, as both of them stood up and went to the kitchen.
As they entered the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling barbecue to Zendaya's surprise greeted them, filling the air with a mouthwatering scent that made Zendaya's stomach rumble out loud.
She thought she was the only one who heard it, but that changed when Alexander looked at her and then at her stomach.
Zendaya started laughing, "What???!"
"Nothing, nothing, we should get you fed," Alexander said, laughing softly.
Wilson seemed to be flipping the juicy burgers and basting tender ribs with a secret sauce that made Zendaya's mouth water.
She thought he had finished everything outside, but it seemed like he was adding some finishing touch. Whatever though, she was down to eat this delicious barbecue.
"Glad you could join us, Zendaya," Wilson said, "Hope you are hungry!"
"Trust me, she is… Hungry", Alexander answered on Zendaya's behalf and earned a playful punch on his arm.
Zendaya smiled warmly, taking in the spread laid out before them. The table was adorned with an array of dishes, from tangy coleslaw to buttery con on the cob, each very tempting.
The centerpiece, however, was the barbecue itself. A smorgasbord of meats and vegetables, which looked cooked to perfection, their charred edges glistening with savory juices.
With a nod of thanks to Wilson, Zendaya took her seat at the table, Alexander settling in beside her.
They joined hands in a moment of silent gratitude as they bowed their heads and Alexander led them in a brief prayer of thanks for the food and the company they shared.
As soon as they were done, they dug into their meal, Alexander watching Zendaya, waiting for Zendaya's reaction to the first bite.
His heart skipped a beat as she took a tentative taste, her eyes closing with a satisfying and blissful satisfaction as the flavor danced across her palate.
"Wow, Mr. Wilson, this is delicious! You really outdid yourself," Zendaya said, " it was really, really good.”
Wilson beamed with pride, "I am honored that you like it Zendaya. Don't mean to brag, but it's a family recipe that's been passed down for generations."
"He sure as hell meant to brag, and I am down for it," Zendaya said in her mind, nodding and eating some more, "mmmm… this is so good."
Alexander chimed in, "Yeah my Dad is a pretty good cook, so am I, but he could top me anytime, although I learned from the best, which is still him."
"I like a man who can cook," Zendaya said, her sassy side coming out.
The boys seemed to be in shock until Alexander played along, "It would be my pleasure."
"Get a room," Wilson said and cleared his throat as everyone laughed.
"Well…", Zendaya started, "I am certainly impressed. You will have to teach me your secrets sometime, Mr. Wilson."
Wilson nodded in agreement, "Anytime, Zendaya. Consider it a date."
"I cook too, you should consider having that date with me", Alexander barged in again, "I can assure you, I know the secrets much more than my Dad does."
To Zendaya, she was not sure what Alexander meant by that, but she was definitely hooked, "Well, I will think about it", She smirked.
Alexander faked a face of betrayal and hurt, "You are choosing my Dad over me? Come on now."
Zendaya pretended not to hear him and continued, "I did not say such", was the only thing she said.
As they continued enjoying their meal, conversation flowed between them and laughter.
They had asked some questions about Zendaya and her family, wanting to know more about her. She told them though but not in deep details, she did not lie, but she just omitted some huge details which they have no business knowing for now.
Sincerely, she enjoyed their company and only hoped things would work out for all of them, until she figured out how to go about this, her secret about being a werewolf will have to stay with her.
Lunch was great, Zendaya made up a little story and sent it back home, letting them know she would be home late.
Dinner also went great, she had assisted them in preparing dinner. She was also glad they allowed her too, despite her being a guest.
It was also fun, they made her feel very welcomed and loved.
Now, it was time to go home. She had insisted on going alone, but Alexander did not even let her argue, he already told her he would take her home or anywhere close and that was finally.
"I want to see you get home safely," He said to her.
And so Zendaya nodded cutely and agreed.
They were about to leave when Zendaya heard something.
It was like growling, or screaming if she was not mistaken.
She turned to Alexander quickly and asked him, after she had turned back to check for where the sound had come from,
"Did you hear that?"