"Yes?" Alex immediately got attentive. There was nothing he wouldn't agree to. That was something he knew well and clear.

"Uh... I don't know how to put it." Summer looked down and Alex first thought that she was about to mention something about the amount of money. He remembered distinctly how awkward she used to get when accepting money or gifts or even just talking about it, back in high school. But then he noticed the slightly tinted color her cheeks were taking. Could she be..... blushing? He thought, and found yet another spark rushing through his body. The effect Summer had on him, was something he only hoped he could have on her, someday.

"I... I don't want to.... sleep with you." Summer spoke, still looking down and blushing. "It's not meant to," she suddenly looked straight into his eyes and continued, "offend you in any way." She remembered a very faded memory of her talking to Alex back when they used to hang out at Anthony's dad's cafe. And the only thing she remembered clearly was how Alex had confided in her once, about being insecure about his looks. She had never ever found him unattractive even before that day, but since that day she had been extra careful about not feeding into his insecurity. And for some reason, that exact memory pricked her brain immediately as she said she didn't want to be physical with him.

"You're really very good looking, actually." Summer kept on speaking in her quiet panic, much to the delight of Alex.

He hadn't even cared about the not wanting to sleep with him part. He was in fact glad that she had asked for this condition. He knew he would have to wait for a really, really, REALLY long time before he deserved a woman like her in his bed. And he actually wanted to deserve her. So her words hadn't bashed his self-confidence in the slightest. But now that she was rambling, that too about how good he looked... he was all ears for it!

"I'm sure many girls would jump at an opportunity like this, where they got to...." Summer's voice trailed off as she realized just how much of an overreaction she was giving. Alex pursed his lips to stop himself from smiling. He couldn't believe she thought of him like that.

Sure he was aware of how he had outgrown his puberty physique. Back then he was lanky and awkward, with messy hair that he used to hide his face. He had been ashamed of how he looked, so much so he felt the need to actually not show his face to the world. And now he had a fully grown body. He had spent several hours in the gym to get the ripped body he had now. And wearing designer business suits and glasses, were the icing on top. They really brought out his handsome side.

So he knew what he looked like now, and had noticed the reaction of groupie girls thirsting after him for his looks and money. But to hear that Summer thought he was attractive, it had a very special meaning for him.

"But.. I'm not like them, you know. I need to have real feelings and real bonding to," Summer spoke quickly, trying to wrap up her anxious rant. "Make love."

Alex thought for a minute before responding. "I would never ever ever lay a finger on you without your permission. I wasn't going to make you sleep with me as part of the contract, as it is." He stopped to look at her. She looked relieved at his words. He wondered if she had a previous bad experience with this type of thing. It made his blood boil to even think that she'd faced a situation before where someone forced her, or tricked her into.... doing something she didn't want to do. But he decided to leave that topic for a future conversation. "But if it makes you feel better, then I will have a special condition written into the contract. One that prevents me from having sex with you."

Summer smiled at him. It did make her feel better. She nodded in agreement with his proposal. It pleased her to see him respecting her space. But then again, she kind of knew it all along. She had been friends with him and she always knew he would never harm her. Even if she was vulnerable. According to her, Alex was part of a rare group of men who were a class apart from others.

"That would be nice, Alex. Thanks."

Alex smiled back at her. It made him feel good that she felt safe around him. Something his grandfather had always taught him was to first give the girl her space and privacy. Let her feel safe around you first boy, his grandfather used to say. The world is filled with enough men wanting to take advantage of women. Do everything you can to not become like them, Alex-boy! Grandpa Lewis's wise words rang in Alex's ears and he vowed to himself to stay true to the contract, especially that condition.

"You're welcome, Summer."

The two of them sat silently for the next few minutes, eating dessert. Both were thinking about their conversation. Alex was figuring out the logistics of the contract. He was making a mental list of the lawyers he would contact later that night, to draft the contract. He wanted the contract to be ready as soon as possible. The review and signing process would take time too, after all.

"What are you thinking about?" Summer asked him.

"Nothing. Just who I would contact to help draft the contract," Alex responded.

"Well," Summer hesitated for a second. She was still unsure if she should say it or not. But then she decided to do it anyways. "I know I'll probably go for it and sign it. But.."

But? Alex's breathing stopped short. She was reconsidering? He felt an unbelievable amount of pain, realizing how big his expectations had got.

"But?" Alex prompted her, hiding the pain in his voice.

"But I wanna see how my parents react.... to you... as my," her eyes immediately went towards the dining room hallway as she thought of her parents. "Significant other."

"Oh." Alex was taken aback, but he was glad it wasn't a clear no. "What do you propose?"

"I want us to start dating, to see how everyone reacts to it."