Chapter 1
Alcohol and heartbreak are definitely not a good combo. Too bad I learned that a little too late. I’m Tessa Beckett and I painfully got dumped by my boyfriend of three years. That led me to get drunk at a bar and have a one-night stand with a stranger. Before he would see me as a slut the next day,I paid him for the sex and deeply insulted his ability to please me. But this stranger turned out to be my new boss!
Chapter 0001
*TESSA*
“I’m never falling in love again.”I murmured to myself as I downed a glass of vodka.
I winced slightly as it burnt its way down my throat.
I shouldn’t be drinking.
I know I shouldn’t be drinking.
I don’t even have the head for alcohol but I just want to try and forget about how bad my heart was aching.
Still..the alcohol wasn’t helping.
Three years…it took Marcus three years to tell me that I wasn’t gentle,considerate and sexy.
How could he say that to me when he had always adored me?
What went wrong?
And just few hours ago…I saw pictures of him online.
Apparently,he had traveled to England with a girl.
She had looked so classy…so sophisticated in the pictures.
We just broke up like three days ago and he’s already with someone else?
That made me curious to know when he met her…
Was it before we broke up?
Had he been cheating on me?
Had I really become less gentle and sexy and considerate?
Oh God.
It was as if someone was repeatedly piercing my chest with a knife.
How could it be so easy for him to end what we had?
Am I supposed to move on like that?
How can I move on from him?
I filled up my glass again and drank everything on it.
Someone sat beside me and l suddenly felt uncomfortable.
I didn’t want anyone to see me at my lowest.
With every intention of leaving,I turned to slid off the stool but before I realized it,I had turned towards the direction of the person.
It was a man.
I became aware of a pregnant taut silence.
Feeling absurdly compelled…I looked up and came face to face….eyeball to eyeball with a fallen angel who was looking right at me.
A dark fallen angel.
With eyes that seemed to glow green and gold under long back lashes and black brows…high cheekbones and a very enchanting lips.
It drew my eyes and made me stop and linger.
I had the most bizarre and urgent desire to press my lips against his mouth..to feel and taste its texture.
This was all within a nanosecond.
“Hey,pretty lady.”He began.
I couldn’t understand the hot feeling in my belly,the sizzling in my blood for what seemed like aeons.
My breath hitched and I felt dizzy.
I was still sitting down!
Pull yourself,Tessa.
This has to be the alcohol.
I shakily stood up.
“Oh please don’t leave on my account.”
“I was…I was about leaving…”
“Am I too late to ask if you would share a drink with me?”He asked.
I should decline but his hot and deep voice hit me like a wrecking ball.
I sat back down as I stared at him…a burning hit reaction spread through me…lighting a fire through every vein and every bit of pulsing blood in my body.
And when he smiled faintly…the room seemed to tilt.
“I…”I let out with pathetic ineffectiveness.
He took off his coat and jacket revealing the thin silk of his shirt and the body I had suspected existed was now heart-stoppingly evident.
What is wrong with me?
It has to be the break up and the alcohol.
*****************
The sound of running water woke me up.
I blinked slowly and opened my eyes.
My head was aching but my eyes dilated when I realized that I wasn’t in my bedroom.
Oh my God!
This room looked so exquisite…
The curtains were opened and I sat up to see some clothes on the floor.
I shakily laid back down and held the duvet to myself.
What the hell?
I mentally assessed myself.
Oh my God!
I’m naked!
Unable to believe it…I moved the duvet aside and the shock of my state made me cover myself up again.
Oh…
And I felt so tender…
So tender between my legs.
Like flash…the memories of last night came crashing down on me…Drinking to stupor and meeting that strange man…it seems we had a little conversation of a sort and then we ended up in a hotel room.
My cheeks felt so hot as I grabbed my long hair and recalled him rising above me…sliding inside and repeatedly stroking me.
Oh…he had done it so good.
Oh no!
This wasn’t the time to think about how good he was.
I just had a one night stand with a stranger.
I’ve never slept with a stranger before.
How am I supposed to face him?
What am I to say?
I have to run before he comes out of the bathroom.
I hurriedly got up from the bed and quickly put on my clothes and grabbed my bag,
As I walked up to the door…
The bathroom door opened.
And then he walked out…
I was almost floored by how handsome he looked.
He was on a bathroom but I couldn’t fail to notice his manly features…
His broad shoulders and powerful thighs.
My heartbeat was out of control.
Marcus wouldn’t hold a candle to this man.
Memories of our sex last night invaded my mind again…
The way he hugged me…kissed me…thrust into me…
I felt hot all over.
Shaking my head,I forced myself to stop thinking about it.
I fanned myself with my hands but it was useless…
While I looked all restless…he was as calm as a cucumber.
And then I caught his gaze…
He was staring at me as if I was an object.
He cocked an eyebrow and stared at me with disdain.
Why is he staring at me like that?
I saw him reach for the bedside and picked up his wallet.
I could see it was loaded with money.
My eyes widened.
Does he think I’m a prostitute?
I felt deeply insulted so I decided to act fast.
I took out two hundred dollars from my bag and threw them on the bed before he could offer me any money.
I put on a calm attitude and crossed my arms.
Looking up at him straight in the eyes,I let out:
“Though you’re good looking but you skills are bad…so bad and it’s only worth a little money!”
I wanted to humiliate him before he does that to me.
“What did you just say?”The man asked,furiously.
By all means…I hid how embarrassed I was and in order to show him that I was serious…I moved closer to him and patted him on the shoulder.
“Well,you could try giving a discount first and once you’ve learned how to satisfy a woman…you can definitely raise the price!”With that,I spun and walked off as fast as I could.
While I was fleeing,I could hear him roar…”Fuck!”
I’ve deeply annoyed that man!
Chapter 0002
*TESSA*
I didn’t look back neither did I stop running…
If he was behind me…I know I’m definitely no match for him…Still,I didn’t want him to catch up.
When I dared to look back,I realized that he wasn’t running after me.
I slowed down and started to walk briskly out of the hotel…I rubbed my chest trying to calm down.
It’s fine.
Everything’s fine.
I made a mistake getting drunk and involved in a one night stand…
It’s not the end of the world.
And the most comforting part was that I certainly won’t see him again.
When I got home..I quickly made some breakfast for myself and headed to the company which I worked for.
Getting to the entrance of the building,my cellphone rang.
I smiled seeing that it was my mother.
I slowly picked up.
“Hello,mom.”
“Oh.My dear.I hope you haven’t forgotten that tonight is your uncle Wilson’s 60th birthday.He’s hosting a banquet at Cromwell’s Hotel.You will be there,right?”
“No,mom.I don’t want to go.”
If I went to that banquet,I would definitely run into my father and my stepmother and I really wasn’t in the mood to put up with them tonight.
“C’mon,Tessa.Your uncle Wilson and his wife has been very kind to us.The least you can do is honor his invitation.”My mother persuaded.
I exhaled.
When I was ten years old,my father cheated on my mother and practically abandoned her.If it hadn’t been for uncle Wilson,my life would have been unbearable.
“Fine.I’ll go.”
“And try not to fight with your father.”She warned.
“If he doesn’t cause me any trouble…I won’t”And then,I hung up.
Years ago,my mother knelt on the ground and begged my father not to file for a divorce.
She told him she would forgive his affair..his unfaithfulness but he cast her aside.
He didn’t only divorce my mother but also took everything from her.
After that,life was very hard for the three of us.
I can’t bring myself to ever forgive my dad for hurting us like that.
I walked into the company just in time and sat on my desk.
My colleague,Audrey Brosnan walked up to me.
“You look different today,Tess?”
I frowned.”Different?How?”
“You’ve been sulking since Marcus broke up with you but today…you don’t look sad at all.”
Audrey and I are pretty close.
I sighed.”Maybe it’s because I had a crazy night.You won’t believe I spent two hundred dollars on a prostitute to comfort my wounded heart.”I said,laughing.
“You don’t say.”She snickered.
She actually thinks I’m joking.
We often make all kinds of jokes so I’m not surprise.
We’ve had a few people thinking that we have rich experience while dealing with men when in fact…we’re conservative as hell.
That is why I’m still furious about last night.
That was so not me.
“The new boss is resuming today.”She announced.
I shrugged.
“I heard he is the heir to Hudson Group.His father is a senior official of the government and his mother is the president at the company’s headquarters.Right now…most of the ladies in the company are dying to meet him…I’m sure he’s so handsome.“
I rolled my eyes.
I can only hope he’s not one of those rude and pompous heirs.
I can’t bear to work for an asshole as my boss.
My superior,Ethan Bascon came over.
“We have a meeting at the conference hall now!”He announced and started walking away.
I quickly took my notebook and pen and followed suit.
I walked into the conference hall to find everyone already seated so I sat at a corner,quietly.
My mind trailed off to the early hours of the morning…he was so handsome.
I thought about the pissed-off expression on his face when I placed the 200 dollars on the bed.
I placed my hand over my mouth and laughed.
Maybe I had gone too far..
But then I just couldn’t stand the look of disgust he gave to me and moreso,he was going to send me away as a prostitute.
That would have been so demeaning.
A round of applause startled me and I snapped out of my reverie.
A man in navy-blue suit walked into the conference hall.
My jaw dropped when his face registered in my retina.
Why…why is he here?
Something’s wrong with my eyes…something’s definitely wrong with my eyes.
I rubbed my eyes with my thumbs…I closed and opened them again but it was still him.
Then man who I had a one night stand with!
Then man whom I paid 200 dollars!
Oh my God!
Where will I run to this time?
Chapter 0003
*TESSA*
I’m still in the state of intense panic.
Why?
Why am I so out of luck?!
I still can’t believe he’s my new Boss.
I thought about what I had said to him.
Ahh…
Why did I say that?
I should have been nicer with my words.
Would he perhaps fire me for what I said?
No!
I can’t get fired.
I have to take care of my mother and sister.
I have to calm down and think.
I took a few deep calming breaths.
I glanced at the man sitting at the forefront…He introduced himself as Declan Hudson.
When he didn’t look in my direction,I lowered my head and covered half of my face with my long hair.
Right now,all I was praying for was that he wouldn’t notice me.
Every minute and every second was unbearable for me.
I was extremely happy when the meeting finally came to an end.
I sneaked out of the conference hall with the thought that he still didn’t notice me at all.
The first thing I did when I returned to my desk was to tell Audrey everything that had happened.
“You’re joking,right?”
“Do I look like I am?”I asked,agitatedly.
Her eyes widened in shock.”Then you should be happy,girl.You slept with such a smoky hot man.”
“Don’t give me that.I’m very worried that he might try to get back at me and probably fire me.I still have my mother and sister to take care of.I can’t afford to be jobless right now.”
Oh God.
I shouldn’t have gone to the bar to drink.
I wish I could turn back time.
I should have been more cautious about myself.
I shouldn’t have had a one night stand.
I shouldn’t have given him 200 dollars.
And I shouldn’t have insulted him.
Why am I in such a frustrating situation?!
Audrey tapped my shoulder.”Don’t worry too much.Maybe he didn’t notice you at all.”
The manager’s voice suddenly rang out:
“Tessa,Mr Hudson wants you in his office now!”
Oh.
I’m dead!
*********
I shakily knocked on the door of his office.
“Come in.”His deep baritone announced.
Reluctantly,I walked in.
I was nervous as heck.
I can’t believe the man who was on a bathrobe this morning turned out to be my boss.
Life is truly full of surprises.
Too bad…I didn’t like this surprise…I didn’t like it at all.
I stood there quietly while he continued to go through some documents without acknowledging my presence.
Releasing a breath I didn’t know I was holding,I began,”Mr Hudson,you sent for me?“
He lifted up his head and I offered him a cheerful smile.
Maybe he could see me differently…as a nice person that I am.
He stared at me from my head to my toe.
His eyes were dark and cold.
I felt very uncomfortable and tried my best not to tremble like a leaf.
He leaned back on his swivel chair and said,nonchalantly,”I thought the people working for me would be responsible.I didn’t expect to see you here.”
I felt slapped.
Yes…I made a mistake last night but that doesn’t give him the right to think I’m irresponsible.
If there’s one thing I hate…it’s being looked down on.
Before I could think,I replied.”Well,it isn’t professional to talk about our private lives at work,sir but while we’re at it…you really shouldn’t play the judge here.”
The expression on Declan’s face hardened.
Damn it.
I seemed to have made him more furious than before.
I’m definitely getting fired!
Chapter 0004
*TESSA*
I stared at the floor unable to look at him.
I should really learn to control my tongue if I don’t wanna lose this job.
I waited for him to speak but he didn’t..the silence was making me more uneasy.
I slowly glanced up and our eyes met.
He was staring at me but I couldn’t read his facial expression.
Then I saw Declan brought out his wallet and extracted some notes from it.
He placed the cash on the table.
“Miss Beckett,I really thought I wouldn’t see you again and I honestly didn’t want to.But now that I did…I think I need to make you understand that aside from being a CEO,I have no other side jobs so take back your 200 dollars.”
I swallowed.
I can’t believe he called me into his office to clarify that he wasn’t a prostitute.
“I understand.”I said with a harmless smile.
I exhaled,extremely relieved.
So we just have to get the past behind us.
That night didn’t happen and we can…
Before I could complete my thoughts…I saw him throw a hundred dollar bill on the table.
I stared at him,confused.
“That 100 dollar is your reward for last night.It wasn’t very good,you see.It’s only worth that much.”He let out,sardonically.
I bit my lower lip in anger.
I’m only worth 100 dollars?!
So Demeaning.
My fists clenched and I tried to control my temper.
I reminded myself how badly I needed this job.
So I force a smile out of me and picked up the 300 dollars.
“If that’s all,sir,I would like to get back to work.”With that,I left his office.
*********
As soon as I got back to my desk,Audrey came over.
“C’mon,girl…why did he ask for you?What did he say?Tell me everything.”She asked almost at the same time.
I sighed and replied;”To tell me that he isn’t a prostitute.”
“And?”She probed.
I blinked..there’s no way I can tell her that he made me the prostitute instead.
She was laugh her ass out at me.
So I shrugged.
“What?You can’t certainly mean that was all you two talked about.”
“That was all.What were you expecting?”I asked.
Audrey giggled.”I thought,you know…well,he might have fallen for you last night and you guys were on a start of a beautiful and romantic relationship.”
Instantly,I cringed.”Get that idea out of your head.I’m not interested.”
She laughed.”You’re joking,right?Do you know how many women would kill to spend a night with a man like that?All the female employees here are gushing over him.”
She brought out her cellphone and showed me Declan’s picture which had been posted by some female employees in the company.
I rolled my eyes.”Oh please.”
“Honestly…tell me…how did it feel to have sex with him?”
How did it feel?
I don’t even know because I can’t even remember it clearly.
I do know I was very tender this morning.
I can remember glimpses of him thrusting in and out of me.
Ah…I’m never getting drunk again.
To save face,I replied.”It wasn’t so impressive.If you desperately want to know how it felt…you could try to sleep with him if you want.”
“I wish I could.”She sighed and returned to her desk.
Deep down…I wish I could remember everything about last night…every little detail.
I mean…to be honest…the man is hot…so good looking..
He might really be good with his member…
Did he do it to me so good then?
It’s such a pity that there would be no opportunity for me to get to know that.
He’s my boss now.
And I won’t cross the line so there can never be a connection between us.
My phone rang out,interrupting my thoughts.
It was my mother…
I’m pretty sure she was going to urge me more into attending uncle Wilson’s party tonight.
I covered my face with my hands,trying to prepare myself for the evening for it was going to be a long night.
Chapter 0005
*TESSA*
At 7:pm,I arrived at Cromwell Hotel.
As I got down from the taxi,I took a deep breathe seeing people walking in and out of hall,elegantly.
I walked in too with my gift in hand.
The party planner did a good job…everywhere was beautifully decorated.
I smiled when I saw uncle Wilson.
“Tessa.”He called,cheerfully.
“Uncle Wilson…happy birthday.”I cooed and hugged him.
“I’m so glad you could make it.”He said.
We disengaged from each other and I handed him his gift.
“Oh…you’re so thoughtful my dear.”
I smiled and walked over to say hi to my mother,sister and Uncle Wilson’s wife,Eleanor.
Taking note that my father was yet to arrive…I took it as my cue to leave.
Seeing him and his wife makes me angry….it makes me think about the past and I always do my best to avoid them.
“Mom,I should get going…I have a few things to catch up on…”I let out,slowly standing up.
“Oh no,young lady…you barely even touched your meal.”Eleanor said as she pushed me playfully to sit back down.
“But…”
“C’mon…you literally just got here and we have an important guest coming over.”
“Who’s that?”I asked,curiously.
“He’s the son of Wilson’s friend.And I heard he’s your new boss…what was his name again?Oh…Declan.”
“What?!”I let out startling everyone on the table.
It’s Declan again!
Why is he everywhere?!
Am I the first person to have a one night stand?
Why am I being tortured by his presence?!
Ugh!
Well,we could say my uncle was well to do but not as rich as the level of Declan.
Ahh.
Why do they know someone like him?
Before I could think of the next thing to do,I saw him entering the hall with my father’s family.
Oh no.
I should leave…
I really should.
I saw a waiter leading them over to where I was sitting.
I tensed and whispered to Eleanor.
“Why can’t they sit somewhere else?”
“This is the VIP table,Bella.”She reminded.
I tried not to show how uneasy I was as they all got seated.
I glanced at Cassie Mendez,the woman who ruined my parents’s marriage.
Next to her was her daughter,Anna Mendez…
She was like a goddess….everything about her body looked so perfect…but of course,I heard she had done numerous plastic surgery.
So to me,she was fake.
She was wearing heavy make up as usual.
I wonder if anyone had ever seen what she looks like.
I glanced at Declan who looked so nonchalant.
My father didn’t acknowledge my presence either.
So I choose to focus on the food in front of me.
As I ate,they started talking.
“Oh,Anna…this is Declan Hudson.He’s a son of a close friend of mine.He just became a CEO and I’m sure he’ll have a lot of business with us in the future.You should get to know him.”My father’s voice rung the air.
He runs a small security agency.
“Nice to meet you.My name is Anna Mendez.I hope we get to know more about each other.”Anna said,sweetly.
“Likewise.”He replied,politely.
“We don’t have to be formal with each other,right?”Anna asked.
I rolled my eyes.
I could already tell that she was into him.
I glanced up to see that Declan ignored her and started eating.
“Declan,how about I get your number?You know,we might have some business to go over in the future.”
“You can contact my secretary if you have anything to discuss with me.”Declan snapped.
Despite that,she didn’t give up and continued to pester him.
It was funny to watch.
“Tessa,are you going to keep sitting there and pretend you didn’t see me?You’re so rude.”Cassie said to me.
I scoffed.
Rude?
I’m only doing my best to get through this night.
Why must she deliberately pick on me?
“So?”
“So?Young lady,you lack manner.”
I sneered.”Look who’s talking.”
“Patrick,Are you seriously sitting there and watching your daughter speak down on me?!”
My father instantly looked furious.”Tessa,apologize to her now!”
I snickered.
Apologize,my foot!
Chapter 0006
*TESSA*
“If you had manners,you wouldn’t have turned my father against us.”I snapped,standing up.
For so many years…My father hadn’t looked at me as if I was his daughter.
Instead,he stared at me as if I was a stranger.
When I was younger,my mother had been unable to pay my tuition fee and I went to meet him for help but he kicked me out.
And it hurts a lot that Anna gets to live a very good life.She isn’t even his biological daughter!
Now…I have equally shut him out.
He stopped being my father a long time ago.
“Patrick,how can she talk to me like this?!”Cassie cried.
My dad sprang up to his feet.”Start being polite to my wife!”He thundered and slapped me across the cheek.
It was unexpected and it cause me to fall to the floor.
“It hasn’t come to this,Patrick.”Uncle Wilson barked coming over to my side.
“How dare you touch my daughter?!”My mom yelled.
“She deserved it.”Anna snapped,laughing.
I was almost blinded my anger.
Losing my temper completely,I got up and picked up a some plates of dishes,throwing them at my father…no…he’s not my father…Patrick,Cassie and Anna.
Their clothes were stained and I smirked to see him shooting daggers at me.
“You little…”Patrick tried to hit me again but uncle Wilson stopped him.
“Enough!”
“You’re such an horrible daughter?What kind of daughter attacks her own father?!”Cassie yelled.
Eleanor and my mother pulled me to their side.
“You started this.Couldn’t you just get through the evening without asking for trouble?”My mother asked Cassie.
“I can’t believe I have a daughter like you.”Patrick spat.
I rolled my eyes.
I can’t believe I have a father like him either.
I was very satisfied with how dirty Patrick and his family looked right now.
But then my heart sank when I noticed Declan was still sitting there witnessing all the drama going on.
I wish he wasn’t here.
I wish he didn’t have to see how fucked up my family was.
I was starting to feel embarrassed so I whispered to my mother.
“I…I have to leave.”With that,I hurriedly left the hall.
I crossed my arms when I was immediately assaulted by the cold breeze outside.
I started to walk trying to board any taxi that drove by but I was very unlucky getting one.
My cheek was burning and tears pricked my eyes.
I blinked rapidly trying not to make them drop.
I don’t regret what I did tonight.
I refuse to be intimidated by my father’s family.
I’m glad I put them in their places but I couldn’t stop feeling sad at the same time.
I wish my family was different.
I wish my life was different.
And the tears dropped.
I sniffed when my feet started to hurt as well.
When will life ever go my way?
A car suddenly pulled up beside me.
I looked sideways to see the glass window rolled down and it revealed Declan.
I frowned at him.
“Get in.”He ordered.
Get in?
We’re not in his company and I do not have to take commands from him.
And besides, I don’t know how to face him after what had happened tonight.
“It’s not easy to get a taxi here.”He pressed on.
I ignored him and continued walking.
He in turned started driving slowly after me.
Seriously?
What is his problem?
“I think you aren’t current with the news.If you are,you would know that several cases of rape and murder had occurred lately in this street…and the worse part is that…the murderer is making it impossible to be arrested.”
Fear gripped my soul.
“Have fun walking home.”With that,he drove off.
Oh no!
I should have swallowed my pride!
I should have gotten into his car.
I looked around not bold enough to take another step.
Even if life has been hard for me…I still don’t want to die…
Life is beautiful however you see it.
Oh God.
I saw his car stopped upfront and then he drove backwards and stopped beside me again.
He didn’t have to say anything this time.
I ran around the car and quickly opened the door of the passenger’s seat.
I got in and fastened my seat belt.
I chose not to look at his face…I’m sure he has a cocky expression on.
I told him my address and he imputed it into the GPS.
The ride was pretty quiet.
I placed my hand on my cheek wondering why it still fucking hurts.
I can’t believe he slapped me because his wife urged him to.
Soon,the car stopped in front of my apartment.
“Thank you,Mr Hudson.”I unfastened my seatbelt.
“It’s nothing.I just couldn’t let my employee meet her possible death when I could have saved her.”
My teeth clenched.
Is death something to say so nonchalantly?
“You don’t have to worry.I plan on living until I’m old and grey.“I got down and slammed his door shut.
And then he sped off.
What’s the need of having an handsome face when he’s so mean?!
Chapter 0007
*TESSA*
When I walked into the house,I met my sister and mother seated on the couch.
It turns out that they were waiting for me.
“Tessa,where have you been?I was worried…you weren’t even taking my calls.”My mom began.
I sighed and slowly sat down.
I was exhausted.
“How did you get home?”I asked,curiously.
I couldn’t even get a taxi and she got home before me.
“When you left,I had to say my goodbyes to Wilson so he asked his driver to give me a ride.”
I nodded in comprehension.
“What happened your face?”My sister,Ashley asked.
“Dad hit me.”
“What?!”Ashley exclaimed.”Why…how..”She hurried out of the living room.
“Don’t take it to heart,Tessa.You should’ve ignored Cassie instead of….”
“Are you seriously trying to justify what he did?”
“My dear…”
“Here…take this.”Ashley walked in again,giving me an ice bag.
“Thanks”I murmured.
“I’m just saying that if you had ignored Cassie’s outburst then…”
“Then she would see the need to trample on us more.You really need to cut off that soft spot you have for dad.He hates us!We’re literally strangers to him!”
Tears burnt my eyes.
I hate that my mother was this way.
Weak…she’s so fucking weak.
If I were her,the only thing I would feel for my father was hatred but I’m pretty sure she still has him in her heart.
It was so annoying.
“He’s still your father.”Her voice cracked and I really didn’t want to continue this conversation.
“I’m going to bed.”
************
I walked into my bedroom,dejectedly and slumped on the bed.
I was glad tomorrow was weekend…
My mind was scattered all over the place and I had no idea how I would put up with work.
I laid down flat staring at the ceiling wondering when I would finally be happy and not worry about anything else.
Almost an hour later,a knock sounded on my door and Ashley walked in.
“Does your cheek still hurt?”
I sat up and faked a smile.
I’ve always wanted to be the one to bear the problem of the world…not her.
So I always make sure to be okay for her sake.
“I’m fine now.”
She slowly sat beside.
“Don’t let them bring you down,sis.They aren’t worth it.”
I nodded and agreed.”You’re right.”
“What you should be doing now is finding a good guy.”
I rolled my eyes.”No…After Marcus,I think love isn’t for me.”
“Don’t say that.You just have to keep looking and speaking of looking…mom told me to inform you that a friend of hers showed pictures of you to a professor.He’ll like to meet you soon.”
I scoffed.”I should have known this whole boyfriend conversation was heading to this.”
She held my hand.”I’m also in this with mom.Just check him
out.Who knows?He might be the one for you.”
I snickered.”What do you know?Tell her I’ll think about it.I want to get some sleep.”I replied lying flat on the bed again.
Should I really get into the dating world again?
All men may not be like Marcus.
And that was how a week later found me in a restaurant in front of my date.
He was on a navy blue trouser,a white shirt and glasses.
We had exchanged pleasantries and he was called Edgar Duke.
We placed an order and started eating.
But I just wasn’t feeling any good vibes neither did I see myself seeing him again.
I decided to leave a bad impression so he wouldn’t want to see me again.
“Can I ask you some questions?“
He smiled.”Sure.”
“What kind of house do you live in?”
He might see me as a gold digger for asking this kind of question on our first date.
And in my records,men hate gold diggers.
“I own a duplex and an apartment complex.I live in the duplex hoping to share it with someone someday and the apartment complex are for tenants.“
He doesn’t seem a bit offended by my question so I pressed on.
“Do you own a Ferrari?”
His smile deepened.”I have a Benz and Land Rover but I can get a Ferrari if that’s what you want.”
I swallowed.
This isn’t going as I planned.
Why isn’t he disgusted by my questions?
“I don’t have a high paying job compared to yours and I’ve got a really bad temper.”I continued.
“It doesn’t matter.For the temper,I’m sure everyone has their own flaws.”
Ugh!
So I decided to tell him everything about myself to scare him off permanently.
“You’re a professor.You’re rich and handsome.Men like you shouldn’t be with women like me.”
“What’s wrong with you?”He asked,looking genuinely confused.
“I don’t have a good relationship with my father.I live with my mother and sister whom I take care of.My ex-boyfriend left me because according to him,I’m not gentle and feminine enough.”
“Anything else?”He probed.
There was still a smile on his face.
I shook my head and slowly sipped my juice.
He should back off now.
“You’re quite funny,Tessa.Honestly,I hate blind dates but when I saw your pictures.I was fascinated by your beauty and I really wanted to meet you.For now,I can tell you do not want to take this any further but it’s okay for us to be friends,right?”
I smiled and nodded.”Yes.”
I let down my defenses and we had a very fun and pleasant conversation after that.
I eventually enjoyed the date and I was all smiles when he insisted on taking me home.
I stood at the front of the restaurant waiting for him to get his car from the parking lot.
“Tessa?”
On hearing my name,I looked sideways to see Ethan Bascon…my superior at work.
“Good evening,Manager.”I greeted.
At that moment,Declan walked out of the restaurant with a middle aged man.
My lips parted….
If there’s anyone I hate running into…it’s him.