Sophia's POV.
“Where do you think you're going?” he asked.
I was embarrassed enough as it is and I've got a job to do.
“Office. Oh my god. I'm so sorry I slept in, but I'll work extra to cover—”
He cut me off as he pulled me with a jerk and I landed on the bed as he hovered on top of me. “You're not going anywhere.” He whispered huskily as his eyes were trained on my lips. “But...the office?” I asked.
“We're taking a day off.” He replied.
“A day off?” I asked again for confirmation because he just caught me off guard.
“Yes darling, a day off. You know a day when you don't go to work?” He said mischievously and tapped my nose.
I'm beginning to love this playful part of him.
“I know what taking a day off means,” I answered.
“Fantastic. Now get ready, we have a long day ahead.”
*****
“I'll pick you up in an hour, baby. Don't be late.” He said and gave me a small kiss on the cheeks. His lips lingered there longer than required and a blush crept up my cheeks.
He paused for a second, and looked straight into my eyes, his eyes slowly moving to my nose, and my lips, before roaming all over my body making me all giddy inside. Images of us last night flashed through my mind.
Goodness Sophia! You aren't a teenager anymore, get a grip!
“Don't look at me that way” I mumbled and looked away.
“Like what?” he cheekily asked.
That's one erotic look!
“Maybe I want to do the erotic again with you,” he said with a smile.
I realized just then that I had said it out loud and I closed my eyes in embarrassment.
There was one question that had been plaguing me and I decided to ask him about it just then.
“Why would you want to take me out when you think I already am in a relationship with someone?”
I asked this because of the way he reacted when he saw me dancing with Colin the other night at the club. Felt like such a lifetime ago!
I also needed to clarify this for my sake. I didn't want him to think of me as a cheater or a homewrecker.
“I have realized my mistake and I know you're not the kind of girl to tag a guy along when you're already in a serious relationship. So I am assuming that you're single. Am I right?”
“Yes,” I whispered, glad that I indeed was.
“Good. Now get out of the car before I decide to explore you again instead of the city.”
I widened my eyes at his bold choice of words and quickly got out of the car, shutting the door behind me and walking, more like running towards my apartment.
I took a deep breath as soon as I reached my apartment door not sure how to begin to tell Stephanie all that had been going on. I reached to open the door while taking a huge sigh and guess what I saw? Steph.
Her right hand was in the air as if she was just about to open the door.
“Considering the amount of time you're spending with this boss of yours, I thought you would've forgotten all about me and this apartment.” She spoke with arms akimbo and I gave her a look.
“Oh please. He's my boss and that's what he'll always be so stop with the teasing.” I replied and she looked at me like she didn't believe a word I just said.
“Ahaaan!” She responded, taking a look at my clothes which consisted of a pair of leggings and an oversized t-shirt which belonged to Mr Hayes of course.
Why wasn't I wearing my dress you may ask? Well, amidst all the blushing and heart hammering wildly against my chest, I forgot that I was not wearing my clothes.
Late realization.
A snap of fingers brought me back to reality and I blinked my eyes, looking at Steph. “What? You don't believe me?” I asked and she shook her head in denial.
“How can I when you spend a night at your boss's house and come wearing his clothes?”
Okay. I couldn't hold it in anymore.
I took Steph by the hand and dragged her to the couch. I was excited to share the amazing news with her but also scared of how she'd react because I knew how strong her protective instincts were.
All the while telling her about everything that had been going on with Mr Hayes, including the kissing parts that I omitted before, and the incident with Michael yesterday, Stephanie just sat there with her hand over her gaping mouth staring at me in shock.
Her facial expression was almost funny but I didn't dare laugh.
“Why didn't you tell me?” She finally whispered loud enough for me to hear.
“I was angry at the way I felt about him, considering how rude he was about landing me in the hospital and I didn't want to lay all that on you too. But now, looking back, I think it might just be fate.” I said, smiling.
“I'm just glad someone got to that bastard Michael before I did, else he wouldn't be out alive.”
“Stephanie!” I screamed.
She just shrugged her shoulders like what she said wasn't that big a deal.
“Well, I could tell he cared about you from the worried and panicked look on his face the other day he came looking for you. Oh, I had fun toying with him!” She cracked into laughter. Her laughter was so contagious that I joined in too.
“He'd better do right by you though and of course, I'm happy if you're happy,” she added, hugging me.
“Oh yeah, I need to go get dressed,” I said, breaking the hug. “Isn't it quite late to be going to the office?” she asked.
“Yep. That's why I'm not going to the office today.” I replied.
“Uhhh..so you're dating the boss now and you get to take days off? Amazing!” She said, teasingly. “You should've told me this earlier so I could have taken the day off so we'll spend it together” she continued.
I laughed.
“Mr. Hayes gave me the day off—” Steph rolled her eyes and of course he did and I laughed but continued. “And he's taking me out somewhere, so no you cannot come.”
She squealed hearing this and clapped her hands together excitedly. “Oh my god! You're going on your first proper date!”
“I wouldn't call it a date. I've always known I'd be the one to glam you up on your first date but if I should stay back to prepare you, I'd be late for work.” She continued, ignoring everything I said and I shook my head.
Typical Steph.
“Did you not hear a word I said Steph?” I asked.
“All I heard was he is taking you out on a date and you're going to have the best time of your life.” She replied and dragged me towards my room.
“Don't you have to be at work?” I asked as she raided my wardrobe, taking out cute black jeans and a purple off-shoulder floral shirt. She threw it on my face and I squealed immediately. It touched my face.
“Steph!”
“Go and change, quick. I have just three minutes before I'm officially late.
“But I still have to take a bath,” I exclaimed.
“Just show me how it looks so I can leave in peace.” She yelled back.
I let out a small sigh as I walked to the bathroom with the clothes in my hands.
Once I was done, I came out and she gave me a once-over before nodding her head in appreciation.
She then gave me a pair of hoop earrings to go with it and practically ordered me to wear the black ankle boots. It was not like I had a choice anyways than to agree with her.
“You look hot.”
She walked away saying that as I took a deep breath.
***
It was almost ten and with every passing minute, I was getting more and more anxious. My nerves were all over the place and I was close to hyperventilating.
Just then, the doorbell rang and I almost dropped the cup of water I was holding in my hand. I quickly put it on the counter and rubbed my palms on my thighs nervously before going towards the door and opening it slowly.
The sight before me was breathtaking!