LIA POV
“I guess you're still taking all these in,” he said, taking my hand. I was startled. What is this scene that's playing out? It was as though we were in a relationship.
“This place is so huge. I didn't expect to see all these. I wasn't expecting that you'd bring me to your place,” I said with a quiet tone.
“Well, I could not take you to an hotel. I don't see it as a really safe place,” he replied, inputting his password to unlock the door. When we got in, I got a bigger surprise than I could take in.
“Oh my world!” I exclaimed because damn! the place was overly cool. It had virtually everything one might need to call a place a home. However, it got me thinking. I never requested to know what Greg did for a living. He was wealthier than I thought. He doesn't even flaunt it one bit apart from getting me groceries or paying my alcohol bill.
“Make yourself comfortable. The room over there is all yours. I'd just put these away in the kitchen then lead you to your room,” he said, walking into the kitchen.
“Don't worry, I can manage,” I replied and went into the room he had described. I giggled as I looked over it. “Good Lord! This guy is so loaded,” I said, not knowing when the words fell off my lips.
I dropped on the bed and sighed, ruminating over all that had happened that day. I had declared war the moment I ran out on Pat. He never took No for an answer so his rejection would make him sulk and I'd pay for bestowing it on him.
“Hope you're settling in well?” Greg asked, all of a sudden, almost startling me off the bed.
“Oh yeah! I am,” I nodded then stood up. It felt so awkward being in Greg's house. It made me recall how we met and how much of an asshole I was.
“Just that — to be honest, I wasn’t expecting all these,” I said.
“I noticed you weren't. Meanwhile, you don't need to think too hard about it. Freshen up. I have your toiletries here,” he said, pointing to the bag he was holding. “When you're done, come over to the dining table. Dinner would be ready in a few minutes,” he said.
“You made dinner?” I asked, eager to hear that I'd be eating his meal. Truth be told, he was an amazing cook - a complete package of a man.
After a few minutes, I was in the dining room, glaring at the hot meal in front of me. I took in the aroma then devoured it like my life depends on it. He was silent all through although I caught him stealing glances at me several times. When we were done eating, I did the cleaning up even though he refused to let me do anything around the house.
“You made dinner. Did all of these and you expect me to just seat there and watch you clean up as well? No way!” I said and continued washing the dishes.
“Well, I figured you might be tired from all the stress of the day?” he said watching me like a mother hen did to her chicks. “How's the academy?” he asked.
“I bet I'll receive a query tomorrow morning once I get to work. I left in a hurry in the afternoon with the permission that I'd be back but I didn't return. My supervisor must be so furious already,” I explained.
“So sorry about that. Please, Lia, I want you to stay completely away from that man. He'd not stop hurting you unless you stand up for yourself and I'm willing to help you if you'd allow me,” he responded, looking into my eyes. I returned his gaze and we were in that position for a few minutes till a call came in on his phone.
“Excuse me for a moment,” he said and left the kitchen. I could not hear a thing he was saying over the phone even though I paid attention. When I was done washing the plates, I decided to take in the view of the house. Greg had such an exquisite taste. He must be a well-travelled man. However, one thing was missing in the house. I could not find a single picture of him hanging on the wall or placed on a shelf. I was getting more curious. He was too secretive. Who the hell is Greg Sanders?
**********
“Get out of my office. I do not even want to see a single drop of your hair here,” My supervisor yelled.
“Please listen to what I have to say sir. It's not what you think,” I begged.
“You don't know what I think and if you care to know, you're the most irresponsible staff I’ve worked with in a while,” he yelled.
“I'm very sorry,” I begged, knowing that nothing I say could appease him.
“Here,” he said, handing me a letter. I didn't need to open it before I knew it was a query letter. I was expecting it so I wasn't freaked by it.
“I'm very sorry once again sir,” I begged and left his office. The day was filled with loads of work as usual. After working hours, I stepped out without knowing what to do. I wasn't comfortable staying with Greg and I could not visit my apartment alone. Pat could be up to no good. Fred would also be expecting me the same day but I really didn't give a hoot about all that anymore.
“Confused?” I heard a familiar voice say behind me.
“You always know the best way to startle me,” I said, smiling sheepishly the moment I saw Greg.
“And it always worked. How was work?” He asked.
“It was great and stressful but I have it all under control. How long have you been here?” I asked with my eyes fixed on him and his dashing hair. He had a sweet scent that filled the air through his shirt.
“Not quite long. Where would you like to go to? My apartment or yours,” he asked while we entered his car.
“Mine,” I replied even though my heart was racing out of fear for Pat. Greg turned the car and drove straight to my apartment.
“Here we are,” he said, hoping to bid me farewell but I wasn't ready to see him leave.
“Don't tell me you're leaving?” I said
“We're here now. Of course, I’ll leave so that you can rest and do your thing,” he replied.
“ I don't need rest. What I need is you,” I mumbled, playing with my fingers.
“What did you say?” he asked instantly, hoping to confirm what I had said.
“I wish you wouldn't leave - just yet,” I said.