Chapter 46. Desafío
Lilly Bradley
"I thought it was today," I commented to Máxima, surprised as I was about to leave the office.
"I know, I'm sorry, it was my mistake. But it's no big deal, it's tomorrow at three, you need to be there at that time." The car manager had left me the key, thinking today was the day to go on guard to receive the furniture at the house they were going to show.
"So, who do I return the keys to?" She seemed unconcerned.
"Take the car, you'll use it tomorrow anyway." She paused. "In fact, return it on Monday. That way you can explore the city, take your parents out to dinner..." I frowned, a bit puzzled. "I'll let Efraín know."
"Okay," I cleared my throat. "Is it really at three?" I wanted to confirm.
"Yes, at three." She got up from her chair and paused at the doorway, as she had been doing lately. "See you tomorrow, Bradley," she smiled before heading back to her office. I don't know why, but I felt strange, the way she looked at me. Did she really make a mistake?
Five minutes before my shift ended, I was already gathering my things. Efraín, the manager, had left me information on where the car was in the underground parking lot. It was my first time going down there. The elevator doors opened, and I walked in search of the car. The pillars marked with giant letters helped me locate it. Once there, I disabled the alarm and got in. I pulled on the seatbelt and had to take off my heels because it would be impossible for me to drive in them. Then I realized something.
"How are you going to drive if the steering wheel is on that side?" I burst into laughter, realizing I was sitting in the passenger seat. I had lived my entire life in London and had never driven on the other side, so I got nervous. What if I caused an accident? "Oh my God." I hadn't thought about that. I let out a long sigh, but being me, I had to try. If I could get it out of the parking lot, I could do it. Plus, I had GPS and could get there without difficulty. I got out, barefoot, and started to walk around the car.
"Lilly?" I stopped abruptly when I heard Jackson's voice. I looked around and found him, briefcase in hand, surprise evident in his eyes. He seemed to be heading to his car, one of many.
"Jackson," I corrected myself immediately. "Mr. Johnson." I looked around, but there was no one else. He approached slowly, as if mentally questioning what I was doing in the parking lot. His gaze went to my feet, and he frowned.
"What are you doing barefoot?" His tone was annoyed. "You could catch a cold, that's irresponsible..." He started scolding me without letting me explain, so as the ground was cold, I let him continue calling me irresponsible until I opened the door and got in without closing it.
"Wait, wait," he stopped his scolding as he got closer. "I took off my shoes because I was going to drive, but by mistake, you know, I'm English, and we drive on the other side, so you'll understand that just when you said my name, I was about to walk around the car and get in." He raised his eyebrows.
"Oh," I could see he blushed.
"So don't scold me," I began to use a joking tone. "We haven't even gone on our first real date yet," I tried not to say it too loudly, leaning in so he could hear, "and you're already scolding me." He cleared his throat.
"I thought you were just wandering around," I shook my head, then he realized something. "What are you doing in an agent's car?"
"Maxima asked me for a favor and said I could take the car." He furrowed his brows.
"And can you drive?" He didn't let me answer before shaking his head. "Come on, I'll drive you."
"No, no, no," I started to say. "I can drive."
"Do you have a license?"
"Yes, I got one when I arrived. My plan was to buy a car, but I haven't felt the need yet. But I will in the future." He looked concerned.
"I'll drive you."
"Jackson," I complained like a child.
"No," he responded firmly. "Find your shoes. If you need to get around tomorrow, I can assign you my driver. He'll take you wherever you want."
"No, come on, what will people think?" He stopped his attempt to help me out of the car. His dark eyes stared at me intently.
"Do you care what others think?" I stayed quiet for a few seconds.
"Look," from my driver's seat, I stuck my head out to see him. "I'm the new girl, I don't want people to say my future achievements are because I'm dating you." His gaze softened. "I've been through that before." But now he looked tense. He must be remembering what happened with Oliver at lunch.
"Well, then you'll make me follow you." I opened my eyes a bit wider.
"What?" I couldn't believe it. "What do you mean you'll follow me?"
"Yes, that way I can make sure you get home safely, without any accidents where you might get hurt." I pressed my lips together, starting to get irritated. I really wanted to try it.
"You can't do that."
"Challenge me," he said in a tone full of coldness. Apparently, he didn't like being contradicted. Then a smile appeared on my lips.
"Fine, then you should get in your car because I'm leaving now." He was surprised, undoubtedly thinking I would immediately get out and hop into his car.
"Lilly," he used a warning tone with me.
"Did you just use a warning tone with me?" He said nothing more, turned, and reached out to disable the alarm on his car. Then I closed the door and let out a long sigh to calm my heart. I put on my seatbelt and started the car. Adrenaline rushed through me from head to toe. I started to pull out of the parking space, but Jackson's car, a brand-new Bentley, blocked my way, and I stopped in time. I huffed, seeing his intentions. He got out of his car and walked around, never taking his eyes off me. He leaned against it and crossed his arms. I stuck my head out the window.
"Seriously, Jackson?" He smiled, then his beautiful smile faded, showing coldness.
"I'll be here all night. So it's better if you get out, get in my car, and I can take you home safe and sound." I scrunched my nose.
"All night?" He nodded. "Fine." I got out of the car, gathering my things reluctantly and putting on my shoes. I locked it and set the alarm. He smiled and opened the door, but I didn't get in. "I wanted to try, I really wanted to try, Jackson."
"I know, but not right now."