Entangled

Chapter 3

"I own iTech," I said.

She swallowed forcefully. “What? ”

"Yeah, I wanted to wait to give out that little gem," I joked.

"I could see how that might be daunting to someone," she laughed.

"Not so much intimidating as finding out that people are simply interested in my friendship for my money," I said.

"Oh," she said, squinting her nose. "I'm sorry about that."

"And you want to open your own children's mental health clinic?" I asked.

"Yes," she said, nodding. “Eventually. I only graduated two semesters ago, so I'm still experimenting with water."

I listened closely as she spoke passionately about her future ambitions. I discovered that I enjoyed being around her. In some respects, she was fascinating and enlightening. Sure, she was hotter than hell, with that cute nose and big pouty smile, but on the inside, she was driven and wanted to help others, which was rare these days. She wasn't your normal LA beach bunny that I found out here. She was a real woman with real aspirations. Listening to her speak reminded me of the joy I felt when I initially started my own company.

It wasn't every day that I met a girl who made me feel this way. In fact, I hadn't liked being around a lady like that since my fiancée and I broke up. We'd been together for years, and she'd always been there for the money. I thought our relationship was solid until I found out that she was cheating on me. Worse, she'd been bragging to her boyfriend about how wealthy the two of them would be once she'd finished with me. It was painful and shocking, to say the least, and once I ended things with her, I found it difficult to trust any woman. I felt as if the sacredness of trust had been violated, and I would never be able to trust another woman again.

But with Rose, I could feel the same excitement and nervousness that I had previously. I didn't think I could ever feel that way again, and I almost believed she was being truthful about her feelings for me. I had to keep in mind that she was a woman and that the first period of time with someone was the most dangerous. Hormones were racing, emotions were high, and it was easy to make decisions based on desires rather than the facts in front of you. I wanted to stay grounded, but it was difficult for me.

I was drawn in by something about this girl. I felt like we were magnets, and I was surprised to see how quickly the time had passed when I looked down at my watch. I didn't want to leave her. I felt like the separation would be painful. As she talked, images of her seductive body rolling over mine flashed through my mind, and I could feel the heat in my gut begin to rise once again. Usually, if I slept with a girl, it was usually over that night. There will be no breakfast, no flirting, or lusty thoughts. But this was different. I wished I could spend the entire day with her, listening to her dreams and dragging her back into her warm, cozy bed.

I wanted to ask her if she was feeling the same way, but I didn't want to be too direct and scare her away. She appeared to be a calm young lady, and despite my customary demeanor, I was on cloud nine. I kept my lips shut and watched her as she moved from topic to topic, spilling her story over pancakes and eggs. I could tell her feelings were similar to mine based on the sound of her voice and the way she stared at me across the table. I pondered if this would be our last breakfast together or if I'd be able to entice her away once again. My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of my phone alarm, which informed me that it was time to go for my meeting.

I paid the bill and walked Rose outside gently. She clutched my arm tightly as we walked toward the car, still talking about the future. She was really sweet, and I was having trouble not ignoring the texts on my phone.

"So yeah," she said, laughing. "That's my story."

"And it's an amazing one," I said, leaning down and kissing her cheek. "Listen , I'm sorry. I have to get to this meeting on time. The car will take you home. I'll hail a cab. Could you please give me your phone number? Maybe we can have dinner soon."

"That would be fantastic," she said as she took my phone and entered her phone number into the system.

"I'll call you soon," I said, slipping my phone into my pocket and closing the door behind her.

I stood there watching as the car drove down the street and around the corner. Then I got a cab to my flat and prepared for the lunch meeting I was already late for. I hurriedly dressed and went downstairs to get the car, my hair still wet from the shower. I was having lunch with my best friend and right-hand man, John, and some investors at a sleek small downtown café. I didn't want to attend a Saturday meeting like this, but it was the only day we could meet with these guys. When I arrived, they had already begun serving appetizers, and I apologized profusely for being late.

The boys talked about business, and John went on and on about the stats and progress from the previous year. I shifted the lettuce on my plate and focused my thoughts on Rose. She had penetrated my head, and I couldn't get the electrifying sensation out of my chest whenever I remembered the passionate s*x we had the night before. It was distracting, to say the least, but happily, I had John to carry the load through the meeting. I was typically on my game, and John nudged me beneath the table numerous times to get me to say something. Fortunately, he was the only one who noticed, and by the end of lunch, the investors were ready to proceed with the new project we were working on.

"Thank you, I promise you will not regret this," I added, as I shook their hands.

John paid the bill while I gathered the folders from the table, only to realize we'd sealed the deal. I should have paid closer attention, but my thoughts wouldn't let me. John approached me again and shook my hand.

"That was simple," he laughed. "However, I felt alone in that meeting." What's going on with you? Where was your head during all of that? You appeared highly distracted, which I know signals something is wrong."

"I'm sorry," I said.

"Don't be sorry. "Just tell me what's going on," he chuckled.

"Last night, I went to Maggio's to eat some food, a few drinks, and to clear my thoughts," I explained. "That place is quiet enough that no one knows who I am."

"Yeah," he said as we walked outside together.

"I met someone there," I said. "She's this lovely little vixen who just knocked my feet out from under me. We ended up drinking and then went back to her house. This morning, I took her to breakfast. That was why I was late. I absolutely forgot about time."

"Wow," John said, nodding.

"What exactly does that mean?"

"Nothing," he laughed. "I'm simply surprised. That's all. After Tracy screwed you off, you swore off women."

"I didn't go searching for it," I replied.

"I understand," he said. "All I ask is that you be cautious. That's all. I really don't want you to repeat the mistakes of the past. You remember the last time, don't you? I told you right away that I didn't trust Tracy, and I was right. I'm not saying that about this girl because I've never met her, but I'm worried about you. Girls have a way of getting inside your head and making you temporarily blind. I just want you to keep your eyes open, see things clearly, and make sure she's interested in you rather than your money. It sucks that you have to live your life suspicious of everyone, but you became a billionaire by the age of twenty-five. There are downsides to that."