15
1035 Words
He hesitates. “No, I didn’t sorry.”
“I wanted to see if you would to go the fundraiser together. We could carpool. I can drive so you can have a few drinks.”
“Erm…” He hesitates again, and I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from smiling as I stare at the game.
“I’m sorry, I already have a date for that night. Some other time, perhaps?”
Awkward.
“Oh,” she sighs, dejected. “I didn’t realize you were seeing anyone.”
“It’s new,” he says quietly.
I smile on the inside. I’m happy he isn’t interested in going on a date with Rebecca. She’s just too ‘blah’ for someone like him.
They fall into an uncomfortable silence until I can’t take the awkwardness of it anymore.
“I’m going to go and get a coffee.” I stand.
“I’ll show you where to go,” Mr. Masters immediately gets up, too.
I smile at him knowingly, and he widens his eyes, silently asking for me to rescue him.
“Okay, lead the way.” I hold my hand out.
He looks down, and his good manners prevail. “Would you like a cup of coffee, Rebecca?”
“Yes, please, darling. Just white.”
“No sugar?”
“I’m sweet enough.” She winks and gives a sexy little shrug of her shoulder.
Oh, she’s creepy weird. Unable to help it, I release a little giggle.
Mr. Masters frowns and walks towards the coffee van, leaving me to fall beside him.
“Do you really have a date on that night?” I ask.
He fakes a shiver. “No, but I have a new incentive to find one now.”
I laugh out loud. “I think she seems nice.”
“Then you should date her.”
“Julian,” a brunette lady in her early forties calls. “Where have you been hiding, darling?” She waves and smiles before she comes over and kisses him on both cheeks. She holds his biceps and inspects him from head to toe. “I swear, Julian, you get yummier every time I see you.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere.” He laughs, and it’s that deep, velvety laugh of his that tells me he genuinely likes this lady. “Nadia, please meet Brielle, my new nanny,” he introduces.
She looks me up and down, too. “Hello.” But her offered smile is fake.
“Hello,” I reply timidly.
Jesus, this place is like Tinder on crack.
They begin to make conversation, but I feel like a third wheel.
“I’ll leave you two to it.” I smile. “Nice to meet you, Nadia.”
“Likewise, Brielle. See you next time.”
I make my way over to the coffee van and stand in line to order. I watch Mr. Masters escape one woman only to be accosted by another, again and again.
He’s like a rock star around here.
I make it back to my seat and continue watching the game, until eventually he returns and falls back into his chair beside me.
“You sure are definitely popular around here,” I whisper.
He seems embarrassed. “Unwanted attention, I can assure you.” He looks around. “Where’s Rebecca? I have her coffee.”
“Oh, she’s over there organizing another date for the charity auction.”
He rolls his eyes. “No doubt.”
My phone rings, the name Emerson lighting up my screen.
“Hey, babe.” I smile.
“Hi!” she squeals, and I hold the phone away from my ear and giggle. Mr. Masters frowns.
“We still on for tonight?” I ask.
Mr. Masters keeps his eyes on the game and pretends not to listen, but I know he can hear everything.
“Yep. Wear something sexy. The Canadian boys are coming.”
“Really?” I glance at my boss as I speak to Emerson. “Have you spoken to them?” I reply as I lower my voice. We met two Canadian backpackers on the flight on the way over. We did mention going out with them tonight, but this is the first I’ve heard of it since.
"Yes. Oh my God, and the gorgeous one is really into you." I bite my lip to stifle my smile, and I push the phone so close to my head, it feels like it nearly becomes embedded in my skull. I know how childish we sound, and for some reason, I don't want Mr. Masters hearing this.
“We’ll see,” I reply, trying to act casual.
“See you at eight at my house. Wear your sexiest dress.”
I feel my nerves flutter. “Okay, see you then.” I hang up and sip my coffee awkwardly. Mr. Masters stares at the soccer game, and for some reason I feel like I should offer an explanation.
“I’m a little nervous about going out tonight.”
His unimpressed eyes turn to me. “Why?”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “Strange country, new people.”
He raises an eyebrow and seems amused. I turn and continue to watch the game. It’s weird. I go from feeling comfortable around him one minute, to feeling like a stupid child in the next.
“You did come here to find yourself, Brielle. I assume you will start that particular project tonight,” he says flatly.
Are you for real?
He’s openly sarcastic about the fact that I’m going out with the backpackers tonight. Is he unaware that, for the last two hours, I have watched every woman around this godforsaken field try to bang him as if he’s The King of England?
I sip my coffee, remaining silent.
Screw this.
I am going to have s*x tonight. I’m going to have wild, uninhibited s*x with a young Canadian—one who doesn’t make me feel like I’m an errant teenager.
One who doesn’t have a brain or a cute curl through his hair.
Somebody whose name isn’t Mr. f*****g Masters.
- Writer
