His Perfect Temptation

Cocktails and Confessions

Maliya’s pov

"What!!?"

The cocktail Camila was drinking almost choked her as she turned to face me, in shock. That left me wondering exactly why she was taking cocktails anyway instead of wondering how I could fix my problem.

"You're telling me that the guy you had a one-night stand with is now your potential boss?" she asked, whispering.

"Yeah. That's about right," I said, trying to sound nonchalant despite the turmoil brewing inside me.

"What are the chances, it really is a small world," she uttered going for another sip.

"I guess I'm just unlucky nowadays," I said, trying to laugh it off.

But Camila wasn't having it. "This is serious, Maliya. You can't just work for someone you've...you know," she hand gestured, like she was suddenly mute.

I suddenly felt defensive at her gesture. "Why not? It's just a job," I said, trying to sound convincing.

But Camila just shook her head. "You're not thinking clearly. This is a recipe for disaster."

I sighed, maybe she was right. This is just being reckless and impulsive. But a part of me just couldn't help but feel drawn to the challenge.

"Maliya, are you sure you want to do this?" she asked again, like she was expecting a different answer.

"Do what?" I asked, international playing dumb.

Camila rolled her eyes. "Work for him, of course.“

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. A part of me was screaming to run away, to forget the whole thing and move on. But another part of me, a part that I couldn't quite ignore, was curious. curious about what still could be.

"I don't know," I finally admitted.

"I get it. You've got unfinished business. Do you think he recognized you?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

I shook my head, replaying the interview in my mind. "I don't think so. I mean, he seemed surprised to see me, but I don't think he made the connection,"

Camila signed in relief "And how did you feel during the interview?" she asked.

I took a deep breath, reliving the tension of the morning. "I was nervous, of course. Shocked even, my heart almost ran out my chest as I saw him". I said, trying to express how I felt "But he remained professional, though I could tell he was surprised to see me. And maybe a little annoyed?"

"Annoyed? What did he say?" Camila asked, curiously.

"He was trying to scare you off," She mocked.

"Maybe. But it's not going to work," I assured her.

Camila laughed... "I think you're in trouble, liya," she said, shaking her head in agreement. "And what about Ferdinand? He still hasn't reached out to you yet" she questioned.

My heart sank the moment I heard that traitor's name, tears couldn't help but gather in my eyes even though I didn't want to shed a piece of tear anymore for that loser.

Camila's expression softened, and she reached out to put a hand on my arm. "liya, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring him up," she comforted.

I took a deep breath and shook my head, trying to clear the emotions that had suddenly surfaced. "It's okay, Camila. I'm fine," I lied, trying to convince her.

But Camila knew me too well. "You're not fine, liya. You're still hurting, and it's okay if you're still healing, that jerk was the love of your life," she said.

I sighed and looked away, feeling a lump form in my throat. Maybe Camila was right. Maybe I wasn't as over Ferdinand and maybe I never get over him.

But I refused to give in to my emotions... "I'm not going to let him get to me, Camila. I'm moving on," I declared more to myself than to her.

Camila rested her hands on my shoulders as a small smile played on her face. "That's my girl," she said, squeezing my arm. "Now, let's focus on that handsome potential boss of yours."

"Do you think he's single?" She asked as she gulped down the last drop of her cocktail.

I shook my head, my mind suddenly flashed back to the glinting metal on his finger. But could it really be a wedding band?

"I'm not really sure" I replied. But what if it was a wedding band.......did that mean I had slept with a married man!!!!?.

I started feeling unease and guilt settling in.

It was as if Camila had read my mind "Well, when you get hired, I'm sure you'll find out soon enough," she replied with amusement.

"Do you think I'll get hired?" I asked, feeling a bit frustrated.

Camila let out a small laugh. "If he's truly the guy from the other night, you already got the job," she said, raising her eyebrow in a naughty way.

I rolled my eyes, trying to play it cool despite the sensation in my tummy. "You're ridiculous, Camila," I teased, but deep down, I couldn't shake off the feeling that she might be right.

"Enough about me, Cam. We've had enough of my life story for one evening. You know you can't remain single all your life, Cam. You have got to get a man too," I teased, trying to turn the tables on her.

Camila burst out laughing, "Oh, Maliya, you're such a goofball,"

But as she laughed, I couldn't help but notice the hint of sadness in her eyes. Camila had been hurt before, by Eugene. It had taken her a long time to get over him, and even now, she was still wary of men.

Despite her tough exterior, Camila was a romantic at heart. I longed for her to find someone who would love and cherish her for who she is.

Maybe someday, she would find the man who would heal her broken heart and show her that love was worth taking a chance on.

Suddenly a loud shout followed by waves of laughter echoed through the room. I jumped in surprise. "What's going on?" I asked Camila.

Camila rolled her eyes. "It's probably just Alfredo being his usual self."

"Alfredo?" I utterly confusingly

"Yeah, he's a regular here. Thinks he's God's gift to women." Camila said as she rolled her eyes in disdain.

My eyes scanned the room, and soon found him. He was sitting with a group of men and women, with dark hair and piercing grey eyes that seemed to see right through anything. I wasn't sure if he was the one but I just knew he had to be.

I noticed Alfredo's eyes wander up and down at Camila, and the way he smiled wickedly after every glance. I couldn't see why Camila seemed so annoyed. He looks very handsome.

"Ugh, he's such a nasty player," Camila muttered.

"You know him?" I could not help but ask

"Unfortunately. so he has a handful of bad records with me."

Moments later, Alfredo stylishly made his way over to our table, his eyes never leaving Camila's face. But as he approached, he caught my eye and smiled, and I felt a flutter in my chest.

"Good evening, ladies," he said. "May I join you?"

"Not," Camila fired back, her eyes flashed with a great threat.

Just as it seemed like Alfredo was about to give up, his eyes found mine again, he let out a small smile. "Perhaps I'll just have to content myself with getting to know your friend instead," he said moving in for a hand kiss.

Camila stood up, held my hands and yelled "we are leaving" and then all of a sudden Alfredo grabbed her arm.