Unwanted Matrimony

Chapter6

Reuben’s POV

I woke up to something wet moving and breathing on my face and my name being called incessantly.

I pushed my dog playfully as I sat up.

“Laurie, get out of my house”, I groaned as my sister, who stood at the entrance of my room smiled.

“I came to pick my daughter”, Laurie said, frowning. “You’re traveling today, and you haven’t even packed anything.”

My sister walked into my room fully, causing me to shout.

“What if I was butt naked?” I asked into my pillow, causing my sister to laugh.

“I have seen you naked more than a thousand times”, Laurie dismissively. “Plus, you can't be butt naked when you are baby sitting my child”.

“That was when we were younger”, I replied even though she had a point.

“I’m sure there is no difference between then and now”, she said with an innocent shrug, but the smile on her face spoke volumes.

I bit the inside of my cheek to avoid saying anything that would make me fall into her trap.

My sister walked into my closet as I followed closely behind her, putting on my pj pants.

“Remind me of why you're here again” I said, standing next to her.

“Like I said before, I'm here to pick my daughter”, she spoke while I stared at her for a while before it dawned on me that I babysat her daughter. “And maybe help you pack”

“I’m a hundred percent sure you know I can pack my belongings just fine”, I replied and went to check Ria’s crib to be sure she's still in there.

“Grandma called me to help pick the outfits you would be bringing to London with you”, she replied, inspecting the show glass holding my wristwatches, jewelry, and sunglasses.

“That’s suspicious”, I said, squinting my eyes as Princess snuggled my legs while I rubbed behind her ear

“Why are you looking at me like I broke into your house?” she questioned, eyeing me.

“Maybe because you broke into my house”, I stated matter of fact while she laughed. “I’m going to take Princess to the park. Do not steal any of my clothes while I am gone”.

“Why would I want your clothes?” She asked with a scoff.

“Because you’re obsessed with clothes that are two times your size”, I stated, and walked out of the closet to make my bed.

I picked out my outfit and went to have my bath. By the time I was done with my entire routine, Princess already had her leash in her mouth impatiently, causing me to chuckle. I buckled her leash and went to check on my sister one last time and peck my neice's cheeks before leaving.

I stopped at the coffee shop to get a cup of black coffee before heading to our destination.

My mood suddenly deflated when I got to the park and met a lady in my favorite spot.

“You’re in my seat”, I stated.

“Sorry?” She asked like she didn't hear me.

“You’re on my bench”, I stated, frowning.

“Oh, I didn’t realize we were assigned benches in a park”, I replied, staring around at other occupied benches.

“We aren’t. This is my favorite spot”, I stated.

“Okay”, she said and turned back to her phone, dismissing me.

“Can you excuse me?” I queried impatiently. “I don’t like sharing my personal space”.

“Do you think I like someone breathing down my neck? No”, she replied with a raised brow and a frown on her face. “But considering this is a public area, you have to compromise or go back to your home and bring a damn bench with your initials inscribed on it”.

She doesn’t have to be so rude about it. I considered finding another bench, but I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction of feeling like she had sent me off, so I took a seat next to her, setting my coffee in between us and unleashed Princess. Instead of going to the pack of dogs, she stood next to me, scouting the area, which is something she does when she’s kind of anxious.

A few minutes later, Miss rude’s dogs ran towards her with toys in their mouths.

“How are my babies doing?” She cooed cheerfully as she rubbed their chins. “These aren’t yours, return them”.

For someone who was rude to me not more than ten minutes ago, her change in mood shocked me.

Instead of going to return the toys as she instructed, her dogs walked towards my dog, dropped the toys in front of her, and tried to play with her.

“Your dogs are pretty”, I stated.

“Sorry?” She questioned, removing my headphones with a raised brow.

“Your dogs. They are pretty breeds”, I repeated, turning my head slightly towards her.

“Yeah, they are”, she replied, side-eyeing me. “Thank you”.

I don’t even know this woman, but the amount of irritation she holds towards me fears me.

“Is there something on my face?” I asked without sparing her a glance.

“Probably”, she said with a shrug and turned away from him.

Her dogs played with mine as we sat in silence, me drinking my almost cold coffee and her bobbing her head to the music blasting through her headphones. I could hear it clearly from where I sat.

My phone suddenly rang, disrupting the silence.

“Yes Laurie, what is it this time?” I queried.

“Do you think you would have time for a pool get-together with the Holmes?” Laurie questioned with an unwarranted snort.

“I might…you can pack for whatever event you think might be hosted. I would probably have packed mostly suits and a few lounge wears”, I stated with a shrug.

I don't care what she packs exactly, I wouldn't use most of them.

After the call ended, I looked at my dog just to see she had warmed up to Miss rude’s dogs as they all played with the toys. The dog mom is literally in her own world with the music she is listening to. Now it’s my turn to stare at her properly without getting insulted.

She is gorgeous and smells pleasantly, long eyelashes, a cute nose and full lips that’s glossed up and looks delectable-

“You’re staring”, she stated boredly before calling her dogs towards her.

"Yeah, I appreciate beauty when I see it”, I replied casually before turning towards my dog to put a leash on her.

My secretary suddenly called, causing me to sit back down as Miss rude stood and gave a small wave in my direction, probably to my dog, before walking away.

“Good morning, Mr. Cephas”, Aubrey greeted. “There has been a change in your flight option which I apologize for. You’ll be flying in first class and your flight leaves by five this evening”.

“Why can’t I use the company plane?” I queried, very uncomfortable with the last-minute change in plans.

“There’s an issue with it, and it’s up for service”, Aubrey said.

“Alright”, I accepted and heard Aubrey sigh in relief, causing me to frown.

I’m not that much of a jerk. I informed everyone of my trip at the last minute, so I wasn’t expecting very fulfilling feedback.

“Thank you, Aubrey”, I appreciated as I stood up from the bench.

“You’re welcome, Sir”, she replied, and I disconnected the call.

I stood up and began walking to my house.