Chapter 5 Talia's POV
997 Words
I couldn't tear my eyes from the phone screen, replaying the whispered "babe" in my mind. He's single, right? Or not? Stunned. How could I fall for his charms without asking?
You're a fool, Talia. I hastily gathered my clothes, dressing without showering off last night's alcohol. Memories of our passion flooded my mind as I buttoned up. Before leaving, I glanced at Caden, still asleep. His peaceful, good-looking face captivated me. I snapped a photo with my phone.
Even if you're married, I can't let this face fade. I'll find you in this city. Turning to leave, I hesitated.
Talia, what are you doing? One last kiss. I returned to Caden, my lips meeting his. I repeated the kiss, struggling to control myself. As he stirred, I broke free. Down the hallway, I limped, ignoring other guests' greetings.
At the reception, I approached the desk. "Check out, please," I said, my voice firm.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow and asked, "Everything okay, ma'am?"
I nodded and said, "Am just fine."
As I signed the check-out myself, leaving Caden, my mind stayed on Caden. Would I see him again?
As I walked out of the hotel, the cool morning air hit me, but my mind still simmered with last night's passion.
Why did I run? Fear of attachment, Fear of heartbreak? Or fear of the unknown? I hailed a taxi, lost in thought.
"Where to, miss?" the driver asked.
I gave him my address, still distracted.
What if Caden was married? What if he didn't feel the same? The taxi stopped, and I paid the fare.
As I entered my apartment, the silence enveloped me. I dropped my bag, feeling empty.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed. A text from Mira, one of my friends at last night's party. It reads "Morning, girlfriend, what a cool hot party that was, I am coming to your house to give me the full gist of that hot-looking man you enjoyed all to yourself,"
My heart skipped a beat. Oh, girl? This is not what I wanted right now.
Just as I drifted off, Mira burst in, shattering the silence with her ear-piercing shout. "Sweetheart, the party's not over!" she sang, pounding the table like a drum.
I feigned sleep, but Mira wouldn't relent. "Don't give me the cold shoulder! Spill about yesterday!" she said as she demanded, jumping onto me.
I rose, anger simmering, and strode to the kitchen for coffee. Mira followed, relentlessly. "Ha! You're limping! He must've been brutal," she teased.
I shot her a scathing look. Mira's energy was exhausting. I sought refuge on my phone, scrolling through Caden's pictures. His captivating face provided the perfect distraction. Mira noticed my looks and snatched the phone.
"Oh. My. Goodness! Party guy, and shirtless! Girl, you're killing it!" she shouted.
I reclaimed my phone. "Mira, you're insane!" I said.
She grinned mischievously and said, "Curiosity got me. I'll do your chores for a week if you spill last night's details."
My laziness weakened my resolve. "Fine," I sighed.
Mira's eyes sparkled as she said, "Start talking!"
As Mira's eyes sparkled, she settled in, eager to hear every detail.
"From the beginning," she demanded.
I took a deep breath and began.
"We were talking at the club? He was handsome, charming... and rich, as we guessed he was."
Mira's eyebrows rose. "Rich, huh? That explains the luxury hotel background in the picture." She said,
I nodded and said, "After we danced, had drinks... and one thing led to another."
Mira leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper, as she asked. "Was he good?" I blushed.
Mira shouted. "I knew it! Spill more!"
I hesitated, but Mira's curiosity was contagious.
"We stayed back in the hotel room... and, well, you saw the pictures," I said.
Mira fanned herself. "Girl, you're living your best life!" She said,
As I shared more details, Mira listened with rapt attention. When I finished,
"You're smitten." She muttered.
I shrugged and said, "Maybe."
Mira's expression turned serious and said, "Be careful, Talia. You don't know much about him."
I nodded. "I know. But there's something about him..." I said.
Mira's eyes softened."I'll support you, no matter what." She said.
My frustration boiled over.
"Cheer up, baby girl," Mira said, tapping my shoulder. "Maybe the girl's his sister or friend. You never know."
I said, "Don't spin this. I know what I heard."
Mira's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Jealousy's got you, baby girl." She said
My anger flared. "You'll be leaving this house soon!"
Mira chuckled. "Speaking of leaving, let's get lunch. My cooking's... questionable today." She said
I stormed into the kitchen, greeted by an unappetizing dish.
"You learned this online?" I asked.
Mira fled, laughing. "You're paying for lunch. I'll get ready." I said.
Hours later, we headed to a nearby restaurant.
As we walked, Mira teased. "Still thinking about Mr. Mystery?"
I rolled my eyes and said, "Shut up."
At the restaurant, we settled into a cozy booth.
Mira perused the menu and asked, "What's good here?"
I scanned the options and said, "Everything's good. Except for your cooking."
Mira playfully hit me." Hey!"
Our laughter filled the air, momentarily forgetting my concerns.
The waiter arrived, and we ordered.
As we waited for our food, Mira's expression turned serious, as she said, "Asked him. Clear the air."
I hesitated but spoke up. "What if he's not interested?"
Mira's eyes locked onto mine. "You won't know unless you try."
Wait a minute, is that not Caden? I asked, shifting closer to confirm if he was
"Wait, is that... Caden?" I whispered, leaning in for a closer look.
Mira followed my looks. "Oh, girl, it's him!"
I swiftly bowed my head, hiding behind my hair.
Mira sprang into action. "I've got something for you," she said, rummaging through her bag.
She produced a face cap and hastily handed it to me. "Put this on, quick!"
As I donned the cap, our eyes met Caden's and mine.
- Writer
