Divorcing The Billionaire On Valentine's Day

15. Adeline

ADELINE

I held a hand to my chest. My heart raced but I didn’t dare leave the door, I couldn’t trust my legs not to betray me. What the f**k was that? Was Grayson actually trying to kiss me? Again?

Shuffling came from the other side of the door and that was my cue to beat it. I pushed off the door and raced down the hallway till I was back in the living room.

Johnny said something but for the life of me I couldn’t be sure what it was and I didn’t wait to find out. I shoved the guilt down and sprinted out of there like the building was on fire. Maybe it was, or maybe it was just my chest that was, either way, I needed some air.

I hail the first cab I see without hesitation and only released a breath when I safely in its four walls. “Pack Avenue, The snack hut.” I told the driver and leaned further into the seat, letting it deal with all the weight.

The drive was just what I needed to not go insane with the endless thoughts that ran through my head, none of them even remotely sensible. The cab slowed to a stop right in front of the humble building with a few spots where the paint chipped off just a little.

I let out a long, calming breath before pushing the door back. The smell of cinnamon invaded my nostrils instantly, a hint of nutmeg here, smell of sweet salted butter there and I didn’t need Jay’s beaming face to be sure I was at the right place. Jay and Kris’s bakery was the safest option. Going back home was the opposite. The last thing I needed was for Grayson in his recent jobless fashion to appear at my doorstep with yet another contract.

“I thought you would rather be one with the bed than come here.” Kris teased just as Jay asked, “Where did you run off to earlier, I was worried.”

“It’s not too late to go back to my one true love, he was much more welcoming.” I smirked at Kris who rolled her eyes before focusing her attention on the coffee she was brewing.

I turned to Kris who had gone back to dusting off the counter. “I went to clear up something real quick, miss me?”

“You wish.” He scoffed, but a small smile played on his lips still. “But guess who did? Your husband.” He said in a singsong voice and a failed impression of a girly voice. Well, there goes my chest, trying to squeeze over itself again.

“I don’t understand.” I tried to keep the curiousity out of my voice but as always, Jay saw right through it.

“Same as always. To rub his sour ass all over my front porch. Demanding to see you.” Before he even finished, I could guess how that particular conversation had ended.

Still feeling like I was going to throw up any minute, “Anyways, what can I do to help?” I looked at the arrangement of sweet treats in a transparent shelf, the selection of coffee just by the coffee maker. The place was packed full, which was expected, it was late afternoon, when people were either getting off work or preparing for yet another long night shift or students were gathering ammunition for night class.

“You could handle the counter, Kris is too busy whipping up the next batch of treats anyways.” He jerked his head towards said counter which was not too far off from the circular arrangement of wooden chairs and tables that filled up the eating area.

It wasn’t too hard getting the hang of things again. Before the mistake marriage to Grayson, I used to come to the bakery to help out often in exchange for some sweet treats to go. Jay made the best apple pie and Kris made the best latte, a power combo if you ask me.

As I had the last of the orders out, my mind began straying again, nothing to distract it again from the obvious. How did the blogs get a hold of those pictures? How on earth could they know who I was, full name and all from just a blurry image with my hair covering my face? But worse of all, how did they know we were going to be at the restaurant.

I mean, I knew Grayson was popular, hence, one of the most sort for bachelors, what I didn’t expect was the paparazzi knowing anything about his whereabouts. I could count the number of times I had seem his name in any of this blogs on one hand, I would think it was because he was cautious, but yet they knew where to find us.

Could it have been Aaron? Just as quick as the thought had crossed my mind, I shoved it back down. He had nothing to gain. I would think money but he was just as well to do as Grayson if his pictures were anything to go by. But why was he somehow in every blog post. By the time Grayson marched out the door, Aaron was on our tail, yes, but not close enough to be in the shot except the photographer wanted him in it and took it from that angle. Ugh! I was out of frigging control!

I was about to ask Kris to bury me in more work when my phone buzzed in my jeans.

I pulled it and smiled when I saw the person texting. It was Aaron.

Are you free for a date this evening?

Yes. What do you have in mind? I shot back without thinking twice.

It’s a surprise, just wear something comfortable, I would come pick you up. I almost giggled but I caught myself. It was just a date. Oh yes, a second date with someone you never even thought you would speak more than two words to.

“Hey Jay I’m going to head out okay, tell Kris I would love a taste of all the goodness.” I drooled at the freshly baked lemon cake.

Before he could give me a lecture on finishing what I started, I ran out of the bakery and found myself a cab that would take me to the house.

After hours of torturous dressing and undressing, I came to the conclusion that the fairy god mother had to be high on c***k to have actually gotten a hobo to look like a princess.

Satisfied with the pretty little black dress, a long gray blazer and some strappy sandals, I didn't hesitate when the horn broke through the haze in my mind.

“Hey, it’s great to see you again. You look beautiful.” Aaron was quick to comment the moment I slid into the passenger seat of his Jaguar.

“Thank you.” I managed to say in a calm voice despite how red I was sure my cheeks were. “You still haven’t told me where we would be headed.” I got comfortable in the seat and just enjoyed watching him drive. He work a maroon button down with a pair of emerald pants and some Dr Martens. Okay someone wasn’t being subtle about the extent of their wealth.

“You’ll see.” He said just before the care slowed to a stop at a park, an actual park. I wore a cute bodycon dress and an expensive as f**k blazer for a freaking park date.

I forced the air through my teeth and held my tongue. The rest of the date was not as fun as the first time, which was ironic because we were not interrupted at any point, not even once. It wasn’t for a lack of trying, that was for sure, but it just wasn’t clicking for me.

“Okay that’s enough outdooring for one day.” I chuckled, or atleast I tried to as I got up from the day.

“With a devious smirk, “we could go to your place.” I think back to the pile of laundry right in front of my door, the possibility of Grayson interrupting, new contract papers in hand.

“Emm… how about we don yours instead, I think Kris and Jay need some time to themselves.” I tried. Moreover, it was too early in the dating funnel to start inviting each other over.

The smile on his face faltered for a quick minute before it was plastered back on, “Okay, we could just go to a hotel.” A hotel? What kind of girl did he take me for? Oh wait, he was probably jut doing the same thing I was doing. Avoiding something. I didn’t push any futher. He already looked too uncomfortable.

When he held out a hand for me to take, I tried to hold back, stop sabotaging with the endless thoughts but they wouldn’t stop. The voice in my head screamed at me to turn him down. Fine we had been on dates, but how much did I really know about the man aside what was on his profile.

“You okay?” He asked with worry etched all over his face.

“I will be.” I breathed and placed my hand in his.