The Billionaire's Enchantress

Chapter 8

  Ria’s POV

The next morning, Ria woke up early again and did her usual morning routine. She didn’t get to check her phone until she was locking the door to her rented room. She saw some messages from her best friend, Katie…asking how she is. What made her surprise was a single message from JD. She forgot that she gave her phone number to him yesterday. And she got so shocked this time that JD is actually right in front of her place. She thought yesterday was the last time she would cross path with him but she was wrong.

Why is he here anyway? This would be the death of me. I keep getting shocked every time I see him. I feel hyperventilating and my heart beats so fast. I could even hear it.

“Good morning Ria. How are you?” JD greeted me with his sweetest smile which always gives me anxiety.

“I’m sorry if I look creepy to you. We’ve just officially known each other yesterday. And here I am again. You see, I already heard about you from dad so I hope that would give you some peace of mind.” He is grinning from ear to ear. He must have understood my reaction.

“I was leaving my hotel room where I checked in and I decided to drop by here. I am on my way to the office. Jump in.” He said while I am still glued on my spot.

“Hey, don’t make it a habit to stay still in there. You’re making me worried.”

“ Uhmm... if you find it uncomfortable I can leave. I am sorry. I am just trying to be nice to you since you’re close with my dad.” He has this grim expression right now.

“I am sorry. I really just got surprised. I mean I didn’t expect to see you again. Thank you that you are also nice like your dad.” I said those words with sincerity.

Upon hearing what I’ve said, he is smiling again. He got out of his car and opened the passenger’s seat for me. Such a gentleman… who is not going to fall in love with him? He is nice, kind,.’ And thoughtful. I just feel uncomfortable, I can’t help it. Probably, this is just the way he treats all women.

“By the way, I’ve just read your message this morning. I am sorry, I went to sleep early.”

“No worries, I completely understand. Your house is really so far from your working place. You need to find a place closer to the company so it is not a big hassle for you.” JD suggested.

“Yes, it is very inconvenient. I am going to move out soon. It is just within the vicinity of the company. I don’t even have to ride a taxi anymore.” I replied.

I was about to ask him how he is but I chose to stay silent instead. I mean we are not in the level to exchange pleasantries. This must be the last time he would give me a ride. He said he just checked out earlier from the hotel where he was staying. I know that he lives in a posh condominium unit just close to his dad’s company as well.

After some minutes of silence, we stopped in a drive-thru fast food chain. JD wanted to order some breakfast.

“I’m sorry I didn’t eat breakfast yet. Do you want anything from here or can I order for you?” My heart always beats faster every time he smiles. And he does it effortlessly. I wonder if he knows his effect on women.

“Thank you but I already had breakfast in the house.”

He didn’t say anything anymore. After he got all his order, he handed me a cup of coffee and some doughnuts.

“I know you told me you had breakfast but I hope you would drink the coffee and eat the doughnuts. Or at least just drink the coffee.” 

“Thank you. I already owed you a lot. I don’t know how to pay you back.” I laughed and I saw how JD just stopped chewing his food. He was  staring at me. That was awkward.

“Hmmm... Sorry, I was just trying to make a joke but I usually fail.” I unconsciously scratched my head.

“Don’t say that. It’s actually nice to see you laughing. You look more beautiful.” And he winked at me.

Seriously! Is this JD Lawson am I talking right now? The JD I knew is a self-made billionaire and a notorious playboy. I am literally blushing right now like a schoolgirl. I shouldn’t take his words seriously. It is a simple compliment. Probably that’s just how he interacts with all the women.

So to keep my peace of mind, I tried to not mind whatever compliments he could think of me.

I quietly drink my coffee. He is eating his breakfast and he even offered to try his pancake.

“So, you mentioned earlier that you are going to move out? Where is your new place?” He inquired with a serious tone. He is drinking his coffee now.

“Uhmm, your dad offered me a condo unit close to the company.” The condominium building itself is just one of the real state properties owned by Uncle Jaime.

“That’s great! Dad has been very generous to you.” Little did Ria know that deep inside JD, he is seething with anger.

“That’s true. I owe him everything that I have right now.” I had a huge smile on my face. Someday, I will return all the favors that the older Lawson has given me. When I looked at JD’s way, he looked so deadly serious. I am not sure what’s happening with him. He scares me.

It was back to silence again inside the car but after quite some time, JD just said something that caught me off guard again.

“So, when are you planning to move out? I can help you. I mean I am extending the generosity that my dad has given you. I hope you let me help you.” He said with a mellow voice. He looks cheerful now than earlier. What’s gotten into him? He is moody. That’s one thing I discovered about him.

“Thank you for the offer but I can manage.” I politely refuse his offer.

“Okay then, but if there is anything I can do for you, call me or send a message anytime.” He is such a nice guy. I shouldn’t wonder since his dad is also a great person.

I felt comfortable talking with JD now. It’s not like earlier that I couldn’t even utter a word. Right now, I feel more relax. I can see he only has good intentions.

“By the way, I will drop by your office later before lunch time. I have a meeting with your manager. Can I invite you to lunch after the meeting?”

Oh my goodness! I thought I am already comfortable with him. This guy would never stop surprising me. He says and does a lot of surprising things. My heart starts to beat faster again. I don’t even know what to reply to him. I keep reasoning out in my head that he is just a nice guy  like his dad. I mean I shouldn’t assume anything special in whatever he does or says.

“JD, I don’t want to appear rude. But I want to tell you honestly that I am still not comfortable with you. I mean please don’t take it negatively. You are considered a celebrity in this country. I felt way out of your league to even be an acquaintance.” I told him frankly hoping he would understand.

“I appreciate that you are being honest with me. That’s a rare trait nowadays. Anyway, going back to what you said, I really hope that I don’t intimidate you. I mean I go out with people that I am comfortable with. And frankly speaking, I feel comfortable with you.” That got me speechless for a short moment.

“Thank you for being nice to me. You are a chip off the old block.” After I said that, JD changed his mood again. Then, I realized what was wrong. I’ve noticed now that whenever I mentioned his dad, he always look serious or upset. I thought that they they were able to fix their issues. So, why is he working in his dad’s company?

From now on, I would refrain from mentioning Uncle Jaime’s name with him around. If ever he asked about his dad, I should be careful with what I’m going to say. I don’t know what really happened between them. And it is not my business to know.

“Are you alright? I am sorry I said something wrong. You suddenly looked serious and quiet.” I am pretending I don’t know what’s bothering him.

“No, please don’t mind me. I got a lot of stress from work. So, see you later for lunch?”

“Sure, I will be waiting for you.” I want to make it up to him. He has been nice to me. The least I can do is to not add stress for him.

At exactly 12 noon, I saw JD standing right in front of our office. I heard the talks from my co-workers. They were whispering to each other but I could still hear them. I tried to pretend as if nothing happens.

“OMG! That’s JD Lawson. What is he doing here in our office? He barely comes to the company and I never saw him set foot in our office before.” Said Mylene who has a crush on JD.

“Probably, he would come since he just finished his meeting with our manager. But I am pretty sure, he came because of someone. Don’t you know about that?” Kim asked Mylene while arching her eyebrow.

I thought I only have to deal with Mylene but this woman also got an attitude.

I felt worried that JD keeps staring at me. No one knows from my department that we know each other. I am sure gossips spread like wildfire. I know that some employees saw me with JD many times. Those people can also spread lies and gossips. Who wouldn’t be interested to talk about the most eligible bachelor in town?

Before JD could get close to me, he stopped to introduce himself to my colleagues. All of them were very pleased to meet him. The men were coolly talking with him while the women couldn’t keep themselves from gushing about him.

“So, are you ready?” JD suddenly appeared in front of me. I smiled and nodded at him. I heard some surprised sounds from the women. I also saw the look of surprise from my male colleagues but they just smiled at me after.

JD took the folders I am carrying while I was getting my purse. He is always a gentleman. I smiled to myself.

I bid them all goodbye. The female got a funny look on their faces. They still couldn’t believe that JD is here to pick me up for lunch.

“So tell me, where do you want to eat? Any particular food you are craving for?” He asked when we got inside his car. This is actually the first time we are seen together inside the company. He always pick me up outside and drive me home. I know people have been staring at us. I got worried about what people would think. I looked at JD but he seems oblivious from everything. He doesn’t care at all.

“So, have you decided?” He said.

I got confused for a few moments. I got so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t answer his questions earlier.

“You choose. I mean you’re the expert.” I chuckled.

“Great! I made a reservation in this nice restaurant.” 

JD brought me to an upscale Italian restaurant. I saw some famous people having their lunch the moment we got in. I feel out of place. I am glad that he reserved a table for us in the VIP area. I feel comfortable knowing that I don’t have to worry about those prying eyes. I always get them whenever I am with Uncle Jaime but I don’t really mind. I see him as a father figure. However, with JD, I feel conscious what others would think of me.

When we settled in our table, I let JD order what he wants. I am not familiar with some food although he explains to me what they are. It was a great lunch. I enjoyed talking with him.

We talked about so many things. I learned that he knows my best friend, Katie. It is not something of a surprise since they are in the same circle. Before we finished our lunch, I finally agreed to let JD help me move out to the condo. I never expected that I would get to know JD this soon. It happened so fast. He was just a dream, now he is right in front of me. I don’t assume that something special will come out of this. I am just happy to be his friend.