Falling for Him

Shock

The next few days I find myself always looking over my shoulder. Maybe I wanted to see Russell at the hospital or maybe it’s because I haven’t seen or heard Ben after the little encounter that night of the fundraiser. It was a little unsettling, the feeling of not knowing. Sometimes I would see Russell’s black Porsche in the car park, it would make me smile a little, just knowing he was close by. I didn’t even know him but somehow it felt like he knew me and I am drawn to him. I didn’t tell Allison about Russell, I wanted to keep him like a secret all to myself. That seemed like the only bit of joy I had these days. She was spending more time with her other friends anyway and would often not come home which was okay with me because that would mean I had more time alone to deal with my feelings for Ben. The way he hurt me, I didn’t feel like I could forgive him nor did I want to, not anytime soon anyway. How could the one you love turn out to be the one that hurts you the most?

Today in the office is quite busy and I haven’t seen or heard Allison, since she didn’t come home last night, I make a mental note to call her at lunch.

I go to get my phone out of my bag to call Allison, I call her but she doesn’t answer. I thought it a little weird cause it’s not like her to disappear this way without saying anything. Just as I’m about to return the phone to my bag, I receive a text, it’s from Allison.

Hey E, I wasn’t feeling well so I’m not at work today but I’ll see you at home. Love Ali.

I guess that would explain her strange disappearance. I shrug my shoulders and text a reply.

I’m swamped over here, probably be home a little late. See you then.

I went to the cafeteria to grab lunch and settle for my usual chicken salad. I decide to have lunch there, for a change of scenery. I found a table in the corner away from everyone and help myself to an isolated lunch. I’m between eating and checking my phone when someone clears their throat across from me. I dart my eyes toward the sound and there he was, Russell. Standing in all his glory. His soft bouncy curls were tempting my fingers to run through them. The cream colored suit he’s wearing shows off his form. He rests his hand on the chair opposite me and flashes his gorgeous smile.

“May I?” His voice rumbles from his chest and I take a soft gasp at the sound. I motion my hand for him to take a seat and he does. He waits patiently while I finish chewing what is in my mouth before speaking.

“What can I do for you today Mr Evans?” I smirk knowing that will not sit well with him. His eyes are glued to mine and I notice his jaw clenches before he replies.

“I would like to take you out” his eyes don’t leave mine and I am lost for words. His lips pull into a smirk at my loss of words.

“I don’t think that is a good idea” I mutter out, still maintaining eye contact.

“And why not?” He places his hand on the table and begins to tap his fingers as I struggle to figure out an excuse in time.

“Do I perhaps.. make you nervous?” His voice now riddled with playfulness as he searches my eyes and I am still unable to answer. His smirk is now a full blown smile and oh my he is gorgeous. I do feel nervous but I refuse to give him the satisfaction.

“You.. make me nervous?! I think not..” I raise my eyebrow and give him a confident smile before taking another bite of the salad. He watches my movements but he doesn’t seem to buy into my facade.

“So.. will you?” He now gives me a questioned look and I return it, a little oblivious. He smiles at my slight confusion.

“Will you allow me to take you out Elise” I see the determination in his eyes and I want to say yes but that’s not what comes from my mouth.

“Let me think about it” I search his eyes but I can’t tell if he’s satisfied with that answer. He looks down at his fingers still tapping the table and lets out a soft chuckle.

“Okay” he says with his head still down at his hands. His eyes then dart back to mine and it’s as if he was trying to read my mind or pleading for me to read his. He then gives me a soft smile and stands and leaves. What in the hell just happened? Why is Russell so interested in me of all people?

I glance around and see all eyes are looking in my direction. I didn’t like all the attention. I pack up my remaining lunch and head back to my office, away from prying eyes.

I finish up the work day faster than I anticipated and I had a bubbling feeling inside, I couldn’t wait to get home and tell Allison about Russell, I simply couldn’t hold it in any longer. I pack up and make my way to the lobby. Suddenly, I get the feeling that someone is watching me, I turn around to see Russell standing on the balcony overhead. His eyes feel like they’re burning holes into mine. He slowly makes his way down the stairs and his eyes never leave mine. He comes to stand in front of me and his face lies like an emotionless mask and his gaze is piercing.

“Can I walk you to your car?” His eyes search mine but they don’t give anything away.

“Yes, you may” I whisper as I return his gaze. He motions for me to take the lead to the car park. We walk together, with him slightly behind me and I can feel his gaze on me. The journey to the car is one filled with silence and I can feel the tension build. We reach by the car and I turn to thank him, my mouth opens. He steps closer to me, eliminating the space between us, his hand comes up to touch my face, it is a few inches away, and then he retracts it; balling it into a fist and burying it in his pocket. His eyes peer down at me and he takes a deep breath before speaking.

“I can’t stop thinking about you..” his eyes are dark with emotion and so was his voice; I gasp at his words.

“Did you think about our date?” He sighs, his face now hides all emotion that was peeking seconds ago. How does he do that?

“Date?” We search each other’s eyes. He then breaks his spell by looking to the ground and releasing a soft chuckle.

“Yes.. a date” he says as he darts his eyes back to mine. I stare at him for a few moments and then nod my head. A bright smile appears on his lips and his head tilts to the side.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow.. at 7” his face is lit up in victory. I nod in agreement trying not to give in to his charms. I turn and get into my car.

“Goodnight El” he mutters making me look at him again as I sit.

“Goodnight Mr Ev..” his eyes harden and dare me to finish my statement. I smirk at his reaction.

“Good night” I offer him a smile and close the door and leave. Russell stands still watching as the car leaves.

I make it to the apartment and I’m just grinning from ear to ear. I couldn’t wait to tell Allison about whatever this was between Russell and I. I knew she would be upset that I was holding out on her but she’ll get over it. I open the door.

“Ali, I’m home” I dart about the apartment but I don’t see her.

“Allison, are you in here?” I make my way to the bedroom where I hear shuffling.

“Ali?” I open the door and see Allison with her naked frame covered with bed sheets, standing in front of her bathroom door. She looks at me surprised.

“You’re home early?” I detect immense nervousness in her voice.

“Yeah, I got through earlier than I thought.. are you okay?” I raise my eyebrows at her situation, I have seen her naked before as we are best friends from childhood.

“E.. I’m so sorry” her eyes fill with tears and I’m utterly confused at this point.

“What do you mean.. what are you talking about ?” I step into the room and just as I do, the bathroom door behind Allison opens. Ben walks out, completely naked, wearing only a devious smirk on his face.