11. India-5
1369 Words
Opening my front door with Hae-in standing behind me isn’t as bad as I’d thought it would be. I’m sure it has a lot to do with the fact I know my house is clean.
“I’m going to jump in the shower and get dressed and ready for work. I’ll call you when I get off.” Hae-in steps inside of my home. “You’re coming in?”
“Of course. I’d like to see where you live.”
“I haven’t had time to see where you live.”
“You will, when you go back to Korea with me.”
“You’re sure I’ll just up and leave?”
“Why not? My country is beautiful.”
“True, but I can’t just leave anytime I want. I have things I need to do here.”
“It’s the same for me, but if our friendship means anything to you, it would be beneficial for you to come and visit me. Sooner rather than later.”
He has a valid point.
“I won’t be long.”
“Take your time. I’ll even drop you off at your office. It will give me a chance to get familiar with your town.”
“If you’re comfortable with that.”
“I would not have offered if I weren’t. Besides, it guarantees I’ll be able to see you after work.”
“Score one for Hae-in.”
Hae-in walks into my living room, both of his hands are behind his back as he walks through my space into my dining and kitchen area. I moved into a small home with an open view. It was perfect for the family I wanted to raise here.
“Get ready. There’s plenty here to keep me entertained.”
“Is there anything that is off-limits?”
I hadn’t thought of that before. But my heart is open to him. Hae-in isn’t a threat to me. “Knock yourself out.”
“Knock myself out?”
I grin. “Yes, I mean, help yourself.”
“I’ve not heard this expression used in that way before. But I like it.”
Laughing, I leave Hae-in in my kitchen and make my way to my room, where I can shower and get ready for work. I pull out a pair of black slacks and a soft pink blouse, along with my favorite black and pink polka dot pumps. There isn’t much time to think about hair and makeup, so I pull my hair into a neat bun at the nape of my neck and toss on some gloss. It isn’t until I realize that Hae-in is the partner at the hotel that a lightbulb goes off in my head.
“He’s half owner,” I whisper in the mirror. “Why can’t I talk business with him? What’s the harm in that?”
I check myself in the mirror one more time to make sure I look my best, and walk into the kitchen to meet Hae-in. “Hey, quick question.” Hae-in’s back is to me. He turns with a grin on his face.
“Yes.”
“I was trying to get a meeting with the director of the hotel.”
“Who, Susan or Vivian?”
“Are there two directors?”
“Hmm.”
“Well, then yes.”
“Why?”
“I am half owner of Event Pics, and Anna and I wanted to have a sit-down to discuss a partnership between our two companies. So far I’ve been met with silence.”
“What type of clientele does Event Pics bring in?”
“Depends on what the clients want. We do events and Anna is the photographer. Have you ever heard of Annabelle Macon?”
Hae-in’s face lights up at the mention of my cousin’s name.
“Yes, I’ve actually worked with her before.”
“Really?”
Hae-in nods. “It’s been more than a couple of years. It was when I was first starting out. She was the photographer that was called in by the modeling agency I worked with. They wanted someone who could add more depth and meaning to the shoot, and she came highly recommended.”
“Great, you actually spoke to her on the phone. It’s myself and Anna who run Event Pics, but every time I called, I was told the director was busy, or in a meeting. Actually, the hotel is on my to-do list for this week.”
“I can get you in with both Susan and Vivian.”
“Great. Let me grab my purse and I’ll be ready to leave.”
“Take your time, I’m in no rush to leave.”
“You should be.”
“Why?” Hae-in walks toward me with a serious look on his face. My answer must have concerned him. “Is everything okay?”
“Honestly, not yet. But I’m working toward things being okay.”
Hae-in doesn’t know that I come home as late as possible, and sometimes I even make excuses to stay late and sleep at the office. I’m not ready to face Zoe’s room yet. Her door stays locked most days, and on the days I get the courage to go in, I can only open the door and stand there and look at her room.
“I know we just met, and things are new with us, but I want you to know, you can talk to me about anything. I’ll listen. I want to be someone you can come to depend on.”
“Why?”
“Do you really have to ask?”
Hae-in takes another step forward, and he’s standing toe to toe with me. His large hand reaches up, and he uses his index finger to trace the bridge of my nose. It’s a barely-there kind of touch, but I don’t feel it on just my nose. His warm touch spreads to every nerve ending in my body. What is this man doing to me? “If you need anything at all, come to me. I want to be the person you lean on. I want to be the one who is there to help ease whatever pain or hardships you face.” His hand goes down my arm until he has my hand in his. I don’t stop him. Why should I? He’s not said anything that a million other women would not want to hear. It’s perfect. Scary too. “I don’t know if what we feel is going to go anywhere at all. It could be the newness of it, but I promise my words are weighted for a reason. I’m serious about us, India. I want to see where things go.”
“Why me?”
Stupid question. This isn’t some chick flick. Why not me. I’m just as good as the next woman. Regardless of the emotional baggage I’m carrying around with me. It’s enough to scare any man. Hell, I’d be scared if I were a man. I’m worried. But is what he’s asking me so unreasonable? Why can’t I start with Hae-in? Who cares what other people think? If it’s too soon, or not soon enough, I can’t say for sure. But I know how I feel right now at this moment.
Safe.
Secure.
Wanted.
The twins made me feel those things as well when we were together, but there was always an underlying responsibility on my part. In the beginning, it was no strings attached. Three people sharing a bed, nothing more. It wasn’t like we met up to do things or to spend quality time together.
“Why not you? You’re beautiful, smart, strong-minded. I like that you have an opinion about everything. I see India, the woman. A woman worth my time and a lot more.”
Hae-in tugs my hands and pulls me into him. Our lips meet and the kiss he gives me is soft and warm, his lips cover mine. He tugs gently on my bottom lip and lets out a deep groan. I want to stay home and explore this new feeling with him. I really do, but before I can make the decision, he lets go of my hand and takes me into his arms. It’s a hug, and a kiss wrapped into one, and the fire he builds is a slow kindling. It’s sweet and not forceful. When he finally steps back, I’m woozy. I place my hands on my face and close my eyes.
“That was unexpected and pleasant.”
“Hmmm.”
“We better head into the office. The twins will be there, and they are going to want to finish the conversation I tried ending last night. Will you be able to get both directors on the phone with me today?”
“I’ll do better. After I drop you off, I’ll bring them to Event Pics, and we will talk negotiations then.”
Hae-in pulls me in for a hug and kisses me gently on the forehead.
Damn. This is a feeling I can’t explain. But I can feel it coursing through my body from the top of my head down to the soles of my feet.
- Writer
