Chapter Forty Five
2219 Words
I arrived at Dami Coffees about five minutes after six, then took a table beside the floor to ceiling window so he might see me on his way.
And in case he didn't, the table was a little close to the door which meant he might see me first thing once he walked in.
Helen headed towards me, a welcoming smile plastered on her lips.
“Hey girl, how's it been?” She asked.
“Hi Helen, I've been kinda busy, but things are great, how's work?”
“Same old,” she brushed it off with a hand wave, “do you want to order something now? Or later?”
“I'm actually waiting for someone to arrive, then we can both order,”
Her smile turned teasing, “does this someone happen to be a particular hot player, Austin Hames? Because if so, then ya better let me know so we can prepare tons of coffee.”
“Why?” My tone expressed the confusion in me.
“Because last time when you two came for a visit, tons of people also came afterwards to order because a star actually drank the coffee here.”
“Woah, really?” I found myself reaching out for my notepad and pen, writing that down.
When I was done, I caught sight of her raised brow, “what are you doing, young lady?”
“Nothing much,” there was no way I was letting her know about the deal.
Thankfully, I was saved having to explain further when the door chimed, turning all gazes to him.
Helen gasped dramatically, whispering for our ears only, “don't tell me this handsome dude is the guy you're waiting for?”
I didn't blame her, because even I would admit he was a hot piece of cake.
Standing as six foot one, he towered over almost every male I'd come in contact with (well except Austin).
The gray jacket he had on did no justice in covering up his huge biceps, popping out the broad chest and shoulders he possessed.
That gave him the intimidating type of look a female would want (but he wasn't as huge as Austin).
He had beautiful long and extremely dark red hair that was packed on a bun, popping out the beauty of his grey eyes and perfectly shaped face (obviously not as beautifully shaped as…)
Oh gosh, snap out of it Kim.
As he neared us, he offered Helen (whose mouth was gaped) a polite nod, before taking the seat opposite me.
She cleared her throat, probably remembering where she was at the moment.
“What would you like to order?” Her tone was the most professional I'd ever heard.
“Just a cappuccino,” I replied, turning to Jordan in askance.
“Black coffee,”
She nodded, then left to get our orders.
When we were alone, he sent a genuine smile my way, “it's been long, hasn't it?”
“Yeah, it has,” it hadn't actually been long since I met him the day I visited his father, Sir Harry, the CEO, to discuss making a sports book.
But I understand that wasn't what he meant.
Jordan had been my manager since I joined the company, and, being twenty nine, we got along really well.
At some point, I began noticing the fact he had feelings more than just friends and profession.
And so, to prevent placing us in an awkward position, I offered him a one night stand to satisfy the obvious lust he was feeling that he probably mistook as emotions.
After the s*x, I specifically let him know we were to keep things professional after that and only stay as friends since I wasn't into a relationship.
He agreed, letting me know he understood and all.
So after that, we went back to our normal terms.
Helen arrived with our orders, dropping them each in front of us, before leaving.
“So, how're you enjoying your holiday?” He asked, lifting the cup of coffee to his mouth.
I noticed some people taking photos, but decided to ignore that.
I mean, why would they care about me when most of them only know my books but not my existence.
“Stressful, since I have to work while others relax,”
He chuckled, “hey, I think you're forgetting that your work is a means to satisfy those who are relaxing at the moment.”
Of course, that was expected of him to say.
“Well,” he took another sip of the coffee, “that's kind of why I called you here,”
Smoothly, he dropped his cup, placing his intertwined fingers on the table, and squaring his shoulders.
That was a posture I could make out as his professional pose, obviously about to talk about business.
“This is something I could have emailed you, but since I realized it's been kind of long since we chatted, I decided to text,” he began, so I nodded for him to continue.
Which he did, “this is also something I'd have talked to you about earlier, but things have been a little busy for me, so I kind of forgot.”
“Which is why I had to message you today because for the rest of the week, I'm going to be busy as heck,” he sighed.
For a moment, I noticed something cross past his features, but it was gone as soon as it had appeared.
Something was bothering him.
“But I just want to remind you of the deadline and check how far you've gone with the book.”
“Oh,” my hands awkwardly moved to scratch the back of my neck.
“Did you come along with your laptop so we can check it out?”
“Actually,” I cleared my throat, taking a sip of the coffee before replying, “I haven't started the book.”
His brows furrowed, “what?”
My shoulders shrugged like this wasn't as serious as it obviously was, “you know, things have just been a little weird lately, but I'm gonna start.”
“You know you have to submit something on the thirteenth of next month,” he reminded, staring at me with disbelief.
“I know,”
“Do you seriously think you can create a storyline that'd wow the readers if you have to rush yourself to write it?”
Another shrug, “you should be aware that I didn't become the best seller for nothing, there's no way I'll make my readers disappointed.”
“But rushing yourself—”
I raised a hand, cutting him off, “the deadline has been set, and I'll submit a novel, so you don't need to worry.”
“As your manager, I think it's kind of my job to worry,” he replied, his tone low but holding seriousness in them.
“Okay, to ease your worry, I'll send the draft of my first chapter on Wednesday,” the words blurted out before I could think them through, but they didn't stop there, “and if it isn't to your satisfaction, though I doubt that, then the company can cut me off from writing the novel.”
His jaw dropped, expressing how he obviously hadn't expected that.
Even I hadn't.
What on earth had I said? I'd literally told him if my first chapter wasn't good, then he could stop me from writing what could be the best novel of my life.
For a moment, he stayed there in shock, before clearing his throat.
“Well, if that's what you want, then alright,” his tone was laced with surprise, but still professional.
“But I want you to know,” he continued, “this is no longer a review only I can do, it'll have to be handled by the entire company.”
I nodded, suddenly feeling stupid for saying something like that.
Two days.
I'd given myself two days to write a chapter that has to be eye-catching.
The rest of the coffee taking went smoothly as we both just chatted freely about how things were for us, while refilling our coffees tons of times.
About an hour later, we paid for the drink, then left the shop.
“Did you bring your car?” He asked as we both walked towards his.
“My house isn't far from here so I didn't bother,”
“It’s late, lemme drop you home,” he offered, but I brushed it off.
“I don't want to be a bother, and perhaps, my house is only a few blocks away.”
He looked hesitant, but nodded, giving me a brief goodbye hug before disappearing into the car and zooming off.
I waved Helen goodbye through the window, then started towards the direction of my house.
The sun had already set, so everywhere was dark, but thanks to the light from lamp stands, my movement was easy.
The cool breeze swooped past me, coating my skin with goosebumps that I had to pocket my hands in the coat I had on.
Gosh, was it about to rain? I hope it'll wait till I get home.
As though able to read my mind, drops of rain began to land on my body.
At this rate, I'd be drenched before reaching home.
After a few contemplations, I decided to take a short route that'd lead to my house faster.
Because, why not?
As long as I got to the comfort of my home sooner, then that's alright.
The only problem was, this route was kind of sketchy, with barely any people around and only a few flickering streetlights.
Dark alleys lined the sides, and the deeper shadows made it impossible to see if anyone was there.
The air smelled of cigarette smoke and something damp, mixed with the faint stench of trash left out too long.
Up ahead, about four guys stood near a wall, talking in low voices.
One of them laughed, rough and sharp, while another took a slow drag from his cigarette before flicking it to the ground. The glow from the ember faded as he crushed it under his boot.
I pulled my coat tighter around me and walked a little faster.
Maybe this wasn’t the best idea.
One of their gazes wandered around till it landed on me.
At first, there was surprise in his expression (probably wondering why a female would be stupid enough to come out alone this late).
But then, a slow smirk spread across his lips as he tapped the rest, directing all gazes to me.
My heart throbbed faster at that moment, gluing my feet to the ground.
Yep, this was certainly a terrible idea.
The four men took slow, intimidating steps towards me, a man standing in front (probably the leader).
Would they catch up with me if I spirinted off?
With much urgency, I pivoted, scuttling off as fast as my feet would move.
The rain poured mercilessly, blurring my vision so I wasn't really certain where I was going.
“You better stop!” One of the men's rough voice called from behind, but no way was I heeding.
I could hear his footsteps behind me, letting me know he was following.
But being the beetle brained female I'd always been, I did the one thing any sensible person would say to not do in this situation.
I turned back to confirm if he was following.
That action made me stumble on a stone, throwing me off balance.
After a yelp, my knee made contact with the rocky floor.
I'd have panicked about the fact it was obviously bleeding, if there weren't some men probably about to attack me.
The four laughed sinisterly, staring at me like I looked like some kind of moron in their eyes.
Fear curled around me, welling my eyes with tears.
What would these people do to me?
Well, there was no need to wonder, because one of them spat his cigarette, heading to stand in front of me.
The last thing I cared was how he reeked when he crouched in front of me.
“What is a beautiful b***h like you doing here at night? Do you know what will happen now?”
His tone sent shivers down my spine, only causing my heart to throb more.
But I managed to say, “you had better let me go if you don't want to rot in jail all your life.”
He rolled his eyes, looking like I'd pissed him off, “you have some guts,”
Before I could process anything, he was raising a hand, about to strike my cheeks.
A yelp escaped me, followed by me squeezing my eyes shut as I awaited the hurt.
But it never came.
There were gasps from the other men, that I had to open my eyes to see what had happened.
And, lo and behold, the crouched man was still in front of me.
But his hand was stopped midair, a grip around the wrist.
And when I turned to my savior, the drop of tear rolled down at the sight of the last person I'd expected to see.
“Austin.”
- Writer
