Chapter 5
1106 Words
Richard’s POV (Continued)
I watched as Tracy sat through her hair appointment, shifting in her seat every now and then. She was trying to act normal, but I saw the way her eyes kept darting toward me in the mirror, like she couldn’t believe I was still here.
The salon was filled with quiet whispers, but I ignored them.
After what felt like an hour, the stylist finished, and Tracy examined herself in the mirror, tilting her head slightly.
“It looks good,” I said before she could say anything.
She turned to look at me, her brows slightly raised. “You think so?”
I pushed off the wall, walking toward her. “Yeah. Neat, simple, suits you.” I met her eyes in the mirror. “Makes you look even more beautiful.”
I didn’t miss the way she swallowed, the way her fingers twitched in her lap.
“Thank you,” she mumbled, looking away.
Cute.
I paid for her hair, she tried protesting but I insisted and just as she was about to get up, the nail technician called her over.
“I almost forgot,” she muttered. “I wanted to get my nails done too.”
“Go ahead,” I said, sitting down because I know it’s gonna take long this time.
She hesitated. “You… you’re really waiting?”
I smirked. “Did you think I was joking?”
Her lips parted slightly, but she didn’t say anything. She walked over to the technician, and I settled in, watching as they worked on her nails.
This time, she seemed more comfortable. Maybe because she was getting used to me being here.
I liked that.
When she was done, she flexed her fingers, admiring the fresh coat of polish. I stood, walking over to her.
“They’re nice,” I said, taking her hand gently in mine.
She stiffened slightly, but she didn’t pull away. I ran my thumb over her fingers, pretending to inspect the nails.
“Soft,” I murmured. “Delicate.”
She swallowed. “It’s just a simple manicure.”
I smirked, releasing her hand. “Still looks good on you.”
She grabbed her bag quickly, avoiding my gaze. Amusing.
As we stepped outside, I turned to her. “You hungry?”
She looked at me, confused. “Huh?”
“Let’s grab something to eat.”
Her eyes widened. “Eat? With you?”
I raised a brow. “Yeah. It’s just a meal.”
She hesitated, biting her lip. “I don’t know… I should probably just head home.”
I leaned in slightly. “Come on, Tracy. You don’t have anything else planned, do you?”
She hesitated again.
“Just one meal,” I pressed. “Then we can go back home.”
Finally, she exhaled. “Fine. But just for a short while.”
I grinned. “Good girl.”
I opened the car door for her, and as she got in, I couldn’t help but feel satisfied.
One harmless meal.
But I already knew—this wouldn’t be the last.
——————————————————————
Tracy’s POV
I took a sip of my juice, stealing a glance at Richard as he sat across from me, effortlessly relaxed.
The restaurant had a cozy but upscale vibe, the dim lights casting a soft glow over the neatly arranged tables. The hum of quiet conversations filled the air, blending with the occasional clink of cutlery.
When the waiter arrived, I didn’t hesitate.
“I’ll have fried rice and turkey,” I said, then added, “Oh, and a creamy salad.”
Richard, without even looking at the menu, simply said, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
The waiter nodded and walked away.
I tilted my head. “You didn’t even check the menu.”
He smirked. “I trust your taste.”
That shouldn’t have made my stomach do a little flip, but it did.
I focused on my glass, watching the condensation trickle down its surface. My mind drifted back to the salon, to the way every single woman had looked at Richard like he was some kind of walking temptation.
The stylist had fumbled with her comb. The receptionist had blushed when he spoke to her. Even a few random customers had whispered behind their hands, sneaking glances in his direction.
And Richard?
Completely unfazed.
He hadn’t so much as acknowledged the attention. Didn’t smirk, didn’t preen. Just sat there, scrolling through his phone, like he wasn’t being gawked at from every angle.
He had to be used to it.
The thought made something shift inside me. I think… curiosity.
The clatter of plates snapped me back to the present.
Our food had arrived.
The aroma of the fried rice and turkey hit my senses, making my stomach grumble. The creamy salad sat on the side, looking just as tempting.
Richard picked up his fork and took a bite, chewing thoughtfully before looking at me.
“How’s the food?” he asked.
I swallowed my bite and nodded. “It’s really good.”
He leaned back slightly. “Good choice, then.”
We ate in comfortable silence for a while, before he spoke again.
“So, Tracy… do you always take an entire day off just for self-care?”
I shrugged. “Not always, but sometimes you just need a day, you know? A little reset.”
He nodded, as if he understood completely. “Makes sense. You work hard. You deserve it.”
I blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone.
“Thanks,” I murmured.
Another moment of silence, this time charged with something unspoken.
After we finished eating, he settled the bill without hesitation.
Outside, the evening air was cooler. He opened the car door for me, and I slid in, watching as he rounded the vehicle and got in beside me.
The drive was quiet, but not awkward. Just… easy.
When we finally got home, I turned to him with a small smile.
“Thanks for today Mr Richard ,” I said. “I actually had a great time.”
Something flickered in his eyes, but he just nodded. “Good and call me Richard without the Mr, ok?”.
“Um…ok sir” I said unsure.
I stepped out, gripping my tote bag, and walked into the mansion.
Just before I entered, I glanced back.
His car was still there.
Watching.
And for some reason, that made my heart race.
- Writer
