Chapter Six
Kenzie
“So what was that all about?”
I knew that question was coming. It was only a matter of time.
“What do you mean?” I asked nonchalantly, as I glanced over at Sophia.
We had dinner at my place and we were lounging out on the couch, watching old episodes of our favorite television series. We had watched them so many times before, but we still enjoyed them. It was our weekly dose of nostalgia.
“In the gym.”
“You’re going to have to be more specific, Soph.”
“You nudged me.”
“So?”
“Why?”
I rolled my eyes and knew that she was not going to let this go. “You embarrassed him.”
“I embarrassed him?”
“Yes.”
“How would you know that?”
“Because I could see it on his face.”
“Are you an expert on his facial expressions now?”
“No, I just know that look.”
“When did you become so friendly with him anyway? You’re redoing his offices.”
“I know.”
“But you had a four-hour lunch with him.”
“He was trying to decide which options to choose.”
“Right.”
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re trying to see more than there is.”
“Is there?”
“No, of course not.”
“Because two weeks ago, you thought he was the most arrogant man on the planet.”
“I still think so.”
“It didn't seem that way in the gym.”
“Please stop, Soph.”
“No, I want to know what’s going on.”
“I can’t tell you.”
“So there is something going on?”
I bit my lip and sighed. “Fine, I’ll tell you, but you cannot tell anybody. I swear if this gets out, I am so fired.”
“What did you do? Did you sleep with him?”
“No.”
“Did you give him a lower price or something?”
“You make me sound like a hooker.”
“Yeah, that came out wrong.”
“You don't say,” I said and rolled my eyes.
“Stop stalling and tell me.”
“I’m helping him,” I answered.
Sophia looked at me in confusion, and then her eyebrow lifted. “With what?”
“He has OCD and it’s really hard for him to talk to other people without sounding rude and demanding-”
“A total asshole.”
“Yes,” I said with a nod.
“What the hell made you want to help him?”
“I overheard a conversation between him and his brother. Wyatt asked him for advice on how he was so confident talking to women, and his advice was just all wrong.”
“What did he say?”
“Trust me, you don't want to know,” I cringed. “Anyway, I felt kind of sorry for him, because he’s the older brother asking his younger brother for advice.”
“So you offered to help him find a girlfriend as well?”
“Yes.”
“How much is this guy paying you?”
“But you cannot tell anyone, Soph. If this gets out, then…”
“I won't tell, but you do realize people are going to notice you two together, and they might make the wrong assumptions.”
“If Wyatt can be seen having regular lunch meetings with a woman and look like he’s sort of enjoying himself, people would think he’s dating and that would make him more alluring, wouldn't it?”
“And if people ask?”
“Then I’ll just tell them that we’re friends.”
“There’s method in your madness after all.”
“Exactly.”
“Kenz?”
“Yes?”
“I know I don't say this enough, but please be careful this time.”
“I know, and I will. I have absolutely no intention of falling in love again. My history with men is enough to make me want to become celibate.”
Sophia laughed and shook her head. “So tell me about his brother.”
Whenever I think about Calvin, which was not a lot, the vision of his white ass popped into my head and I had to blink just to get it out of my head. I chuckled and shook my head.
“What?”
“You don’t want to date him trust me.”
“Why not?”
“Because Wyatt and I walked into his office the one day and he was having sex on his desk.”
“With a woman?”
“Yes, Soph.”
“Oh my god!” She burst out laughing and fell down on the couch. “That’s so funny. What did Wyatt say?”
“He apologized profusely. He was not impressed with his brother.”
“I can only imagine,” she said and laughed again.
In retrospect it was pretty funny, but not when it happened.
“They are really different, aren't they?” she asked.
“They are, absolutely. Even their office layouts as well. Calvin picked his layout within ten seconds, but Wyatt, he took a lot longer. I’m not sure he’s fully made up his mind yet.”
“Well, that tells me one thing.”
“And what is that?”
“Either he likes to think things through first, or he likes spending time with you.”
My shoulders slumped and I shook my head. “It’s definitely the former. He’s very particular.”
“Okay, then.”
“He’s hot, I admit it, but...” My voice trailed and I sighed.”
“But what?”
“He’s a lot of work.”
“Good things don’t come easy, Kenz. You were the one who told me that.”
“I know, but I’m not doing that again. Falling in love is just too painful,”
“Not initially.”
“That’s exactly why I don't want to, and you shouldn't encourage me.”
“I’m just trying to be a good friend, you know.”
“And I appreciate that Soph, but please don't let me fall in love with this guy.”
“How am I supposed to do that?”
“Remind me of the asshole I met on the plane.”
“Okay, I can do that.”
We spent the rest of the evening watching those reruns, talking about random things, and I was thankful for Sophia’s company. Whether or not I’d like to admit it, nights could be pretty lonely in my apartment. There were a few times where, for some unbeknownst reason, I thought of Wyatt, and what he was doing, but I refused to allow myself to think about him. Our arrangement was strictly professional, and I was going to keep it that way. It was already bad enough that I told Sophia about me helping Wyatt, but honestly, it was good to tell at least one person about it. Hopefully, Sophia would keep it to herself, as she promised.
The next few days went by smoothly. The renovation crew arrived at Pearce Data Storers and they started with the Tech room and the conference room. The reception area, Public Relations, Human Resources were next, and Calvin and Wyatt’s offices were last.
Wyatt seemed less on edge than I anticipated he would be, but he didn't even go remotely close to where they were working, which was understandable.
Thursday afternoon the drilling seemed a bit out of control that even I had a hard time concentrating as I helped set up in the technicians’ room. Something told me to go check on Wyatt because I knew he wouldn't like this at all. I walked down the hallway to his office and stopped dead in my tracks when I reached his door. He stood by the window rhythmically tapping his fingers against the glass.
“Wyatt?” I asked, but my voice was drowned by the sound of the drilling. I stepped into his office and slowly approached him. He clearly didn't know that I was in the office, but a soon as the drilling momentarily stopped, he heard my heels on the wooden floor and he slowly turned around. He had a cringe on his face and his jaw was tightly clenched.
“Do you want to get out of here?” I asked.
He nodded simply and I motioned to him to follow me. I took him through to the front, with my hand on his shoulder, and I lead him into the elevator. I took him all the way down to the basement and we stepped out into the parking garage under the building.
He took a few breaths as he stepped away from me and rubbed his temples.
“Are you okay?” I asked and walked towards him.
“I can still hear that damn drilling.”
“I’m sorry. I didn't realize that it was so bad for you.”
“It’s not your fault. I thought I could handle it,” he said and turned to me.
I actually felt sorry for him, as I could see how badly this was affecting him. “They’re almost done for the day, but if you want me to, I can send them home early.”
“You would do that, for me?”
“Of course. I can't have you looking like this on my watch. I’m supposed to keep you happy, and you don’t look very happy to me.”
“I’d appreciate that,” he said.
“Okay. I’ll tell them,” I said with a nod and turned back toward the elevator.
“Kenzie?”
I looked at him over my shoulder and tilted my head.
“Thank you. I was on the verge of jumping out the window. So thanks for saving me.”
“I’m glad that I came just at the right time.”
Then something happened that I don't think I could have predicted, ever. A smile ran across his lips, and I didn't mean one of those half-assed crooked, one-sided smiles that he seemed to live off of, but a genuine smile that reached his eyes. People who knew him would probably say that I was lying, but it happened. I saw it, and it was gorgeous.
I stepped into the elevator and went back up to their floor. The doors opened and the drilling was even worse than before. Even Hannah had a hard time, and she just ended up canceling all her calls due to the noise. I walked to the conference room and got the contractors’ attention. They switched off their drills and the noise just faded away.
I heard a few rejoicing cheers from the other parts of the office and chuckled.
“Is there a problem, Kenzie?” Mike, the contractor in charge asked me.
“The drilling is getting out of hand, and Mr. Pearce requested that you guys leave early for the day. I know it’s a bit of an inconvenience, and I know you guys have a schedule to stick to, but the man almost jumped out of his window.”
The contractors glanced at one another and Mike nodded. “Okay. We’ll do a quick clean up then.”
“Thanks, Mike. I appreciate it.”
“No worries.”
I turned on my heel and walked back to reception. Hannah glanced at me with a slight smile and said, “That was very nice of you.”
“I think the drilling was getting to everyone.”
“No, I meant taking Mr. Pearce downstairs.”
He looked like he was in physical agony.”
“Not a lot of people notice that.”
“Really? Why is that?”
“They think he’s a bit of a drama queen, but it’s...”
“His OCD?”
“You know about that?”
“Calvin told me.”
“Wyatt is mostly just misunderstood-”
“You don't have to explain it to me, Hannah. I’m not judgmental like that.”
“I can see that, and I’m pretty sure Wyatt appreciates that as well. Not a lot of people are as understanding and accommodating as you are.”
“He’s my client and I just want to do everything in my power to make sure that he survives this renovation.”
“As long as you’re here, and I’m here, he will.”
“Thanks, Hannah.”
“No problem.”
“How long have you know Wyatt for?”
“For a few years, why?”
“No reason,” I shrugged. “You seem to know him really well.”
“I do, but that’s my job.”
“Right.”
“And just in case you were wondering, we never dated, we never slept together, and we never will. He’s my boss, and I am the best damn PA in the world.”
“I totally agree,” I said with a smile. “I better go get him.”
“You do that,” she said with a smile.
They were done with the first section by the Friday, which was pleasing to both me and everyone else. The technicians were happy with their new workspace and thanked me every chance that they got. The drilling was to resume the next week, and of course, Wyatt was unimpressed with that. He had to reschedule all his meetings until after everything was done, or it had to be held away from the office, which normally led to extended lunches, where I didn't get to see him at all.
It shouldn't bother me anyway.
Calvin surprisingly kept his distance, but only when Wyatt wasn't there, which I could totally understand. Wyatt probably threatened to strangle his brother if he was anything less than professional and courteous to me.
Or at least that was what I hoped.
The next week, I checked in to see how he was doing, bringing along two coffees for us, and headed to his office. I stopped in the doorway with a sigh, as he wasn't in his office.
“He’s on his way, Miss Morris,” Hannah suddenly said behind me and I whirled around.
“You almost scared the crap out of me.”
“You will not believe how often I hear that,” she said with a smirk.
“How is he doing, with the renovations?”
“The hammering and drilling get on his nerves at the best of times.”
“Luckily it will only be for another two weeks.”
“Another two weeks might just be more than enough for him to handle.”
“Hannah, can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“You do obviously know about his OCD, right?”
“I do, yes,” she answered and looked at me. “What do you want to know, Miss Morris?”
“I don't really know,” I shrugged.
“The fact that you’re asking makes me think that this goes a bit deeper than just a professional relationship.”
“No, not at all. I’m just the type of person that cares about people and who notices things. I’ve noticed his compulsions, and I guess I just want to know if he’s okay.”
“He has his days where I wish I could lock him in his office and throw away the key, but if there’s nothing disrupting his routine, then he’s fine.”
“That’s good to hear,” I said slowly, feeling a bit more relieved. “Is there something I can do to make things easier for him with the renovation?”
“I think you’re doing more than what is expected of you, and he appreciates that more than he lets on.”
A smile ran across my lips and I nodded. “Thank you, Hannah.”
“You’re welcome,” she said with a smile and headed back to her post.
I entered the office and place the coffees on the table, making sure that they didn't make a mess, or leave a mark on the table. I spotted two coasters and placed them under each cup.
“Most people don’t know what coasters are for,” I heard his voice behind me and I turned around.
“Neither did I,” I answered with a smile. “You’d hate my coffee table. It looks like an Olympic flag.”
“I suggest you need a new coffee table then.”
“I like my coffee table, rings and all.”
He smiled tightly and closed the door of the office. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
“I have an idea,” I said to him and motioned to him to sit down with me.
He sat down opposite me with a clenched jaw and narrowed his eyes with a worried expression on his handsome face. “An idea?”
“Yes,” I said as I sat down.
“I’m not going to like it, am I?”
“Just hear me out. If you don't feel up to it, then it’s fine.”
“Okay.”
“I’m taking you to a bar tonight.”
“No.”
“You didn't even hear my whole idea?”
“It started off bad, so no.”
“Oh, come on.”
“Fine, continue.”
“I’m taking you to a bar tonight, and you’re going to talk to a woman.”
“No.” Man, he had one worded answers down better than I did.
“Come on, Wyatt.”
“No.”
“Please?”
“I wouldn’t even know what to say.”
“Just talk to them like you would talk to me.”
“But that’s different. It wouldn't be you.”
“Just pretend you’re talking to me.”
Wyatt sighed and looked at me. “I don't really have a choice, do I?”
I grinned at him and tilted my head.
“Fine. Should I have my car sent round to fetch you?”
“That would be great,” I answered.
A few hours later I stood in front of the mirror, putting my makeup on. My phone rang and I quickly answered it, putting it on speaker phone.
“Hey, Soph.”
“Hey. What are you doing?”
“I’m just getting ready to take Wyatt to a bar.”
“What?” she asked with thick confusion.
“I’m taking him to a bar so that he can talk to a few women.”
“You’re serious?”
“Yes.”
“Oh my god, Kenz,” she laughed. And he actually agreed.”
“Eventually.”
“Oh my go, I actually feel sorry for this guy.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Because you’re as persistent as you as pretty, my friend.”
“Aw, you’re so sweet,” I said with a pout as I put on a pretty shade of pink lipstick.
“So what are you wearing to this bar experiment?”
Bar experiment, I liked that. “Does it matter?”
“You can't be looking too hot, or the women would just be intimidated by you.”
“My black leather leggings and that nude top with the shimmer details on the side.”
“With your black heels?”
“Yes?”
“That’s pretty perfect actually.”
“Thank you. That’s what I thought. I thought a dress would be too much.”
“Absolutely, even though you look great in them, it would have been a bit too much.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“So where are you taking him?”
“You're not coming to gatecrash, are you?”
“No, I’ve got to work. I have a deadline that’s due tomorrow and I’m not quite done yet. It just needs a few tweaking that should be done in a few hours, if I'm not distracted by the sounds of the nightlife.”
“You’re always distracted by the nightlife. Just put on your piano music so you can focus.”
“Or, if your experiment goes awry, you can come play piano for me.”
“I don't think that’s a good idea because then we’ll end up watching old movies and you won't get any work done.”
“That’s true. we’re our own worst distractions.”
“Totally, but I have to go. Wyatt is sending his car around.”
“You have a driver for the evening?”
“Indeed I do.”
“Well, then you might as well have a drink on my behalf.”
“Oh, I intend to.”
“Are you going to get him drunk as well?”
“I don't think that’s a good idea. What if he gets sick and passes out in the backseat?”
“Wouldnt that be a dream come true for you? An unconscious billionaire beside you on the backseat of his limo.”
“I doubt it’s a limo.”
“Well, I do expect a confirmation text.”
“Of course.”
“Don’t forget to have fun, even though you keep telling me it’s to help him. Help yourself too. It’s been a while.”
“Soph, I told you, I’m not interested-”
“You sound like a broken record.”
“Bye, Soph. Love you.”
“Love you too! Stay safe.”
“Will do.”
I disconnected the call and chuckled to myself. I glanced at myself in the mirror and pouted slightly. I ran my fingers through my hair and took a deep breath. It was two minutes to eight and I quickly left my apartment, as I knew when Wyatt said that the car would be downstairs at eight, he literally meant at exactly eight o’clock.
I stepped out of my apartment building and before I even reached the curb, the silver Escalade pulled up in front of me and came to a stop. The back door opened and Wyatt climbed out. I came to an abrupt stop and looked at him. He wore a pair of dark blue jean and a black buttoned up shirt with his sleeves folded up to the middle of his forearms. His hair was styled as perfect as always, but tonight he looked different.
“Look at you,” I managed to say with a smirk. “You’re sure to pick up tons of women tonight.”
“I don't know about that,” he shrugged. “You look great by the way.”
“Thank you. I figured I had to dress for the occasion.”
“Right, and you consider my lack of social etiquette an occasion?” he asked and motioned to me to get in the car.
“Stop being so dramatic,” I said as I rolled my eyes.
I climbed into the car, and so did he.
“So, where to?”
“Porter?” I asked the driver.
“Yes, Miss Morris?”
“Do you know where Candela is?”
“Is that on Brickell Bay Drive?”
“Yes, it is.”
“How do you know where it is, Porter?”
“I know Miami very well, sir.”
“He’s like the male version of Hannah. Are they related?” I asked.
He glanced at me and pursed his lips.
“Oh, don’t be so serious. Tonight’s going to be fun.”
“Maybe for you.”
“Well, with that attitude neither of us is going to have any fun.”
“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re kind of mean?”
I laughed out loud and nodded slightly. “You’re funny.”
“Trust me, that was not my intention.”
The car pulled away and soon enough we stopped in front of Candela. Wyatt opened the door and climbed out of the Escalade. He held the door open for me and I climbed out.
“Thank you,” I grinned at him and we headed inside.
For a Thursday night, Candela was rather busy and I remembered that they had some sort of ladies night there or something like that. I wasn't too sure of the details, but I knew that certain drinks would be very cheap, and that suited me fine.
“I’ll find us a table, you get us some drinks.”
“Okay, what can I get you?”
“Surprise me.”
“That doesn't narrow it down for me, you know.”
“Just order whatever you think I’ll like.”
“And if you don’t like it?”
“I’ll drink it anyway.”
“You’re not an alcoholic, are you?”
“No, I just don’t have a preference when it comes to drinking.”
“That’s interesting.”
“So will your choice be.”
Before he could answer, I left his side and searched for a table for us. I found the perfect one, that looked over all the other tables as well as the dance floor. She smirked to myself as I sat down and waited for him to find me. After a few minutes, I saw him approach the table, and I chuckled to myself.
He was playing it rather safe when he placed a Strawberry Daiquiri in front of me. He sat down beside me with a glass with some kind of whiskey, I would guess, and four blocks of ice. He glanced at me with a hopeful expression and I pursed my lips.
“What?” he asked me.
“A pink drink?”
“That’s what you women drink, right?”
“Oh boy,” I sighed and shook my head. “It’s a nice sentiment, although a little sexist.”
I took a sip through the straw and looked at him. “It’s nice though, but a little sweet. What did you get?”
“Whiskey.”
“You get the good stuff, and I get a pink drink.”
“I thought that’s what you women drink.”
“Clearly you have a lot more to learn about women, sir,” I chuckled.
“Apparently that is why I am here,” he muttered.
“You’ll be fine,” I said and took another sip of my drink. I looked around me and searched the bar for a possible target, at the risk of not finding a better word. I saw a group of women sitting in a corner and I turned to Wyatt.
“What?”
“There’s a group of women over there-”
“I don't think a group is such a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’ll be outnumbered. “
“They won't attack you, Wyatt.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I know.”
“No.”
“So would you rather prefer talking to only one woman?”
“That would be a good start.”
“Okay,” I nodded and stood up.
“Wait, where are you going?”
“To get you some liquid courage,” I said with a wink and headed off to the bar.
The barman behind the bar was rather hot looking, and I walked up to the bar.
“Hey,” he answered with a smirk. “What can I get for you?”
“Six tequilas please.”
“Are they all for you?”
“No, of course not,” I chuckled. “half of it is for my friend. He needs some courage to talk to women.”
“You might need more than three though.”
“For now, it’ll do.”
“Coming right up,” he said with a wink and within a minute or so he handed me a tray with eight shot glasses of tequila.
“I asked for six.”
“It’s ladies night, remember.”
“Of course,” I laughed and handed him a few notes. “Keep the change.”
I walked back to the table and Wyatt glanced at me with wide eyes.
“What is that?”
“It’s your courage.”
“You do realize that I am not a big drinker, right?”
“I figured as much. It’s just to take the edge off.”
He sat and stared at the shots as I packed out four in front of him and four in front of me. He glanced at me with a mix of terror and disapproval and I sighed. “Just drink it.”
“And what if I die?”
“You won’t die. It’s just tequila.” I took one and drank it down in one swift motion. “See?”
He narrowed his eyes suspiciously, but then raised his hands n defeat and drank down a shot. He cringed slightly and looked at me.
“Well done. Now the rest.”
“All of them?”
I nodded and watched as he reluctantly drank the other three and he looked at me with a disgusted look on his face.
“You’re mean.”
“You’ll thank me later. Now go on.”
“Go on, what?”
“Pick someone and go talk to them.”
“What on Earth could I have to talk about with someone who spends their night here?”
“You’re here.”
“So are you.”
“Just pretend that she’s me,” I helpfully suggested, but of course, Control-freak Wyatt probably didn't find that helpful at all.
“And what do I talk to her about?”
“You can start off by saying hello, and introducing yourself, but not like you would introduce yourself to a business associate.”
“So just Wyatt?”
“Yes.”
“And then?”
“Come on, we’ve been through this before.”
He took a deep breath and looked at me. “This is going to end in complete disaster.”
Before I could say anything in return, he slid off the chair and made his way to the bar where a young woman sat all by herself.
“This should be good,” I said to myself and turned to look at him.
Wyatt
This was not going to be good at all.
A stream of negative thoughts gushed into my mind, and my tequila induced confidence evaporated into a cloud of inadequacy. I had my doubts from the very beginning, but now there was no turning back. I was already more than halfway towards the blonde woman who sat at the bar, and I would look like a complete fool if I backed away now. I stood beside her at the bar and she looked at me.
“Hello,” I said, cringing inwardly at how bad that sounded.
“Hey,” she reciprocated, which really surprised me.
“Can I buy you a drink?”
“Sure. I drink a vodka and soda.”
“Vodka and soda?”
“Yes,” she answered with a smile.
“Isn't that a bit strong for you?”
“Excuse me?”
“I thought all women drank cocktails, with silly shaped straws and pieces of fruit.”
“Not all women are the same,” she said with a frown.
“Right, so I’ve noticed,” I muttered and turned to the barman. “Vodka and soda for the lady.”
The barman poured her drink and placed it in front of her.
“Thank you.”
“I’m Wyatt.”
“Kelly.”
“Nice to meet you, Kelly.”
“Same,” she said. “So do you come here often?”
“This is my first time actually,” I answered, trying to sound as charming as I possibly could.
“So, who’s the woman you are here with?”
I briefly glanced over at Kenzie and shrugged. “She’s just a friend from work.”
“A friend from work? Right?”
“Don’t worry. We have a non-dating clause in our contracts.”
She raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “That’s a relief. So you’re all mine then?”
Fuck, what do I say? Was I all hers? Did I even want to be all hers? “Okay.”
She chuckled again and ran her fingers along my arm, which I had to admit, bothered me a little, but I didn't say anything.
“So what do you do, Wyatt, besides buy women at bars drinks?”
“That’s not all I do.”
“I bet,” she said and glanced at me suggestively.
“I own my own company.”
“Wow, that’s pretty impressive.”
“What about you?”
“Oh, I’m unemployed at the moment.”
“You don’t have a job?”
“No, I just graduated from law school and I’m just taking a bit of time off at the moment.”
“So what do you do to survive?”
“I have a vlog online.”
“A what?”
“A channel online, and I do videos where I talk about makeup and clothes and life.”
“So you’re broadcasting your life as a teenage girl for the entire world to see?”
“Excuse me? I’m twenty-four years old.”
“And you still talk about makeup and clothes?” I asked incredulously. “You’re a law school graduate, surely there are more important things to talk about than that.”
“Look, it’s the latest trends and I make a decent amount of money from that. I don’t go insulting what you do.”
“Because my company deals with more important issues, not just makeup and clothes.”
All of a sudden, an icy cold blast of liquid hit my face as she threw her drink at me and I closed my eyes briefly.
“I think you better leave,” she hissed angrily.
I wiped my face and nodded. “Yeah, I think so too.”
“Asshole.”
I walked back to the table where Kenzie sat looking at me with wide eyes. I sat down on the chair opposite her.
She opened her mouth to say something, but instead, a laugh escaped from her mouth. “What the hell did you say to her?”
“Nothing that wasn't entirely her fault.”
“And why is that?”
“She does online videos of herself talking about clothes.”
“She’s a vlogger?”
“Yes,” I answered and looked at her. “So that really does exist?”
“Yes, it does. Have you never heard of it?”
“No.”
“Oh my God.” She burst out into laughter again and I simply sat there watching her.
I had to admit that her laugh was very intoxicating, but I wasn't feeling as amused as she was. I was covered in vodka and soda, and if there was one thing that I hated, it was the feel of a wet shirt on my skin.
“I’m glad that you find this situation so amusing.”
“You don't find this even remotely funny?” she asked, stifling her laughter.
“Not at all.”
She composed herself and looked at me. “I’m sorry, I just...”
“What?”
“I didn't expect that it would turn out like this.”
“Honestly?”
“Yes, you seemed to understand everything that I told you.”
“Executing it without your guidance is much different, and this place.”
“Is there somewhere you would feel more comfortable?”
“Actually there is.”
“And where is that?”
“My house.”
Her eyebrows raised slightly and she tilted her head. “You want to take me to your house?”
“It’s not far from here. It’s in Mid-Beach, close to the golf course.”
“You live on the other side of the bay?”
“Yes.”
“Do you own a yacht?”
“Yes, but I don't see why that is relevant.”
She shook her head and looked at me. “My apartment overlooks the bay, and some days I watch as the yachts and the jet skis passing on the water.”
“Your apartment overlooks the bay.”
“It does.”
“That’s a strange coincidence.”
“Story of our lives, it seems.”
“Right,” I answered and stood up. “Do you want to get out of here?” I said in my most confident voice and she looked at me with a smirk.
“How the hell can I say no to that?” she chuckled.
Within ten minutes the Escalade parked in front of my house and I glanced at her, feeling extremely nervous. It had been a while since I brought someone here, and I wasn't sure how she would respond.
We climbed out of the car and she looked at the front of the house.
“This is your house?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“Wow, it’s gorgeous.”
“Thank you.”
I led her to the front door and noticed how beautiful she looked drenched in the light blue glow of the outside lights. I caught myself staring at her for a second too long and abruptly looked away. I unlocked the front door and we went inside.
She tried to hide the look of awe on her face, but she wasn't really successful. She looked around her as I showed her the living area and she just looked at me.
“I can’t believe this house. It’s so unreal,” she said and continued to glance around her.
“Let me show you the best part.”
“Okay.”
I pressed a button on the control panel in the living room, and the glass doors leading out onto the patio opened slowly. The lights also switched on by themselves and she stepped out onto the deck.
“Oh my god,” she gasped as she slowly made her way along the deck. She stared out at the pool, and the view of the bay, and turned to me. “Wyatt, this is amazing.”
“It’s home, and you’re right. It is pretty amazing.”
She looked at me with a smile and slowly walked up to me. “I’m sorry that you got soaked tonight.”
“It wasn't your fault. I guess I was a bit more patronizing and condescending than I was supposed to be.”
“A bit,” she chuckled and reached her hand out to touch my wet shirt. “You should go change.”
“Absolutely,” I said and cleared my throat. “The bar is just passed the kitchen, that way. You’re welcome to help yourself to anything you want.”
“Got any pink drinks?” she asked with a chuckle.
“I think I’m fresh out of those.”
“That’s fine. I’ll get the tequila.”
Oh boy. This was going to be a long night.
I took a quick shower, as the soda made me feel incredibly sticky, and quickly got dressed in a new pair of jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt.
I found her in the bar area lining up shot glasses and I noticed the bottle of tequila in her hand. “Oh no. Here we go again.”
“We’re going to play a little game.”
“A game?”
“Yes.”
“I hate games.”
“Oh, you and me both, but this is an educational game.”
“Okay.”
“You’ll be playing as yourself-”
“Well, that’s no fun.”
She chuckled and shook her head as she poured the tequila into the row of glasses. “And I’ll be playing a hot girl at a bar.”
“Okay.”
“You’re going to strike up a conversation with me, and every time you mess up, you’ll be drinking.”
“And if I don't mess up?”
“Then I drink.”
“That’s not fair though. I’ll be much drunker than you at the end.”
“Not necessarily. You just have to say the right things.”
I frowned at her and studied her. She didn't need to pretend to be a hot girl at a bar, she already was. I pursed my lips and I was pretty sure this was the alcohol talking and I nodded. “Okay.”
“Right,” she said as she closed the bottle and placed it on the far side of the bar. “Now, approach me.”
“Hey sexy,” I said, obviously joking.
She laughed and shook her head. “Brave, but no. We don't like being called that right off the bat. Drink.”
I obeyed and drank the shot.
“Try again.”
“Would you mind if I joined you?”
“Not at all.”
“I’m Wyatt, and you are?”
“Apparently drinking,” she answered and drank down a shot. “I’m Kenzie.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said and held out my hand to her.
“Nice to meet a gentleman for a change.”
“Can I buy you a drink?”
She smirked at me, and I noticed for the first time, probably because I stood so close to her, how great she smelled. Without answering, she drank a shot.
“What would you recommend?” she asked in a husky voice that for some strange reason made my whole body tingle.
“I hear the tequila is good.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes,”
“So what do you do, Wyatt?”
“I co-own a data storing company with my brother.”
“Drink.”
“What?”
“You never tell a girl you have a brother. At least not straight away.”
“Why not?”
“Trust me, you just don't.”
“Okay. I have my own company.”
She drank another shot and looked at me, her eyes practically on fire. “Handsome and successful. Very impressive. Do you live around here?”
“I, um...”
“Drink.”
“So let me get this straight, I can tell a strange woman in a bar where I live, but I can't tell her about my brother.”
“Women are strange, but if all she is interested in is your money or sex, and if that is something that you feel comfortable with, then you go ahead.”
“No.”
“I didn’t think so, but flirting is good, and you’re not doing too bad actually.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, you had me going for a while.”
“Wow, okay,” I answered and looked at her. Shit, she had me going as well. She still did actually. “So unless I want to have sex with her, I don't tell her where I live?”
“Yes.”
“And if I don't, what do I say to her?”
“That you have an early meeting tomorrow morning and leave your business card.”
“Isn't that rude?”
“No, you’ve left a door open and if she wants to see you again, she’ll call. If however, she doesn't ask you where you live, you can carry on talking to her.”
“About what?”
“Whatever she wants to talk about. Ask her questions, but not too personal. Things that you’d want people to ask you.”
“What would you like people to ask you?”
“Nothing heavy, so no politics or religion obviously. Just casual conversation.”
“I don't have casual conversations.”
“I’ve noticed, so you can drink to that.”
The tequila started to taste better after a while, or maybe it was because I was starting to get a bit hammered.
“So do you come here often?” she asked me.
“All the time,” I answered with a slight nod.
“Well done,” she chuckled and drank another. “Do you like dancing?”
“No.”
“Good, neither do I.” The look in her eyes was so alluring that I found myself holding my breath. She bit her bottom lip and cocked her head to the side. “What else do you like?” she asked in a sexy voice.
I simply stared at her while my heart pounded in my chest. “I like how those pants fit you, but I like you way better in a dress.”
“And why is that?”
“It just drives me crazy...” my voice trailed as we continued to look into each other’s eyes.
A sudden urge arose inside me and before I was able to stop myself, I pulled her close and kissed her.
She pulled away abruptly and looked at me with wide eyes. “Wyatt...” Her breathing was ragged and her eyes seemed confused.
I stepped away and said, “I’m sorry. I got caught up in that moment and I...”
She ran her fingers through her hair and let out a long sigh.
“I should not have done that.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” she mumbled and turned away.
“I’m really sorry. I’ll take you home.”
She turned back to me and nodded. “I think that’s a good idea.”
Since I didn't want Porter to notice the awkward atmosphere, and ask a whole lot of questions afterward, I decided to take the Jaguar.
It was an incredibly awkward drive back to her apartment, and neither of us said a single word. As I drove up to the apartment building, I slowed the car and parked on the side of the road.
She unfastened her seatbelt, still not looking at me.
“Kenzie, I’m really sorry about how tonight turned out.”
“Me too,” she said quietly.
“I think it was all that tequila.”
“Thank you for the ride back.”
“Of course.”
“Good night,” she said and climbed out of the car.
Before I could say anything, she slammed the door and made her way up the front steps, before disappearing into the building.
As I drove home, I couldn't help but feel completely to blame if Kenzie decided never to speak to me again.