Nicholas’s reply stunned Alyssa but before she could ask him anything further, their server brought them their dessert. Alyssa dug into her chocolate mousse dunked in raspberry coulis, forgetting about everything around her. With every bite, a moan of pure bliss escaped her mouth leaving Nicholas craving her more. The attraction he felt for her multiplied and he had no idea how to handle it anymore. Although he had his kiss, he now craved for a repeat. After three hours, they returned to pier 36 and to their car but Nicholas kept thinking of ways to ask her out again.
“Did you enjoy your first day at work?” Alyssa nodded not complaining about her rude colleagues. That was her problem and she was mature enough to deal with it herself.
“It was a great learning experience. Thanks for the opportunity.” Her acknowledgment meant a lot to him.
“My pleasure but I don’t think Alexander will allow you to work for long.” Alyssa shrugged not bothering about it.
“That’s his problem. I’m going to continue.” Nicholas smiled appreciatively and stopped in front of her building. However this time his thoughts weren’t upon Alexander and his revenge but upon Alyssa. Would she kiss him again before leaving? Would she admit that she enjoyed the date as much as he did?
Alyssa turned to look at him, the air a little awkward between them. She was tongue-tied, not knowing what to say to him. Should she say goodbye or should she thank him for the wonderful time she had?
“Thanks for the outing. I loved it.” Nicholas nodded, expecting her to say more but she didn’t and he felt frustrated.
“So, we should repeat this, right?” he asked hoping she would agree.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. This was just to thank you for helping me get the job.” Nicholas frowned at her, clearly at a loss. Was she implying that this would be the last time they would meet?
“Why isn’t it a good idea when we both enjoyed it?” he asked quietly.
“It isn’t. Alex will create problems for us.” Nicholas scoffed and looked away, his eyes scanning the entire building to see if they were being watched.
“I don’t care. I can face your brother. You should learn to live fearlessly, Alyssa.”
“I don’t want to upset him. He is the only one in the whole world who loves me. You won’t understand, Nicholas. So let’s drop it,” she said, a sense of melancholy gripping her heart. She loved the time she spent with Nicholas but sadly there couldn’t be a repeat.
“What about your parents? I’m sure they love you too.” Alyssa sighed and smiled at him.
“I know they don’t. Anyway, thank you for the outing.” She opened the door but it seemed Nicholas wasn’t done yet. He wanted to spend a few more minutes with her.
“It wasn’t an outing. It was a date.” Alyssa rolled her eyes at him, clearly not agreeing that it was a date.
“You admitted that you don’t date. So why change your principles now? Bye, Nicholas.” She walked away before Nicholas could argue and prove to her that this was a date indeed. He had wanted another kiss but maybe he had to wait or think of another way to ask her out.
Alyssa quietly crept into her apartment and closed the door, releasing the breath she was holding as she leaned against it. Thankfully Alexander hadn’t seen her with Nicholas and she was safe. Swearing never to repeat the stunt she pulled tonight, she dragged her tired body to her bedroom. It had been a long day and she was ready to hit the bed.
Freshening up, Alyssa immediately dozed off to sleep, unaware of her promise to her brother earlier. He rang the doorbell twice but when she didn’t open the door, he seethed with fury. He had left the spare keys to her apartment at his office and had no wish to go back and collect them. He had seen her alight from a blue Bentley earlier but could hardly figure out who had dropped her home. He wanted to talk to her but it seemed as if she was avoiding him for some reason.
Alyssa woke up the next morning and after getting ready for work, she left early. Her mind was still on Nicholas and she wondered if she would see him again today. Preoccupied with thoughts of Nicholas, she completely forgot about her brother. The whole morning was uneventful and she anxiously watched Mr. Clyborne’s office to see if Nicholas arrived at lunchtime. However, the whole day passed by, yet there were no signs of Nicholas. Tired and hungry she drove home in the evening and fixed herself a sandwich to munch on.
Did he really take her word seriously? Maybe he did. So that meant he would never ask her out again. Disappointment filled her heart at the thought and she had no idea why. Did she really want him to pursue her? He was the only guy in the entire world who didn’t fear her brother but challenged him instead.
The doorbell rang and she rushed to open it, expecting Nicholas there just like the day before but it was Eva who returned from duty. “You look disappointed, girl! Were you expecting someone else?” she asked noting the look of disappointment on her face.
“No, I’m just tired after a whole day’s work. You know I’m not used to this 8-5 job.” She was relieved that Eva didn’t prod further and bought her excuse.
“Tell me about your new job. I’m bursting with curiosity,” she asked, going into her room. After a fight with Alexander, she had come over to stay with Alyssa although Alexander tried to persuade her every day to return to his apartment. Alyssa sat on her bed and told her about her job, about her nasty colleagues, about everything else except Nicholas.
They both cooked a delicious dinner and were about to devour it when the doorbell rang again. Alyssa groaned knowing who it could be this time. Her brother, who else? Opening the door, she groaned noting the furious look in his eyes as he strode into her apartment.
“Where were you the whole day today? Don’t you get tired of your parties? How can you waste your life this way, Alyssa?” he scolded her.
“I wasn’t partying for your information. I’ve joined work, a full-time job at a finance firm.” Alexander’s jaws dropped hearing her and he looked at a loss for words.
“What kind of a job? Who would give you a job with your low grades and lack of experience?” he bellowed at her with disbelief.
“I’m hard-working, honest, and willing to learn. Why can’t I get a job? Everyone isn’t as brilliant as you are, Alexander yet they are surviving in this city. I’m working as an entry-level Financial Analyst and I’m proud of getting this opportunity to learn.” Alyssa felt snubbed at his judgemental remarks. All her life, he and his parents had pointed out how worthless she was. Now that she was trying to do something worthwhile with her life, how can he still misjudge her?
“Why do you need to settle for an entry-level job when a CEO’s post is waiting for you at dad’s office?” Alyssa noted the look of disappointment on his face and sighed, the dinner looking unappealing to her.
“What’s wrong with an entry-level job? How can I handle a CEO’s post with such a low IQ and lack of experience? You and your dad would be the first people to show your disappointment in me. I’m fine where I am, Alexander. Please let me live my life my way. I don’t need your interference at every step. So do me a favor and mind your own business.” Upset with his high-handedness, she got up and rushed into her room, banging the door shut on their faces. She was done with him for tonight!
Eva knocked on her door after some time. “Alyssa, he has left. Please have your dinner.” Hungry and upset, she opened her door and the two friends ate in silence.
The whole of next week, Alyssa waited to see Nicholas every day at her office but he didn’t put up an appearance. At home, she didn’t see Alexander after that night and felt a little guilty for yelling at him. Eva had odd duty hours and she hardly got to meet her. Her colleagues steered clear of her path as well. It was a lonely life for Alyssa who felt too exhausted to do anything but sleep.
Every night she lay awake in her bed thinking about Nicholas and wondering if she ever would see him again. Maybe he lost interest in his revenge and therefore wasn’t interested in her any longer. Disappointed with her life, she had no idea why she felt so heartbroken and lonely. Of course, she didn’t miss Nicholas! Why would she? One date and a few kisses didn’t make him indispensable to her!
It was Friday and she lay down in her bed, staring at the ceiling when her phone buzzed with a message. Her heart skipped a beat and she checked to find a message from Nicholas flashing across the screen.
Missing me? Nicholas