Chapter 1
Journey
I walked into the building of my job quietly. I spoke greetings to everyone who spoke to me. I was polite, but also a hermit. I spent the majority of every day in my office, working in solitude.
“Hey Journey, don’t forget about your meeting with the Boss.” Ashley, my coworker, popped her head in my door.
“I remember, thanks. Any idea what it’s about?” I glanced at her.
She twisted her lips and shook her head before closing my door again. I chuckled a little while logging out of my work. We had a new boss, and I heard he was looking for an assistant. If I were in consideration, he would change his mind soon. I’m the opposite personality of what one would expect from an assistant.
I smoothed out my outfit, added a little bit of gloss, and left my office. There were construction workers here looking and making notes. Is this another remodel? This building just got one before I started 7 months ago. I ignored my thoughts and made my way to the office door.
I knocked on the door before I heard a deep, smooth “Come in.” I opened the door and locked eyes with a very handsome man. “How are you?” His green eyes grazed my appearance before locking eyes with me again. His man bun was messy, but his beard and sideburns were well kept.
“Well, thank you. Journey.” I extended my hand for him to shake
“Luca Slate.” He responded after shaking my hand. “Are you interested in the assistant position? I’ve been watching you work for the past week and think you’ll be great.”
“Um…” I trailed off nervously. I felt my brown cheeks turning red. Girl, what is wrong with you?
“No worries. I’ll give you a week to think about it… If you need anything, let me know.”
I nodded and smiled before leaving. I let out a shaky breath that I hadn’t realized I was holding. My sweaty palms were against my thighs the whole way to my office. I practically ran inside and locked the door. That was a weird interaction.
I stayed inside and completed my work for the next few days. Time had gotten away from me, and before I realized it, it was 7:00. I shut down my computer and gathered my belongings. Lyft had a wait for drivers, so I just sat in the lobby with the security guard, Chris. He smiled once he saw me.
“Hey, Hermit. You’re still here?” I laughed lightly.
“Yes. I’m waiting for a driver.” I explained and crossed my legs. “I’ve gotta get another car.”
“Yeah, walking is better than those high-ass rides.” He joked, but it was true. “Mr. Slate.” He tipped his hat as Luca approached us.
“Head home, Chris. I’ll keep Journey company.” He spoke and gave him a crisp hundred. “I’ll take you home, but I’d like to take you to dinner first.” His attention averted to me once Chris left.
“Dinner?” I repeated.
“Dinner.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me lightly. “Let’s go. I won’t bite.” I watched him pull his lip between his teeth and bit mine. They must taste so nice.
“Just dinner.” I stood and walked with him to his car.
We arrived at an expensive restaurant and my favorite diner across the street. He opened my door and became confused once I went the opposite way from him. “Journey? We’re eating here.” He jogged around a pedestrian to catch up to me.
“I can’t afford that, so this will do… The food’s probably better anyway.” I shrugged and walked through the doors. “Hey Marty!” I smiled and greeted the cook.
“Hey Hermit! You got yourself a date?” He cheered.
“This is my Boss. We’re gonna take the booth in the corner.” I laughed. “Sprite and lemonade.”
“Sure thing! Mary will be over soon.”
I nodded and proceeded to the table with Luca’s hand in mine. He sat down and looked around skeptically. His eyes finally landed on me with a look I couldn’t help but laugh at. We grabbed menus to decide what we wanted.
“I promise, it's good,” I spoke without looking up. “Do you want me to order for you?”
“What are you having? I don’t usually eat at places like this.” His voice came out barely above a whisper.
“Hey Mary! We’re ready!” She approached and asked what we were having. “For him, chicken and waffles, and cheese steak hash browns for me.”
“I know you’ll love her ‘cause we do.” Mary winked and grabbed our menus.
“What did you want to talk about?” I asked him after she walked off.
“I want you to take the position.” He sipped his lemonade and made an astonished face. “That’s so good.”
“Mr. Slate, you don’t know me.”
“I know you enough.” He smirked.
“I’ll be back; I have to use the bathroom.” My sweet escape.
He was really getting to me.
Luca
I watched her intently as she disappeared to the bathroom. Her nice figure filled out her dress perfectly. She wore a black and pink plaid, fitted dress that stopped above the knee with a quarter-sleeved black shirt underneath. Her pink ruffled socks sat on top of her black heels. The dressed complimented her br-
“What are you thinking about?” She slid back in her seat, interrupting my obsessive thoughts.
“How to get you to take the position.” I lied. “Just take it, Hermit.” I joked.
“You can’t call my nickname yet.” Her head shook, but popped up when the food left the kitchen.
“Chicken and waffles…” I trailed off.
She reached over and poured syrup over the fluffy waffle. I opened my mouth once she held a fork full to me and ate it. This was a different scenery of food and well worth it. I tasted her food and melted more into my seat. Her giggles pulled me from a trance.
“I lied.” She pouted. “I just wanted to ask you out and talk to you. I’ve been watching you for three weeks.” My admissions flowed.
“Watching me?” She reiterated.
“I had to visit the building before I bought the company. I kept coming back to see you… hoping you like white men.” Her eyebrows furrowed at my half-truth.
“I can’t fuck my boss.” Her blunt words came out in a duh tone.
“You’re fired.” I shrugged. “Come stay with me.”
“You’re kidding.” Her eyes popped.
“You intrigue me, and I refuse to let an underpaying position stop an opportunity. I have the finances to take care of you.”
“I’m not quitting, but I guess I’ll give you a chance.” She muttered after a while of silence. Challenge accepted.
I smiled and walked her to the register to pay. They gave us full to-go plates and drinks, to my surprise. This was the best 35 dollars I’ve spent in a while. We crossed the street and sat in the car talking for a little bit. I drove her to a moderately scaled apartment and looked around. It wasn’t the worst, but she deserved better.
“Can I walk you in?” I questioned after opening her door.
“Sure.” She hesitated but led the way.
Her apartment was clean, nicely decorated, and smelled amazing. It was bigger than I thought and looked far better than the outside.
“Where’s your car?” I asked. “I heard you and Chris earlier.”
“It’s the black Avenger we passed.” I nodded. “I love that car, but it gives me so many problems.” Her sadness showed.
I decided I would buy her another car tomorrow. She seemed genuine and easygoing. I’d do anything to make her mine. I sat on her couch and watched her be herself. Her rambling was cute, and I noticed she wasn’t quiet once she was comfortable.
“Will we have another date?” I questioned, earning a nod. “Good, we have one tomorrow.” She rolled her eyes.
“Can you have a glass of wine before you go?” I smiled. “I only have moscato.”
“That’s very good.” I followed her to the kitchen. “I’m gonna buy you a real bottle soon.”
“This was 33 dollars. This is good enough.” She passed me a big glass of wine.
We basked in each other's company while drinking the wine. The conversation was so nice that we’d finished the bottle and were clearly drunk. Her giggles filled the apartment while we cuddled and watched a movie. My fingers traced her hairline as I admired her perfect features. We fell asleep in that position.
I woke up to her bare and pierced, pretty, perky breasts. She was still asleep across my lap with light snores. Her eyes shot open with a loud gasp. I covered my eyes as she fumbled to cover herself. The image was embedded in my mind.
“Luca!” She yelled. “I’m sorry.”
“No need. You were comfortable.” I stood up. “They’re pretty anyway.” I grabbed her hand when she tried to smack me.
“Go shower. I have to go to my house so I can do the same.” I followed her so I could use the bathroom. After all, I’d already seen her half naked.
It’s been a week since our date, and I crave her every day. I sat in the parking lot across the street from her apartment, watching her get into the new car I bought. This wasn’t ideal, and I feel deranged. She pulled off as somebody broke into her patio door. This was a sign from God that I’m not crazy.
I walked across the street and went through the door as well. The man set her house on fire, and I shot him in his head. No discussion. I walked back out and crossed the street before getting in my car and pulling off. His body would burn with her house, and I didn’t have time to justify how I was there.
Two hours later, Journey called me screaming into the phone about her apartment. I drove as quickly as I could to try to console her. She fell in my arms and wailed when I arrived. She started explaining what happened and that she couldn’t save anything. I felt bad, but I wasn’t worried.
“I know this is devastating, but stop crying. You can come stay with me, and you can have as many days off as you want.” I kissed her temple. “Let's go. We’ll buy everything over.” She cried harder and almost collapsed.
She eventually stopped crying and climbed in her car. We drove almost an hour to my house, where I asked my employee, Mia, to have some clothes and underwear for Journey when we arrived. She parked behind me and climbed out slowly. Her mouth was slightly ajar as she stared at the mansion. I grabbed her hand and walked her in.
We walked the distance to my room since she’d be sleeping in here with me. I showed her how to work the many levers in the shower before stepping out. Mia arrived with more bags for Journey, before standing and staring. I stared back in confusion.
“I want my pay.” She held her hand out. “That’s overtime.”
“Here’s your money. Take your aggravating ass to your headquarters for the day.” She smiled when I thumbed off five hundreds.
“I won’t have any complaints for two weeks.” She said as the door closed. That was a lie. She always complains.
“Luca?” Journey called out to me.
“Can I come in?” I asked from behind the door. She permitted me and stood on the other side in a towel.
“Do we have anything to do? I just want to eat something and cuddle with you.”
“We can do whatever you want, Beautiful. I’ll push everything to tomorrow.” I kissed her forehead. “Mia bought you some clothes. I’ll give you a T-shirt of mine for now.”
She eventually came out of the bathroom talking shit about my poor-quality skincare items. I was demanded to take her to the store tomorrow so she could get more stuff. Soap is soap. I didn’t realize it mattered.
“What’s here to eat?” Her soft voice spoke.
“I can call the chef in-“ Her eyebrows furrowed.
“I don’t need a damn chef. Lead the way.” I put my hands in a surrendering position and walked towards the kitchen. “Woah.”
“It’s yours,” I whispered in her ear and kissed it. “All of mine is all of yours.”
She smiled a little before digging through the cupboards and refrigerator. I sat at the island watching her run around like Sonic. She defrosted the meat in the microwave, and everything else was a breeze. I had no idea you could defrost meat in the microwave, but I was clearly not the best cook.
“Bone apple teeth.” She said and slid a plate in front of me.
“Bon appetit?”
“Bone apple teeth.” She repeated and sat next to me.
I took a bite of the food and decided right then we were getting married. We ate silently and fast. My second plate was as big as my first, and she laughed as I scarfed it down. I was eating as if I hadn’t in days.
“What was that?” I asked after my third plate. I was finally full.
“Chicken Soup over rice.” She responded and took the dishes to wash. “You can never go wrong with chicken and rice.”
I think I started to fall in love watching her do basic house duties in a T-shirt. Once complete, she stood in front of me. My tall frame towered over her as I just admired her.
“Can you be my woman now?” I asked as I grabbed her fingers in mine.
