01.
“Lynora! Wake up ! You’re going to be late for class!” I hear my roommate Gwen yell and I groan pulling the pillow over my face.
I hated eight a.m’s , they would be the death of me. I basically roll out of bed and head into the restroom to try and hurriedly get myself ready.
I turn on the bright lights in the bathroom and nearly blind myself. My curly hair was in a messy top bun, and my face looked crusty and like I completely just woke up. I grab my toothbrush and begin brushing my teeth.
After brushing my teeth and washing my face, I felt a little more up. I looked at myself in the mirror , admiring my face. I looked like my mother, I had her caramel complexion, and her big hazel eyes. I continue to take my hair out of its messy bun, nearly yanking out my hair trying to fight with the elastic band.
Three scoops of gel, nearly yanking my edges off, and two broken ponytails later, I managed to yank it into a smooth bun.
I slipped into a comfortable set, pulling a hoodie over the top of my head.
“You have five minutes Lyn!” I hear Gwen yell and I smile as I coat my lashes in mascara.
I put on some lip gloss, then grabbed my bag and completely and ran out of the apartment with Gwen.
“Jeez girl you get ready in record breaking time.” She jokes as we take our small walk to campus. The air was crisp and cold, it wasn’t horrible, but spring has not been off to a slow start. What else is there to expect from Portland?
Once we arrive on campus Gwen and I go our separate ways. I head to my first class of the day , apparently we had some big guest speaker again today. Since it was spring semester, and I was a senior they were pulling old geezers out the ass. They were all coming in to tell us the same shit.
So I didn’t expect much. I walk into the busy lecture room where of course people have already been here for ten minutes so they could get the good spot all the way in the back. I was stuck with sitting in the front, basically breathing right on top of the Professor.
“Alright , we have a guest speaker today coming to share some words of wisdom with you all. He’s a CEO of one of the biggest microchip companies in the United States.” My Professor says with a wide smile one her face. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this excited for one of those old perverts she’s been inviting.
“Please welcome class, Mr. Drew Elmore. CEO of Elmore Enterprises.” She says to us and everyone breaks into a light applause. A man in a sleek gray suit walks in. You could basically hear all the girls panties drop, I don’t think I’ve ever heard so many whispers from behind me.
He was attractive, but you could tell he was quite rich. I don’t think any of us were his type. I watched as he slowly walked towards the podium where the professor stood.
He had dark brown hair that was perfectly styled and shaped, his eyes were a deep blue color, as he watched us intensely. He didn’t break a smile or anything, just a deep brooding expression.
“Hello everyone. I’m Drew of Elmore Enterprises. How are you all today?” He asks us, his voice deep and sultry. We all respond with a weak “good”.
“Well that’s fantastic I’ve come to talk to you all about what it takes to be successful...”
He trails off and I begin to daydream , zoning off as I think about other things. In a trance I just watched him as his mouth moved but I didn’t care for anything that came out.
After a while of being zoned out I didn’t notice he was staring directly at me as he spoke to the class about discipline, and motivation. He didn’t seem to interested in what he was saying either. He just watched me with an intensity, and now I couldn’t help but stare back.
This was only an hour long lecture hall so just as it approached fifty nine minutes in, I could hear people packing their things. I’m sure Mr. Elmore was more than ready to leave, he had already answered millions of questions from at least twenty girls.
“There will be a discussion board posted tonight!” The professor tries to fit in as the class hurriedly leaves. A few girls stuck around crowding around Mr. Elmore.
I begin to pack myself up, and get out of my seat just as the last few students began to leave. I tried to avoid the line at the door to get out. Along with more people coming in.
“You didn’t have any questions?” I hear a deep voice say behind me just as I’m about to exit.
I turn around and see Drew standing there, he was just watching me as I struggled to find the words to say.
“Uh, well... not really.” I say nervously.
“You didn’t seem too interested in what I was saying.” He says to me and i twiddle my thumbs nervously.
“Neither did you.” I say back bluntly and he smirks slightly.
“I’ve been forced to do these lectures for multiple institutions now. I’ve grown a little bored.” He says and I look around as some of the girls walking in eye me like they wanted to snap my neck.
“Yeah...umm. I really have to get to my next class it was nice meeting you though.” I say to him, and he seems a little disappointed. He’s probably not use to women dismissing him so easily, but the last thing I was worried about right now was a man.
“At least tell me your name.” He demands.
“Lynora, but people just call me Lyn.” I say softly.
“It was nice meeting you Lynora.” He says and I nod hurriedly turning around to get to my next class.
That was a very awkward encounter, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly nervous. He was quite intimidating, and pretty tall. I was nearly looking up at him the entire time.
He also smelled really good.
“Lyn! Lyn wait!” I hear a males voice behind me, and I didn’t want to turn around. I could tell by the sound of desperation exactly who it was. I continue to walk through the campus, trying to ignore the person behind me.
“Lyn! Please just give me a second of you time.” I hear him say once more this time he grabs my wrist, causing me to swing around to face him.
“What could you possibly want Hendrix?” I ask him and he runs his hand through his long blonde hair nervously.
“Look I’m really sorry about last weekend I didn’t mean to-.”
I cut him off by turning around and starting to walk away.
“Wait Lyn!” He says grabbing my wrist once more and I snatch it away from him.
“Quit grabbing me Hendrix!” I exclaim and he lets go holding his hands up in defense.
“Okay I’m sorry, just hear me out Lyn. I’m really sorry about the whole thing that happened at the party I was super drunk, and I didn’t mean to come onto you like that.” He says and I roll my eyes.
“Being drunk is never an excuse Hendrix, look I’m done with you. The thing we had going on, whatever it was, is done. You crossed a line and I have to focus on school anyways. I can’t be wrapped up in your partying.” I say to him turning to walk away again. He grabs me once more this time with a little more force.
“Hendrix let go of me! You’re going to make me late to class!” I say to him as I struggle in his grasp.
“Come on Lyn...don’t make me beg.” He says and I could feel the disgust rile up in me all over again.
“Hendrix let go of me, you’re hurting me.” I say to him, and before he can say anything else a hand is placed on his shoulder causing him to turn around.
“She asked you to let go of her.” The deep male voice says and I notice it’s Mr.Elmore. There were two security guards behind him, and they were surprisingly taller than him. They both wore black suits and black glasses.
“Who the hell are you? Me and my girl’s conversation is none of your business-.”
“Has he been bothering you Lynora?” He asks softly looking over Hendrix and at me.
It took me a second but I slowly nodded I’m response. He was so stern, and in control it made him a little more attractive.
“Lynora? Who the hell is this guy Lyn?” Hendrix asks but before I can respond Dre steps back, motioning for his guards to grab him.
They didn’t struggle one bit to put Hendrix into pretzel. They took him into a nearby bathroom, where I could hear slight commotion.
“Oh my God! Why are they beating him?” I ask him and he smiles slightly his teeth pearly white.
“They take offense to men putting their hands on pretty women.” He says and I rub my wrist where Hendrix had his hand.
“Thank you...but I don’t want Hendrix to get hurt.” Just as I say that the two guards come out of the bathroom and stand behind Mr. Elmore.
All with such silence, they just stood in position.
“It’s too late for that, nothing a little ice won’t fix. Will you walk with me?” He asks and I look over to the men’s restroom hesitantly.
“I’ve really gotta get to my next class... I’m already late.” I say to him as I check my watch.
“I’m sure you’ve missed many classes before.” He says slyly and I look at him completely befuddled.
Oh this guy is bold.
“Look I’m sure you’re use to women literally throwing themselves at you, but I’m not one of those women. I’ve had enough boy troubles to last me a whole year.” I say to him as I slowly begin to walk away.
“Well I’m not a boy Lynora. But I am trouble, so I can understand your discretion.” He says to me deeply , and I just stop in my tracks. Watching him as he watches me.
“I find that hard to believe.” I say and he shrugs slightly.
“You could find out more if you’d like.” He says and I begin to contemplate my next class. It was definitely a boring one, something to just fill the time until graduation.
“Okay...I’ll walk with you. But that’s it.” I say to him and he smiles slightly.
We walk out into the cool day, and begin to walk around my beautiful campus. It definitely had the best walking spots I will admit that.
“So Lynora, what’s your major?” He asks me.
“You can call me Lyn. My major is creative writing.” I say to him as he walks beside me, luckily his scary body guards were a nice distance behind us.
“Creative writing is an interesting major. Do you have dreams of being a writer?” He asks me and I sigh, my eyes trailing off to the trees in the distance.
“I do. I have a deep passion for books.” I say and he nods.
“Who are some of your favorite authors?” He asks and I shake my head.
“No one...I love most books. I could never pick a favorite. I decided to remove favorite from my vocabulary all together.” I say and he smiles down at me.
“I like that, a true reader has no favorites.” He says and I nod slightly. It was awkward walking next to a complete stranger that I just received a lecture from.
“So...do you have any hobbies?” I ask him and I feel so stupid afterwards. Hobbies? Lynora really?
“Outside of work... I like to hunt.” He says and it nearly takes me off guard.
“I don’t take you for the hunting type.” I say to him and he chuckles nervously.
“Many don’t.” He says and I look back to his very intimidating security guards.
“You’d think your some type of mob boss walking around with those guys.” I say to him and he smiles as he looks back to his Guards.
“Oh, Buster and Knuckles wouldn’t hurt a fly.” He says jokingly and I look back over to him.
“Please don’t tell me their names are Buster and Knuckles.” I say and he nods.
“Those aren’t their real names of course. Just a way to conceal their identity. I’m a CEO of a multibillion dollar company. I need protection.” He says and I giggle slightly.
“Are you sure you’re not some type of Mob Boss?” I ask him and he laughs cutely.
“That’s something you’ll have to find out on your own.” He says deeply, his blue eyes piercing into me like nails.
Is this man really showing interest in me? Was he like flirting with me right now?
“I’d like to take you out to dinner Lynora.” He says suddenly and I cock an eyebrow.
“I’m not so sure about that...I don’t think I’m the type of girl you’re use to.” I say to him nervously and he tilts his head. Taking me in, looking at me slowly from head to toe.
I shift uncomfortably feeling his gaze heat me up.
“And what type of girl doyouthink I’m use to?” He asks me, and I swallow nervously.
“You know...the superficial type. Spends all her daddies money, if she’s not spending yours.” I say with a mischievous smile. He places his hand on his heart faking hurt.
“Ouch, you think I like fast women? I told you Lynora I’m not a boy.” He says deeply and I can feel my cheeks warm.
“I don’t know what you like. I didn’t even know who you were until today.” I say to him and he smirks slightly.
“Well Lynora, I’m a very private person. I wouldn’t be with a woman who exploits me for my money, but I don’t have a problem spending it on someone who’s worth it.” He says sincerely and I look down at my feet.
This man was like an eagle, he swooped in and sunk his talons into me.
Just as I was about to respond my stomach growled loudly.
Probably the loudest grumbling, aching sound my stomach has ever made.
“Sounds like you’re hungry now.” He says with a smile and I shake my head.
“No... I’m fine, my apartment is just a few minutes away I’ll just go get some breakfast.” I say to him trying to cut our walk short.
“Is there something wrong with me Lynora? Let me treat you to breakfast.” He says deeply and I shake my head again.
“No! There’s nothing wrong with you, you’re fine... like really fine. I mean, really, you’re fine. I can go home and-.”
“Lynora... it’s just breakfast.” He says seriously looking at me with such an intense look , it gave me butterflies.
I look at my watch, and it was indeed only nine thirty, and breakfast did sound quite good.
“Okay... I am really hungry.” I say putting my hand on my stomach.
“Good.” He says and he leads me to the parking lot.
I couldn’t believe the turn this morning has took. Just about two hours ago I was just wiping the crust from my eyes. Now I’m about to have breakfast with a billion dollar beautiful man. I think I needed some deodorant I was quite nervous.
We approach an all black Cadillac SUV, Knuckles or Buster opens the door for me and I get in. They both hop into the front seat, not seeming even the slightest bit bothered by me being here.
He could totally be lying to me, and this happens more often than not.
“Who was that guy back there...Hendrix I believe you called him.” He asks me as we begin to drive through the city.
How did they even know where we were going? I don’t recall them communicating once about our destination.
“You’re quite observant. But he was just a friend I guess you could say.” I say to him and he nods rubbing his chin stubble.
“And why was he trying to apologize to you?” He asks and I whip my head to look over at him.
“If I’m not mistaken it sounds like you were eavesdropping.” I say to him and he smirks slightly.
“Just observant as you say...are you willing to answer my question?” He persists his eyes low as he watches me.
“He...came onto me at a party. We kissed before but if never got further than that. So we were just dancing, having a good time and he just grabbed me inappropriately. I think he drank way too much.” I say nervously and he nods slowly, looking as if he’s thinking.
“Sounds like you’re defending him.” He says and I shake my head.
“He’s a total díck, trust me I slapped him real good at the party. I just don’t want Buster and Knuckles to go rough him up again.” I say jokingly and he doesn’t smile or budge.
“But that’s enough about him, I don’t think he’ll even talk to me anymore. Where are you taking me?” I ask nervously, starting to feel the pressure of getting in the car with a complete stranger.
“A nice breakfast place that I go too often... now tell me more about yourself Lynora. Are you from Portland?” He asks taking the attention away from where he was taking me.
“Um...no actually, I’m from Livingston Montana.” I say to him and he gives me a look of surprise.
“Yeah I know, I’m from the country born and raised. My Father has a ranch out there. I was homeschooled most of my life up until high-school. I moved to Portland with my Mom, and I’ve been here ever since.” I say to him, I began to recall my hometown. The mountain, the streams, and the beauty of it all.
“I didn’t take you to be a country girl. It explains why you’re so into books and writing.” He says to me and I feel myself blush slightly.
“Well it looks like you’re not the only one with surprising attributes.” I say to him as I feel the far come to a stop.
We were at one of the most upscale breakfast places in the entire city. I’ve been seeing it all over billboard and other forms of advertisement.
“Wait...I don’t think I’m dressed for this-.”
“You look amazing to me Lynora, if it makes you feel better I always get a private room.” He says and I just stare at him.
A private room? To eat breakfast?
Maybe it was for business, he says he comes here often I’m sure he has all types of business meetings here. I swallow nervously as one of his Guards open the door for me.
He walks me into the restaurant where the hostess instantly recognizes him and takes him to his private room.
The room had a vast window that put the city life into display. There were a few different tables in the room, but we sat at a round booth right in front of the window.
“Well Mr. Elmore I think it’s your turn to tell me more about yourself.” I say to him as I take a sip of the complimentary mimosa.
“Drew is fine, and there’s not much to tell.” He says to me and I scoff.
“You’re probably one of the richest men in the entire United States, you like to hunt, and how two body guards named Knuckles and Buster. You sound like you have plenty to tell.” I say with a smile, and he was just about to answer until the waitress walked up.
She gave me a slight dirty look before she asked about our order. I didn’t understand why these girls began to seem so hateful.
“Two of the specials please.” He says to her sternly and she nods, and walks away. Not without sending me one more death glare though.
“I hope you aren’t picky.” He says and I scoff.
“I grew up on a farm. Breakfast was one of my favorite meals.” I say and he smiles.
“Well if you insist on knowing more about me, I guess you’ll have to agree to dinner.” He says and I look at him confused.
“So you won’t tell me anything now? I have to wait until I accept your request?” I ask and he nods slightly.
“You’re...different Lynora, let me treat you to a proper date.” He says his deep blue eyes examining me.
“I’ll...have to think about it.” I say hesitantly and he nods.
“I can live with that.” He says deeply and I look away shyly. His gaze was so...fiery.
After a while the waitress brings our two platters full of breakfast goodies. There were two eggs Benedict, some fancy looking hash browns, and a huge juicy steak. Along with a side of pancakes.
It was quite the intimidating platter but everything looked so delicious.
“Oh wow...this is massive.” I say to him, but my mouth was salivating and my stomach was responding.
“Eat up.” He says and I didn’t hesitate. I tried to eat as politely as possible, but the country girl in me was a complete fiend. Within several minutes my plate was halfway clear.
I could feel myself reaching my limit, and my mimosa was completely gone at this point.
The waitress comes to refill my mimosa but he hold his hand up stopping her.
“Water please.” He says and she nods.
I glance over to him as she comes back with a glass of water for me.
He was quite controlling, in the nicest way possible. I place my fork and knife down on my plate , my stomach nearly about to explode.
Before I could say anything I could feel my phone buzzing inside my bag.
I reach inside retrieving it , Gwen was calling me. No doubt she was worried because I would normally be home around this time.
I answer it.
“Lynora are you okay? I’ve been texting you!” She says and I laugh slightly.
“I’m okay Gwen. I’ll be home soon.” I say to her glancing over to Drew who’s just watching me.
“Where are you? I’ve literally been worried , I almost sent out an amber alert.” She says and I roll my eyes.
“It’s not that serious Gwen-.”
“And Hendrix had a busted lip, I saw him walking around campus he seemed pretty upset. You didn’t do that to him did you?” She asks and I laugh.
“No I didn’t... look I have to go I’ll see you soon.” I say to her hanging up before she could detest.
“Friend?” He asks and I nod.
“Roommate, she was just worried about me.” I say to him and he nods.
“I can take you home if you’d like.” He says to me, and I nod slightly.
“This has been really nice, but I should really get back.” I say to him and he nods over to the waitress who brings him the bill, he doesn’t take it from her he just hands her two crisp hundred dollar bills.
“Come, we shouldn’t keep your roommates waiting.” He says holding out his hand and I take it.
After telling Buster where I live they quickly got me back home.
“I’d like to see you again Lynora.” Drew says to me, his gaze soft and kind.
“Yeah...I wouldn’t mind that.” I say to him, and he smiles slightly. He grabs his phone out of his breast pocket.
He hands it over to me, and I take it.
“Put your number in there.” He demands and I hesitantly oblige.
“I’ll be calling about that dinner.” He says to me , and I nod. I didn’t know what to say, I was such an awkward mess.
I hop out of the SUV, looking back at him one last time before I enter the building.
I just knew Gwen was going to lose her shit when I told her about him.
“Lynora where have you been, I thought we were going to the smoothie joint after class. I was so worried when I didn’t see you... and then I saw Hendrix all beat up I didn’t know what to think.” Gwendolyn, a nervous ranter.
I plop down on the couch kicking my shoes off with a loud sigh.
“What happened Lyn?” She asks me coming to sit next to me.
“I’m sure you heard about the young bachelor that came to visit today.” I say to her and she cocks an eyebrow.
“The dark, mysterious, handsome and tall one?” She says and I chuckle nervously.
“Yeah him.” I say looking down at my thumbs.
“He was in my first class of the day, he talked for like an hour or so. He actually approached me at the end. He teased me for not paying attention.” I say to her and I nearly had to pick her jaw up of the floor.
“So what you’re saying to me you’ve been out somewhere canoodling with a handsome, wealthy, bachelor?” She says with a look of astonishment and I nod hesitantly.
“What the Fuck! Oh my God did you get his number?!” She screams and I cover my ears as she jumps around on the couch.
“Well he took my number.” I say to her and she stops her childish escapade.
“Wow...he took your number. That’s control right there. I like a nice controlling man.” She says as she bites her lip.
“Um...ew.” I say in response and she scoffs.
“Not like scarily controlling though.” She adds and I roll my eyes.
“I have to do some homework, I’ll leave you to fantasize about your love for narcissists.” I say to her and she smiles.
“Keep me updated.” She adds as I walk to my room.
A few hours later, and a much needed nap I decided to get ready to go to the gym. It was about seven pm so I knew the gym wouldn’t be too busy. I liked to go when it was empty because I go to one of the biggest commercial gyms in Portland.
I slip into my sage green workout set, and some white sneakers. I got my curves and ass from my mother obviously, I had to maintain them somehow.
“I’ll see you later Gwen!” I say to her as she sits on the couch watching the latest episode of her favorite tv show.
“Bring home some dinner please I’m starving.” She adds as she shoves a handful of popcorn into her mouth.
“Yeah... I’m sure you are.” I mumble as I walk out the door. I didn’t have a car, but I had a really nice scooter. She got me to the places I needed to go, I didn’t complain surely.
I start up my bright pink scooter, and put on my helmet. It was about a ten minute ride from my apartment so I just jammed out some tunes the entire time.
The cool night air slammed against my face, as I raced through traffic. This was my time alone, my time to reconnect with myself and be still for the day.
I pull into the gym parking lot, locking my pink scooter onto a rack. I walk into the vast gym and was satisfied to see minimal people.
After a few minutes getting myself ready I head over to start stretching.
Twenty minutes into my workout I had made my way to the squat rack , I was already quite sweaty and tired.
I set up my weights and begin to push out my first set. Just as I’m struggling to come up I notice a familiar face in the reflection of the mirror.
It takes me a second to realize just exactly who I was looking at. It was Drew?! He was wearing a gray t-shirt, and sweats. He just watched me as he sat on a bench in the distance behind me.
I rack the bar , and turn around. My breathing was erratic as I tried to stable it. He walks towards me as I take out my earbud.
“You’re quite strong.” He says as he looks behind me eyeing the weight on the rack.
“Oh...thanks. I didn’t know you came to this gym?” I say to him as I look around.
“Only when I want to use weight. I have a home gym, but nothing like this.” He says deeply and I nod, unsure of what to say.
If I’m not mistaken this man is following me.
“If you don’t mind me saying , you look...stunning.” He says deeply, and I can feel my cheeks warm.
“Uh...no I don’t mind. I work hard for it.” I say to him and he smiles slightly.
Lord why did you send this fine man? I don’t think I’m emotionally ready for this.
“Do you mind?” He asks again, motioning towards the squat rack and I shake my head.
“Knock yourself out.” I say to him and he just under the bar.
Of course my weight was most likely nothing for him, he pumped out fifteen reps easily.
“That’s not easy, I’m impressed.” He says as he racks the weight.
“That’s nothing.” I tease, as I place two more twenty five pound weights on each side.
He shoots his eyebrows up as I position myself under the weight.
He stands behind me for extra reassurance as I take the weight off the rack and begin to squat slowly. I watched him, watching me the entire time I went down for each squat.
He was looking, looking. Like staring, hard. I was too, watching his strong facial structure with each rep. On the last one I could feel my legs give out and begin to shake as I tried to push back up. I couldn’t seem to get back up though, and he instantly came to help me.
“Thanks.” I say out of breath. I could feel the sweat drip on my forehead as I faced him.
“You’re quite impressive.” He says to me and I smile slightly.
“What can I say, this is my happy place.” I say to him as I shakily sit down on the bench.
“Are you okay?” He asks me as I try to catch my breath.
Honestly, no I wasn’t. I was seeing stars, all cause I wanted to impress this man.
“Um...” My voice trails off as my vision turn’s completely black.
I was out for a second but when I came to Drew was hovering over me. My head was in his lap as I looked up at him. He had a small smile on his face.
There was a supervisor from the gym on the other side of me holding a small bottle of apple juice and a cookie.
“Don’t worry about it, it happens all the time. Just eat this.” She says to me handing me the cookie and juice. I slowly sit up, and take Drew’s hand. He helps me over to a bench where I hesitantly eat.
“You know you’re supposed to eat before you workout.” He teases sitting next to me.
“I’m well aware, and I ate today.” I say to him chugging the apple juice.
“What? At nine in the morning? It’s been ten hours since then.” He says to me and I blush.
Was that really my only meal today? I did eat quite a lot I remember being way too full afterwards.
“You’re right. I should get going, my roommate asked me to grab dinner on the way home.” I say to him as I stand up grabbing my water bottle and earbuds.
“Let me walk you out-.”
“No it’s fine really, I can manage.” I say to him as I begin to walk towards the entrance.
“Don’t be so stubborn Lynora, I’m just trying to make sure you’re okay.” He says to me as he grabs his bag.
I didn’t respond I just walked nervously out of the gym. The last thing I needed was for him to see my bright pink scooter waiting patiently on me.
We walk out of the gym into the crisp night air and I could feel him right behind me. I tried to act normal as I walked over to the bike rack unlocking my scooter.
“Don’t tell me your driving home on that thing.” He says to me and I can feel my insides burn with embarrassment.
“If you squint really hard it kind of looks like a Yamaha R6.” I joke with him as I put on my helmet.
He walks over to me taking it off of my head.
“Let me give you a ride.” He says and I roll my eyes looking away from him.
“I’m sure I can make it on my own Drew, I do this every night.” I say to him going to grab my helmet but he moves it from my grasp.
“Well I don’t feel safe with you riding on this thing, after you just passed out.” He says to me, and I look away.
“Fine...Just this once. And you have to stop somewhere so I can get pizza for my roommate she’ll kill me if I come home empty handed.” I say to him and he smiles slightly.
“I’m fine with that.” He says deeply.
“Give me a sec, I’ll pull around and we can put your transportation in the trunk.” He jokes and I couldn’t help but crack a small smile.
A few minutes pass by and he pulls around in a sleek black Lamborghini truck.
As if he couldn’t be more obvious.
He hops out the car coming to grab the scooter, he lifts her up , and gives her a comfy seat in the trunk. He comes around to open the door for me and I hop inside.
I don’t think I’ve ever been in a car this damn nice. He pulls off and begins to drive through the bright city.
We pull up to a local pizza spot and I hop out the car.
“Norraaa! My favorite customer! You doing the normal today baby?” The store owner greets me his accent thick. He was an older gentleman that loved Gwen and I. I didn’t notice that Drew was right behind me until Antonio looked away from me and to him.
“Ohhhh... I see , you’ve been cheating on me!” He exclaims and I laugh.
“No Antonio this is Drew, he’s just a friend. He’s giving me a ride tonight.” I say to him and he cocks an eyebrow.
“Good! No more riding on that piece of crap scooter of yours. You know I’ve given you my last pizza bags. I’m going to need them back.” He says to me and I smile palming my face. If anyone could embarrass me, it was this guy Antonio.
“Two pepperonis, one chicken pasta please and thank you.” I say to him and he hold his hands up in defense.
“Anything for you Drew?” He asks Drew and I turn to look at him. He had a small smile on his face, I’m sure from my exciting interaction.
“Large all meat please.” He says deeply and Antonio gives me a look of approval.
“I like this guy.” He whispers to me and I can feel my cheeks go warm.
Before he can say the price Drew hands him a hundred dollar bill.
“Just keep the rest.” He says to Antonio and his face lights up.
I’ve never seen him run off to make pizzas so fast.
“You’re quite the generous tipper.” I say to him, and he smiles slightly.
“I just like to pay it forward.” He says as we sit at one of the small card tables to wait on our food.
“I’ve never been here before, is it good?” He asks and I give him an excited nod.
“Antonio makes everything himself from scratch. His sons will come and help from time to time , but for the most part business has been declining. He says me and Gwen keep this place running.” I say to him.
“I don’t know why more people don’t come here, I think it’s the best pizza place in all of Portland.” I add and he smiles slightly.
“So you eat a whole pizza?” He asks me and I hesitantly nod.
“Unfortunately, yes. It’s too good to stop.” I say with a small laugh.
It was so weird being next to him again for the second time today. It’s like I’m a magnet at this point.
“You know you’re very beautiful Lynora.” He says to me and I can feel my cheeks warm.
“You’ve been doing nothing but complimenting me, I appreciate it though.” I say to him looking down at my hands.
“It’s only what you deserve...” He says softly and I look into his deep blue eyes.
“Were you checking me out during the entire lecture today?” I ask him and he laughs softly.
“Maybe.” He responds.
“I don’t get it...why are you single?” I ask him and he shrugs.
“I told you I’m a very private person. I’ve been in relationships, and situationships. I’ve found it. Lot easier to just remain single.” He says to me and I was genuinely surprised.
“What about you? Why are you single?” He asks me and I was partially taken aback by his question. Only because being single wasn’t really a choice for me.
“I guess I don’t get out enough. Never really met anyone I was interested in.” I say to him and he smirks at me slightly. His gaze was intense and deep as he just studied me.
I shifted in my seat a little, looking behind me. I could see Antonio was still quite busy with our order.
“So you’ve never had a boyfriend?” He asks me, his voice inquisitive. He was trying to unpack me, I wasn’t very fond of that.
“I-I...no not a serious one.” I say to him and I could feel my cheeks become hot.
“I find that hard to believe.” He says to me and I shake my head.
“No one wanted to date the homeschooled new girl, from the country.” I say jokingly.
“So you’ve never...had sex?” He asks and now I was completely taken off guard.
“Excuse me?” I say to him shooting him a wild look. He doesn’t flinch though, he just stares at me.
“I’m sorry if that offended you, but I do wonder.” He says and I roll my eyes.
“Is this how you pick all your women? Asking them about their sexual history?” I say to him my tone feisty.
“No...I’ve never met a woman that was a virgin.” He says to me and I was completely hot now.
“I never said I was a virgin-.”
“You also said you never been in a serious relationship. I don’t take you for the hook up type.” He says to me and I look away from him.
Come on Antonio, you normally work faster than this.
“Fine...if it makes you feel better. Yes, I’m a virgin. I don’t see how that has anything to do with us...talking as friends.” I say to him and he laughs.
“You’re cute when you get angry.” He says deeply and I could feel my insides whirl.
“I’m not angry.” I reply, trying not to make it seem too obvious. Sure I was a little bothered. Bud only because this hunk of a man was asking about my nonexistent sexual history. And the way he was looking at me...
“I’d like to get to know you better Lynora... I want to see you come out of your shell.” He says to me.
“I have no shell, this is who I am.” I mutter.
“I’m not stupid...I can tell when a woman has her guard up.” He says and I press my lips into a line.
“Order up!” I hear Antonio yell from behind me, breaking Drew’s eye contact from me. We grab our food and make our way back outside.
The drive home was silent as I replayed our conversation in my mind. I felt embarrassed, and yet intrigued at the same time. He definitely made it known that he was interested in me, but there was still something about him that I just couldn’t figure out.
I wanted to know more too.
“Well I guess this is Goodbye Friend.” He teases and I smile softly.
“Yeah...thank you for the pizza. And making sure I was okay at the gym.” I say awkwardly and he nods.
“It’s my pleasure. I’ll be calling you tomorrow. Don’t worry about the scooter I’ll put it up for you.” He says to me and I shake my head but he holds up his hand before I can come up with a rebuttal.
“You need to eat, and then rest. I got it.” He demands and I nod awkwardly. Walking off and back into the building.
Just wait until I tell Gwen about this.
