HER

(Present)

THE MEETING WAS A BLUR. I kept my head down the whole time so as not to meet his gaze. As soon as the meeting was over, I stepped out and headed straight to my office. Carla followed me inside and gently closed the door behind us.

"What is going on? Is there something wrong?" She said, sounding concerned.

I went straight towards the glass window and stared outside. I feel dazed and feel like I am about to pass out.

"Do you know him? Don't tell me he was the guy you left back home?" She asked. I looked at her and nodded.

"Oh my Gosh, you're an idiot! That's why you never want to talk about it whenever I bring it up! You have the nerve to leave that gorgeous man! He looks like a GQ model! You probably feel so stupid right now!"

"Carla, can you please be serious? What am I going to do? Do you think he will be here a long time? Mr. Archer probably just introduced him, and he will go back home soon, I hope."

"Oh Alecx, you probably did not hear? He is staying here indefinitely to oversee the new hotel project." She replied.

"What?! The new hotel design that I just finished?" I exclaimed.

"Yes, Miss, you heard me right! Mr. Archer and your GQ Model are co-owners of that hotel. I spoke with him this morning before the meeting. I was here early before you arrived, so we already had a small talk. He is excited about it. This is his first hotel in the city, but he has other hotels in nearby states. You're toast, girl!" She replied in litany.

I'm definitely in trouble! How can I face him again? I slowly went to my chair and sat up feeling defeated.

Carla sat beside me in the adjacent chair and continued, "But seriously Alecx, he looks like a wonderful guy. Why did you break up, why did you leave him? What happened?"

I remained quiet for a while. She does not know the whole story. But then, I think it is about time to let it out. Let Carla know about my past....

HER

(Flashback)

I just finished my shift from the restaurant. Paul texted me that he is busy and will not be able to pick me up. I went out of the back door of the Bistro and as soon as I stepped out, there he was again! This guy will not leave me alone!

He was smiling widely while standing in front of his black BMW. He is wearing a black Lacoste polo shirt paired with rugged jeans and topsider. Even though this guy makes my blood boil, I must admit, he is really gorgeous! He looks like a Greek God! He kept that disarming smile while walking towards me.

"What are you doing here?" I said annoyed.

"It is already late; I am picking you up." He replied.

"Did you even hear what I told you last night? I already have a fiancée! I'm actually waiting for him." I said angrily.

"So, where is he? I don't see him anywhere." He grinned sheepishly while pretending to look around for my "fiancée."

I looked at my phone and told him, "Actually he just texted, and he said he is running late. You're probably making him work too much!"

"Then, I can take you home instead. I promise, I'll bring you home safely." He looked honest when he said it.

"I'd rather take a cab." I walked past him, but he continued to follow me.

As soon as I was on the main road, I was able to hail a cab right away and went inside but he also followed me all the way inside the cab.

"Hey, what are you doing? Can you please get out?" I told him, aggravated.

The cab driver turned his head towards us and said, "Ma'am, is this man bothering you?"

Before I could speak, he put his arm around me and told the cab driver, "Sorry Sir, it is just a lover's quarrel."

He looked at me while his left arm was still around me, "Please forgive me, Baby, I'm sorry. I promise I will not drink a lot again." He said dramatically, then winked at me. He is a good actor!

The cab driver grinned and drove when I gave him the directions to our house.

His left arm is still around my shoulder and sending shivers to my spine. I can smell his masculine cologne. Gosh, he smells so good! I nudged him hard with my elbow so I could get away from him.

"Can you please remove your arm around me?! You really have the nerve to do this knowing I already have a fiancée." I said to him, sounding very irritated.

He just shrugged his shoulders and said, "Actually, I asked your fiancée if I can bring you home tonight and he gave me his permission." I looked at him incredulously upon hearing that.

"I already talked to Paul this morning. I know that he is your brother. NOT your fiancée. You are brilliant to come up with that idea!" He said, amazed.

I groaned. I am going to kill Paul when I see him later! He's toast!

"So, what are you really up to? What do you really want from me?" I asked him, still in an annoyed voice.

"I am sorry if we got on the wrong foot. I apologize if I came too strong yesterday. I just want to get to know you better. So, can you start being nice to me?" He said pleadingly.

As he said those last words, he continued to look at me gently. His face was near me and my heart started beating faster. This guy is making me feel weird. His gaze suddenly fell on my lips and his face was slowly getting closer when the cab driver interrupted.

"Ma'am, we are already here." I suddenly went back to reality, paid the driver, and got out fast from the cab. I noticed that he continued to follow me all the way to our front door. I turned around and looked at him.

"What are you still doing here? Go home." I said in a resigned tone.

"Alecx, please, can you give me another chance? Let us start all over again. Please?" He asked with all humility.

I just stared at him. I do not know what to say. I am too proud to give in. I was about to say something to him when the door suddenly opened.

My mom stood in front of us and Paul was behind her. I looked at Paul quickly and gave him a murderous look, but he just averted his gaze from me.

My mom suddenly broke the silence. "Oh, Alecx, you did not tell me you are bringing a Hollywood actor over? I should have prepared something for our visitor." Paul chuckled behind her.

"Mommy, this is Mr. Montecarlo, Paul's Boss." I said and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

My mom looked confused and turned around to Paul. He nodded to acknowledge that it was true. "It is a long story, Ma." Paul replied.

Tristan suddenly spoke. "Good evening, Ma'am. Please, just call me Tristan. It is nice meeting you." He extended his hand to shake my mom's hand.

"Oh no, please come in! Let me get you at least something to drink." She grabbed Tristan's hand and brought him inside and I followed.

"Oh no Ma'am, it's totally fine! I appreciate your offer, but it is already late, and I have to go home, too." He replied.

"I just wanted to be sure Alecx makes it home safely. But since I'm already here, I also want to ask for your permission if I can start visiting her here at home. I want to get to know your daughter better."

My mom grinned. "So, long story short, you want to court my daughter. Is that it?"

Tristan smiled and I felt my cheeks getting red while I could hear Paul trying to suppress a chuckle.

My mom turned towards me and said, "Alecx, I like this guy. He is the first guy that came here and asked permission from me. Not like your boy classmates who keep on texting you and courting you outside the house."

She looked again at him and smiled, "You are always welcome here, Tristan."

He gladly replied, "Then, in that case, you will be seeing me here often, Ma'am. Thanks for letting me bring your daughter home tonight. Again, it is a pleasure meeting you. I'll go ahead and will see you again tomorrow."

He hugged my mom, bid Paul goodbye, and then turned and looked at me.

"Until tomorrow, Alecx. I will pick you up again in the Bistro at the same time. Have a good night." He winked at me before heading out the door.