The man behind me at the moment still has his arm around my waist. Whatever, time for plan number 36. Gently, I moved his hand aside, holding my breath as I changed my clothes, afraid of waking him up.
Luckily, I slipped away before he woke up.
***
My best friend, Grace, sat in front of me, eyes brimming with gossip. I shot her an annoyed glare. She finally put her excitement on hold. "Alright, alright, this whole thing was my fault. As compensation, I'll buy you coffee for a month."
"That's more like it."
"But still, yesterday was so intense you didn't even answer my calls."
"I didn't ignore you! My battery died!"
"Oh, no battery."
I couldn't help but hold my forehead. A woman's imagination sometimes needed no fuel. Then again, maybe I didn't exactly lose out. A face like that… I thought I wouldn't see him again. But who would've thought we'd meet again like this.
He helped me up, his hand brushing my waist, sending shivers down my spine. Once I was standing, he let go, sinking lazily into the sofa.
He waved at me. "Come sit down. Don't be shy."
I smiled awkwardly. He was the boss now. I couldn't afford any mistakes. I sat across from him.
"Linda, are you ready to explain?"
I was grateful I was already sitting; otherwise, I might have collapsed.
Seeing my silence, Zian spoke again. "Linda..."
I couldn't take it anymore and blurted out an explanation.
He was silent for a moment. "So... you thought I was a... gigolo?"
"More like a male escort."
His face darkened. The tension in the room thickened. But with my rent barely covered, I decided to bite the bullet. "Mr. Simon, it was just a misunderstanding. As long as you forgive me, I'll work like a horse if I have to."
"Really?"
"Yes, just don't fire me. And no pay cuts!"
He smirked. "Relax, I'm not interested in your dates."
"Then what do you want?"
"Be my girlfriend."
My eyes widened. "Is that appropriate?"
"It's just for my family. They want me married soon, but they don't know I... uh, lost my freedom a week ago."
Hearing that, I snapped, "Don't worry! I'll get the job done!"
"Good. I'll let you know when we start. Now, go back to work."
