They sat together on a park bench, sharing some German sausage. Vasti hadn't tasted it yet, but she couldn't resist anymore.
I'm surprised you eat this kind of food, she said, taking her first bite. Adônis MacGyver glanced over. "Street food. Simple," he replied.
She loved it instantly, but Adônis MacGyver started to regret his choice. Of all things—sausage? The moment she bit into it, his mind went straight to the gutter. Every time she took a bite, his thoughts grew more indecent.
She glanced over and caught him staring at her instead of eating, his lips slightly parted.
What? she asked, dabbing her mouth with a napkin. The fact that she was completely clueless about her effect on him only made her more irresistible. She oozed sex appeal without even trying.
I'm just watching you eat, Adônis MacGyver said, his voice rough.
I thought you were the hungry one. You said you loved this stuff. Now I get it—it's amazing! But… you haven't even had a bite.
He glanced down at the sausage in his hand.
Ah... yeah, I'll eat, he muttered.
Are you sure? Vasti's expression made it clear—if Adônis MacGyver didn't want it, she was ready to claim it for herself.
I'll order another one for you, he said, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement.
No! I mean... She caught herself, not wanting to sound desperate, though her stomach had other plans. "Okay. Thank you."
He gave a quick wave to the stall owner, who nodded in acknowledgment.
So... what did you want to talk to me about? I know you said 'after work,' but I'm dying of curiosity…
After work, Adônis MacGyver repeated, flashing a small smile. "You have to learn to respect the order of things."
Vasti pouted at him.
You're cruel, you know that? she grumbled, making him chuckle.
Just imagine what you'd say after a session. Ha, ha, ha!
Vasti gave him a look like he'd completely lost it. A session of what, exactly?
Adônis MacGyver realized she hadn't picked up on his meaning. He reached over, brushing his hand gently across her cheek.
You'll find out soon enough, he said quietly. "That is, if our talk later goes well."
You're not planning to turn me into a prostitute, are you? she asked, arching an eyebrow. The idea had crept up on her after weighing the possibilities. Adônis MacGyver clearly had a strong interest in sex, and she couldn't deny there was a spark between them, but…
Prostitu— The word finally clicked in his brain, and he scowled, looking both baffled and insulted. "No! Absolutely not! I'd never ask for something like that!"
Vasti let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, a hand going to her chest.
Oh, thank God. I may not have a fortune, but I'm definitely not for sale.
Adônis MacGyver shifted in his seat, clearly flustered.
You can rest easy. That's not what this is about.
But it has something to do with sex, doesn't it? she pressed.
Yes, but not exactly, he replied. "It's not about 'sex' itself. That could be a result, but it's not really the point of this conversation."
Right. Now Vasti's curiosity had reached fever pitch. She was always on edge, and right now, it felt like her mind was running in circles. She was already stressed about her father's situation at the hospital, and now she had to deal with this mysterious talk from Adônis MacGyver?
You seem a little out of it... Adônis MacGyver observed, tilting his head as he studied her.
Oh, sorry! she blurted, snapping out of her thoughts. Just then, the second sausage arrived, and she quickly thanked the vendor, but Adônis MacGyver stopped her from pulling out her wallet.
I invited you, he insisted. "Besides, you just started your job. Consider this a welcome— and maybe an apology for how things began between us."
Vasti's lips curled into a genuine smile. He looked like he was finally back to his old, cheerful self.
I'm glad you finally stopped frowning, Vasti remarked.
Oh… was I? Adônis MacGyver feigned ignorance, pretending he had no idea what she meant. Vasti just nodded and went back to eating, not bothering to call him out. Adônis MacGyver grinned and joined her, then ended up ordering three more sausages and finishing every last one.
Once they were done, they made their way back to the car. Adônis MacGyver opened the door for her, circled around, and got in behind the wheel. Truthfully, he had zero interest in going back to the office. All he wanted was to be alone with Vasti and pick up where they'd left off the night before. He still kicked himself for cutting things short. And what if she wasn't interested anymore? Of course, he'd never fire her over it, but the thought of working beside her for six months, unable to lay a finger on her, drove him nuts. If she didn't want him. If.
Looks like you're the one spacing out now, she teased. Adônis MacGyver snapped out of it, realizing the light had changed and the cars behind them were already honking. He let out a sigh and hit the gas.
Sorry, he muttered.
The drive back was quiet, neither of them saying much. When they got close to the building, Vasti reached over and rested her hand on his arm.
I think it's better if I get out here, she said, glancing out the window at the street.
Why? Adônis MacGyver asked.
Vasti turned to face Adônis MacGyver.
Because if anyone sees us arriving together, they'll start talking. All we did was have lunch, but people love to make up stories. I don't want that kind of reputation.
Adônis MacGyver nodded. He got it—her concern was totally valid. She was just the new employee, and if anyone caught her getting out of the boss's car, the rumor mill would go wild. And if she landed a permanent position after Heidi came back, everyone would claim she only got the job because she was sleeping with Adônis MacGyver. Not that he'd mind that scenario, but still—not the point!
He pulled over two blocks away from the office. Vasti got out, thanked him, and headed off on her own. Adônis MacGyver drove back to the company.
About an hour before the workday ended, Vasti's phone buzzed. The hospital was messaging about the surgery bill—they needed confirmation, or at least a down payment.
Vasti let out a heavy sigh. What the hell! She texted her father, wanting to know why he hadn't settled the payment yet.
The reply she got couldn't have been more vague or discouraging.
DIMAS: Things aren't going well right now. I still don't have the money.
What a load of crap! Vasti seethed. Dimas was just stalling, and she knew it— he had more than enough money stashed away!
She wasn't about to threaten him by bringing up his paternity— she knew how slippery he was. He'd probably twist it around and use her words against her. Blackmail. The man had never given her a single cent, not even the child support he owed. If Vasti took him to court, he'd have to pay up, but she didn't want any of that mess. She just needed help with her grandmother's medical bills. If it weren't for that, she wouldn't ask him for a thing.
Vasti took a long, shaky breath, fighting back the tears stinging her eyes. She wasn't just sad for her grandmother—she was furious. How could a man be so heartless? And how did her mother, who was supposed to be so kind, ever end up with someone like him?
She stared at her computer screen and forced herself to get back to work. The more she focused, the less room there'd be for anger or heartbreak.
