Adônis MacGyver felt humiliated. He stood, dragging his hand through his hair, then across his face. He couldn't believe it—he'd actually gone all the way back to that woman's place, sweet-talked her doorman, kissed her, and after all that, she had the nerve to turn him down.
Chasing after women had never been his style, but ever since meeting Vasti, he'd been on a losing streak.
And I practically threw myself at her! he remembered, stunned at his own behavior. Adônis MacGyver wasn't the kind of man who ever lost control like that!
Fine, he muttered, heading for the door. He didn't spare Vasti a glance before slamming it behind him.
What a maniac! Vasti shook her head, incredulous, but relieved she hadn't caved this time. She brushed her lips with her fingers. That kiss was dangerously addictive, but she had to stay clear-headed!
He was her boss, and if things went his way, she'd end up as nothing more than his plaything before he tossed her aside. No, Vasti refused to let that happen!
And now this will be all over the office, she thought. "I'll get branded as some shameless flirt, while he walks away the hero. Good luck finding another job after that, Vasti! At least not in this business!"
Vasti retreated to her bedroom, dead tired. The entire day had been a disaster, one emotional swing after another, and now she was more wound up than ever after facing off with her infuriatingly attractive boss.
And after everything he did to me! Honestly, Vasti, you're such an idiot!
She collapsed onto her bed and squeezed her eyes shut. Was it really too much to ask for a quiet night? Her phone buzzed somewhere nearby. She fumbled for it, but came up empty-handed.
Oh, where did you go? she mumbled, eyes flicking open. The phone sat right by her hand. "Just leave me alone…"
A message popped up from an unfamiliar number. She braced herself for another spam text, but this wasn't an ad.
UNKNOWN: Red.
Vasti's brow furrowed. Instantly, she remembered "lilac." No, that was impossible.
VASTI: Mr. Gonzalez?
She stared at the screen. The sender came online, saw her reply, and then disappeared without a word.
Hey! she barked at her phone, as if yelling would make a difference. "Come back!"
But the sender stayed offline.
VASTI: ??????
She fired off a message and waited. Nothing. This time, it didn't even look like it got delivered.
Ugh! Must've been a fluke, that's all, she muttered, trying to talk herself down. "Why would he text me and just block me right after?"
Still, knowing him, it wouldn't be out of character. She barely knew the guy, but he struck her as exactly the type to pull something like this. Vasti pressed her lips together, set her phone on the nightstand, and pulled the covers over her head!
The alarm clock eventually blared. Vasti stretched, and the scent of coffee hit her instantly.
Mmm! She sat down with a smile, but it didn't last long. The moment the scent hit her nose again, her expression faltered—it was too strong, too close. It was almost like it was coming straight from her own kitchen.
Her heart skipped. She shot out of bed and crept toward the door. Maybe it was just her neighbor? That had to be it. He might have left his own door open, and the smell drifted in… But then it hit her—she'd forgotten to lock her door after Adônis MacGyver stormed out!
Oh, hell! Vasti's pulse skyrocketed. Had someone broken in? "Calm down," she told herself, but what kind of burglar makes coffee?
Just in case, Vasti decided to investigate. She glanced around for anything she could use as a weapon—but the door swung open before she could grab a thing, forcing her backward.
Ah!
Adônis MacGyver strode in, acting like he owned the place. "You're up earlier than I thought," he said, sounding completely unfazed. He strolled over to Vasti's dresser, opened the top drawer, then shut it and moved to the next. The underwear drawer. Vasti stood frozen, staring at him in disbelief, unable to move. The sharp click of the final drawer snapping shut jolted her back to her senses.
Hold on! she shouted. "What do you think you're doing?" She jumped up, planting herself between him and her dresser. "You can't just go through my stuff!"
Vasti tried to shove him aside, but Adônis MacGyver hardly budged—he was simply too strong for her to move.
I figured you'd be the beige type, but come on… Adônis MacGyver rifled through her underwear, barely hiding his disappointment. "Seriously? Beige, black, and white? That's it?"
He held up a plain pair, but Vasti snatched it away before he could get a better look.
No lace? Not even a hint? He shot Vasti a look as if she'd committed a crime. "You really need to upgrade, my dear."
Vasti shut her eyes, exhaled slowly, and jabbed a finger at the door.
Alright, enough! Get out! Her voice trembled with irritation. "You can't just barge in like this! You're not even supposed to be here— this is completely out of line!"
Adônis MacGyver shrugged, totally unbothered. "Sure, I can. You let me in."
Vasti nearly burst out laughing at the sheer nerve and boldness of that man.
Oh, is that how you see it? Because I'm pretty sure I didn't.
Yes, you did, he insisted. "I called, you answered, you said yes— I even have the proof." Adônis MacGyver wore an expression of pure innocence, which looked absolutely ridiculous on him. Vasti's eyes narrowed, suspicion sharpening her gaze. "You can check your phone. I called you. I asked, you agreed, and I didn't have to break down a thing."
Vasti immediately grabbed her phone off the bed, glancing over at Adônis MacGyver, who hadn't moved an inch—hands in his pockets, watching her with that infuriating calm.
Sure enough, she found a call from him, logged about thirty minutes earlier.
I was asleep! she shot back. "I don't even remember saying anything!"
That's not my problem, is it? he replied, and went right back to digging through her drawers. This time, Adônis MacGyver went for the bras. Vasti jumped in his way, blocking him.
That's enough. Get out.
Adônis MacGyver arched an eyebrow. "You're awfully confrontational this morning."
She let out a short, exasperated laugh.
Me? I'm the confrontational one? she shot back. "You broke into my apartment!" When he drew breath to argue, she cut him off with a raised hand. "Don't even start. You took advantage of me being half-asleep to worm your way inside. Then you rifled through my stuff— my personal things! Without my consent! You—!"
Her words tangled in her throat. She couldn't go on.
