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I want to be more confident in dating, not be subjected to the red room of pain.
“Here is the deal, Alexander. I’ve been told I’m an alpha female, control freak, and workaholic. Henley was correct when she said that. I’m also not a woman who wants to be told what to do.”
He blows out a loud breath and I’m sure he wants to smack me already.
“The fact of the matter is I haven’t dated in a while and things are different now. Henley says you can help me. I trust her but I don’t know you and trust is earned. I won’t be ordered how to act or behave. If you can’t handle that then I won’t be utilizing your services.”
“This isn’t only about dating, Ms. Parker. It is more about not being apprehensive when you’re anywhere other than work. If you work as much as I think you do, then you probably don’t have many hobbies or interests that keep you engaged. The two weeks are just as much about discovering who you are as much as it is about learning how to date.”
Damn, he had to pull out the big guns about discovery. I do like a challenge. “Fine. But how are you going to teach me how to date and be comfortable with another man while I’m living with you? Or better yet, what if I meet someone and want to spend the night? How will that work?”
“If you want to spend the night with someone you meet, more power to you. That will also mean I’ve succeeded.”
Score one for the cocky asshole.
“Fine. I’ll do it. But if anything fishy happens, you’ll be hearing from Henley and Nik. Because
if Hen ain’t happy, Nik is pissed.”
He laughs and so do I because we may not know each other but we know Henley and Nik.
Chapter 4
Xan
MR. BIG THE TINY CAT
Teach Kollyns How to Date Day 1
This woman is going to give me a run for my money. If Nik wasn’t my best friend and I wanted to listen to Henley yell at me for eternity, I’d have told her no from the beginning. But I didn't. So here I am trying to figure out why I told Kollyns she had to stay with me at my penthouse during this process. I’ve never had a woman stay with me before but I included it in the email before I even realized it. Keeping this a business arrangement is going to be a true test.
Checking my watch I note the time. She should be here anytime and although I know my housekeeper, Ms. Light, prepared the room, I can’t help myself from checking to make sure that it’s ready for her. Opening the door to the guest room, I inhale the scent of vanilla. I’m not sure what Ms. Light did to make the smell permeate the room but it’s nice.
I’ve just closed the door to the bedroom when the buzzer sounds. Moving down the hall and to the hall table, I pick up the receiver. “Yes, Graham?”
“A Ms. Parker is here to see you.”
“Please send her up,” I reply.
“Yes, sir.” He pauses and clears his throat. “She has quite a bit of stuff. Should I send her up the service elevator?” Geez, how much does this woman need? I could fit my life into two suitcases at the most. She’ll be here two weeks, not a lifetime.
“Please.” Graham doesn’t like the residents or their guests to carry large packages in the main elevator because they could damage it and he says that’s not the way we live.
I make my way to the laundry room where the service elevator stops and wait for Kollyns to arrive. When the car stops and the doors open, I realize Graham was kind. It looks like she and her cat are moving in forever, not two weeks.
“Welcome to my home, Kollyns.” I look down at the cat and try to pretend like I like him. “And you too, Mr. Big.”
It doesn’t take more than five minutes for me to show her around the apartment and when we come back the cat is screaming in the carrier.
Finally, I haul her two overstuffed suitcases, backpack, crate with the cat, and three tote bags into the room she will be staying in.
“The litter box can go in your bathroom,” I tell her. I don’t want the carpet destroyed and to smell like cat urine when she leaves.
“Thanks. He’s a pretty good cat as long as he’s fed and you don’t bother him while he’s sleeping.” She shrugs her shoulders and I have a feeling she’s lying to me because cats are known to be assholes.
“I’m going to order takeout while you unpack, what would you like for dinner?”
“Doesn’t matter to me. Whatever you like is fine,” she says, walking into the bathroom with one of the tote bags.
