AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Why even bother August? I clearly piss you off. I'm sure you know plenty of girls willing to drop their panties for you. Go call one of them."
I turn to open my driver's side door, and he closes it, essentially caging me in from behind. Then he leans down in my ear, his words laced with venom as he says, "The problem is there's not another you, so no, Gianna, I won't be getting another girl." Then he pulls away and heads back toward the office.Damn it
Once again, I have my chance to confront him, tell him off, and all I manage are weak ass replies. I stand there taking his insults as if I don’t have a backbone. Why the hell do I keep letting him talk down to me? What's more pathetic is that I crave his attention, good or bad. But even when his words are laced with hate, when he looks at me, his eyes can't lie. He looks at me like his world starts and stops with me, and I'll be damned if I don't feel the same way.
As I head back to the office, I remember I carpooled with my mom today. Unfortunately, that means I can't meet August after work. My heart sinks at the thought. I quickly shoot him a text.
Me: Sorry I can't meet you after work today. Maybe tomorrow.
August: I don't remember giving you an option.
I swear the nerve of this guy. I mean, seriously, who does he think he is?
Me: I carpooled with my mom. I'm her ride.
August: I'll drive you home.
It's just after 4 pm, and I'm running behind. We had a lot of samples to get mocked up today for the tradeshow taking place at the end of the month. I'm tasked with locking up the sample room today, ensuring that none of the products mysteriously walk off. The salesmen are good at stopping by and looking only to grab a product they like and walk off with it.
Walking down the hallway I know that if I really wanted to, I could get out of going with August tonight, but deep down that’s not what I want. I can’t help but wonder if consciously making a bad decision makes it any less wrong. For my sanity, I hope it does. Making my way through the lobby, I can see August standing outside his black Mercedes G-Wagon talking on the phone. From the looks of it, he doesn't seem too pleased.Great
I decide to give him a minute and check my personal emails on my phone before heading out. After about five minutes of going down the rabbit hole on social media, I see that August is no longer on the phone, and it's now 4:30.Shit
Quickly I grab my purse and head out the door. He immediately sees me and glowers at me. I can tell he's frustrated, but that doesn't stop him from walking around to my side of the car and opening the door anyway. I climb in without saying a word.
Once he gets in the car, he starts it up and backs out. He doesn't even glance my way as if I repulse him that much. I have so many things I want to say. So many questions I want to ask, but I don't because, with him, it's always the same. He immobilizes me. I have no defenses when it comes to him, and I lose my ability to reason. It's very pathetic, I know this.
We finally pull up to what looks like a condominium, and I break the silence to ask, "Where are we?"
He glances at me as if I've just asked the stupidest question on earth before saying, "My place." Then, getting out, he comes around to open my door. Once my door is open, I say, "As if I didn't realize we were at a residential complex, let me rephrase that question. Why would you bring me to your place? We’ve been over this."
He rolls his lips together and then says, "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't realize you were trying to get a minor in possession ticket this evening." Before climbing out and slamming his door.Ass
Reluctantly I exit the car and hold his gaze in a challenge as he comes around.
“So, you know my age?” It’s not a question more of a statement at this point, but his expression doesn’t reveal anything about his feelings on the subject. So, I say, “I suppose that’s a problem for you.” He shrugs before saying, “I thought it was turns out it’s not.”
Closing the door, he puts his hands in his pockets and turns to me like he's waiting for me to make some smart-ass remark. Instead, I make a big gesture with my arms outstretched. "Well, please don't keep me waiting. Lead the way." He shakes his head and takes off toward the complex.
The complex is a modern three-story building with a mix of cedar wood and dark grey stained concrete. There are balconies on each level with glass railings and green topiaries in each corner. It has a very millennial vibe, at least on the outside.
When we reach the front door, he holds it open and gestures for me to enter. Once inside, I follow him up three flights of stairs. Of course, he would be on the top floor. I am surprised this building doesn't have an elevator, but I suppose the steps aren't so bad.
Once we reach his door, he looks over at me with a mischievous smirk and says, "Last chance if you were planning on running." I quirk a brow at him in answer before he shakes his head. Then, opening the door he gestures for me to walk in.
I don't know what I expected walking up to his condo, but I wasn't expecting it to be so intoxicating. The space is very masculine. It smells like cedar and leather. It smells like him.
The ceilings are vaulted with cedar wood and have recessed black can lights. The walls are a dark grey concrete, just like the complex's exterior, apart from one wall encased in a cedar wood bookcase that pops against the dark contrast of the wall. In the middle of that wall is a gas fireplace flanked by grey stones that run floor to ceiling. It's an open concept living space, so you walk into the living room, kitchen and dining all at once.
The kitchen has a considerable light grey waterfall island with dark walnut cabinets underneath. Behind the island is a chef's dream kitchen stovetop with one of those fancy pot filler spouts. The place screams money and sophistication, and I'm quickly reminded of how out of my element I am with this man. I'm reminded of how we come from entirely different backgrounds.
Watching him stroll into the kitchen and open the refrigerator pulls me out of my gawking. He turns to me, slowly running his eyes up my body before asking, "What can I get you to drink?"
"I'll have whatever you're having."
I decide to walk over to the island instead of standing by the front door looking like a no-class fool. He pops the top on an IPA and slides it across the island. Narrowing my gaze, I say, "I thought you had a problem with my underage drinking."
"No, Gianna, no problem with the drinking, just the honesty." I scoff, "Well, it's not like you ever asked me my age. In fact, we tend to do a lot of not talking when we're together, which is fine, but don't you dare insinuate that I'm a liar."
