Hendrix

.

Like a man, I stop at the flower stall, hoping she is there. I get out of my car, feeling nervous. My heart pounds harder than ever before. I've carefully thought about the right words to say because I don't want to mess this up. I hope she will listen to me.

"Oh, hello, Mr. Hendrix," a bubbly voice greeted me. She wore the wildest smile. My eyes quickly scanned the shop, and my heart sank.

Louise is not here. It's not her.

"Is Louise. . ."

"Oh, she will be back in two. I'm Shella. Her childhood friend." She extended her hand, and I nodded as I accepted hers.

"Hendrix Mondragon," I introduced.

"I know. We all know!" She clasped her hands together, seeming excited to see me.

"Louise is at the care clinic where her Aunt Rosy is staying."

"I see. . . Then, I will be back," I said and excused myself.

I returned to my car and sighed. Feeling frustrated, I realized I couldn't find peace without talking to her today. I need to communicate with her and sort this out.

"Thank you, Bradley. Yes, just let me know. All good. Bye."

I rested my head back at the headrest of my car after that call. It was Bradley, the head manager of the bank in town. I made a money transfer back to Louise's account. I was supposed to do it last night, but my mind was clouded, and I was drunk. I got angry at Louise for terminating the contract. I don't want to let go of her. It hit me hard. And wanting her hit me more when she was finally in front of me last night.

Dammit. I need to return to my house to freshen up.

After a few hours, I got out of the shower and dried my hair. I looked at my phone, and there were still no messages or calls.

What the hell? She's driving me insane. I've been calling her since this morning and sending her messages, but there has been no response from her.

I don't want to explain myself in the text. I want it in person. Damn.

I looked at the time on my wristwatch, and it was two o'clock on the dot. I hurriedly grabbed my keys. I needed to talk to her, or else I would go crazy.

I stop the car right in front of the shop, and my effing heart beats harder. I took a deep breath, trying to ease everything in my system, but it did not help because the moment I saw her across, my heart pounded harder.

Be courageous, Hendrix. Be a fucking man and stand your ground to get your woman.

The moment our eyes meet, the shock on her face says it all.

"Oh, I can take care of the shop, Louise. Just go." Her friend, Shella, pushes her out and winks at me.

"Hi," I smile. She takes off her apron and grabs her small purse.

"I'll drive you to a place I know, please." I quickly put my arm around her voluptuous waist, and instantly, my effing body heated. Just like that. That my senses had their own mind, and everything inside me was awake.

I opened the car door, and she slid in quietly. I shut it and strode to the driver's seat.

I feel my sweats are coming out in big bits. It never happened to me before. But what bugs me now is my shaft. It's throbbing, fully erected the moment I saw her.

Effing damn this.

I found the safest and most private place for us to talk. It was only a thirty-minute drive. The view of the place is solemn and magnificent. This is one of my hideouts whenever I feel shit.

I opened the car door on her side, and she was quiet as ever. I glanced at her, and she looked away when our eyes met.

"Sir Hendrix," Crisha smiles. She's one of the staff here that knows my preferences.

"In the same spot, Crisha, and bring us drinks. Thank you," I said and Louise and I continue walking ahead.

It's a bit of a walk down the hallways, lined with green mini forests of landscapes. The place was designed in the Japanese style. Every room is private and has a specific view. One of the staff guided us, which is a matter of etiquette, though I don't require guidance.

"Beautiful..." she mutters softly beside me.

"Your refreshments will be here soon, Sir."

"Thank you."

I watched her look around, and with both hands on my hips, I started...

"I want you, Louise," I said, gritting my teeth.

She spun halfway, and her eyes met mine in surprise.

"What?" Her mouth parted.

I dipped my head and looked back at her. "I want you. I like you, and I want us for real this time."

Bang. I can't believe it came out from me. This wasn't part of my plan. I didn't intend for this to happen, but everything is upside down, and I just follow what my heart wants.

"Look, Hendrix..." she trudges towards me and looks at me seriously. "If this is about what happened last night, then no, please."

My brows furrowed. What does she mean by that?

"I understand what you mean, Hendrix. You are drunk and, and..."

"I know what happened to us, Louise." I felt my lungs constricted. I did not like the way how she saw it.

"It was nothing, okay? That was nothing," she slightly laughed, shook her head, and laughed again. "You don't need to be responsible for that. Forget about it, Hendrix. I'm good," she shrugs.

What the fuck.

I feel my flesh, and it's fucking shaking.

It's nothing for her? Dammit. It's everything to me.

Hell.

"What do you mean it's nothing, Louise?" I bite my tongue, controlling the anger I feel.

"Listen. If you feel guilty about that, then let it go." She blinked, and the expression in her eyes really struck me.

"Why did you wire me back the money? I told you I'm okay with it. I don't want us to continue. It's over!" she blurted.

Damn, now I see where this was coming from. She thought it was all about the money.

Yeah, that's right. It's humiliating on her side, thinking I pay her off with my fucking money for the sex. Great!

She turned away and drank the water that was on the table.

I can feel my heart and brain run more than a hundred miles. She probably thought that the money was the payment for that.

Fuck. It's not like that.

"Louise, you got it all wrong. The money is the payment for all the work that you did for me and—"

"No one will pay me more than six digits for that job, Hendrix." The disappointment on her face is visible.

"I sent the money back because I felt guilty taking it from you because your mother has already paid Rosy. It's not right. I was just doing what was right, Hendrix."

Our eyes locked.

"Am I attracted to you? Yes and no. Yes, I am attracted to you, and I really like you! But you ruined it all this morning!"

My heart drops.

"Do I look like a hooker to you? A one-night stand with money on the table?" she jerked her head up, laughed a little bit, and sat on the chair.

Our drinks arrived, and the menu followed. I can see Crisha's smile from the side of my eyes, but I do not look at her. My eyes are focused on Louise now, and I swear, if I can't pull this up, It will be my fucking hell.

"I'm sorry. . . " I dipped my head down, feeling a mix of shame and guilt.

"I didn't know how to deal with you, Louise. It's my fault... Yes, I was drunk, but I remember everything, and I like you, Louise. Can we settle for that? Give me a chance to prove that I am sincere, baby... Let's start fresh. Can we?" I beg.

.

c.m. louden