Louise Rose

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Does he like me? Really? For real?

I could feel my heart pounding fiercely, and I couldn't deny it. It's flattering to hear that from him because I hadn't expected it.

When I saw the money back in my bank account this morning, I was disappointed. I thought what happened last night was special and that he held me for something special. I got angry and swore that I would really kick his balls hard once I saw him. But that did not happen because here he is standing mighty in front of me.

I know he is a man, a man with needs and wants. Like most people, he was probably doing that out of lust. 

They fuck, mess around, and then pay. But now, hearing him tell me that he likes me was unexpected. I did not see this coming.

I took a deep breath as we gazed at each other. My heart was pounding heavily inside my chest. He tilted his head slightly before meeting my gaze with a warm smile.

"Louise, I need you," he says, his voice pleading. He purrs.

"Oh, I see. . ." I blinked rapidly, and I felt my face flush with heat.

"I know it's unexpected. It's not about the sex, Louise. Although I admit I was tempted and could no longer stop myself from it. If given the chance, I would be happy to do it again with you. There's nothing wrong with that," he says, swallowing hard.

My lips parted.

Dang it!

Indeed, he is a man with his own needs, right? He could easily express what he wanted without thinking it through.

"Okay...uhm, uhm." I swallowed the sand in my throat, trying to figure out what's next to say.

It's alright anyway because I like him too.

"So, what do you want us to do?" I asked him challengingly.

"Let's date...to get to know each other. I would love to know more about you," he smiles. It's goofy, but I like this.

"I know this is unexpected, Louise. I never saw this coming, too, but I want to try."

Our eyes locked, and dang it. I don't know what to say. This is too much.

"O-Okay... we can try. I'm easy," I stammered, biting my inside cheek.

"That's great! Have you had lunch? Would you like to join me for lunch? We can discuss this further."

You don't have to ask Hendrix, because I will go with you if you don't ask me.

"Sure thing," I nod. "Just wait a little bit. I need to change quickly," I said and turned away from him in a hurry.

I feel like a teenager, and I can't believe what happened. How on earth will I keep this to myself? It feels surreal, like a dream... Oh hell.

We are sitting, facing the beautiful glow of the ocean ahead, while waiting for our orders. I called Shella and informed her that I couldn't stop at the shop due to an emergency job. I didn't disclose the details of this emergency because I wanted to keep it private for now.

The drive was peaceful yet serene. Hendrix remained composed and quiet, relying on his facial expressions and gestures to communicate his desires and gentlemanly offers. Despite some awkwardness between us, I am confident we can move past it once we grasp each other's feelings.

"What do you basically do now?" I ask before taking a sip of my drink.

"Business. Managing the three branches of MGM Co."

I nodded. Now I remember his mother's business. MGM Co is one of them, and Hendrix inherited it when he turned twenty-one.

There was only one branch of MGM Co at that time, and it was here in Eden. The company was an expert in administrative and business law at that time. By the time I left Eden, I heard that Hendrix had elevated MGM Co to a new level of expertise.

"What's the company specialization now?" I twinkle my eyes. I can't take my eyes away from him, and it's the same for him. He was just looking at me the entire time. His eyes dropped to my lips and then returned to my eyes, making me flutter.

"We now specialize in corporate, civil, administrative, and business law. Our total number of employees is four hundred."

"Oh, I see...you're doing good. Really, really good..." I nodded. That proves that Hendrix is really gifted and has all the luck in the world.

"What about you?"

"Uhm..." I paused, trying to think of the best way to describe myself, but the heck. There's no better description of being a slave clerk who works more than the minimum hours to survive.

"I'm a normal, typical person who works hard to earn money. Nothing's special," I faked a smile and grabbed my glass for a drink, but it was empty.

"Here. You can have it. I will order more." He passes me his drink.

"Thank you."

By the time I took a sip, our food orders arrived. Hendrix also ordered additional drinks and some appetizers.

We ate quietly and engaged in a brief conversation. It focused solely on business, with little discussion about our personal lives. By the time we finished our meal, dessert had arrived.

I was so full after that. I don't think I can manage to eat for dinner, as I will still be full even for breakfast.

We walked along the shore, and the view was stunning. It's low tide, and the sea extends far into the distance. I'm feeling much better now, and I'm pretty comfortable around him. Our conversation flowed effortlessly. I laughed at his silly jokes, not realizing that our hands were touching next to each other. It's magnetic, as it comes naturally to us.

"Will I see you again tomorrow?"

We are now facing each other, and I didn't notice that six hours had passed. It was never dull with him today. It's the first time that we have not exchanged harsh words.

"Sure. Lunch again?"

"Yes. I will pick you up tomorrow for lunch."

"Okay." I nodded, and we headed back to the car park.

It was seven o'clock, and like a gentleman, he opened the car door for me. Butterflies are swirling in my stomach.

"Are you going to be alright on your own?" He looks at the door behind me, and I nod.

"Yes, Hendrix. I'm fine. You can go now."

"Okay."

I watched him disappear, and at that moment, my mouth dropped open in astonishment.

What the heck was that?

Dang it. We are dating. Is that even for real?

I shook my head and marched inside. As I reached for the knob, the door suddenly opened, revealing Shella's face in surprise.

My eyes widened.

"I see that. Are you guys dating? Is he..."

"Oh, shut up." I covered her mouth using my hand and pushed her inside, making sure that there was no one outside to hear us.

"Oh my God, Louise! Are you and Hendrix dating? For real?" The excitement on her face was visible. I pressed my lips together, and my heart hammered.

It feels beautiful to be in love. That's exactly what I'm feeling right now.

"Hey, Louise. This is unfair. I want to know. Please... Did you two kiss? Oh, shit! Come on, come on, tell me." She's like a bunny, hopping in front of me as if asking for a story.

I quickly drank the cold water before speaking. I wish I could share everything with her, but my words failed me, so I could only nod in response.

"Seriously? That's awesome!" She hugs me. "I'm glad that you finally have the man of your dreams now, Louise. I'm so happy for you."

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c.m. louden