I finish arranging the breakfast on the well-spread red-themed table, the outcome of what kept us awake until two in the morning glimmering at me—the chocolate cake. I feel like digging into it right now.

More than baking, we truly had great fun last night. We played with the flour and the mixture in the kitchen like toddlers, and it was all so fabulous. We chatted, cracked up, made fun of each other, and did a lot of crazy stuff together, some of which I'm going to have to keep a secret for now. Wink!


As I wait for him to finish getting ready for work, I am standing next to the table and pondering why it is taking him so long to scour those always-clean abs. Huh, me and my delusions. For my own good, I'm way too enamored by him. I am slobbering over this cake while also being skeptical and apprehensive about whether my tea will be as sweet as him—I mean, as his. I hope I used adequate quantities of the ingredients. I'm trying my hand at cooking for him for the first time, and I hope he enjoys it. I do, really.

Despite all the glee we have had, I have a strangely depressing chill. I am not certain if it has anything to do with my cards or the fact that I'm leaving his place this morning. In fact, I'm all dressed up and ready to leave right now. We are departing together yet going in opposite directions. Even though I am absolutely sure that this is not goodbye, I am unable to explain why my heart feels so heavy right now. It is my stay at his place that is coming to an end, but our friendship is just getting started. Yes!

The typical sensation of his muscular arms makes me nearly leap as he wraps me in a tight hug from behind, the scent of his cologne dominating that of the delicacies on the table. I shudder at his touch, savoring its familiarity! The scent is new. I have smelled some lavender and black sapil on him, but this one that is almost clogging my nostrils; it's so new.


"Mmh... It smells so good here," he remarks, and I had to tilt my head to peek at him at my shoulder.

"It is you who smells good," I mumble, and he smiles, pulling away from me and standing in front of me.


His austere, attractive features are perfectly accentuated by the three-piece dark grey custom-made tuxedo, white bow tie, and black brogues. He radiates boldness, dominance, and power in this look.

"I do?" He asks.

"Yes. What is the name of that cologne?" I ask, composing my attractive self.

"Hot and sweet," He murmurs

Whoa! Hot and sweet? That sounds exactly like how he appears right now, to be honest. It's best not to get into details with that perfume because just the sound of its name is alluring enough. Instead, they ought to have called it temptation. Sigh!

"You like it?" He asks as he turns to sit on the seat, and I do the same, serving tea for us both.

"It is just like its name conveys- a hot, sexy allure. You should wear it when going on dates, my judgment though. I pity the ladies in your office," I state, sipping on my tea.

"I am their boss, Ellie. Whatever I wear or do is none of their business as long as I pay them for what their asses are in my office for - which is work, and work alone." He states.

Wow! He seems like a cold boss. "No pleasure in business?" I rant, trying to conceal my curiosity.

"The two can never go together. One is bound to fail if ever you entertain that shit. I am a strict businessman who doesn't include pleasure in his businesses."

Plain and simple. Brilliant ass! "Do you like the tea?" I ask as we munch on the soft, fluffy cake.

I take a minute to savor its taste, and it is just as it appears -sweet.

"Yes. It's just the way I like it. Good job." Straightforward and precise, and I feel so warm about his compliment. I can feel my cheeks reddening. "Are you sure you want to leave just now? You can at least wait until your cards' issues are resolved. I don't mean to worry you, but, you don't know what the problem is. It might take a while."

He is right, and the fact that I am internally panicking reinforces his thesis. I have never encountered this problem ever. But I have already made a decision. I paid a two-month advance house rent, and I am positive the issue will be resolved quickly. What could possibly go wrong?

I shake my head, although I won't refute that it's so homey here. I wouldn't mind extending my stay. "No. I will be fine. It can't take that long. Besides, aren't you itching to enjoy the freedom you had before I intruded?" I query.

He smirks. "I never complained. I have enjoyed your company and all of your craziness, that is why," he waves a key to my face, almost making me choke on my tea, "for you," He adds, and I put my cup of the tea down first.

"A spare key to your house? Why?" I implore.

He shrugs, a smug tugging on his lips. "So that you can surprise me with your beautiful face here any time you feel like it. Besides, the cooking classes are still on, and we concurred we will hold them here, right?" He explains.

Well, yeah. But, isn't this too much? I push my hand lazily and take the key, hugging it tight in my palm. He is entrusting me with his house? Wow! I mean, it feels just wow. I have no specific term for what I am feeling right now.

"Okay. Sorry I haven't duplicated mine," I mutter.

He smirks my sorry away. "No problem. At least I am permitted to knock on your door anytime I feel like nagging you, right?"

He has perfect answers for everything. He always has for those days that I have known him. "Sure. You are most welcome. Anytime," I say, a wide grin on my lips.

"And, for anything I might want?"