Chapter 43
Josie’s POV.
Two weeks later.
First thing this morning, I received a text message from Ashton’s
assistant from the pharmaceutical informing me that Ashton was back from his short travel to India.
Two weeks ago, I had gone to teach him as usual but I found out at the hospital that Ashton had traveled. He didn’t even bother to message me about that. Well, I didn’t mind.
It actually saved me from seeing him at all, especially after what happened between us. Something kept biting at the back of my mind that Ashton and I must have done something.
Whenever that thought crossed my mind, my cheeks would warm, turning beet–red without warning. He was hiding something from me. I felt the urge to send him a message asking what that was but my confidence always ended up whittling down.
Those two weeks he had been away, I used it to notch up my skill by going to the city library and reading books written in those languages I perfect in.
Aside from going to the library, and taking up some little odd jobs in a restaurant downtown, Diego seemed to infiltrate himself
into my life more and that stemmed from the moment I called him babe, two weeks back.
I wouldn’t deny the fact that whenever I was with Diego, I always felt the tension crackling between us. My heart usually tap dances, driving me crazy. Diego sure was a handsome young man and gentle.
I normally felt a spark when I was around him, only the spark differed from the one I felt when it came to Ashton.
He had been staying with us during dinner before going home. Yesterday though, we switched roles.
Aria and I decided to visit his place for the first time, and my, my, Diego had an upscale apartment with impeccable furnishings.
He had three bedrooms and a cozy library stacked with books.
“I never pegged you as a reader, Diego,” I stated when I went into the library last night.
He chuckled behind me, coming up close as I picked out a book. There was a ladder by the left–hand side that someone could use and climb to the top shelves where I assume old books are kept.
“I read but I read more history books.” He had told me, boring his gaze into my hand and eyes.
“Do you have any specification in history you read about?”
“Nah. I read randomly…”
While he was saying that the book I held slipped from my hand and fell on the floor. I made haste to pick up. dropping on my haunches, not knowing Diego did too.
20 Sat, 20 Apr
Chapter 43
Our foreheads bumped together as well as our hands. His big ones enclosed mine that was holding the book.
I whimpered at the dull pang of pain that spiraled through me when our heads clashed.
“I’m sorry. Did I hurt you big?” He asked, inching his other hand to inspect the wound.
“No.” I trailed off, looking into Diego’s warm gaze as he peered into mine. We didn’t blink. His fingers burned a track from my forehead to my cheeks, holding me firm.
“Rose…” He called gruffly while I burned his face with my hazel eyes. “I……” He began stuttering, his gaze alternating from my lips back up to my eyes.
“You’ve always wanted to say this, Diego. Spill it out.” I encouraged him because I as well had been dying to know what’s on his mind.
“I really like you, Rose. I know it sounds stupid but…I can’t stash it away in my heart anymore.” He swallowed, and my pulse quickened. “I want us to get to know each other well…” He stammered in between his words.
“You mean, you want us to date?” I let the words out and he nodded.
“That’s if you can give me the chance.” He said with gusto, gazing at me.
I pondered on it, back and front and the only I can think of is that dating Diego would help shed off this growing feeling for Ashton. I love Diego. He had been good to me and my daughter. He took her as his own.
I guess fate was giving me another chance at love because accepting Ashton back in my life was bad, totally a disaster.
Resolved in my mind, I whispered the words seamlessly.
“Yes. I accept to…be your girlfriend.”
At my curt response, a smile splintered Diego’s face in two and he curled me into his arms, holding me and whispering sweet nothings into my ear. Things like he’d make sure I don’t
regret ever choosing to date him.
We broke the hug slowly, our faces inching closer so that our noses almost touched.
There…we’re about to kiss, I thought until….
“Are you guys gonna kiss, ewww.” Aria’s voice broke us apart and we shot to our feet quickly.
“Oh, darling. I thought we were playing in the pen?” I rushed the words out, flushing.
“Yes, but it’s boring. Can you play with me, Mommy? Or watch the stars?” She brightened.
Aria always went out with her binoculars. It has her favorite teddy bear.
“Okay, let’s go watch the stars.” I conceded and she jumped outside, whooping a sound of joy.
As I made a move to leave, Diego clenched my fingers, making me stare at him.
“Please, stay the night?” He asked gently. I couldn’t find myself saying no.
Chapter 43
So, I nodded. “I’ll.”
Then with pride in my gait, I walked away, smiling.
Now, getting this text message from Ashton’s assistant, I knew it was time I started working for my asshole Stepbrother.
I stirred on the bed, flapping my eyes open to take in my surroundings. Aria was still lying on the bed, her brown hair fluttered on the side of the bed.
The balcony doors were open, the trend tending to the cozy bedroom with its beautiful hue.
Today was Saturday, so Ariq didn’t have to go to school.
I left on the bed and went outside to Matt Diego.
Shocked, I paused drinking him in as he paced around in the kitchen, whipping breakfast for us.
“Really? You should have called me to do that.” I said, leaning on the counter.
“Good morning, beauty.” He winked at me before tugging his gaze back at the eggs he was beating. “That’s
not necessary. I needed to do this for you and my princess.”
“That’s nice of you. But I’m kinda sorry, I won’t stick around for it. I need to rush home and freshen up for work.” I hasten the words.
“Your boss is back? I mean the student you’re handling?” He asked and I nodded.
1
Diego loved referring to anyone I thought as a student no matter their status or wealth.
“That sucks. Thought you’d want to taste my food and score my skills.” He said and I felt the hint of bitterness tainting his voice.
“I’m sorry.” I called out, sagging the corner of my lips.
“That’s okay.” He intoned, shrugging it off.
We just started our relationship right? I thought, watching as Diego focused back on his work.
He was trying to please me and that would be bad if I don’t show appreciation.
To make him happy, I suggested. “Unless you’ll make lunch and bring it over?”
Diego’s face brightened quickly like a child promised his candies. He nodded with gusto, uttering. “Aye, ma’am. I’ll be glad to do that. What would you like for lunch?”
I crunched my face thoughtfully, “Something Italian is perfect. Can you make it?”
“Consider it done.” He said, coming to see me off.
I went into the elevator and waved at him as the door slammed together, pulling him away from my sight.
Hours later, I was staggering in haste through the hospital walls, arranging my purse to put inside my tote bag
Chapter 43
Some ringlets of my hair had escaped the band holding it together in a ponytail, making it flow over my face.
With one hand arranging my bag and the other fixing my hair in place, I didn’t know when I bumped into someone who yelped, cursing.
Raising my head, wanting to apologize, I saw it was no other than Doctor Sanders.
She had a bitter look on her face, her lips twitching in a deep frown.
“Were you too blind?” She barked.
Yeah, the woman had been acting crazy around me since what happened the last time.
“I’m sorry,” I stated even though I felt no single sorry for her.
Head high, I tried to shoulder past her when her voice rang.
“Doc is busy. Besides, why are you going to visit him dressed like a whore?”
My eyes went owl–wide at her words. I sharply looked down and saw the buttons of my shirt hanging open.
Before I could raise my head to retort, I saw the man standing a few inches away from us, his eyes pinned down on my chest…
TBC.
