Eva’s eyes widened, and she sprang from the sofa, but before she could reach the door, Alexander stormed into the tiny apartment. Wearing a pair of figure-hugging faded jeans, a gray tee-shirt, and a black leather jacket, he looked rugged and drool-worthy, like a model straight out of a fashion magazine.
“Hey, wait! You may be hot but you can’t just march in,” protested Georgia while Eva stood frozen with her jaws dropped to the floor. Did Georgia really say that to her crush?
“And you are?” he flashed Georgia an impish grin, much to Eva’s annoyance. His smiles were for other girls, while she only faced his fury. A tinge of jealousy filled her heart, and she glared at him all the more.
“She’s my roommate,” she clarified, but Alexander looked around with interest as if searching for someone.
“Where’s George?” he asked impatiently, not seeing the guy around.
“I’m George. Actually, my name’s Georgia,” said Georgia, with a goofy smile on her face. A look of surprise flashed in Alexander’s eyes, but he hid his reaction and flashed Georgia a dazzling smile.
“Right. Nice to meet you.” Eva was now green already! How could he flirt with her flatmate right under her nose? Most importantly, why was he here when she declined to go out with him?
“So, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at a restaurant with the girls?” asked Eva, coming out of her dazed state.
“I’ve come to get you. Let’s go,” he said gruffly, taking in her pajama-clad state. Eva’s face flushed at his scrutiny, knowing that the tiny pair of shorts hardly covered much. Even the short crop top she wore left her abdomen bare, but she wasn’t expecting anyone and would have retired to her room after dinner.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’ve already informed Alyssa,” she stood her ground. Alexander looked annoyed as he always did around her.
“Are you coming or do I need to carry you along with me?” he asked impatiently. Eva’s eyes widened, and she glared at Alexander. She couldn’t figure out why he was so insistent. How did it matter whether she went out with them or didn’t? Surely it shouldn’t matter to him! She was inconsequential to him!
“Neither. Can’t you take no for an answer?” she protested but Alexander lost his patience and reached her in two strides. Before Eva could realize his intentions, he picked her up on his shoulder and strode out of the door. Georgia clapped her hands with glee, loving the drama while Eva glared at her in horror.
“Traitor!” she hissed.
“Alexander, put me down this minute!” she yelled, beating her fists on his hard muscular back but he seemed unperturbed by her protests. He walked down the stairs as if she didn’t weigh a thing. “I’m not adequately dressed. I can’t go anywhere wearing this?” Alexander grunted in response but strode straight out of the building towards his car. Her whole body flushed crimson with embarrassment at seeing everyone gawk at them.
Alexander at last placed her down beside his car and eased the jacket out of himself. Draping it over her shoulders, he unlocked the passenger door for her. “Get in.”
Reluctantly, Eva went inside his car and pulled the jacket closer around her body. It was huge, and she nearly drowned in it. “Why are you forcing me to go?” she asked when he climbed into the car.
“Lisa wants you to come along.” His reply was enough to quieten her as all the fight left her body.
“Oh.” So he took so much effort just to please his little sister and nothing else! It didn’t matter to him whether she went along or didn’t! Hurt, she just looked out of the window, her throat choked with painful emotions. The jacket exuded his addictive scent, and it felt as if he had wrapped her close in his embrace!
“You shouldn’t skip meals. It would do you good to put on a little more weight.” Eva turned to look at him with surprise.
“Thanks for your concern,” she said, looking away. If he didn’t like her body, he could look elsewhere.
“So what have you thought of pursuing after this?” he asked, briefly glancing in her direction. The glance, although brief swept over her entire body. The jacket covered her till her mid-thighs, yet she blushed, feeling exposed. Why did she have to wear her pajamas so soon?
“Nursing. Sienna and I have enrolled at St. Paul’s College Of Nursing.”
“I see. Good luck!” Again he gave her a brief glance, his eyes wandering all over her. Was something wrong with him, or was she looking ridiculous?
“Thanks. So are you looking for a job now?” she couldn’t help but ask him.
“No. Dad’s friend, who owns a chain of restaurants, is mentoring me. After the training, I’ll take over from him since he plans to retire. I will strike up some sort of partnership deal with him.”
“Oh, all the best with it.” Eva wanted to say more but caught herself just in time. She wanted to urge him to start his own business instead of taking over someone else’s, but maybe he knew what was best for him.
“Thanks, but you don’t look happy with my decision,” he prodded again, giving her a brief glance.
“I would suggest that you start your own business instead of taking over someone else’s.” Alexander nodded, reflecting on what she just suggested.
“Dad wants me to work under his best friend, Desmond Rotterdam, and learn the tricks of the trade. He doesn’t have anyone to pass on his legacy and is happy to take me under his wing. His chain of restaurants, Rotterdams, is already a brand name all over the world.” Eva nodded and flashed him a stiff smile. Of course, he would want to follow his dad’s advice, but was he happy doing what his dad wanted? She didn’t ask, knowing she wasn’t in a position to probe.
He drove through the gates of a huge condominium and Eva looked around with wide eyes. Did Alyssa really move in here? “Does Alyssa live here now?” she asked.
“Yes, and I do too.” She turned to look at him with surprise. Did they share an apartment? Her heart skipped a beat at the thought. Then, every time she visited her friend, would she see him as well?
“In the same apartment?” Alexander shook his head, leading her to the elevator. Eva felt extremely conscious in her pajamas and flip-flops. Although she covered herself with Alexander’s jacket, she felt exposed and nervous. Thankfully, there wasn’t anyone else in the elevator with them.
“No, I live in my penthouse.” The door opened, and he led her outside, down the beautifully lighted, luxuriously decorated corridor towards an enormous door. He punched in the security code and the door opened like magic. Everything about the place was grand and chic, making Eva feel more out of place. She was a simple girl with simple needs, hardly ever splurging on anything for herself.
“Eva? I thought you weren’t coming?” said Alyssa as she emerged from her room, her eyes wide with surprise at seeing her best friend.
“Why don’t you get her ready instead of wasting time?” said Alexander impatiently, as he opened the door and left abruptly, banging the door shut after him. Alyssa's mouth hung open with surprise at her brother’s antics, and then she looked at her best friend.
“What the f*ck are you wearing?” she gasped and then started giggling like a lunatic. “Don’t tell me you’re planning to go to dinner wearing that.”
“Are you crazy? I was ready to sleep when Alexander just picked me up and carried me off to his car. He didn’t even give me time to change.” Alyssa gaped at her in disbelief.
“He did, but why? None of the girls are free to go tonight.” Alyssa went to her room, and Eva followed her there, her mouth hanging open at the news.
“He told me you wanted me to come along,” said Eva, looking confused.
"Interesting!" Alyssa chuckled and pulled out some clothes for her to choose from.
“You can take off that jacket now. I wonder why he even gave you his lucky jacket when I haven’t been able to wear it even once!”
Eva’s cheeks flushed with color, and she immediately took off the jacket. “Maybe because he saw how people were staring at us.”
“Staring at you, right? You’re looking so cute!” said Alyssa, pinching her cheeks. “And hot!” she added with a wink.
“As if! Anyway, if the dinner plan stands canceled, why are we dressing up?” asked Eva, checking the clothes. They were all beautiful and very expensive, but she didn’t have any choice other than to wear her best friend’s clothes. Being of the same height and stature, their stuff fitted each other perfectly.
“Maybe because my brother wants to take you out to dinner!” said Alyssa, her eyes sparkling with amusement while her words sent Eva’s heart into overdrive.
Eva chose a short crepe ivory sheath dress with beaded spaghetti straps and a small side slit at the edge. Alyssa chose a light blue A-line dress with a boat neck, pairing it with black designer heels. “Are you planning to wear those flip-flops with this?” laughed Alyssa when the door clicked open and Alexander entered the apartment. Eva’s heart raced with apprehension, wondering if Alexander would like her look. Alyssa went outside her room while Eva stayed hidden under the pretext of choosing a pair of shoes. “Aren’t you ready yet? Where’s Eva?” she could hear Alexander growl in the living room. Wearing a pair of white pumps, she went out, her heartbeats thumping faster than ever before. “I’m here,” she replied. Alexander looked at her, his eyes sweeping over the entire length of her. His jaws clenched with fury and he glared at her, disapproving of her looks. “What the f*ck are you wearing? Is that a dress? Change into something decent right now,” he growled, while Alyssa’s mou
Alyssa grinned at Eva as she emerged from the washroom, having heard the interaction between her best friend and her brother. “Why didn’t you ask him about the letter?” she giggled excitedly. Eva blushed at the roots of her hair and shook her head. “It was a foolish idea and I shouldn’t have listened to you and Skylar.” “Shouldn’t you be thanking us instead? It’s because of us you could confess your feelings. I know you, Eva. You would rather die of heartbreak than admit to your true feelings,” said Alyssa and Eva smiled at her friend. No one knew her better than Alyssa did. “It’s better I hadn’t confessed. He doesn’t love me the way I do.” “He does. Why don’t you win him over? Show him how much you care,” urged her friend. Eva sighed and smiled, not promising anything. Her nature was totally opposite to that of her friend’s. She couldn’t express her feelings well, having always bottled them up. While they all had someone or the other to open up to, she had no one apart from
Alexander twisted and turned on his bed, not getting a wink of sleep. He hadn’t expected Eva to grow up so fast into such an irresistible beauty! At eighteen, she was smoking hot, her honey-hued eyes inviting him to drown in her sweetness. Alexander had to try hard to control his urges around her. It was something he had never expected to happen. Being sinfully attracted to his little sister’s best friend should not happen at all! Yet he was helpless and visited her apartment twice already, took her out to dinner even, all in a matter of a day! How pathetic could he get? He closed his eyes, thinking of the torture he would have to go through the next day at home. Why did his parents have to throw a gala party on the occasion of his homecoming? He didn’t have any problems with parties, but it was the guest list he dreaded meeting, especially Beatrix. It would have been so much better if only his and Alyssa’s friends were invited, but that would never happen. They would never invite
Eva caught Alyssa’s hand to stop her from calling her brother, but she didn’t listen to her at all. “Alex will drop you home. My car has a flat tyre.” “I can walk down. It’s no big deal. I’m used to walking,” said Eva, not wanting to bother Alexander. Alexander accepted the call and Eva clamped her mouth shut, her heart racing with excitement. “Bro, can you drop Eva home? I have a flat tyre and she is planning to walk back.” Alexander’s face eased into a smile. It was an involuntary reaction, something he had no control over. “Give me five minutes.” He disconnected the call and took a quick shower. Feeling fresh, he pulled on his clothes and dashed off to drop Eva off. “Was he angry?” asked Eva nervously as they waited for Alexander. “No, he sounded glad.” “I’m sure you’re quite mistaken. Why would he be happy to drop me off? He doesn’t even like me.” Alyssa shook her head with a sly gleam in her eyes. Her brother could fool the world with his arrogance, but not her. She could
Alexander didn’t have an answer to give his mentor, Desmond Rotterdam, and flashed a fake smile at him when they embraced. “Nice to see you back for good, son. I’m eagerly waiting for you to start your training.” “Me too, uncle Desmond. It has been my passion to own a restaurant chain and I can’t wait to start,” said Alexander, too engrossed in his dream topic to give Beatrix a thought. He was extremely ambitious and could do anything to achieve his aspirations, except marry Beatrix, of course. His parents joined them and soon they started having a detailed discussion about the weekend getaway they wanted to go to. Alyssa left the party with her friends, not liking what was going on. Her heart constricted with pain for her best friend, who was oblivious to everything. “Do you really think your brother will marry Beatrix?” asked Skylar, unable to stop herself. “I don’t know what to think of it. I thought he cared about Eva,” said Alyssa with a sigh.“Tell nothing to Eva now. She’ll
I just went to catch hold of Lisa.” Eva nodded, disappointed to hear him. Of course, he had gone to see his sister. How silly of her to ask? “Oh, did you meet her? She didn’t come here.” Alexander nodded, wondering what reason to give her to explain his surprise visit. “Yes, I met her and your entire group. I just came here to check up on you.” Eva didn’t prod further since it was obvious he came here only out of curiosity. The space beside her looked so inviting that Alexander couldn’t resist the temptation to sit with her. Eva’s eyes widened when he joined her on the sofa, his legs almost brushing with hers as he occupied the entire space beside her. His presence filled up the room, the scent of his cologne playing havoc with her senses. “Were you crying, Eva?” His sudden question took her by surprise and when he picked her hand up in his large rough one, Eva’s young heart melted into a puddle. She could only shake her head as her throat felt too choked to utter a single word. W
They all squealed with delight at seeing their friend after years. “How did you know we’re meeting up here?” asked Skylar, as she sprang up from her seat to embrace her friend. “Sienna informed me and here I am,” said Alyssa, as they all hugged her one by one. Eva stood quietly with tears of pure happiness in her eyes as she stared at her friend in disbelief. Was she really here for good? Alyssa at last turned towards her, opening her arms out for a hug. “Aren’t you gonna give me a hug, Eva?” Eva smiled through her tears and went forward, wrapping her best friend in her arms. “I’m so glad to see you, Alyssa.” Alyssa could feel the pain in her voice, although she tried her best to look happy. For the last four years, the few times they had interacted over the phone, Eva had been very secretive about her true feelings. Alyssa had called her the day her brother got engaged, and Eva hadn’t accepted her call for a month. She found out from Sienna that she had stopped taking care of hers
“Who’s there Alex?” purred Beatrix from behind him and he came to his senses and looked away. “Shall we leave?” he asked gruffly, turning away and storming out of the apartment without a word. His indifference hurt Eva, and she slowly emerged from the kitchen after the door closed shut after them. “I’m not going to Phoenix. I'm fine with any other place,” she said, her mood already souring at the interaction. How could Alexander not recognize her at all? Hurt, she picked up her bag and trudged ahead towards the door. The doorbell rang, and Alyssa rushed ahead of her to open it.“You aren’t going anywhere, Eva,” scolded an upset Alyssa while opening the door. Skylar and Hayley barged inside, looking upset and displeased, arguing amongst themselves. “You shouldn’t have said that to him,” scolded Skylar. “I couldn’t top myself. She’s a bitch,” argued Hayley while the other two gaped at them. “I know, but she is Alex’s fiancée,” pointed out Skylar. “I don’t care,” said Hayley with a