When Amelia had accepted to get lunch with James, she’d expected them to merely take a walk to the restaurant a few blocks away from their office building but James had shocked her by walking her to his car.
“Aren’t we going for lunch?” she questioned with a furrow in her brows.
“Yes, we are, but in a better place where they make heavenly meals,” he winked at her before opening the door to the passenger side of the car for her. Amelia got in, wondering where he could be taking her before he jogged around and got behind the driver’s seat, pulling out of the parking lot.
They drove in comfortable silence for about ten minutes before they came to a stop at a five-star restaurant.
“James…” she glanced at her, half-smiling.
He only responded with a smile, winking at her.
“I don’t know when you’ll give me this chance again, so let me enjoy it, will you?”
“Very well then, dazzle me,”
“I plan to, my lady,”
Getting out of the car, he walked round to get her door for her but she was already out.
“Hey…” he frowned at her, shaking his head in disapproval. “That’s my job, and you will not rob me of it,”
“My bad,” Amelia smiled.
Taking her hand in his, he led her towards the door, as it slid open to let them in. His eyes quickly scanned the large room for a vacant table and once he found her, he led her towards it, pulling her chair out for her before getting his.
“A perfect gentleman,” Amelia praised, smiling cheerfully.
“What can I say, my mom did a great job,” James responded, just as a waiter approached them.
“Hello, Sir, and ma’am, welcome to Delia’s Cuisines,” the waiter wore a perfect smile, bowing respectfully. “What would you like to have?”
“Come on, make a choice for us,” James urged Amelia, handing her one of the menus on their table. Not wanting to waste the waiter’s time, she quickly corked a brow at James but he nodded in approval, understanding her silent question.
Thereafter, she opened the fancy menu and glanced at it, before picking the least expensive meal, not wanting to be a burden to James, knowing he’d offer to pay her bills with his. James on the other hand was amused by her decision but he remained calm. After she was done, he ordered an expensive wine that had her raising her brows.
“I know what you did there, Amelia, but you don’t have to worry. I wouldn’t bring you out for a lunch date if I’m not ready to settle the bills. So relax and have a good time, will you?”
She nodded in response, smiling shyly. She hadn’t thought he’d notice it.
“Thank you, James. But you really don’t have to pay my bills,”
James shook his head in refusal.
“Let me worry about that,”
A few minutes later, the waiter returned with their meal and they dug in. At first taste, Amelia let out a small moan of appreciation, savoring the taste of the meal and this had James smiling.
“They really make heavenly meals here,”
“I told you,” he responded.
They continued their meal for the next couple of minutes before James broke their comfortable silence.
“You know, I’m surprised you let me take you out. Should I take this as some progress or you’re just on a break from telling me off?” he asked, cocking his head to the side.
Amelia glanced at him, slowly chewing the food in her mouth and washing it down her throat with a sip of her wine before answering.
“Maybe a green flag…”
“Yeah?” a smile bloomed on his face as he awaited her answer.
Amelia let go of her cutlery on her plate, settling more into her seat.
“Honestly, James, I don’t have anything against you, and neither do I consider you as a red flag. You’re a good man and a wonderful one. The younger me would have loved to have you in my life, but now…” she heaved a sigh, looking away, her gaze traveling across the room to see tables occupied by couples having a good time with smiles on their faces.
A warm hand rested on her palm, bringing her attention back to James, as his palm squeezed hers softly.
“I understand your reasons, Amelia, and it’s fine. I just want you to know that I’ll be patient and I’m ready to wait for you until you’re ready to change your mind because I like you a lot. Maybe one day you’ll be mine?”
His words touched her heart. She’d never had a man say such words to her ever in her life. His reassurance broke something in her and suddenly, she wanted to give him a chance to see where it’d go, to see if this man could mend her previously broken heart and teach it to love again.
“I have no problem accepting you into my life, James, but I’m a single mom and I put my daughter’s interest first.”
James smiled, surprising her more.
“You’re a good mother, Amelia, and I’m sure your daughter is happy to have you in her life,”
Tears stung her eyes from his compliment but she glanced away, managing to blink them away before returning her gaze to his, with his clear blue eyes staring into hers like he was looking at the most wonderful creature he’d ever set eyes on.
“Thank you, James. Maybe we can take things slow and see where they lead us?”
His hand that had been subconsciously caressing hers stilled, his lips parting in astonishment. She nodded, a smile spreading across her features as she answered his unasked question.
“I mean it, James. Let’s give us a trial,”
Overjoyed by her words, he gently pulled her hand towards his lips and gently placed a kiss on them, causing her to giggle.
“I’ll take care of you, Amelia and I’ll never make you regret your decision to invite me into your life,”
“Come on, don’t make me cry. I don’t want to ruin my makeup,” she joked, smiling harder.
They continued with their meal, conversing about random topics, while also getting to know each other. From the moment Amelia had accepted James’ proposal, he felt as though he was at the top of the world and just couldn’t stop showering her with praises and compliments. Amelia also felt happier than she’d expected to be. Although her heart was racing within her, scared of what the outcome of her decision might be, she ignored it, inwardly telling herself to be calm and enjoy the moment while it lasts.
*****
Throughout the week, James and Amelia had some amazing moments, always having lunch together and getting to know each other better. At this point, it was no news that they were seeing each other, as everyone in the office had noticed them leaving together multiple times. On the days' Amelia was too busy to step out of her office, he made it his duty to get her food, and stay in with her to eat. Amelia didn’t know what she’d been missing all this while until she accepted the man into her life. Now, she looked forward to every lunch break, knowing James would show up. It was quickly becoming her favorite time at work.
It was the weekend and Amelia was in her home with Dora, with no plans for the day. They were casually relaxing on a sofa, watching a movie when the doorbell rang. Gently, she carried Dora on the sofa and rose to her feet, hurrying to the door, only to see James standing there, his arms behind his back and an unreadable expression etched on his face.
“James…” she called in astonishment, blinking twice to be sure her eyes weren't deceiving her.
“Hey…” a small smile broke out on his face, not quite reaching his eyes, as he wasn’t sure what Amelia’s reaction to his unexpected visit would be.
The previous day, after they’d closed from work, he’d discreetly followed Amelia home just to know where she stayed after he’d asked her if she had any weekend plans but she’d said she wanted to spend the weekend with her daughter. He thought of taking them out but wanted to surprise Amelia with his visit.
“How did you find my place?”
“I… may have tracked you yesterday,”
Amelia stared at him in bewilderment, unsure of how to respond. She didn’t even know how to feel about his visit, knowing they hadn’t spoken about it, and Dora was home.
“I’m sorry I didn’t inform you. After you told me about how you’ll spend your day, I thought it would be nice to come to take you and your daughter out, that’s if you wouldn’t mind but now, I think it wasn’t such a reasonable decision. I should have considered y…”
“It’s fine, James,” Amelia cut him off, smiling. “Honestly, I didn’t expect this and I didn’t prepare Dora for your visit but I’m sure she’d love to see you,”
“Are you sure about that?” He asked, skeptically.
“Come on, it’s fine. Come in,” she waved her hand, inviting him in as she stepped out of the doorway to let him in.
“Thank you,” he smiled, this time, a genuine one that got to his eyes, his face radiating with joy. “This is for you and your baby,” he brought forth his hands, handing her a box of chocolate and a single red rose.
“Aww… aren’t you lovely?”
“Anything for you, my lady,” he winked at her as she led the way to the living room, where Dora was still lost to the action on the screen.
“Dora, we have a friend over, baby,” Amelia informed her, crouching to her level. Her eyes immediately darted up to see James. For a moment, she stared at the man curiously before rising to her feet and walking up to him.
“Hello, I’m Dora,” Dora introduced herself, smiling cheerfully at James with her arm stretched out. In response, James crouched to her level, taking her small palm in his and smiling.
“Hello, Dora, I’m James, and you’re such a beautiful little lady,”
“Thank you,” she smiled toothily.
“Dora, James is my friend from work and he got this for you,” Amelia handed her the box of chocolate. A look of surprise appeared on the child’s face, making James chuckle at how cute she looked.
“Thank you!” she exclaimed, hugging James who was still kneeling beside her. At first, James was shocked but returned her hug after Amelia nodded at him, smiling. He wrapped his arms around the little girl. “I like you,” she blurted out.
“I like you too, pretty lady,” James responded.
Amelia watched them with a smile on her face.
“How would you like to go out with me? Mom can also come along,” James offered, smiling at the little girl, who glanced at her mom to see her nod. In response, she nodded her head, giving James a positive response. “Lovely,”
With that, Amelia dressed Dora up and she also got into some comfortable clothes before they hightailed out of the house towards James' car. They spent the rest of the day with James, who took them to different fun places, successfully making Dora to like him more than he‘d planned.
At the end of the day, Amelia saw herself falling more for James than she’d intended. Seeing how good he was with her daughter only made her like him more.
Amelia couldn’t remember a time in her life that she’d ever felt so positive and at peace with herself, and the direction her life was taking. These new feelings of inner happiness and glow had her feeling like she was living every day of her life on cloud nine, with no worries of the future constantly nagging at her. Choosing to have James in her life was truly the best decision she’s made in a while. As usual, it was a Friday afternoon and they’d closed early from work, as was the norm. James had driven home with Amelia, intending to spend the rest of the day with her and Dora. While Dora was still in school, they decided to have some quiet time to themselves before the toddler arrived. “What do you wanna do?” James asked, wrapping his arms around Amelia’s waist, and gently pulling her against him. They’d just stepped into her home. “You have something in mind?” she questioned, glancing up at him, but he reached for a stray strand of her luscious brown hair and tucked it behind he
Amelia’s initial shock and horror wore off the moment the man standing in front of her spoke. “Hello, Princess,” he smirked. But his words only ignited the fury that had been brewing in her, her face turning a darker shade with her heart thudding loudly. “Babe, we have to leave early…” James popped out from behind Amelia, his words dying on his lips when his eyes landed on Dora and the strange man holding her. Before Amelia could quickly rectify the situation, Dora’s eyes lit up the moment she saw James. “This is my dad. He’s back,” the toddler innocently informed James in a cheerful voice. Amelia saw the sudden change in Ryan’s facial expression, an amusing glint flashing in his eyes as they raked over James, before returning to rest on her. For some reason, she could read the mockery in his look and that only infuriated her more. Apart from having the nerves to show up at her apartment like they were old friends, he had the guts to show himself to a child he had no claims to, e
The next morning was a Saturday and Amelia’s plans of sleeping in were destroyed by the loud ringing of the doorbell. She tried ignoring the visitor but they only kept disrupting her sleep by continuously ringing the bell. Annoyed by whoever it was, she marched out of her room towards the living room with a deep scowl etched on her face. But her anger only increased when she threw the door open to see Ryan standing there, impeccably dressed in a suit even at that ungodly hour of the morning. A hiss of annoyance slipped out of her lips. Coupled with the sudden rage that descended upon her at his sight, she resorted to slamming the door against him but Ryan was quick to grab onto it, successfully wielding his arm between the door and its frame while forcefully shoving it open, despite Amelia’s hold on it.She was so shocked by his sudden intrusion that she stood still, staring at her with wide eyes and an open mouth.“Good morning, Princess,” he said in a voice too cheerful for Amelia’
Amelia stirred the eggs in the pan while often glancing at Ryan and Dora, seated at the kitchen island, both playing a game on Ryan’s phone. As much as she was livid at the man, the sight of her daughter so relaxed and happy in his arms had her heart-melting. Quickly, she returned her attention to the eggs, needing to prepare breakfast quickly so she could leave for work. She was still busy cooking when she felt the heat of his body beside hers.“You need a hand?”Amelia rolled her eyes at his act of kindness.“Whatever you’re up to will not change anything, Ryan. At the end of the day, you’ll walk out of our lives and get back to whatever you’ve been doing for the last five years,”“I don't ever want to go back there,” he murmured quietly, staring at her with remorse in his eyes. Amelia was quiet for a while, staring into his usually dark brooding eyes that now held a vulnerable expression, and for a moment, she forgot how much he’d hurt her and wondered what must have happened to
The weekend was finally over and it was the beginning of a new week. Amelia couldn’t be more thankful to begin another week, after all of the drama that Ryan’s return had caused. She could still vividly recall the look of betrayal in James’ face the moment Ryan spewed those lies from his mouth about them getting back together. That morning, they’d driven to work in silence with James ignoring her for the rest of the day. All her attempts to speak to him were in vain and she’d given up. But luckily for her, he called her that evening, demanding to know the truth and she’d vehemently denied Ryan’s word, filling him in on everything the man had said before his arrival, but not daring to mention the marriage certificate.She knew she’d lose James if he ever found out about it, and you may call her selfish, but he was the only light in her world apart from Dora and she wasn’t about to let Ryan Davidson steal that from her. Ryan could go to hell for all she cared, and he’d have to kill her
Amelia and James had successfully settled their differences, putting the weekend issue behind them. That afternoon, they had lunch together as usual and spent the rest of the day in harmony. After closing from work, James had offered to drive her home when he found out she didn't drive her car.“Why did you drive?” he asked Amelia, on their way to Dora’s school. Not that he didn't like being her chauffeur but he was just concerned.“It's a bit faulty. I had to board an Uber to drop Dora off at school and to get here,”She quickly lied, not wanting James to know the truth. Honestly, she hated lying to him but it was the woman Ryan Davidson had made her. As much as she hated it, she couldn't tell James that Ryan dropped her off_not after settling their misunderstanding. She couldn’t stand another week of him ignoring her.A comfortable silence descended upon them for the rest of the drive until they arrived at Dora’s school. As soon as the little girl sighted them, she ran towards them
Amelia stared at her reflection in the mirror, smiling to herself before doing a little twirl. Dressed in a navy bodycon dress that was knee length and her usually pin-straight brown hair falling to her shoulders in glossy waves, she was ready for her date with James.It was a Friday evening and James had mentioned taking her on a date just to enjoy the evening after having a hectic week at work. Amelia was excited to be spending some alone time with James. She couldn’t remember a time she’d ever gone out with him without having Dora as a company. Although her daughter wouldn’t be pleased with the arrangement, she had no doubt that James would find a means to pacify her. And just like she’d expected, the man arrived a few minutes later, with flowers in his hands and chocolate for the little girl.“Hello, little lady,” James greeted Dora, leaning to her level and handing her the banquet of roses and a box of chocolate.“You spoil her so much,” Amelia tried complaining but she couldn't
Amelia couldn't control her next actions as she landed a hot slap on Ryan’s face from the fury of his words.“How dare you?” she barked at him, surprising the man who was still reeling from the sting of Amelia’s slap across his face. He stood still, staring at her in shock. It was the first time he was seeing her so angry. Knowing he must have hit the wrong nerve with his words made him recoil in remorse, his lips opening to speak but she wouldn’t even let him breathe out a word.“How dare you speak against my motherly roles and care for my child, you hypocrite. Where were you when this child was conceived and born, huh? Or do you think you can just show up after five years and take on the role of the caring father? You have better think twice, Ryan.”He tried speaking again but she wasn't done as she quickly cut him off with her next words, striking his heart deeply as though he’d been stabbed with a knife. But truly, he couldn’t fault her as he deserved every insult she threw at hi