DESTINY“Good afternoon to you too, Grandfather. Let me introduce you to Destiny Johnson, the girl I am intending to marry.” James said just like that, beaming a smile at me.The two men stared at me as if I came from another planet. I was dumbstruck, hanging onto James’s arm like he was a lifeline. “Good afternoon.” My voice managed to slice through the heavy silence that seemed to press down on us.James’s father was the first to react. He stood up and reached out well-manicured hands towards me. His grip was firm enfolding my hand in both of his.“I must say, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Destiny.” He was an older version of James, but more polished. It was clear that James got his handsome looks from his father.“Yes,” the grandfather drawled, wrinkling his nose as if he were smelling something unpleasant. “More like surprised to see you actually exist.” He placed his newspaper down on the table next to his chair.James pressed my hand reassuringly. He did warn me his grandfather
“Oh, my God that was exhausting.” I told James when we were on our way home.“You did well, Sugar.” James chuckled, “Sorry about that South Africa thing, I don’t know what came over me. It just slipped out.”“Your grandfather is scary. And your father knows we’re lying. I’m sure of it.” I wasn’t being paranoid.James laughed it off. “Don’t worry about it. Even if he does, he can’t stop us.” James turned a corner so fast I was thrown towards him. My hand landed on his thigh to steady myself.I pulled it away so fast like he was hot metal. “Sorry, sorry.”James glimpsed at me a cheeky smile on his lips. “You have nothing to apologize for. If you want to touch my leg it’s fine by me.”“Oh, get over yourself, will you.” I stared out the window and he chuckled.“By the way, I got a text from Arthur saying he’ll see us tomorrow with the draft of our agreement.”“Really? Wow, that’s fast.”I was sure that Arthur didn’t like me at all. He must think that I was after James’s money.“Have you t
Driving to town he had the car radio on full blast playing alternative rock, his fingers drumming to the beat on the steering wheel. He seemed to be in a good mood. He winked at me when he caught me staring.“First were going to fill our tummies and then I’m going to find you the biggest, shiniest rock I can.” He said waggling his eyebrows at me.“You really don’t have to.” I grumbled.He laughed, “You can choose whatever you want, Sugar. Don’t pout unless you want me to kiss you. You have such an irresistible little mouth.”“Ugh! Stop it!” I slapped him on his thigh, and he grabbed my hand and held it there, the heat of his skin warming my palm. When I resisted he just chuckled.“Practice, Sugar. If we’re going to convince people, we need to feel comfortable touching each other.”“When you say it like that it sounds dirty.” I snapped at him. Why is he doing this? He is playing with me, must have some idea how I’m crushing on him.He looked hurt. “No, nothing like that. Jeez!”My chee
JAMESOf course, I should have known Arthur would go to my father. The backstabbing rat. But this leaves me no choice to sign the contract because I had run out of time.“Your father thought it was unfair to Miss Johnson that you be allowed to carry on with your (he cleared his throat) … wild ways and she had to stay faithful to you.” Arthur said, carefully studying his glasses.“We could change it to an open marriage.” I tried.Arthur shook his head. “Not an option. Your father stipulated that any changes made be run by him before they could be implemented.”Of course he would. Sneaky bastard. I looked at Destiny who so obviously enjoyed my predicament.“I don’t believe you James. Wanting me to remain at home like the good little wife while you go on as usual?” She looked at Arthur. “I should actually thank Mr. Barrington personally.”“No need, Ms. Johnson.” Arthur said.“Don’t be angry, I did it to save your reputation, Destiny.” I said. “Let’s just sign the damn thing and get it ov
DESTINYThere was someone in the house. James had left for work so I was sure it couldn’t be him. I clutched my phone to my chest uncertain if I should call the police. Where I grew up the police never got there on time anyway, so I decided not to. I mean, I wasn’t a coward, and I could defend myself if I had to.Armed with a heavy statue – a bust of some woman – I snuck down the stairs. For a moment I stood halfway, listening. I heard a commotion in the kitchen. Tiptoeing and raising the statue above my head I was ready to deck the intruder when…“Ahh! God preserve us!” a woman screamed.I dropped the statue and it fell at my feet narrowly missing my toes and it rolled away.“Shame on you Lass! Scaring an old woman like that.” she held her hand to her bosom. “Didn’t know young master Jimmy had guests.” she had a lilting Scottish brogue which I liked.“Sorry, so sorry. I though we were being burgled.” I hastily retrieved the fallen bust, noticing her nose had broken off in the fall.
From the outside the hotel looked like an apartment building, all glass and chrome and very modern. James ushered me through the revolving doors and into the lobby. We went up with the glass lift to the top floor to the spa. I felt like a little girl lost standing there in the reception area while James did all the talking. Not that the girl behind the desk seemed to mind. She only had eyes for James. I couldn’t blame her; he was easy on the eyes. But she was really getting on my nerves, flirting with him and he didn’t hold back either. I wasn’t jealous.“Okay, so call me when you’re done, and I’ll come pick you up Destiny. I have to get back to work.” James said.“Right. Work.” I said pursing my mouth.“Why do you say it like that? Something you want to tell me?” James took my arm and led me away from the swooning receptionist.“C’mon James. I’m young but I’m not stupid. You had lipstick on your shirt collar. You were late because you were snogging someone.” I lowered my voice, “You’
JAMESI knew I was being a complete douche bag to Destiny, but I was pissed as hell. My father adding that final bit into the contract that drove me over the edge. I was done with him and Granddad trying to control me. Who the hell did they think they were anyway?And Destiny. Calling me out on my shit, she said. Yeah, I didn’t like it. She caught me out. I had a quickie in the bathroom at work with the hot new secretary of one of the associates. Mostly because I was angry at my father for basically tying me to Destiny. One little slipup and I would be out on my ass.Fine. I knew it wasn’t Destiny’s fault, I brought her into this mess. But did she have to be so…so frustratingly hot. I had a hard time keeping away from her and after seeing her naked… That image will be forever branded in my brain. I just went back to the spar to tease her; I didn’t expect her to jump out of her skin like that. Although, I’m not complaining. God, she’s gorgeous.“…and the wedding planner will contact yo
DESTINYThe week flew by way to fast, and my nerves were getting the better of me. James and I hardly saw each other, he was up early and didn’t wake me to go jogging with him. I must say I wasn’t too disappointed about it because I didn’t like running. It seemed he was avoiding me though ever since that kiss outside the restaurant.I touched my lips, looking at myself in the mirror, remembering what it felt like when he kissed me. It wasn’t a pretend kiss it felt too good. But I can’t allow myself to feel this way, he would never fall for me. I was just crushing on him because he was the first man I’ve ever allowed to come this close to me. Stupid hormones.Three years. How was I going to keep us this charade?“Destiny Johnson you are a stupid messed up girl! What were you thinking?” I told the girl in the mirror. I should never have agreed to this. But it was too late to back out now.Mrs. Donahue knocked on my bedroom door. “Dearie, the caterers are here. Are you coming down to sho