Hooker(14)

My father is unscrupulous, to say the least. He’s a liar, a bully, a cheat and just an all-round prick. Compared to him, I’m a fucking saint. I’m honest to a fault and always keep my word. Sure, I sleep around, but I’ve never cheated. Every woman I’ve ever been with knows exactly what she’s getting into—I make sure of it. I’m not the commitment type. That’s why I’ve remained single my whole life.

I’m not sure I have it in me to commit to one woman. I’m not sure if I’d even want to. My parents haven’t exactly been the best role models and I like my life just the way it is. It would take someone pretty special to make me even consider settling down. I’m yet to meet anyone who’s come close to making me entertain that idea.

Removing my tie and shoving it into the pocket of my suit jacket, I loosen the top few buttons of my shirt and take a seat in a corner booth. I’m not in the mood for any company. I just need a few stiff drinks to help me relax. Something to help me sleep.

While waiting for the waitress to bring me my drink, I scan the room. That’s when I see her. Fucking Snickers is sitting at the bar just a few metres away. Is it a mirage? I rub my eyes. Nope, it’s her. I can’t believe my luck. She must be staying in this hotel as well.

I was consumed with disappointment when I’d lost sight of her at the airport. I’d turned my phone back on after disembarking, only to be flooded by messages. It only took a glance at my phone for her to get away.

I’m out of the booth in a flash and heading towards her before my brain even registers what it’s doing. Fate has brought us together again, and this is an opportunity I’m not about to pass up.

No fucking way.





CHAPTER FIVE


JADE

After hitting the private gym in the hotel for a few hours, I hung around in my room, relaxing and watching the food channel. I have a passion for cooking, have had for as long as I can remember. When I’m in my apartment, I’ll sit in front of the television for hours, taking notes and jotting down recipes.

Maybe my love of cooking came from the lack of food I sometimes had growing up. Maybe it was from the praise I’d occasionally received when I cooked for the families I stayed with. I really can’t say. All I know is that I love it. I’m in my element when I’m in the kitchen, creating things.

I’d like to open a small restaurant when I’m finally free from M. One that serves only the finest, most exquisite desserts. I have a real sweet tooth, and desserts are what I like to cook. I begged M a few years ago to let me enrol in a part-time course that was being held by a local well-known pastry chef, but of course the answer was a flat-out no. It would’ve been a dream come true to learn from one of the best. Her refusal really upset me. I should be allowed to do whatever I want in my free time.

By 5 pm, I’m showered and dressed in a pair of dark skinny jeans, a sleeveless lemon blouse and a pair of matching lemon ballet flats. My long hair is pulled into a ponytail. My face is totally free of makeup. Although I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it, I know M would have a coronary if she saw me looking like this, especially in public. This is the real me, the person I’m yearning to become again.

After texting Rupert, he meets me in the corridor and we head towards the lifts. Tonight I’ve opted to have a small wood-fired pizza in the hotel bar downstairs. The pizzas in New York are the best I’ve ever tasted. I do this every time I come here. I’ll do some extra time in the gym tomorrow to compensate.

I take a seat at the bar while Rupert moves to the opposite side. He stays close enough to keep an eye on me, but far enough away to give me space. If it was anyone other than him, I know this constant minding would piss me off, but I enjoy having him around.

‘So we meet again,’ someone whispers in my ear, making me jump. Without even looking I know who it is. I’d recognise that dreamy voice anywhere. Mr Delicious.

Swinging around, I look up. His handsome face is mere inches away. His delectable cologne invades my senses. I can’t even put into words how happy I am to see him again. He’s been on my mind all day. I even found myself looking for him as I walked the streets of New York.

‘So we do,’ I reply with a smile as my heart starts to race.

‘Would you like to join me for a drink?’ he asks, gesturing to a booth by the wall. My eyes immediately dart to Rupert. I can’t hide my grin when he gives me a little nod. I’ve always known that I was fond of him, but in this moment I think I actually love him.

‘Sure. That would be nice.’ Butterflies dance in my stomach as I stand and follow him to the table. I have no idea what I’m going to say to him. Over time I’ve learnt to put on an act when I’m with my clients. I become a different person. I ooze confidence. But this is real life, I’m not on the job now. This is Mr Delicious. I’m not sure if I can pull this off.