Meeting Mr. Mogul: A Billionaire Contemporary Romance (44 page)

I stood in the middle of an archway that leads to the living room, a little flustered on finding out the location of the dining room. Last night, William only showed me where the living room was when we arrived before he escorted us to our room.

“What are you doing standing there?” Like he had read my mind, William appeared on the threshold that leads to the living room.

“I’m a little lost,” I mumbled in admission.

“Right, let’s go. They’ve been waiting for you,” He grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards the dining room, guiding me to where it is. “Did you have a good sleep?”

I looked up towards him, eying the back of his head. “I don’t know whether to give you the good answer or the bad one.”

“Why not just tell me what you thought first when you woke up this morning?”

“Then, that would be the bad one since I woke up with someone pounding on my door. My sleep ruined, starting my day with my lame sarcasm,” I replied with a chuckle.

“Yeah, you’re pretty lame right now,” he agreed.

I lightly slapped his back with my free hand and pushed him forward. “Let’s get to that food before you start hearing me say things that would ruin my image forever.”

“You were keeping an image?” he asked in refined shock as he glanced at me.

“I still have some energy left to slap you again, William,” I warned sternly, but I can’t help but smile at this light exchange between us.

It feels so weird yet comfortable when I talk to William like this. Though I’ve been really difficult on him for the past few days after the bet incident, I couldn’t help but joke around with him at this moment. Maybe, this was the effect of him doing something right for once. Did I like it? I’ll leave that for later to ponder on.

After we had breakfast, we chatted in the living room as we watched some sitcom my father watched while he was in the hospital. I asked him about the discharge papers that he had to sign early to be here. He properly explained to me that he didn’t signed it. He was in fact a patient who was out for a whole day to get some fresh air.

“You, what?” I asked in disbelief.

“Don’t worry about it. They said I can sign it when I get back to get my final bill, and you should be there also to finalize things,” he replied like he had done this before.

“You didn’t mention this last night because…?” I asked, not letting him sidetrack me.

“Because we were both tired,” he replied nonchalantly.

“Oh, Dad. Let’s get back to the hospital to finalize those papers,” I stated and stood up from the couch, ending our morning chat.

I turned towards William, who was seating idly on a single couch across from us. He gave me a knowing look but didn’t say anything. I raised my eyebrow at him and squinted my eyes when he stayed in his seat.

“I think we need to head back now,” I said, breaking the short silence in the room. I was quite aware of the eyes on us at the moment.

“I heard you the first time,” William replied with a sly grin.

“So, are you driving us back to the city or do I have to call a cab?” I asked.

“Mark is coming over in a few minutes. He’ll be here soon,” he replied as he glanced at the grandfather clock on the corner of the room near the chimney.

I nodded in reply and stayed silent for a second. My father started talking as the show went back on after the commercial. It didn’t take long until Mark arrived. As he entered the door, I jumped out of my seat and clapped my hands to get their attention, announcing his arrival. William turned towards the door and eyed Mark sternly. For a second, he looked angry but then he recovered his expression with a poker face.

The drive back was crowded and thick with tension. The seating arrangement didn’t help with my situation at all. I sat sandwich between William, who was seating on my right and my father on my left while Terry betrayed me by seating shotgun.

I relaxed when we got closer to our destination. Beside me I heard a faint chuckle on William’s side. I glanced at his direction in curiosity.

“What?” I asked, a little annoyed.

“Why do you seem so tense?” he asked softly, unaffected by my rash tone.

I eyed him for a second before looking away. “I’m not tense. I’m just tired.”

He snickered at my reply, but didn’t comment. I think he saw right through me. I was relieved that he didn’t drill it out of me. From the way he was seating, he looked as tense as me. I smiled to myself at our discomfort.

I didn’t think twice as I got out of the suffocating car when we reached the hospital. William watched me with wide eyes as he opened the door. I ignored his expression and turned to my father, who got out of the other side of the car. I pursed my lips at him, which he couldn’t see since he already closed the door.

“So, this is goodbye then…” William said as I stepped away from the car, allowing him to close the door.

I peeked at his direction and looked away as he glanced at me. “I think so… But, I’m going to the office today to get some of my things.”

“Oh, okay. So, I’ll see you later, then?” he asked in confirmation, his voice becoming light somehow.

“Yeah. See you later,” I nodded and looked up towards him for a second before Terry interrupted us.

“Thank you for today, Mr. Maxwell. I had a fun time.”

I glared at him in suspicion, which he quickly noticed as he gave me a wink while William talked. “It’s nothing. I’m glad enjoyed yourself.”

“Thank you so much for everything, son. I can’t remember the last time I had such a day since my little girl graduated in college,” my father said as he walked towards me, putting his hand on my shoulder for support.

“It was my pleasure, Mr. Peterson,” William replied with a smile, which caught me off guard.

I gaped at him for a second, but snapped out of it when Terry called out for me as he walked to the entrance of the hospital. I glanced at him for a second before I looked back to William.

“Thank you again for all of this, I know why you are doing it–maybe -but, thank you anyways,” I mumbled softly at him with a smile.

“You’re welcome. I hope this somehow counts… I have nothing on my sleeve to make you forgive me. This is my last resort,” he admitted shyly.

“I think I’ve guess that much. Good thing you told me this, at least I wouldn’t be expecting anything grander.”

“Oh, I can do something more exceptional than this but you’ll not like it.”

“How would you know I wouldn’t? You don’t know that much about me…” I challenged.

“I know, which is why I wanted you to give me a chance to do so…”

The smile on my face slightly faltered at his reply. Why was he doing this now? Why was he desperate to date me? He could date any socialite girl, yet he is painstaking continued to pursue me. His dedication was slowly softening me, but not too soft. I’ve learned what loving a man with power could do to you.

“Ask me again later, maybe my answer would change.”

He smiled in reply and nodded without giving me any witty comebacks. With that, I took it as my cue to walk and gave him a brief wave before jogging towards Terry. They patiently waited for me as my father went inside.

It wasn’t a hassle as we finished signing my father’s proper release papers. I was shocked that the doctor had allowed him early release. I thought I would have at least a few days to settle in my new job and get a new place.

As we walked out of the hospital, it was almost around noon. So, we ate at the nearest diner before heading back to Terry’s place. My father was doubtful when I lied to him about my new place being cleaned for pesticides, but he accepted it. And then after lunch, I allowed Terry to escort my father back to his place while I go to work.

“I didn’t know you’re working today. You should have said something,” he stated in worry, as he stood at the bus stop, waiting for our designated rides.

“It’s not that important, Dad. I’m just going to get a few things at work and then I’ll be back later in the afternoon,” I said in assurance as I try to hide my lie.

“Oh. Okay. Then, I’ll see you later. Bus is here,” he said softly.

“I’ll see you later,” I gave him a light peck in the cheeks before getting in.

As I walked up the aisle and sat, I looked back at my father’s direction and gave him one last wave before the bus headed out. I was a little guilty as I felt the lie weighting down on me. As the bus drove out of the pavement, I quickly realized something. William didn’t say anything to my father about me quitting my job.

When I reached my stop, I’m starting to waver my resolve on what I feel about William these past few days. Though I’ve found out about the bet he did with his sister. His annoying advances which I couldn’t help but be amazed at his persistence. He just doesn’t give up easily. The thought made me smile.

My walk towards the lobby was a little emotional. For one, I wouldn’t get to see Danny anymore. I’m going to miss out little chat.

Before heading to the elevator, I made a quick detour at the reception desk.

“Hey, Danny! How’s your morning?” I greeted warmly when I got to her.

She was on the phone, which made her jump in surprise.

“Andy! Hey! You’re here!” she exclaimed in enthusiasm as she quickly ended a call. “So, this is your last day, huh?” she added.

“Yes, I’m going to head up top to get my things,” I replied and gave her a defeated smile.

“How about we get something to eat before you leave? I can ask someone to cover me for a while,” she offered softly, leaning in towards me in a whisper.

I chuckled at her actions and gave her a swift nod. “I would love that.”

After a few short exchanges of pleasantries, I excused myself to head on upstairs quickly so that I can get back fast. Danny nodded and gestured for me to move along so that she can have her break. I laughed at her expression before I headed towards the elevator, giving her a wave.

The trip was short. There weren’t much people riding the elevator since there isn’t much employee working on a weekend. When I got there, for the last time, I took a deep breath.

Maggie looked up when I came in, eyeing me longingly. I think I’m going to miss her more. “Andy! You’re here. Are you going to get your things?” she asked in a conversational manner, though her face had said differently.

“Ah, yes. I am clearing out my desk, now,” I softly replied, giving her a small smile.

“Oh, I’m going to miss you,” she cooed suddenly and got out of her table to give me a hug.

“I’ll miss you, too.” I hugged back, giving her a light squeeze.

We stayed that way for a second before the door suddenly opened, ruining the moment. I turned towards the sound and found myself staring at the direction of William’s office. There he stood still with his hands at the door, holding it open as he regarded me sternly. I looked at him squarely with a poker face.

“You’re finally here,” his voice almost a whisper.

“Yeah,” I replied, taking a small step back from Maggie’s hold.

Maggie looked at William and me for a second before excusing herself to get back to work. I tore my eyes at William and gave Maggie one last smile before turning back at him.

“Can we…?” he started but trailed off as I quickly walked towards his direction and stood a foot from him.

“Let’s talk inside,” I suggested softly, hoping Maggie can’t hear this if we kept up with this speech volume.

He didn’t give me a word of reply, but stepped away from the door. I walked passed him and didn’t look back as he closed the door behind me. I sat on one of the chairs across from his desk, not waiting for his invitation. If I’m going to do this, I’m not going to shy away.

I waited for William to seat back on his chair, before starting a conversation. But, before I could voice out a word, he beat me to it.

“So, you’re heading back south?” he asked lightly as he studied me.

“Ah, yes. Maybe… That might be the plan,” I replied vaguely, keeping my voice from quivering.

“Do you hate me so much that you have to move far away just so I can’t get to you?” he asked almost in pain, but he kept himself nonchalant.

“I think I’ve said this to you once. I don’t hate you, William. But, it doesn’t mean I’ll tolerate seeing you almost every day,” I replied sternly, taking a sharp intake of breath.

“So, you’ll be moving back home?” he asked again after a short pause.

“Maybe… I don’t know…” I mumbled in reply. I don’t know how long I’m going to last lying to him. But, I’m not going to tell him the truth. I already made my decision.

“So, is this goodbye?” he asked, more to himself rather than to me.

“I think so,” I give him a stiff nod of reply and look away from him. I don’t want him to read anything on my face that would give me away.

“Can I at least help you out with moving back?” he offered with a serious tone, making me look back at him.

“Oh! No! We’re fine. Terry is helping us,” I abruptly replied, a little scared that he would know something was up.

“Are you sure?” he asked again for confirmation.

“Yes,” I nodded quickly and stood up from my chair. “I think I should head back now. I still have to pack up,” I added as I slowly made my way out of his office.

William quickly stood up at my retreat, eying me almost longingly. “I’ll see you out,” he offered.

I allowed him to walk beside me out of his office towards the elevator. I felt a shiver run down my spine as we entered lift. There weren’t many good memories with us alone in this lift. And most of them involved on a lot of physical actions.

When the elevator door closed, I didn’t expect him to be direct. But, I think he’d been holding back for a while now, and both of us aren’t in the mood on talking.

With quick hands, William wrapped one arms around my waist and the other at the back of my neck, tugging my hair so that I would look up towards him. He didn’t need to do much since I was already looking up at him in surprise. He didn’t waste time and leaned down, placing those luscious lips on mine.

I couldn’t help my moan at the contact. It’s been days since he last kissed me. But, that kiss wasn’t as passionate as this one. The kiss was different. It made me feel how much he really wanted me.

I was dazed a second after he ended it when the elevator door opened. I didn’t know how to react or respond. Then, my consciousness came back when he softly caressed my cheeks with the hand he placed on the back of my neck.

“I’m not giving up yet. I’ll come for you,” he whispered sternly to me, his deep blue eyes liquefying the emotions swirling around us.

Without words, I gave him a small nod of reply. This is bad. I know that look. He is not going to leave me. Even if I’m going to be on the other side of the world, this man has the power to look for me. And he will. No matter what the circumstances awaits him.