Chapter 27

Chapter 27

“You’re late.”

Just my luck. Hudson bumped into me as soon as I arrived in the office. He scowled the moment his eyes landed upon me.

I almost had a speeding ticket while trying to race against time. I already knew I was one hour late. Despite that, I ran for my life from the parking lot and even blamed the elevator for taking its time.

“I apologize.” I pant. “I was-”

“Save your excuses, Ross.” He chided. “It will not save you from the consequences. And you already know what it is.” He then whirls around and walks back to his evil lair.

The man literally hates my guts. I don’t know why when he’s the one who’s actually stealing my credits.

I sighed as I walked towards our cubicle. My shoulders slumped at the possible endless overtime on projects that didn’t even need to rush.

“Dude… what the heck happened to you? You looked like you just got fucked.”

I stiffened as soon as my butt hit the chair. Miles was just joking but he doesn’t have to know it was the truth. He knew I’m not that kind of guy… before, that is.

He chuckled as his eyes studied my state. His eyebrows suddenly creased.

“Why do you look disheveled? Did you just wake up?” He asked innocently.

There was a blush coming up my cheeks.

I heard Aiden’s laugh behind Miles. “Seriously, bro. You should really go to the restroom right now and check yourself."

With no second thoughts, I dashed out of the office while hearing both of their laughs at my predicament. Fate found its way to mock me when I met Amilia while I was almost there in the male’s restroom.

She was so shocked to see me. Her eyes widened when they were traveling up and down my body to study my disheveled state. She hesitantly greeted me with a simple hi and a wave of her hand. I waved back and responded with a hey but I hurried past her anyway fearing what I looked like right now. Perhaps smelled, too. I panicked at that thought.

I felt extremely and utterly embarrassed when I looked at myself in the mirror. They were right. I looked like I just got out of bed or just had sex. They didn’t have to know that part though that it was exactly what happened. It was beyond humiliating that they saw me like this.

My hair was messy and stuck out randomly. I blamed it on Cara’s fingers, brushing it and clutching it whenever she was overwhelmed by my touch. My clothes were wrinkled as if I just grabbed it somewhere out of haste, not knowing if it was clean or not.

I literally looked unprofessional and horrible.

I tried to smell myself and realized Cara’s scent lingered on me. My face reddens at the thought.

Not to mention my lips looked red and plump. It’s amazing how Miles didn’t notice it. He’s probably already suspicious about it though. The guy’s pretty observant.

I took my time fixing myself, brushing my hair in the right place; washing my face to hopefully get rid of that ‘I just had sex’ look. I couldn’t do anything with my shirt so I accepted the fact that the crease will enjoy their time there.

My friends chuckled as soon as I was back, flopping myself on my chair in defeat.

“Better now, Mr. Ross.” I scowled at Miles’ joke which made them laugh. I knew they noticed the blush on my face.

Miles invited us again for a Korean barbecue and some alcohol tonight. The guy loves Korean food probably because his mother’s side of the family has Korean heritage. They invited Amilia and her friends as well. I’m not sure I’m able to go since Hudson made sure I have to face the consequences for being extremely late this morning. Still, they really wanted me to come and they were willing to wait for me at the restaurant.

Thankfully, I was only told to render an extra hour so I managed to arrive at the restaurant as they just started grilling the meat.

Despite my hesitance this morning to come with them, I enjoyed the night with my friends. As usual, Miles is the star of the night with his endless jokes and blabbermouth. We stayed longer than expected as we kept ordering for more soju. We were simply having a great time after Hudson’s unreasonable torture. Oftentimes, we eagerly wait for Miles’ invites for gatherings like this just to unwind.

My taste buds suddenly wanted to have something sweet as dinner and alcohol left a strange aftertaste in my mouth. I excuse myself letting them know that I’m going to a convenience store nearby. The girls requested sweets as well with some specific flavors that were hard to register in my mind.

Amilia offered to come with me but I declined. I noticed a hint of disappointment in her face but I tried to ignore it. I feel like an ass for doing that but ever since my time with Cara, I couldn’t face her without feeling guilty.

I convinced myself that I shouldn't be. Granted our circle knew our crush on each other but we didn't exactly have a relationship. I'd rather avoid her than get her hopes up.

As soon as I saw the convenience store from a couple of meters away, I noticed a familiar figure leaning against the wall of the store, arms crossed in front of his chest. I wanted to approach him and ask why he was here but then I saw Cara through the glass wall, bending over while looking at the shelves for something.

The door’s bells chimed as I pulled it open to step inside. I watched her like a creep while she was looking at the shelves full of chocolates, candies and other sweets.

My lips quirked as I suddenly found her cute.

“You know stalking isn’t a very attractive trait.”

I was startled that she managed to notice me despite the distance and my standing behind the shelf.

“It’s attractive-- but not very.” She then stands, planting her hand on her hip while facing directly at me with a teasing smirk on her lips.

I stepped out behind the shelf and timidly approached her. “How come you’re here?” Rubbing the back of my neck in embarrassment.

“How come you’re here as well?” She returned my query.

This damn woman is so frustrating. Sometimes I wonder why I’m so attracted to her in the face of her bullying.

“Night out with my friends.” I shrugged.

She hummed. “Let me guess. Craving for some Korean food?” She smirked.

I frowned. “How did you know?” I asked, crossing my arms to my front.

It was her turn to shrug. “I just saw a familiar blonde on my way here.”

I raised a brow. “You know, stalking isn’t very attractive.”

Her laugh made my heart skip a beat. “Funny, tesoro. I wonder where you got the idea.”

I resisted a smile. She truly looked like a normal woman right now. I suddenly frowned at the thought. It was only reminding me that she wasn’t exactly a normal woman.

“Is it confidential to let me know why you’re here?” I was curious. I don’t think she has the time to follow me and observe my movements. I wasn’t entirely an important person. Not anymore since she already killed the man who hired me to hack their computers.

“I don’t exactly hide anything from you, tesoro, or I wouldn’t have brought you to see personally how I handled that stupid man.” She chuckled before speaking. “Stupid, stupid man. He truly picked the wrong woman to mess with.”

“Is it something to do why you’re here?” I asked, getting the hint of her presence here.

She only smirked before grabbing a dark chocolate from the shelf and proceeded to the counter. I followed her like a lost puppy.

After punching the item, the cashier stated the amount to be paid. Cara nodded her head, signaling me to pay for the item. She winked at the young man with a smile and walked out of the store.

I glared at the guy who was blushing profusely at her flirtatious gesture. He stiffened when our eyes met and immediately shifted his attention by acting busy with rearranging the items displayed in front of the counter.

Cara was on her way to the car as I stomped to follow her.

“You haven’t answered me.” I spoke as soon as I reached in front of her. I realized I was acting like a spoiled kid whining to her.

She chuckled. “I’ll be out for a while, tesoro, so you better behave.”

“Where are you going?” The impatience is killing me. She hadn’t answered my questions and it’s taking a toll on my patience. I just want to know where she’s going; if she ever comes home tonight.

I regret planning to avoid her tonight. It was the reason why I agreed to stay out late. I was actually somewhat nervous to face her again. But seeing her outside tonight made me instantly forget whatever I was feeling. I was hella curious why she’s here.

Her face suddenly turned somber which would mean her business tonight was nothing less serious.