Chapter 16

The rain outside had gotten heavier over the past hours. The streets of New York would no doubt be flooded by morning, and workers would either call in sick or blame the weather for something so they won’t have to go in for their daily jobs.

However, Theodore didn’t think about any of that. He could only think about the woman sleeping peacefully beside him. He was propped on his elbow, watching Abigail in a curled state, taking deep, slow breaths as she slept.

She was a quiet sleeper—not even a single sound. However, she did sometimes twitch with an uncomfortable look on her face until she eventually fell back into peace, looking like the living epitome of sleeping beauty.

It has been an hour since she fell asleep. She had asked Theodore to stay with her until she dozed off, and though it had been over an hour since she did, Theodore still found himself so intrigued by her sleeping frame that he found it hard to migrate to his own room upstairs.

Their kiss and everything else that followed was still vibrant in his mind. Theodore found it hard to grasp the fact that he was falling hard for Abigail, and though it scared him, he didn’t regret it one bit.

He still remembered the tone in her voice when she asked him to kiss her and the look in her eyes. Theodore was reluctant, but it was evident that Abigail was firm with what she wanted. And if he was being honest, he wanted it too… really badly.

When his lips touched hers, it was almost heaven. It was evident that she was timid at first, and it seemed like she needed a minute to adjust. However, Theodore could feel the connection right there and then. The way Abigail gripped his shoulders and parted her lips to grant him access will forever be tattooed in his mind.

It was slow at first, as they both got the authentic feel and taste of one another. But then, Theodore’s hands tightened on her waist, Abigail’s fingers got lost in his hair, and the rest is history. Theodore remembered how soft her lips were, with the hint of coffee still lingering on her tongue. He remembered how she would tilt her head sideways to deepen the kiss each time. Abigail was a natural, and she was damn dominant, too, in the sexiest way.

It was only when they needed air that they pulled apart, and even then, their lips were connected only seconds later. Theodore believed that he had found his new most favourite thing to do, and that was kissing this magnificent woman.

He felt honoured too. Over a month back, Abigail wouldn’t even go within five feet of him unless it was indispensable. But now, it was evident that she trusted him. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t have allowed him to touch her, she wouldn’t have gone home with him and most of all, she wouldn’t have shown him herself at her most vulnerable. This shy, broken woman trusted him with what seemed like everything against her better judgement, and Theodore swore that he would never break that trust.

Ever.

The clock on the wall struck to one a.m., and Theodore decided that he’d finally drag himself to bed. He didn’t need to go into the office early tomorrow, but he still had to go. And with everything going down with resolving the issues at his vineyard in Italy, he needed the rest.

He placed a gentle kiss on Abigail’s forehead, causing her to stir a little, but she remained peacefully asleep.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” Theodore mumbled as he brushed some of the hair away from her forehead. Then, with one final sigh, he finally left the bed, deciding to climb the stairs and put unwanted distance between them.

But just as he stepped away, Abigail’s fingers tugged on his sweats, halting him to a sudden stop. Swerving around, Theodore noticed that she was still lying down with her eyes closed, but a tiny frown lingered on her lips.

“Stay,” Abigail mumbled. “It’s still cold.”

Theodore needed not to hear anything more. Without hesitation, he snuggled under the covers beside Abigail, his heart soaring to the highest peak when she buried her face in his chest. A small sigh of delight left his lips, and he closed his eyes and fell into deep, sweet slumber.

The following morning, Theodore stirred awake in hopes to find Abigail beside him. There was a smile on his face before he even opened his eyes, but when he did, his smile dropped.

Abigail was nowhere to be found, and her side of the bed was somehow neatly tidied. Theodore’s heart nearly beat out of his chest as he eagerly jumped up in hopes to find her. Did she leave? Did she regret telling him everything last night and eventually regret the kiss?

Theodore didn’t want to believe the worst, but he was terrified that it was true.

However, he spotted her duffle bag at the base of the closet in the guest room, and hope sparked a little in his heart. If she did indeed leave out of regret, at least she intended to come back.

Sighing, he ran his fingers through his hair and stumbled from the room towards the living room lounge. He suddenly perked when the scent of fresh coffee filled his senses, and just like that, his mood was lifted again.

With a pep in his step, Theodore moved towards the kitchen, where indeed, Abigail, magnificently beautiful, was making coffee.

From behind, he could tell that she already looked great. She wore a beige pencil skirt that hugged her curves and enhanced her womanly features, along with a white dress shirt tucked in the waistband and matching white stilettoes. Her curly hair was pulled in a high ponytail with elastic bands along the length of her hair, almost giving it a bubble look. Theodore liked it.

He should’ve remembered that she had to go to work. Though he was a tad disappointed that his stay-in morning with her wouldn’t happen, he enjoyed seeing her all dressed for work in his kitchen.

“This is a sight I can get used to,” Theodor said, making his presence known.

Stunned, Abigail swerved around, coffee in hand, as she met his eyes. Her face immediately lit up as she spotted Theodore sitting at the kitchen island, watching her as if she was the most intriguing thing in the world.

“Good morning,” she greeted softly, reaching over the island to quickly peck his lips. The act threw him off a little, as he wasn’t expecting it. Still, it caused his smile to grow impossibly wider.

“Good morning. You gave me quite the scare when I didn’t wake up and find you next to me,” he told her.

Abigail sipped on her coffee, leaning against the counter with her eyes trained on him. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t want to wake you. You seemed too peaceful.”

Theodore got up from his stool and rounded the island, so he was directly in front of her. His tone dripped with humour as he spoke since he didn’t want her to feel offended. “So, you were planning on making a run for it, huh?”

“I wasn’t, actually. I was going to make breakfast and everything until I saw the time. But tomorrow for sure.”

“Ahh, this I can definitely get used to,” Theodore mumbled as he pulled her in by the waist. “How much time do you have until you have to get to work?”

She checked her watch swiftly. “I get in at nine, so that leaves me with—”

“Enough time to have breakfast with me,” Theodore said as he cut her off.

The idea evidently excited Abigail, but she sighed with a single shake of her head. “If we make breakfast now, then we wouldn’t have enough time.”

“Who said anything about making breakfast?” His eyes sparkled in mischief as he swiftly let go of her waist and moved towards the exit. “Give me about fifteen minutes to get ready, and I’ll be down in a swift, okay?”

Abigail rechecked her watch before mumbling an okay, but he was already gone.

Exactly fifteen minutes later, Theodore reemerged, fully dressed in one of his many Steve Harvey business suits and looking freshly showered. Abigail rested her coffee mug in the dishwasher as she eyed him up and down in approval.

His hair was a bit wet and unlevelled, but he still looked perfect with his sparkling teeth, perfectly fitted suit and a smile all for her.

“How did you do that?” Abigail asked with a light chuckle. “It takes me over an hour to get ready for work.”

He shrugged. “It would be rude to keep a lady waiting.” He winked at her and offered his hand. “Shall we?”

Abigail giggled lightly as she looped her arm in his. “We shall.”

The rain had completely disappeared today, replaced with the blazing sunlight. The streets seemed like there was no rain the night before, and everyone went about in their usual morning rush.

Theodore held the car door open for Abigail before joining her on the other side. They drove in comfortable silence as the morning news filled the quietness of the car. However, unlike all the other times they travelled together, Theodore held Abigail’s hand across the console, which was highly comfortable for them both.

As Theodore drove past Brown’s Café that was right across from his place of work, Abigail stared at him in confusion.

“I thought we were getting breakfast,” she pointed out in questioning.

Theodore nodded. “We are. But I’m taking you somewhere that is closer to your workplace. I don’t want to make you late,” he said, causing Abigail’s cheeks to heat up.

“Have you always been this sweet, or is it now because you’re a hundred times more attractive to me?” she teased.

Theodore’s laughter filled the space as he shook his head. “I’d like to believe that I always was.”

Abigail settled against her seat again with a lingering smile as she watched the buildings rush past. At each stoplight, she would gaze at people as they walked and think about the times when she was one of them. Humbled in her heart, Abigail whispered a small prayer of thanks for Theodore. He had changed her life a lot.

The light changed again, and the news went on a break as a pop song replaced the reporter’s voice. Abigail recognised it from her days at college, and she couldn’t help but sing along. Of course, this caught Theodore’s attention, and he stole quick glances at her as she sang. If it was even possible, he was more intrigued by her now.

“What other talents do you have that I don’t know about?” he asked as the song ebbed into a recession.

Abigail shrugged. “I guess you’ll have to stick around to find out.”

“Oh, I’m planning to,” he whispered, but it was too low for her to hear.

Soon, and a bit too soon in Theodore’s book, they pulled up to a small diner a few blocks away from SHI’s Enterprises. It wasn’t as good as Brown’s Café, but it was a close second.

Theodore hopped from the car and quickly made his way to Abigail’s side to get her door for her. He was definitely a gentleman. From the very first day, he had been opening doors for Abigail, and she could tell it was never going to change.

She clutched her handbag to her side and held onto Theodore’s hand as the door closed behind her. But as she walked off, her left foot buckled under her weight and twisted in an unusual position.

“Ouch!” she hissed as her grip on Theodore grew tighter on impulse.

He was instantly alert. “What’s wrong?” he asked, assessing her for any damage. However, as he followed her devastated gaze to her feet, he saw the issue. Her heel broke.

“I loved these shoes,” she mumbled with a slight pout.

Theodore sighed as he kissed her head in reassurance. “Come on, we’ll get you a new pair, then we’ll grab breakfast to go.”

Abigail considered his offer. She knew she couldn’t go back to his penthouse. It was a twenty-minute drive. So, getting a new pair was their only option.

“Let’s go there.” Abigail followed where Theodore pointed, and she quickly shook her head.

“No, no, no. Do you know the cost of a pair of socks in La Reine, let alone a pair of shoes? No. Let’s go somewhere else,” she insisted.

“But it’s right across the street, and you’ll be late if we go somewhere else,” Theodore said, though he was already pulling her across the street. Before she knew it, they were standing in front of the store.

“Seymour will understand. But this place is too expensive.” If Theodore knew anything about Abigail, he knew she was as stubborn as a mule.

He sighed. “Abigail, you do know that I wouldn’t allow you to pay for the shoes, right? I have enough money to buy this entire store, let alone a single pair of heels for you, the most beautiful girl I’ve ever known.”

Abigail knew Theodore wasn’t bragging. The tone of his voice was solely persuasive, trying to get her to accept his generosity. And deep down, Abigail knew that if she refused, she’d offend him.

So, reluctantly, she heeded. “Okay, but only if you let me pay for breakfast.”

Theodore chuckled. “I’ll let you believe that. But for now, let’s go.”

Trying to contain her smile, Abigail wobbled up the steps as best as she could with Theodore’s help to one of the most expensive chic stores in the city. The doors immediately opened for them by the automatic detection.

The scent of new and expensive was everywhere. The floors were glossy and white to the point where she could almost see her reflection. A huge golden chandelier hung from the ceiling, and mirrors sat at each corner of the room.

It wasn’t large, as most stores in New York weren’t–the ones she has been to at least. However, it was evidently fancy. Every bag they walked past, every piece of jewellery and item was not less than five hundred dollars.

Theodore could see the excitement in Abigail’s eyes as she glanced at each item of interest as if momentarily forgetting what she came here for. He knew she was a woman, and inevitably certain things ought to catch her interest.

He wanted to buy her everything she glanced at, but he knew she’d protest ultimately. But he hoped that one day he’d be able to get her anything she liked freely without having her fight him. It was all in time.

As soon as they were halfway through the store, a sales rep swooped in and stole Abigail away as they chatted fervently about Abigail’s heel breaking. Theodore smiled to himself as he slowly roamed the store while the ladies did what they did best.

He examined the jewellery in the showcase, from earrings to bracelets to rings. They were all gorgeous, but his breath almost stopped as he spotted a bracelet of utmost beauty.

In his mind, it screamed ‘Abigail’, and he knew he couldn’t possibly leave feeling satisfied without getting it for her. It was a rose gold tennis bracelet adorned in diamonds with a single heart pendant hanging from the centre. It was perfect.

He glanced over his shoulder to ensure Abigail was still busy trying on shoes before pointing at it.

“This one. Can I have it, please?” He whipped out his wallet and handed the cashier his credit card swiftly.

“Sure,” she smiled. “It’s quite a catch. So who’s the lucky lady?” Tina, as her name tag wrote, asked, trying to initiate a friendly customer conversation.

Theodore chuckled a little as he glanced at Abigail again. “I’d say I’m the lucky man.”

“Humble,” Tina praised. “And would you like anything else with that?”

“Not right now,” he replied as he collected the velvet box from Tina. “But do me a favour, when she comes over here, not a word, okay?”

Tina chuckled with a wink, having heard this so many times from customers. Men buying their lovers an expensive gift as a surprise was a daily thing for her.

“Send me an invite to the wedding, and we have a deal,” she joked, handing him his receipt and his card back.

Theodore chuckled again as he tucked the box in his jacket. He had no idea when he’d give this to Abigail, but he was sure that the time would come.

“Are my eyes deceiving me? Theodore Adams in the flesh!” Theodore swerved around at the sound of his name and a slightly familiar voice.

He realised that it was an old friend of his father, Vino Damaso. Vino was interested in going into business with Theodore’s father. But even though they were friends, Mr Adams never considered it. For this reason, Theodore didn’t question his father’s judgement. So when Vino approached him months after he took over the business, Theodore didn’t hesitate to refuse.

However, Vino stayed in touch, always hoping something could work out.

“Mr Damaso. It’s good to see you,” Theodore greeted with a firm handshake.

“You too, you too. So, what brings you here? Have a wife I don’t know about?” Vino joked as he playfully punched Theodore’s shoulder.

Chuckling, Theodore shook his head. “No. I’m with a friend.”

“I see. Well, my daughter in law works here, so I came by to say hi like I always do, you know what I mean?” The middle-aged man laughed with a wink, and it was then that Theodore noticed that his hair seemed a little messy and his suit was a bit crooked.

Disgusted yet uninterested in awful family affairs, Theodore simply hummed.

“So, who’s the girl? I’m curious.” Vino’s eyes scanned the store eagerly, wanting to see who Theodore was with.

Evidently, Theodore was reluctant to show Vino who he was with. Vino was a reputable businessman, but his morals were less than zero. Nonetheless, knowing he would only insist further, Theodore pointed to where Abigail was actively trying on white shoes.

Vino squinted his eyes as a vivid memory popped in his head, and he slowly nodded with a hum.

“The hookers, huh? They always want something the day after.”

“Excuse me?” Theodore snapped harshly at Vino’s remark.

“That woman there. She’s a hooker, no? Be careful with that one, kid. She’s a runner once she gets what she wants.” Vino talked as if he knew what he said was true—as if Theodore would somehow benefit from his ‘wisdom’.

Theodore crossed his arms over his chest as he stared at Vino through squinted eyes, curious. “Uh-huh. And why do you say so?”

Vino looked at him with mischievous eyes as if ready to spill some gossip like a fifteen-year-old girl.

“One night, I was at Vanx Club…” Theodore’s stomach fell as he said this, as he instantly understood everything right there and then.

His initial shock prevented him from knocking Vino over with this jewellery case as the awful man continued.

“I saw that chica on stage and requested her privately. That bitch seduced me, stole my money and made a run for it! I tried to catch her, but she had a runaway car. The guy seemed loaded too.”

Theodore’s jaw ticked as he ground his teeth against each other. His fists balled at his sides as he tried desperately hard to contain himself. That man was Vino? Vino was the sickening drunk man that was chasing Abigail down the streets that night? And he had the gall to lie about it!

If Abigail weren’t in the room, Theodore knew he’d land a punch to wipe the sick smirk and perverted look from Vino’s face as he eyed Abigail. But Theodore knew that she was going through too much right now, and seeing Vino would only upset her even more.

“Say, Vino. Are you still interested in that business deal?” Theodore asked, successfully gaining the man’s attention.

“Why, of course!” Vino laughed with happy eyes. “Are you offering a meeting?”

“Yes.” Theodore forced a smile. “Tomorrow at eight. My office. I’ll set the appointment with my secretary.”

“Great!” Vino cheered, grabbing Theodore’s hand and almost shaking it from its socket. “I’ll see you then!”

“See you then,” Theodore mumbled as he watched the man leave. “See you right, fucking then,” he added through a growl.

He wasn’t planning on beating the man up, though it was a budding urge. But Vino would be sorry he ever messed with Abigail.

As if she could hear him thinking about her, Abigail appeared in front of him with the biggest smile on her face.

“So, what do you think?” she asked eagerly as she thrust each foot out one by one.

Theodore’s mind was still foggy, but Abigail’s enthusiastic voice broke him from his dark thoughts. He eyed the shoes on her feet that she evidently loved. To him, it seemed like the identical match of the one she broke earlier, and he knew she tried on at least five different pairs. Still, he didn’t say anything. If she liked it, then he did too.

“They’re gorgeous,” he told her with a strained smile. He was happy to see her happy, but Vino had utterly wrecked his mood.

It was bad enough that he had to be dealing with that asshole Nicholas. Vino had to be dismissed now because neither he nor Abigail had the mental capacity to deal with two assholes.

“And will that be all?” Tina asked with a soft smile.

“Oh, yes, of course. These already cost a fortune,” Abigail mumbled as she looped her arm in Theodore’s.

Tina eyed them both with a ghost smile as she retook Theodore’s card. “Humble.”

When the transaction was over, Abigail thanked the sales rep who helped her along with the cashier and bid them both a good day.

“Remember my invitation,” Tina called after them with a short laugh.

Theodore rolled his eyes with a soft smile as he dismissed Abigail’s confusion with a kiss. At least she was happy today.

He hoped that could be every day.