Chapter 4

Whitney’s POV

Opening my eyes, the sun was so bright I covered them with my arm. I was so hungover that my head was throbbing, and my throat was extremely dry. I didn’t even drink that much, but it felt like I drank an entire bottle of booze by myself. Groaning, I sat up and took my phone. It was past ten, and Ashley had tried calling me multiple times. “Shit,” I muttered, then dialed her number.

It ran two times, and then her voice blared over the phone, “Dude! Why haven’t you answered any of my calls?”

“I was sleeping, and your screaming isn’t helping my headache at the moment,” I said bluntly.

“Well, sorry, miss, let’s take another shot. But back to the point, are you going to join us for dinner tonight? Andy wants to have a barbecue, and Casio is going to be there. And speaking of him, what happened between you two last night? I want all the details.”

I groaned, rubbing my eyes, “Nothing happened, we were just getting to know each other, that’s it.” I didn’t want to tell her that I wanted to jump his bones; that would give her ammunition to use against me when Casio was anywhere near us. But fuck, how I wish he had kissed me. When he kissed my cheek, I wanted to turn my face for him to kiss me on the lips. Unfortunately, that would have taken it a step too far.

“Ugg, it’s like you two are the same. He didn’t want to tell me anything as well.”

My eyes widened, “You fucking asked him? Why would you even think to do that? Fuck, Ash, now he might think I set you up to do that.” I rested my face in my hand while shaking my head.

“Don’t be so overdramatic. We’ll see you at five, and don’t be late.” Ashley disconnected the call, and I fell back, then threw a pillow over my face and screamed into it.

Sometimes I wonder why I’m even friends with her, then I remember she is the only one who has always been there for me. The one that never left my side, even when I was at my darkest. Damn, that is a time I never want to go back to. I made my way to the bathroom and started a bath. The steam of the warm water started to fill the room. I threw my shirt with my bra, then my pants and panties followed into the washing bin.

Staring at myself in the mirror, the sound of the water filling the tub echoed through the room. Smiling, I climbed into the tub and lay back, trying to get rid of the horrible headache that took over. Sliding down my body emerged under the water, my hair tickled my shoulders, and it floated on the water. Closing my eyes, my headache slowly started to fade. Then I heard the phone, I sighed and sat up, and grabbed my phone.

Unlocking my phone, there was a text message from a number that I didn’t know. Reading it, my heart raced: ‘You look beautiful when you’re asleep.’ I stared at my phone for a while, frozen, and fear started to course through my veins. Locking my phone, I set it face down on the corner of the tub. Staring into the abyss, then my text message tone echoed through the silence. My heart started to race; I slowly took my phone and unlocked it.

A sigh of relief escaped, ‘Hope you’ll be coming to the barbecue tonight. It will be nice to see you. Casio.’

Smiling, I quickly typed back, ‘Don’t think I would live another day if I didn’t show.’

Putting down my phone, I climbed out of the tub. Wrapping the towel around my body, I looked at my phone. Who was the creep who sent me that creepy message? I should really consider putting up curtains in my room. I never saw the use to hang any, it wasn’t that anyone could see me. My apartment was on the fifth floor, so the chances of anyone considering climbing that number of stairs on the fire escape must be crazy.

Shaking the thought aside, I grabbed a pair of jeans and a beautiful blue top. Throwing it on, I pull out the chair from my dressing table, and my phone buzzed again, grabbing my attention. Smiling, I thought it was Casio, but it was that same number. My body turned cold. I took a big breath and opened the text: ‘Only a towel suits you.’

My attention went straight to my window and found a man standing on the fire escape from the neighbor's building. The man was wearing a black hoodie that covered his face. He was well built, very muscular. I sat frozen on the chair, my gaze fixed on him. I glanced down at my phone to call Ashley, when I looked up, he was gone. Jumping up, I rushed over to the window and searched for him. But he disappeared.

Now I needed to get curtains. There was no doubt about that. Looking around, I grabbed a towel lying on a chair. Throwing it over the railing of the window. I took a big breath and stepped away, “Creep.” Returning to the dresser, I blow-dried my hair and did my make up. Looking at the time, it was almost twelve, I decided to head over to my favorite coffee shop. Hunger never came as fast as when recovering from a hangover.

Stepping through the doors, my eyes caught Casio. Smiling, I made my way over to him, “Fancy meeting you here. Didn’t expect to see you.”

His eyes bolted up, his gaze meeting mine, “Whitney,” He made his way to his feet, “Join me.” Gesturing for me to sit. I smiled and sat, and he followed, “Can I get you anything?”

“Oh, no, I already ordered at the till. No need to worry about me. So, what are you doing here? Do you live around here?” I asked, feeling a bit nervous.

He leaned back in his seat and crossed his leg over the other, “No, I live on the other side of town. I just enjoy their coffee. Much better than any other place I’ve tried.” A smirk played on his face. Fuck, that smirk made my knees weak. “And you? How do you know about this place?” He took a sip of his coffee.

“I live in the apartment building across the street. This is my favour place. I come here on a regular basis.” I smiled, meeting his gaze. “Um, so, hear Ash was on your case last night, when I went home,” He tilted his head then smiled, “I’m so sorry about her, but you knew she was like that. Didn’t you?” I raised one eyebrow.

He chuckled, “I did, yes. She is an interesting one. But I have grown to like her over the past year. She has a good heart and a big love for you. I heard lots of stories about you.” My cheeks turned red because I knew Ashley would always tell the most embarrassing stories. I looked down at the table, then his chuckle made my eyes snap up, “You don’t need to worry. She only told me good things.”

I let out a sigh of relief, “I’m-“ The waiter interrupted, he handed me my food and coffee. I thanked him, and he gave me a bright smile, “He’s new. First time I’ve seen him here.”

“Might be his last,” Casio said, his voice barely audible.

Raising one eyebrow, I looked at him, “What did you say?” Hoping I misheard him.

“Sorry, nothing. I was talking to myself for a second.”

I nodded and made my way to my feet, “Well, I’ll see you later.” He gave me a smile with a nod, and I made my way back to my apartment.