*Sierra*
My gaze dropped from the road to the map beside me as I tried to figure out if I was actually on the right road. I'd been driving for almost eight hours and my new apartment was supposed to be five hours from my old one. I let my eyes take in my surroundings, wondering if there was anyone I could ask for directions. Luckily, I spotted a coffee shop a few blocks down the road. I drove a little faster, suddenly wanting to get some food. I hadn't bothered with breakfast this morning, too anxious to leave. Turning into an empty parking space, I put the car to a stop. I picked up my purse and car keys and then shut the door, locking the car. Taking a step towards the front door, I noticed that the gas station was actually bigger than I'd thought. I raised my head high, refusing to feel little for parking my old dingy car amongst others which looked way more expensive. There was a tall blonde guy behind the counter. He looked up from his cleaning the second I walked in, the tiny bell hanging from the doorpost signalling him of my presence. He seemed to be in his early twenties, looking a little out of place for some reason. I walked past the tables to where he stood, the noise from the room drowning out the clinking sounds from my ankle boots. I sat down on a stool by the bar, taking in my surroundings. "A cup of coffee please," I requested. "Cream, no sugar." Barely a minute later, my coffee had been placed in front of me. My eyebrows were raised in surprise. I hadn't expected it to be ready so fast. "That was fast," I couldn't help complimenting. "Not fast enough," was the reply I got from him. I lifted my eyelids, taking him in. The corner of his lips was lifted in a small smirk and he held my gaze even as he cleaned. His eyes were a light shade of blue and he kept his blonde hair long enough that it fell in front of his face. He was cute, but sadly not my type. Not like anything would have changed anyway if he was. I was taking a break from men after catching my fiance in bed with one of my friends the night before our wedding. It was why I'd needed a change of scenery, and quick too. I loved Mark, and I'd thought he loved me just as much. Turns out he lobed satisfying his dick a little more. Pushing all thoughts of him to the back of my mind before my mood changed, I smiled up at the bartender. "Excuse me, but do you have any idea where Lakeside avenue is?" I asked halfway into my coffee. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion and my stomach dropped disappointedly, knowing he wouldn't be able to help me out from his expression. He gave his head a shake, his hair shaking lightly with the movement. "I'm sorry, I just started here today and I don't where that is." He said rather politely. My face fell at his response but I still mustered a smile at him before turning my attention back to my coffee. "Do you know anyone who might be of help?" I heard myself asking after a while. He stared at me for a few seconds, probably mulling my question around in his head. He gave his head another shake a few seconds later. "No, I'm sorry." I felt my heart drop. I wanted to ask him to please ask anyone who had worked longer in the shop but I felt suddenly numb after his response. Maybe numb wasn't the right word though. I felt tired. I could literally feel the last bit of strength I had seeping away from me. How much was I going to take? It looked like it wasn't my week at all. I'd got my heart broken at the start after all and now I was having a hard time finding an apartment I should have moved into about four hours ago. My chest constricted and my eyes stung. Paying for the coffee, I took the remainder left in the cup and practically bolted out of the room before I embarrassed myself and cried in front of him or anyone else. Hearing the door click behind me, I pushed my legs forward and began running to close the short distance between myself and my out of place car. I'd barely gotten far when I bumped into someone. Hard. Two strong arms quickly darted out to break my fall and I watched in mild shock as my coffee slipped from my grip and spilled over his white shirt. Brown splotches were splashed around the front of his chest in no time and I almost prayed that the ground would just open and swallow my entire being. "I'm so sorry," I quickly apologized, taking a few steps away from him. Could I be anymore dumb? I lifted my gaze to his face and felt my entire body flush an embarrassed shade of red. Trust me to humiliate myself in front of someone who was looking so cool and collected. His eyebrows pinched briefly in irritation as he stared down at his ruined shirt. He tried to mask it though when he lifted his head to stare at me, and I felt a little surprise that he wouldn't want me to see his displeasure even though I'd clearly been in the wrong not watching were I was going. "It's fine," He responded, his voice hoarse. He looked at me like he was trying to figure me out. His voice was silky and deep. He sounded like he may have crawled out of bed. The hairs at the back of my neck stood. "It was an accident." My breath hitched when he locked gazes with me. Dark eyes stared back down at me, his gaze making me motionless. He had dark brown hair, short on the sides and longer in the front. The way they shook ever so slightly with the wind made me want to run my hands through them. He was fucking hot. The true definition of tall, tanned and handsome. A strong jaw, high cheekbones and arms that I already knew were strong, he looked like he could be a model. Maybe he even was. I tried to say something but my throat wasn't working. I felt my pulse race. His gaze ran the length of my body. I tried to remember what I looked like. I was wearing a tee, ripped jeans and black boots. I cursed myself silently for not bothering to put on make up before I left my former apartment. It had been really hard trying to figure out what my life would be without Will in it. His fixed stare moved back up my body at an even slower pace than they had moved down. I felt hot everywhere. Good to know I wa still capable of being turned on. Guess it was just my heart in pain and nothing else. My heart began beating again when he dropped his attention to his wrist watch. Now that I seemed to have come out from my trance, I took him in properly. He was dressed so formally I was willing to bet he had been headed for a meeting. And I'd just ruined his shirt. If his jacket hadn't been unbuttoned, I probably would have ruined that as well. Feeling different shades of foolish, I tried to sift my brain for a solution. My eyes picked up on the supermarket a few blocks down the coffee shop. "I could try to get it cleaned," I heard myself saying. He snapped his gaze back to me, his eyebrows drawing together as he obviously wondered how I was going to get that to happen. I pointed at the store down the road. He turned his head, following my finger. His expression was one of surprise, as though he was only just noticing that there was infact a supermarket down the road. "Would you be quick?" He asked politely, string down at his wrist again. His next words confirmed what I'd already guessed. "I have to be in a meeting in about thirty minutes." "Of course," I heard myself shaking. I offered him a small smile as I walked to my car, proud that I'd gotten myself together and wasn't the tongue-tied clumsy mess that I'd been earlier. I forced myself to walk to my car with my head held high, once again refusing to be embarrassed. My car was more than ugly and it wasn't exactly in good condition either. I knew it, but I didn't have enough money to do a thing about it. Unlocking the door, I leaned over the car seat and opened the trunk of the car. Closing the door and circling to the back, I reached inside the trunk and took out the pack of detergent that I'd packed in. Picking up my hair dryer, I carefully shut the trunk. Tall, tanned and handsome was in front of my car, his gaze trailing my every move In a way that made me a little uncomfortable. Forcing myself to meet his eyes, I nodded in the direction of the supermarket, signalling that we could get going. He gave me a small nod, falling into step beside me. I tried to walk a little hurriedly, not in the mood to make small talk with him. Luckily, he didn't seem to be in the mood to make small talk with me either. I could only feel his stare burning into the side of my face as I wondered when he was going to drift his attention to something else. He didn't take his eyes off me the entire way to the store. *** One of the workers had been kind enough to show us to the bathroom. I wasn't sure what I expected when I walked into the female bathroom but it was definitely not him also walking in and shutting the door. It dawned on me when I heard the bolt drive home that I was locked in the bathroom with an absolute stranger whose name I didn't even know yet. He could be a murderer or a serial killer for all I know. And I would have foolishly made myself his next victim. "Relax," He said on a chuckle, noticing the look on my face. His dark eyes twinkled with a bit of humor just as he moved his hands to take off his jacket. "I just thought that we could use a little privacy." This was dumb, I said to myself even as I waited for him to finish taking his shirt off. In my defense, I had never done this before. I've never found myself locked in a room with someone I'd met barely an hour ago. I eyed his form, still trying to decide whether or not I felt safe with him. "Here," He said, handing me his jacket, pinning me with his stare. I bit the inside of my cheeks trying not to ogle him. Any more than I'd already had that it. From a corner of my eyes I took note of his bare chest and rock hard abs. I collected the shirt from him, glad I was still somehow able to act cool despite my internal turmoil. Almost hurriedly, I began washing off the coffee stain. He made no move to start up a conversation or even introduce himself, choosing to watch me instead. My face felt hot and for a second I wondered if he could hear my heart beat. This was a new record for. Standing alone Ina bathroom with a shirtless stranger. A shirtless hot stranger who was yet to introduce himself. Then again I wasn't being forthcoming with the introductions either. "Do you maybe know where Lakeside avenue is?" I finally asked to break the silence. Thankfully, he did. His voice semi-echoed in the bathroom as he tried to explain how I was going to be able to get there. Something about a left turn and a huge signpost. I already knew I was going to still be lost for at least half an hour. My sense of direction was complete shit. Which was understandable since I didn't drive around that much. In a few minutes, I'd washed and dried his shirt and handed it back to him. I tried to act natural as he got back dressed. We both stepped out of the stall, ignoring the disapproving look an old lady shot us. We walked the short distance back to the supermarket. He thanked me then, entered into his car and drove off.I had only one thought in mind as I dumped the detergent and hair dryer in the passenger seat of my car. I hadn't even gotten his name.JAYDENI hurried a little bit down the stairs, running a hand through my hair, and wondering why I had woken up this late. I hadn't intended to sleep in but I'd been exhausted after all the meetings I'd attended in the past few days. Apparently, my body had somehow gotten a hint that I didn't have to be in a meeting today until late in the evening.I glanced down at my phone to check the time. Luckily if I hurried, I could still get Brian to school on time. My eyebrows pinched as I reminded myself I still hadn't gotten him a nanny. It was becoming to affect the both of us. Him being so lonely all the time and me cutting into my work hours to spend some time with him or do basic things like pick him up from school.I put on the coffee maker and then poured his favorite cereal into a bowl. I'd just had the first sip of my coffee when he practically flew down the stairs like I hadn't politely asked him not to on several occasions."Brian, what did I tell you about skipping the stairs?" I
SIERRAI kicked my door shut a little more forcefully than was necessary, angry that all my efforts so far at finding a job had yielded absolutely no results. It was exactly a week and one day today since I'd moved into this tiny apartment with the hope of having a fresh start. So far the only thing I could describe as fresh was the tears that streamed down my face every night before I slept.Tossing my bag on the coffee table after taking out my phone, I began dialing a local pizza place to place my order. I hadn't expected moving here to be easy or to even help me with the heartbreak I was currently going through but I'd hoped that it would at least help me take my mind off things. And in a good way.I walked my phone and my bag to my room, putting on my laptop the instant I got to my bed. I turned on the internet even though the network here was shitty and began browsing through online job ads. I paused my fingers over the keys, an ad catching my attention.It was a receptionist jo
SierraMy first day at work was not so bad, considering the fact that I knew so little about the environment. And the position especially. Besides, I had no plans of resuming the same day. But was asked to get started immediately as there was no receptionist at all present at the hotel. That came as a surprise to me, with mixed feelings. Nervous, uncertain, excited, and bankrupt, I unwittingly accepted the offer.After I was shown around the hotel, I couldn't help but admit that it was a beautiful and luxurious place to be in. But I was an absolute introvert who hated to be with so many people and was already feeling irritated seeing the many people who I walked past while the tour went on.After the brief tour, I was seated behind the PC waiting to face the countless annoying faces that would walk through the door with a smile.If I wasn't going to do it for anything, I was going to do it because Steph was so sweet and polite. Besides, the pay was enticing and worth it.Judging based
SierraI used my left hand to clean the sweat that was trickling down from my face off my forehead. Glancing up towards the direction of the impatient man who was already making gestures to signify that he was tired of standing.He had been standing since I started looking for the keys, and it was already ten minutes and counting, yet I still hadn't found it. Some other customers were beginning to get impatient too. Impolitely asking me to hurry up with him and get to them."What exactly is the matter?" The man finally asked, exhausting the patience he had."I'm sorry sir, but I think someone must have changed the location of the keys." I opened another drawer, my desperation doubled now. "I can't find it.'The man raised a brow at me, frowning in confusion. "Check the third drawer by your left." He finally said, keeping his gaze steady on my face. I followed his guidance, and then I saw where all the keys were. He must have been here for weeks, or months. That was the only logical ex
*Jayden*This day has started well for me. Mom had called me early in the morning with some good news and the excitement had made whatever sleep I had to flee.I push open the large windows in my bedroom enjoying the lightning sky outside. The cold wind is not so much. Brian had spent the night at his friend’s place so I have the place all to myself this morning.If only his mother was still alive; we would be having a sensuous morning together, cuddling up in each other’s arms. A mix of conflicting hormones coursed through my body. First was sadness as it hit me that she wasn’t alive and the next was the sensation of stirring in my groin.Despite the biting, someone has decided to arise. I adjusted my silk pajamas but the sensation of the material just aroused me farther. I tried to think of other things but my mind decided to pick on the lady at the coffee shop.“I think it is time for a cold shower,” I shouted out loud and headed to the bathroom before things got out of hand.An hou
*Jayden*It was now half past five. After the fiasco of that guest and air-conditioning in his room, I decided to sit in with the evening briefing and orientation.To be fair, Michael Justins was a difficult one to deal with. The only reason I hadn’t banned him from the property was he was a regular as well as bringing in many clients due to referrals. One would think as he constantly complained, he would stay away as well as not refer others.I deescalated the situation by upgrading him from his deluxe room to an executive rooftop penthouse for his one week stay. He immediately calmed down and apologized for causing a scene. Sierra led him away back to the foyer, where he was given a new key card and personally escorted by Frankie to the new room.I was now sitting at Frankie’s desk and Sierra sat opposite me. Frankie was speaking but I wasn’t really paying attention to her. I was gazing at Sierra unapologetically because we both knew there was nothing she could do at the moment. I co
*Sierra*Being in the car with Jayden Grey was breathtakingly painful. By that I mean I was forcing myself to breathe and relax. I was aware of how our knees touched. He didn’t speak much for the short car ride to the fast food joint.Imagine my surprise when we pulled up at this fancy place. I narrowed my eyes, wondering if the super rich had a different definition for fast food and takeaway.Jayden got out and stretched out his hand for me. I took it almost too quickly. Brian got out using the left door and walked in. So this was a regular spot for them. I realized he still had my hand and I coughed.“After you,” he said and I smiled. His voice when he spoke was just so sexy.I walked into this simple yet classy restaurant and followed Jayden to a reserved table. The hostess left us in the care of a waitress who smiled at us.“Will you be having the usual Brian?” she asked. Brian nodded and she turned to me, handing me a menu.“Welcome back Mr. Jay, want to try our special for the da
*Jayden*I arrived home with Brian after we dropped off Sierra at her apartment. Yes I am glad that I know where she stays but I am puzzled at her behavior.I feel like everything was okay until the last few moments when she spaced out. I don’t think I said anything hurtful. I sighed and headed to my room. As usual the housekeepers had cleaned my room making sure not to disturb anything.A quick shower will help me focus and refresh my body and mind. I got out of my suit and put them in the laundry chute on the far side of the wall. My bathing robe had been switched out for a clean set, one was hanging beside the door to the shower.I looked longingly at the bathtub. A long bath would do good but in the end I settled for the shower. One of the perks of having money is hot water throughout the day. I turned on the faucet and steaming hot water hit my body.After my shower I headed to Brian’s room to tuck him in. On school days he had early nights, that wasn’t a debate. Well unless he ha