Chapter 6

Conrad’s POV…

I missed her—her hearty smile, her soft feminine voice, her presence, and her scent. It stayed the same.

It was one of the things I looked forward to when I arranged our meeting today. It was the main reason I didn't let her leave when she wanted because I wanted to take in the strawberry fragrance that emanated from her body.

She'd changed.

Her cherry red hair which was usually held in two loose ponytail tails back in college now bounced wildly around her shoulders. She wore it shorter now.

The big ugly glasses she formerly wore to class had been replaced with rimless glasses, giving her a polished appearance.

Her body had developed beautifully with those wide hips and pronounced cleavage that could make a man drool. I wouldn't deny that I got hard when I saw her again today.

I should have apologized to her for the past, but watching her fume and threaten to end the contract made me change my mind.

If she thought that I'd let her go that easily, she'd be joking.

Sitting in my office, a knock sounded on the door.

“Come in,” I said to whoever the person was.

Andrew, the only friend I still spoke to from college, traipsed in. He dropped by once in a while because of his position as the architect assisting with the gallery's renovation. After giving him a manly hug, he settled onto the chair, gazing at me.

“What?” I queried suspiciously.

“You look like you've just committed a crime, but the weird part is that you aren't scared. What did you do?” he analyzed me.

Cracking my fingers, I nodded. “You know me too well,”

“Spill, man,” he urged me on.

“I saw Leona today,” I dropped the bombshell.

His lips parted as he leaned forward. “You don't say. Did you still go through with that devious plan of yours?”

I shrugged, chuckling. He was aware of everything I did to lure Leona back to me. He'd linked me with the previous owner of this gallery, who was going bankrupt and needed to sell his gallery.

It was the best decision I made because I knew beforehand that Leona would like to work with a gallery. Not only did I get to expand my source of income, but I also got closer to her in a way she didn't expect.

Though I acted like a douchebag after taking her v-card, I still pined for her. When I overheard her brother telling his friend that she'd relocated, I nearly lost my mind.

It was worse because I couldn't access her, and the only link to her didn't want to ever set eyes on me. By a stroke of luck, I found her on a social media platform and began stalking her.

I watched her grow and excel in her career, and when she announced on her page that she'd be coming to Texas for an art exhibition, I knew it was time to make my move.

“Isn't that obvious?” I replied, feeling a bit fulfilled.

The next step was to ask for her apology and get her to forgive me. It was already looking impossible, but I loved the challenge. More importantly, I'd fallen in love with her, and I wanted her to love me in return.

Occasionally, I wondered if she still felt anything for me.

“Did you apologize at least?” he probed.

I shook my head. “She didn't let me. I doubt she wants an apology from me. She wants me to stay away, but I won't do that.”

“You’re unbelievable, Conrad,” he laughed.

“I know. I'll get her to forgive me soon. I have a plan.”

~~~~

I knew the very moment she walked out of her house, jogging in the street. I laced up my sneakers, shut the door to the four-bedroom bungalow I bought a few weeks ago, and headed out.

She was clad in a pair of black leggings and a matching sports bra. Her form was fit, judging by the way she carried herself while jogging.

She no longer hid behind easels and paintbrushes; her carefree nature, which she'd always suppressed, blew up in full proportion after she returned.

I jogged faster, wanting her to notice my presence, and luckily for me, she did.

The relaxed expression on her face died when she saw me. Furious, she picked up her pace again, increasing it.

I loved the challenge, so I increased mine too and caught up with her. What started out as a jog turned into a sprint. Twenty minutes later, we were both gasping for air.

“Are you stalking me now?” She questioned, less angry than before.

A good sign.

“Depends on what your definition of stalking is,” I retorted, hoping she'll notice the humorous undertone.

“First, you mess up a contract that I've been looking forward to for the longest, then you follow me around like a lost puppy. Why can't you let me be?” Her voice became louder in anger.

“Because it's hard to. Look, I know you're angry about the past, but I'm willing to make things right. Just listen to me,” I pleaded sincerely this time.

If the tables were turned, I wouldn't be anywhere near her, but I hoped that she'd be willing to give me a chance.

“That's the problem, Conrad. I would rather not set things straight with you. I'm already pissed that I stand here listening to your gibber, so please, stay away from me while I do the same.” She brushed past me.

I blocked her path quickly. “You won't be getting rid of me that easily,”

She huffed, rolling her eyes nonchalantly. “At least I'm not pausing my life to act like a clown.”

“Sassy, much?” I indulged her.

"Goodbye," she said as she walked away from me.

“See you at home,” I blurted.

She halted, sparing me a backward glance. “What do you mean? You aren't coming home with me, Conrad.” Her voice held a strong warning.

I couldn't wait to give her the news.

“Of course, I can. My home is with you.” The words were both figurative and literal. Her eyes narrowed in confusion, so I added. “I'm your neighbor, Leona. I bought a house opposite yours.”