chapter 3

Ethan

Will she back out of this before the contract is over? Why isn't she picking my calls?

Is she mad at me or something?

I asked many questions in my head.i sipped the finely brewed wine I had half filled in my glass as I tried dialing her number once more.

I glanced at the clock almost half past 8 and still no sign of Kourtney,what could be the problem and why isn't she answering her phone.

What if she's right, maybe this whole contract is really a dumb idea. I should have asked for her consent before announcing to the board we were a couple. I'm so exhausted, I'm the boss and I shouldn't be feeling this way.

Damn it, I'll be screwed if this contract doesn't go as planned. I really do hope she doesn't back out now. There's too much at risk for her to back out now.

I gulped the wine on my glass and filled it again. Why would she back out , it's not like she has a choice. I choose her because of her doggedness and the sharp edge of her wit. She's always been courageous and I see the way she looks at me most times there's no denying she's not attracted to me and maybe she's just pretending to be unhappy with this whole process.

Yes, it's all pretence,I know she's happy to be called my partner. I gulped the wine once more as I sit by the window looking into the beautiful city. Cars passing by, people going about their daily lives. My house was not far from the city mall. I loved it here because I could see people from various works of life go about their daily lives and it wasn't as quiet and secluded as the house I grew up in. Hmmm I let out a sigh of relief

I think we should have a rehearsal date

That'll be a very wonderful idea for a start

I went over to pour myself another bottle of wine when I heard my apartment doorbell jingle. Pete get the door please I said with so much excitement and hoping it'll be Kourtney. I quickly sprayed my best perfume and ran my hand through my hair. I felt like a teenager who was about to meet up with his crush. This was something I've never felt before and it made me a bit sick in the stomach but my excitement was covering up for the nauseating feeling in my tummy.

The door opened and for a moment I stood gawking at the figure that came walking in, her dark silk hair was perfectly laid in a cute ponytail,her edges laid to perfection,legs beautifully seated in a silver sandal heel while she embodied the black mini dress she got on. For a moment she looked like the music goddess Queen Bey in her Destiny child era. She said hello in the softest voice, a melody never to be unheard. I couldn't help but gawk at the beautiful figure before me.

Ethan! Stop staring at me like I dropped down from space. Did I over dress? She said jolting me back to reality.

No no this is perfect I said as I led the way into the living room.

Wow the place looks good and cozy

It's giving a Library and a private suite type of comfort. Your interior decorator did a wonderful Job.

Thank you for the compliment but I'm sorry to burst your bubble,I did the interior decor myself.

You know I don't believe that she said in the calmest tone.

You mean you don't believe I have good taste in furniture and home arrangements oh c'mon now Kourtney you of all people should know me by now. I mean we're in a relationship babe,I said taunting her.

Don't call me babe when we're alone we'll do that in public she said with no emotion whatsoever.

I was just pulling your legs. Wanna see the rest of the house? I could give you a personal tour if you'd like that.

Sure why not, it might just be a part of the contract she responded looking me straight in the eyes as if trying to intimidate me.

I took her to the rooms,the second living room,the library,my work space, game room, dressing room, the in-house pool and bowling alley, and even the red room which got her confused as to why I called it a red room. Apparently she's never heard of it. We toured the other parts of the house and her favorite part was the green house area. Our final stop was the kitchen and dining room. My chef had prepared Italian cuisine and she seemed pleased by the neatly arranged table before us. I pulled the chair for her to sit. Oh great! She exclaimed, I didn't know there's a gentleman hidden in there she chuckled. After eating we went to the balcony behind to get some fresh air and sip wine. Beautiful view you've got here, she said.

Well it's the most peaceful part of the house for me. It helps me relieve stress and think properly.

You know I'm not a big Italian cuisine fan she said

What? But you seemed like you enjoyed it

Yes I did but I prefer Chinese and Thai food

I'm so sorry next time I'll ask

Yeah it's fine.

So it's a date then?

Lol don't flatter yourself Ethan, I'm trying my best to play along here. It's quite difficult but I'll try.

Who knows you might end up falling heads over heels in love with me… I mean that's how all these contract relationships work, I said laughing.

She laughed till she was gasping for air. Okay okay I need to stop laughing but you're so funny and delusional Ethan.

Just imagine me falling for you, that'll be me setting myself up for heartbreak, c'mon she bursted out laughing once more. It's not possible

You're a Male whore and who'd want a relationship with you when all you're after is sex . I mean people only know you as the sex guy, nothing more.

I felt something move in me by her statement. Was it hurt or pain I don't quite know but I know it's not a good feeling.

I don't usually get angry because I'm definitely a strong guy in bed and all the ladies I've been with can never say I'm weak in bed but hearing this come from Kourtney I was… I don't know, hurt?

She looked at me and chuckled while sipping her wine, you're so funny she said once more.

Why did you ask me to do this Ethan? There's so many girls out there,you could easily use one of your bed warmers.

I know you're the only one who can help me pull this off. You're smart and confident and competent too.

Seriously or you just want to sleep with me too. She raised an eyebrow at me. I couldn't help but laugh.

No no no

I don't sleep with my assistants

I prefer a strict professional relationship with my assistants

Are you sure Ethan cause I've heard some rumors she raised the eyebrow again

Can you stop with the eyebrow raising it's cringey I said laughing and rumors will be rumors unless there's proof, can I see your proof?

Don't be so smart with me Mr

I'll find proof soon she winked .

The slow day was drawing to an end while we sat out there conversing and laughing like we were friends rather than a boss and his assistant.

There was something different,for the first time ever I'd noticed a girl's facial features.I was intrigued by the little body movements without thinking about sex,I felt my chest loosen,I felt more free,relaxed and at peace.

I noticed how she smiled with her teeth,her eyes and her chin,she had the softest smile I'd ever seen.

Could this be me falling for her?

Hell no!

I have a goal and I can't be falling for a mere assistant. I'm Ethan. I don't fall for girls, they fall for me.

This is gonna be a long journey. I let out a sigh