Home Service

“You know what," he said instead. “Let's just skip this part." 

Valeria looked confused, a lot of questions plagued her mind but she dared not ask. Because he's her boss, and probing into his personal life could get him fried.

“Sir—" the nurse called.

“I demand to be discharged today," he interrupted.

“But you just got out of surgery and need to be monitored," the nurse reasoned.

He nodded. " My doctor will attend to me at home.”

Before the nurse could protest further, he added.

"He's Doctor Kendrick.”

Dr Kendrick, a popular and efficient doctor whose work had created a name for the city.

The nurse swallowed whatever she was about to say, and walked out with the folder.

As soon as the door closed behind the nurse, he turned to Valeria.

"You can take a few days off, I'll let you know when to resume.”

"No,” she said. " I can be of help, I want to help.”

He shook his head. " You need to be with your husband, and not babysit your boss." 

A faint laugh escaped her lips. “I'm not babysitting, it's called help. And, my husband is out of town until next week." 

Ivan paused, contemplating her suggestion.

He didn't have any help at home, so he could really use hers.

“Can I speak with your husband, just to let him know." 

Valeria's heart dropped.

“You….you want to…," she stammered.

“Speak with your husband," he completed.

“But….I already discussed it with him.”

“At least let me show my appreciation for letting his wife stay over,” he insisted.

Valeria’s palm became damp, her toes curled inward.

Slowly, she reached for her phone and turned it on, then scrolled to her ex's number.

Her hand hovered over his name for a brief moment, then she hit the dial bar and put it on speaker.

Dominic picked up on the third ring.

“Hello, my angel." 

“Baby, hey," she forced a smile. “About what we discussed, I'll be staying at my boss's for the next couple of days, just to help him until he's healed.”

" Oh,” Dominic exclaimed. " That's fine, and that's nice for you to check in with me—”

" Again,” Valeria completed, forcing a chuckle. "I've got to go now, we'll talk later.”

Before Dominic could say something that could complicate things, she ended the call.

“So…,” she smiled awkwardly.

Ivan nodded slowly, his brows furrowed together.

" I guess…he's in support." 

Some paperwork was done, Ivan signed to go home against the doctor's advice.

After that, he left, with Valeria in his passenger’s seat.

***

“Welcome to my place,” Ivan said, his gaze on Valeria who seemed to be awe struck by the luxury she walked into.

“Thank you," she replied, absentmindedly.

“The guest room is downstairs, I'll show you," he gestured, leading the way.

Valeria followed behind, her eyes scanning every corner of his house.

“I can't find a picture of your wife," she observed.

“Oh! You know," he chuckled. “I just bought the place after our wedding, and she's not in the country at the moment, so…”

She nodded. " I see.”

"You don't have a maid either?”

" That…I want her to choose who she'll be comfortable with." 

Valeria's eyes softened, her heart too.

“This is the kind of man she prayed for," she thought to herself.

“If you need something, please ask." 

She shook her head. “No, sir. I can find my way around, you need to sit back and heal.”

He nodded. " Alright, I'll be in my room.”

Valeria's curiosity piqued the moment Ivan turned his back.

She wasn't the kind of person to pry, but she wanted to know her way around the house. Right?

First, she made her way to the kitchen.

“Funny how there are so many groceries when a woman's presence is lacking," she scoffed.

Quickly, she made lunch and took it to his room.

She knocked once, and he answered.

" Come in.”

With a tray of food in one hand, she turned the door knob with the other.

Valeria froze the moment the door shut behind her, her breath caught.

Ivan stood with his back to the door, shirtless, and busy with something that made his back twitch as his hands moved.

Her gaze crawled over his firm and wide back, dropping to his thin waist.

He turned slowly, hair damp, a strand hanging carelessly over his forehead.

His lashes were wet as well.

"You made lunch,” he acknowledged.

Her breath came out heavy, as her eyes traced his broad chest down to his v shaped torso. His pants hung low on his hip. Even his gunshot wound looked…alluring.

Ivan stood there, his gaze fixed on her face as he watched in amazement.

“You brought something for me?" He asked, finally.

Valeria swallowed hard. “Ahm, yes, yes," she stuttered, looking away in embarrassment.

A faint smirk played at the corner of his lips.

“You can place it over here," he gestured to the table beside him.

She walked over and placed the tray down with shaky hands.

She could feel the heat roll off him as she got close, his bare chest just an inch farther from her.

“I…I'll…pour you a glass of water." 

She reached for the jug but knocked it down, the glass shattered on the floor and spilled the water across the floor.

“I'm so sorry, sir," she apologized, grabbing the small towel on the table.

He impulsively grabbed her wrist.

“I'll get that." 

Her stomach did a small traitorous flip when he made skin contact, but she refused to look at him. She knew better than that.

Her heart was thudding heavily in her chest.

"No,” she protested. " Let me get it.”

She pulled her hand away gently.

"I'm sorry,”  he apologized, releasing her wrist.

She swallowed hard and nodded, before turning around.

As soon as she turned, she missed a step and stumbled. But before she could hit the ground, he caught her.

One arm firmly around her waist, the other right under her breast. Firm.