I spent most of Sunday sleeping. The inner clock was quite damaged. I got up to cook and eat and crawled back into bed to sleep more. It didn’t take long for Monday morning to come as my alarm song Wake Me Up by Avici streamed through my phone's speakers - classy but good.
I got ready – shower, dressing, light breakfast. I packed all the portfolio that was for the renovation project and my laptop. Today I had to meet the clients and revise all the details with them. I wanted to see if there was anything else they wanted to add or maybe they had changed their mind about something by now.
As I was driving to the client's place, I felt anxious. It was slightly odd. Usually, I did have some level of anxiety when meeting new clients and people, but this felt different. My stomach was buzzing and my palms were even sweaty. I tried to shake off the stress. Chill, it is another client. I know the procedure. If they want to change anything, it is not a problem. I tried to pep talk myself. I felt like my intuition was trying to tell me something. Do they want to cancel the project? The question popped into my head. I guess I was looking for crazy explanations for this anxiety. Could they truly do that? I wondered. Anyhow, even if so, well, nothing to do. I would just go home and work on other projects. I tried to calm myself down. Yes, this sounded rational. I had a solution even for the disaster. But that didn’t calm my nerves. It is something else. A small voice was telling me. I guess I will find out soon.
There was a security check before we entered the place. That made me think that we had arrived in a posh area. Yes, the clients were rich, and their house was big. I assumed that maybe all the neighborhood was with rich people. I looked outside to calm myself. My previous conclusion didn’t turn out to be true, as many houses were small and simple. Some were even unkempt and shabby with paint peeling off from the wooden boards. Of course, a large share of houses were big mansions. It seemed weird that such an area had extra security. But oh well, what do I know?
The cab stopped in front of the client's residence. Well, here it was – the mansion of my latest project. The project I have seen way too many times, even in ungodly hours when finalizing details. I walked up the stairs and rang the bell. Soon a lady in her fifties opened it.
- Hello! I’m here to meet Mrs. Montgomery. She is expecting me.
I said with a sweet smile.
- Yes, she is expecting you.
The lady who I assumed was the maid opened the doors for me. I slipped in.
- She is in the sitting room. You can follow me.
She offered. I rushed to decline her.
- Oh, it is okay. I know the way. You don’t have to bother. I will go myself. Thank you very much.
I rushed while talking. I didn’t want to disturb her or give her extra work. She probably had loads to do in this big house. The lady offered me a small smile and gave a curt nod. She headed in the opposite direction. I followed her with my eyes for a moment. I removed my sand-colored trench coat and hanged it on the rake that stood near the door. My gaze went around the entrance. I know almost every corner of this house just by watching so many videos and looking at all the pictures. But seeing it in real life gave me a different vibe. I was standing in an open space entrance hall. All the house had classy and posh Victorian-style interior. They wanted to remodel it into a modern style while changing their bedroom wings into small studio-type apartments.
I gazed around until I froze. There was a guy in the middle of the stairs, and I noticed him just now. It looked like he had descended the stairs but then stopped. Suddenly, I felt self-conscious and nervous. Has he been observing me? Did I do something stupid? Did I say something out loud while thinking I was alone? No. I didn’t. Phew, I'm good. I relaxed a bit.
But wow, the guy was a complete muscle mountain. I frowned. Geez, did this dude spend all his time in the gym? His body was ripped. His shoulders were broad and covered in muscles. All the muscles were poking out of the clothes. I bet he could pick me up like a sack of potatoes. Okay, where are my thoughts going? I couldn’t reply to myself because d*mn he was such eye candy. I smirked inwardly. I took in the rest of the guy. He had blond let down wavy hair. He had a sharp jaw, high cheekbones, a perfect nose, and thick lips. Overall, a model-like face. He was tall, at least a hundred ninety centimeters.. Oh man, he was breathtaking. I was totally distracted.
He was wearing a simple black t-shirt and gray sweatpants. But he still pulled off a casual, sexy style. I looked back at his face. I was too far away to see his eye color, but his eyes were captivating. We locked eyes. It gave me a strange feeling. I was still aware of my surroundings, but it felt like it all went in a blur and the only one that existed in this hall was this guy. That’s a weird feeling.
And then my train of thought kept on moving. Rich and handsome guy? Most probably a playboy. Most probably all the girls were falling at his feet. And what did I do? I ogled him too. I furrowed my eyebrows. How pathetic of me! I scolded myself. No, no, no, I am better than that. I have more self-respect.
Why are rich people handsome? I always thought it was not fair. Rich people should be ugly. And poor people should be beautiful. Don’t you think so? At least then there would be some justice in the world. And it would give poor people a chance to break out from the poverty cycle and become something more in life. I scrunched my nose.
I was still looking at the guy like glued. Laila, compose yourself, you are here for your new project not for looking at handsome guys! I scolded myself. Judging by his approximate age, this guy was most probably my client’s son or something. Clients! Work! Mrs. Montgomery is waiting for me! Common, girl, chop-chop!
I took a deep breath and put a polite smile on my face.
- Good afternoon, Sir!
I nodded at him and, without waiting for a reply, I turned left. I went straight to the living room where Mrs. Montgomery was supposed to wait for me. This was and wasn’t my first time in this house. As I’ve seen pictures and videos of it, it feels as if I have lived here for many years.
James I was jogging down the stairs without a care in the world as I remembered the hot redhead that I f*ked last night. That was a good sport, and maaan that mouth of hers was able to suck. I chuckled at myself. Oh, sweet memories. Suddenly, I caught an amazing smell as my wolf started to circle in my head restlessly. I stopped dead in my tracks, and without thinking, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath of the most delightful smell that had ever waffled in my nose. It smelled fresh like...grass? No. It was like grass that has heated up in the sun and turned into hay quickly. I could feel, smell, and see that hot summer day being outdoors. I opened my eyes and they locked on a magical creature standing at the entrance. My wolf said that one magical word that I had been dreaming, hoping and waiting and waiting, and waiting to hear for days, weeks, months, and years. “Mate”. My mind went on a high drive. No f*ing way!! My mate was in front of me! MY MATE was in my own house! I ha
Chapter 4 Laila I entered the living room and saw a lady in her forties, maybe? She looked younger, but if that guy was her son, then she had to be older. Oh wow! She looked beautiful with her green eyes and blond hair. During our video calls, the blurry pixels did no good to her natural beauty. Now that I see her up close in real life, she looks stunning. I approached her hastily and extended my hand: - Hello, Mrs. Montgomery, I’m sorry I’m a bit late. She smiled brightly at me. - Oh, don’t worry, dear! Welcome! Come and sit, Miss Apine! I hope I pronounced that correctly. No, she didn’t, but I kept on smiling. - Can I call you Laila? She smiled at me. Maybe my face gave away that my surname was not pronounced correctly. - Of course! I nodded my head. - I was just sipping my tea. I have a day off, so I am not in a rush at all. She had a motherly vibe flowing from her. During the video calls she seemed a nice lady and now facing her it was confirmed . - Good to know that
James When I entered the living room and wanted to participate in their meeting, my mother looked at me a bit longer. I was usually super hungry in the mornings and jumping on food was even the first thing before I said a proper “good morning” to my family. I bet she suspected that something was fishy with my behavior. But I couldn’t help it, could I? My mate was at MY house. My mate was just in front of my eyes. And she didn't even know that she was my mate, what a mate was, and that I am a werewolf. I thought waiting for my mate was the toughest and longest part, but I still have some more walking to do. So, it turned out she was our house redecorator. That was good, as she would spend more time in our place, I wouldn’t even have to call her here. Laila. That was her name that echoed in my mind for several minutes. A beautiful name for an even more beautiful woman. It was my new favorite word. I listened to her talking to my mom. Her voice just floated in my ears like Earthly music
Laila As I sat in the cab, I blew out a breath. I felt relieved I got away from the place. This encounter felt intense. Not with Mrs. Montgomery. No. With Mr. Playboy. Okay, so his name is James.Things with him were awkward. Much. Why did he wanna know where I live? He probably noticed my accent and weird surname. What were those intense stairs directed my way? And what were those cheesy lines about? Was he flirting with me? Jeez, that is the least I need right now – a playboy hitting on me. A shiver went down my spine remembering his face. I would take it as a warning from my intuition. It has never let me down this far. I should stay away from Mr. Playboy.It felt kind of flattering that such a rich handsome guy was advancing on me. Or was I just imagining things? Am I arrogant to think that he was hitting on me?He is very handsome, and he sure knows it. He was flashing those charming smiles often. Oh, no, not going that road.
My week passed by quickly. I met Mrs. Montgomery on Wednesday. Thank God, Mr. Playboy was not there. Which means he has forgotten about me already. And that is good for me. If I’m honest, I felt a bit sad and disappointed that I didn’t meet him. He did say he would be there. But I brushed it off quickly. I didn’t need a distraction. I focused on the work. It was clear that my idea was correct – he would forget about me the next day. Something buzzed in my heart after this thought. I guess it was another warning. I should be as far from this guy as possible. So good thing that he didn’t show up.The meeting went by smoothly. After that, Mrs. Montgomery invited me to her charity ball that had to happen on Saturday. She told me that she usually holds it in December. But she wanted to do it before her house turned into a complete mess. I agreed to come to the event. I had nothing else to do anyway.So here I was dressed in a long red flowy max
LailaI’m smiling inwardly, wondering why James has been so persistent about trying to chat with me. There are many girls that keep on glancing at him now and then. He should go to any of them. I keep on hinting to him that I’m not interested in him nor in having a conversation. It’s not easy as he is very persistent and his presence makes me feel..funky? He does look very appealing in this dark blue tuxedo. And he has styled his hair with gel which gives him an out-of-cover look. Something tugs at my heart. Maybe I wish that circumstances were different. Maybe I could have a fling with him. Oh, well, it doesn't matter… Right?Usually, I’m very kind and open to any conversation, but this hot, rich peace is making me rather… I can’t even put a name to this feeling. Maybe edgy? Yes, something like that! I’m not properly grasping if it is a good or bad edginess. So, I am trying to observe the situation and
Laila: Bright smiles lit up on the faces of two cute girls. One is tall and lean with dark brown hair and brown eyes. The other one is short with brown hair but blue eyes. Their high cheekbones, button noses, and full lips give it away that they are siblings. They remind me of my own sister. Though Linda is blond. Warmth tugs at my heart as I remember my baby sister. Yes, she is not a baby anymore, but a grown young lady. But for me, she is still a chubby-cheeked baby. A small squeal comes out from the shortest brunet as she grabs me in a tight hug. That’s shocking. I have never seen a stranger being so happy and friendly to meet me. I guess it is typical American behavior? She looked me up and down with a big smile.- Oh, James! She is so pretty!I’m a bit confused. What does my prettiness have to do with James? The other girl extended her hand.- I’m Adriana and this happy ball is Fay. We heard so much about you from James!She grins while looking at me and James. I shook her hand
LailaI took longer than necessary to refresh. I didn’t want to go out of the bathroom and face James. I was sure that he was waiting for me outside. I didn’t have time to go through our encounters or analyze them. But my inner wall was high up. I was pushing him away as much as I could. But those bright smiles on his handsome face were all that was left in my mind now that I was alone.I soaked a paper towel in cold water and put it on the back of my neck. Pushing away James and fighting his advances made me tired. As I said – I was a nice and relaxed person. And I’ve never had a playboy on my tail. Usually, I can get rid of any unwanted attention with a few sentences.I dried my neck with another paper towel.I blew out a heavy breath and got myself ready to face James again. I slowly opened the doors just a tiny bit to sneak a peek outside. I wanted to see where he was and what he was doing. Maybe he was talking w