Perfectly Lonely - Jessica Marin Page 0,40

decor of the room. The room is equipped with state of the art audio and visual equipment and seats twelve people around the oval wood table.

“This room is gorgeous. Remind me to ask him how much they would rent this room out as I know we would have clients interested in having a meeting here.” I pull out a notebook and write Robert’s request down. So engrossed am I in what I am doing that I fail to notice that the door has opened with the arrival of the general manger. Robert stands up to shake his hand and as I put my notebook down, I do a double take as I recognize the patent leather black loafers.

“Hi, I’m Torrin Richards,” the man from the pharmacy introduces himself, smiling at me like a Cheshire cat, as recognition lights up his eyes.

17

Layla

“That was creepy pharmacy dude?” Robert asks in doubt when I reveal who Torrin was once we are in the privacy of the taxi back to his office. Even though his smile indicated that he recognized me from this morning, Torrin remained completely professional and conducted business as if he had never met me before.

“Yes, that’s him,” I confirm, wondering if maybe I judged him too quickly from my encounter with him this morning.

“He can creep on me all day long if that’s what you classify as creepy.” Robert shakes his head, giving me a look as if I am crazy. “He’s damn sexy!“ I don’t disagree with Robert, Torrin is indeed sexy.

Robert’s phone vibrates and he looks down at it and then back at me with a smirk. “Layla, where’s your phone?”

“In my bag, why?” I start rummaging through my tote bag so I can find my phone. He starts typing on his own and places it back inside the front pocket of his suit jacket.

“Your Canadian lover is stalking you.” I finally locate my phone at the bottom of my purse to see I have five missed text messages and two missed calls from him, all sent within the last four hours.

Chase: Good morning, Angel! You probably didn’t sleep well since you occupied my dreams all night long.

Chase: Was that too cheesy for you?

Chase: What are you doing tonight? I would like to take you out to dinner.

Chase: Angel, are you mad at me?

Chase: Layla, please call or text me back. I’m getting worried.

My phone being underneath my notebook and laptop must have prevented me from hearing or feeling its vibration. I immediately respond back.

Me: I’m so sorry! I’ve been with Robert at a meeting and my phone was buried in my purse. I have to work tonight.

Chase: Glad you are okay. What time and where? I’ll meet you there.

I hesitate at answering him, trying to figure out what time I would be done meeting with the manager and bartender.

Me: Meet me at eight p.m. There’s a really good sushi restaurant around the corner that we can go to.

I quickly look up the address of the bar and include it in my response.

Chase: Looking forward to seeing you, Angel.

“Are you done sexting yet?” Robert asks, while trying to look over my shoulder at my texts.

“None of your business.” I click off my phone and put it back in my purse. Robert looks at me with a raised eyebrow, waiting for my response. “No, we weren’t sexting. We haven’t even had sex. We were confirming plans for dinner tonight.”

He gives me a mischievous grin and proceeds to pull out the box of condoms from his work bag. “Here, let’s split these. I have a feeling you will need them. Zero doubts that Chase probably wears an x-large.” He opens the box and pours half the condoms in my bag.

“Sorry, I can’t recall.” The lie runs smoothly from my lips as I completely recall seeing his erection bulging from his pants last night and noted his rather large size.

“You’ll be able to recall tonight after it’s in your mouth.” Robert throws his head back in laughter at my shocked expression. “Oh c’mon, Layla! It’s bound to happen sooner rather than later with the amount of time you’ve been spending with him.”

“We’re just friends, Robert,” I say, while I look out the window, not wanting to meet his gaze.

“Bullshit, Layla. There’s more to it and you just don’t want to admit it.”

His tone of voice makes me look at him. “He’s going back to Vancouver soon,” I counter back.

“Give him a reason to come back, Layla. If you did, he will