Love by Surprise

by Shilpa Mudiganti

  “Hey.” There was silence, a moment when just hearing him made things alright in my head. And then the security guard at the front desk dropped his phone, the sound reverberating in the empty lobby, and reality set in cold. “Um...can you call the front desk at the office and ask him to let me in?”

  “Wait…,” there was some shuffling on his end, rustling of fabric. I imagined him on his bed and shook my head to clear the image, “Why are you at the office? Did you forget something?”

  “Kind of...maybe.”

  “You’re not sure?”

  “Yes...no. I mean it's not really any of your business.”

  A chuckle, and a sigh. “It really is my business, baby. Now, are you going to tell me why you need to get inside the building at this hour?” I worried my lower lip as the silence stretched between us. He waited, while I watched the security guard eye me suspiciously. I let out a sigh and pressed the ball of my fist to my tired eyes.

  “I...need a place to crash.” There was no immediate answer and I checked my phone to make sure we weren’t disconnected.

  “Is everything okay at home? With your dad?” I sucked in a breath at how fast Ryan guessed what could have gone wrong.

  “We had some disagreements.”

  “Stay where you are. I will be there in fifteen. We will figure this out.” I stared at the now-disconnected call and sighed. Guilt gnawed at me. He didn’t have to come over to help me.

  I settled back again at the lobby and stared out through the glass walls to the lively street. Taxis zoomed by now that the peak traffic had died down. The streets looked livelier by the minute as the late-night party-goers filled in the restaurants and smoky bars.

  I blinked faster, Ryan’s blurry figure became clearer as he pulled the glass door open to enter the building. He wore a grey v-neck t-shirt and black slacks with flip-flops. No suit at this time of night, but he still managed to take my breath away. His blue eyes were clouded with concern as he looked around for me.

  I stood to meet him, leaving my bags by the chair. He eyed them as if they were the reason I was standing here, at this time of the night.

  “Sorry I am a few minutes late. Did you have dinner?” My stomach grumbled before I could respond. Remembering the abandoned plate of warm naan and lentils brought a fresh sting to my eyes.

  “I could do with a bite or two.” He took hold of my suitcase and slung my backpack onto its handle.

  “Let’s go to Lenny’s. It’s usually quiet at this hour.” Images of waffles filled my vision and I followed him out.

  We walked in comfortable silence. Lenny’s was only a couple of blocks away, and we fell into rhythmic steps toward it as if this was normal, and we had done it a million times. Seated at the near-empty diner, I ordered spaghetti while he got a cup of coffee.

  “No waffles?”

  He shook his head and leaned back on his seat. His scrutinizing gaze didn’t bother me that time. If anything, it felt better to be seen.

  “Are you okay talking about what happened?” I met his gaze, soft under the dull lights of the diner. I crossed my hands across my chest and took a deep breath.

  “I continue to disappoint him.” Lips pursed, his eyes took on a hard glint. “He thinks…” I couldn’t utter the words. Was there truth in my Dad’s insinuation that Ryan gave me this job as a favor to Nisha or Arav?

  Ryan leaned forward, his elbows resting lightly on the table.

  “Thinks what?”

  I stared at his hands, fingers lightly touching. Strong arms, and long fingers. They had held me only a few hours earlier and I marvelled at how good they felt.

  “Why did you really offer me a job?” I was sure he couldn’t have heard me. The words choked in my throat and came out in whispers of doubt and shame. I hoped he hadn’t heard me. I stared at the grain patterns on the table, the fear of my father turning out to be right crushing my insides.

  His knuckles grazed my hand.

  “Why do you think?”

  “My dad thinks it’s because Nisha asked you to.” His hand stopped caressing and I missed the warmth immediately. A muscle ticked in his jaw and he took a deep breath.

  “He thinks it was charity and you didn’t deserve it.”

  That summarized it perfectly and my ears burned hot. I blinked away the sting but it was hard to hide how miserable I felt. I was surprised he hadn’t run away yet.

  I took a shuddering breath. “Is that true?”

  His hand was back on mine and I opened it to him. His fingers closed on mine.

  “You wouldn’t give me a chance that day. I wanted to...no, wrong. I needed to see you. And you needed a job. What better way to get to see you every day than bossing you around in my office?” he smirked.

  “That can’t be the only reason, Ryan.” I pulled my hand away, crossing my arms again and looked at him pointedly. He sighed, looking skywards and then back at me.

  “I spent almost a year looking for you and then I found you at the wedding, desperate for a job. And I happened to be able to help you. I am not stupid enough to give up on that golden opportunity. It’s as simple as that. Why is it so difficult to believe that I wanted to do that for you?”

  Words escaped me. Why was it difficult to believe he did it for me? That he really wanted to be closer to me? No one had done anything like that for me for years. Men wanted to be close to me because of my dad’s influence, not for me. They endured my attitude, my booze, and my madness so they could claim their page-three fame. I was a catch. But I was no catch for Ryan, the Ivy League-educated, super-smart, uber-successful man. If anything, I would taint his perfect world.

  I was saved by the waiter, who appeared with my plate of spaghetti and Ryan’s cup of coffee. When Ryan realized I would not answer his question, he finally picked up his cup and sipped.

  The hot and slippery but tasty spaghetti lifted my spirits and I didn’t feel as miserable as I felt a few minutes back. Ryan didn’t prod any more and I didn’t volunteer. There was a lot to talk about, but now was not the time.

  As soon as I finished, Ryan ordered dessert. I protested half-heartedly but relished the idea of sugar. I didn’t realize I was craving for it, but was glad Ryan thought of it. So, when the mound of chocolate ice cream with almonds sprinkled on top appeared, I almost stabbed his offending hand with my fork as he tried to take a spoonful.

  My mood lifted remarkably with a full belly. All I needed now was a comfortable spot to rest. I imagined the leather couch at the front desk wasn’t too bad of an option.

  As we walked out of Lenny’s, I started walking towards the office. I yelped as he pulled me back.

  “Where are you going?” Ryan asked incredulously as a taxi stopped in front of us.

  “To the office?” I didn’t mean it to be a question, but he opened the door of the taxi for me, then moved to the trunk of the car to stuff my bag in.

  “Do you really think I would let you sleep at the office?”

  “Well, there’s no one there. And I can’t afford a hotel.”

  “I am not asking you to. You’re coming with me, to my place.” I stood gaping at him as he pushed my bag deeper into the trunk and slammed it down.

  “Are you kidding? I can’t do that!” I took a step back as he came to a stop in front of me.

  “You can. You will. Where else will you go? In any case, I have a two-bedroom penthouse with an attached bathroom for every room. You don’t even have to come out of your room if you don’t want to.”

  I bit my lower lip andt I shook my head.

  “No. I can’t. You have done too much for me and...it’s…I am worried about...” Images of Ryan at his home, a few steps away already had butterflies creating a riot in my stomach.

  “Worried about what?” My heart skipped a beat as his blue eyes scanned my face, concern lining his forehead. He took a step closer and I forgot all about what my family would say. His fingers cupped the side of my cheek, his thumb stroking my jaw. His touch left hot trails and I was
certain he would kiss me. That didn’t frighten me. I found myself leaning in to him. I wondered how rough his five o’clock shadow would feel against my skin. I knew I was going to find out soon.

  A loud honk made us jump. The taxi driver gestured impatiently and Ryan stepped back. He dragged a hand through his hair and released a deep breath. I looked away, wishing the tingling in my lips would stop.

  He stepped closer to the taxi.

  “Please. We’ll figure this out together tomorrow morning. Tonight, you deserve a good night’s sleep.”

  His eyes were pleading, and I knew he meant well.

  “It will be a scandal. My family will disown me for this.”

  He gave me a derisive look, as if those concerns shouldn’t matter anymore. I did leave my home. I was an adult. Should I really care what they would think about me staying at a single, handsome man’s place?

  “Will you behave?”

  He gasped, holding his chest in a dramatic gesture.

  “That hurts,” he said even as he held the door of the car wider. He settled next to me inside and said, “I promise I would lock myself in my room if that makes you feel safer.”

  “Thank you.” I looked him straight in the eye and continued, “Thank you for helping me out, for the dinner and for giving me a place to stay tonight.”

  I thought I saw a trace of anger before it vanished behind the kind eyes.

  “You don’t deserve the way you’ve been treated, Anshi. Besides, don’t thank me yet. I have yet to awe you with my skills in the kitchen.”

  He grinned widely, and sat back comfortably as the taxi weaved in and out of the traffic to take us to his penthouse.

  11

  Ryan

  Anshi was next to me, the wheels of her suitcase rolling smoothly on the marble of the lobby. After an intense tug-of-war, I had to give her the suitcase. She threatened to walk to a hotel if I didn’t hand it over. I couldn’t have that.

  I hated seeing her this way. When I reached the office, one look at her puffy eyes and sorrowful face made it suddenly hard to breathe. It was like a punch to my gut. Anger curled in my stomach like poison, but I didn’t think she needed more negativity.

  I punched on the elevator button and turned to her. Anshi gave me a small smile, but she looked worried. I stuffed my hands in my pockets. It was hard to not reach out to hold her hand.

  She had planned to sleep at the office. I shook my head lightly, amazed at how fearless she was to walk out of her mega-rich father’s house and decide to camp out in an office building for the night. She had decided to ride it out, one way or another. Even when she called, she wasn’t panicking. All she needed was a pass to get up the elevator so she could spend the night on the couch.

  Nope. Not happening.

  There was no way she was going to be homeless with me around. We stepped into the elevator and I pressed my house key’s fob on the scanner. The elevator moved.

  I shifted on my feet, wishing I didn’t act like a damn teenager. I had brought many women back home with me, but never before had I felt as nervous as I felt then. I hoped Genna, my housekeeper, did a thorough job at dusting off all surfaces. I didn’t think Anshi would mind a bit of dust, but I didn’t want her to think I was messy. Which, I was. Hence, the housekeeper. But she didn’t have to know that.

  The doors of the elevator opened to a stark white door. I pressed my key fob on to the front door scanner again and the whirring of the lock felt loud in that little, quiet place. As I opened the white door to the vast, bare living room with nothing but an ultra-modern couch and an open kitchen, I thought I heard Anshi gasp. She stood frozen at the door, her eyes taking in the two-story ceiling and the glass wall that overlooked the New York skyline. The lights of the buildings twinkled like stars at night and her gaze was caught by the sight.

  She walked slowly towards the window, awe in her face, her coat abandoned on the couch. She stood there, one hand on the glass as if she wanted to touch the skyline. Her beautiful brown eyes were wide with wonder.

  “You come home to this every day,” she whispered. I moved to stand behind her.

  “I never thought it was special until now.” I watched her, while she watched the view. Her face softened and a small smile formed on her lips, but she didn’t move. We stood like that for a few moments. I drank in every little detail of her beautiful face.

  “Where’s my room?” She looked up at me suddenly. I took a step back hastily. Her lips were only a few inches from my face and a kiss would be too easy this close. I put distance between us and walked back to where her suitcase was standing.

  “This way,” I said, and walked purposefully to the guest room on the other end of the living room.

  I deposited her luggage in the walk-in closet while she stood at the foot of her queen bed, looking out of the floor-to-ceiling window on one side of her room again. This room was cozy, with twelve-foot ceilings, a fluffy white rug, and soft bedding.

  “The scenery is not that great from this room,” I said.

  “I am not complaining at all,” she responded apologetically. “It’s still beautiful.” She looked around again, her hands clasped tight in front of her. “I think I’ll go to sleep now.”

  “Oh sure.” I turned to go and then stopped. “My room is at the end of the hall, by the way. And help yourself to water or food, if you feel thirsty or hungry during the night.” I pointed to the kitchen behind me.

  She nodded. “Good night and,” she said softly. “Thank you again.”

  “Don’t mention it.” I closed the door behind me and stood there holding my breath. I heard her soft footsteps on the hardwood floor, and then a click. She must have switched off the bedside lamp. I breathed out finally. She had a knack of leaving me breathless.

  I walked to the refrigerator to check if it was as well-stocked as I had suggested. I pulled a slice of chocolate cake to the front, just in case she wanted to eat something sweet in the middle of the night like I always did. She loved the dessert back at Lenny’s, after all.

  I took one last look around the living room.All the surfaces were shiny and sleek. Genna did a good job today. Feeling satisfied that Anshi would not wake up to dust furniture or an empty fridge, I retired to my room. Whether I would get any sleep with Anshi in my home, only a few feet away, was an entirely different matter.

  12

  Anshi

  Light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling glass wall and I turned my face away on the pillow. On my stomach, I nuzzled deeper into the soft pillow, breathing in the scent of fresh linen. I sighed, every part of my body well-rested. It was a big, sparsely-decorated room. With white walls on all three sides, the glass wall added to the enormity with the stunning view of part Central Park and part of the expansive New York City skyline. I liked the simplicity of it all, but I wished the room had some more color to it.

  I opened my eyes, narrowing them to look at the clock on the side table. 8:03 AM. I was glad it was Saturday and I didn’t have to be at the office. Although if it had been a work day, I knew Ryan would have woken me up on time.

  Ryan.

  I had not expected his kindness. I knew he would help, but I didn’t imagine his help would include letting me stay at his place. I was this close to homelessness last night.

  I rolled over to check my phone. There were two missed calls from Gramma. Nothing from Dad. Not that I expected anything. I quickly typed a text to Gramma telling her that I was staying at a friend’s place and I would call her later. I was in no mood to talk to my family, or explain why I was staying at Ryan’s. I hoped Nisha wouldn't find out until she was back from her honeymoon in two weeks.

  I pushed myself off the bed. I had a lot to do, starting with an apartment hunt. I wondered how far I’d have to live from the city to afford rent. I had barely enough to cover one month’s rent in the city if I didn't want to blow a hole through my emergency fund. I shook my head at my dire financial situation. But--one step at a time.

  I decided
to freshen up before anything else. I brushed my teeth and took a quick shower in the stark white bathroom. Ryan didn’t spend any time furnishing his home. That didn’t surprise me. It did surprise me that the house was as clean as it was. Surely he had a housekeeper. He was a messy guy. I smiled at how nervous he looked last night showing me around his place. When he stood behind me as I ogled at the stunning skyline scenery,I had felt his gaze on me.

  I pressed my hot cheeks, trying to forget how close his lips were to mine. All he needed to kiss me was lean in toward me. The scary part was, I didn’t know if I would have stopped him.

  I stepped into the living room to find it empty. Bright natural light streamed in, warming up the vast space. I walked to the kitchen island to find a handwritten note.

  “Out for a run. Will be back with breakfast. Hope you slept well.”

  A smile hovered on my lips. I traced the words with my thumb, then dropped my hand abruptly when I realized what I was doing. He was my boss, and while it wasn’t right to be living with the boss, it was a whole new level of inappropriateness to moon over his handwritten note.

  I turned around to take a look at the room again as if I would find evidence of the famed colorful life he supposedly led. All I saw was my coat, which I had left on the couch yesterday. I ignored how it pleased me to find no trace of another woman in the room and returned to my room to retrieve my laptop.

  Sipping orange juice that I found in the fridge, I scrolled through the fancy, matchbox-sized apartments in the city. The rates were exorbitant, and I tried to keep panic at bay. I modified my search range to twenty-five miles from Manhattan, which led me to bigger spaces with better prices. Of course, they were in New Jersey. I sighed again. I could live in New Jersey, but I loved the city. And I wasn’t looking forward to an hour-long commute every morning.

  A beeping noise snagged my attention and I turned to find Ryan, or rather his foot, pushing the door open while his hands held two big brown bags. I rushed to hold the door open for him.