“I’ll go see if she’s up.”
A few seconds later, Kellan knocked on the door.
“Amanda? Are you awake?”
Amanda sat on the edge of her bed. She’d taken the nap in her day clothes.
“Yes.”
“Marissa’s here to see you.”
“Tell her I’ll be there shortly.”
Amanda yawned. She stood up and went to her mirror. Her hair was a mess, so she decided to fix it. Before doing so, she put her sweater back on.
Amanda walked into the living room. Kellan was handing Marissa a bottle of water.
“Hi, Marissa.”
Marissa looked at Amanda. At the sight of the scar and the fading bruises, she was visibly alarmed. Marissa composed herself.
“Nathan and Claire told me about what happened. How are you doing?”
“Fine,” said Amanda. She walked forward and hugged Marissa. “You?”
“Same, but a tad worried. Your scar is healing well, by the way.”
“Thanks.”
The two women sat down.
“Have the police caught the culprit?”
“Unfortunately, no. They haven’t yet got an ID on her.”
“So, it’s truly a woman?”
“Yes. No one has been able to figure out who she is or why she attacked me.”
“It’s all strange,” Marissa said. Amanda nodded.
“Is Emmy doing better?”
“Yes. She’s about ready to start walking without those crutches.”
“Stab wounds must be hell. I assume they feel worse than a stitch on the side you get from running.”
“Trust me, it hurts. Emmy’s still on pain meds.”
Marissa took a deep breath.
“I saw your new bodyguard. What’s his name?”
“We call him Caldwell.”
“Oh. He’s…tough. He has this daunting look that could make a mob boss soil himself.”
Amanda laughed.
“How’s your latest contract going? You were doing a photo shoot for Lancôme, right?”
“Not anymore.”
Marissa looked concerned.
“What?”
“I’m retired. There’s no more modeling for me.”
“Are you serious? Amanda, but, you look just fine! It’s not like you sustained burns or something bad like that.”
“I fired Stanley. The jerk didn’t want to represent me anymore. He claimed no one will put an injured woman on a billboard ad. I was furious when I left his office.”
“I thought Stanley was okay!”
“Yeah, I thought so too.”
“What are you going to do now?”
“I haven’t thought much about it yet.”
“You could still work independently.”
Amanda didn’t seem too interested in that.
“No. I’m done with it. To be honest, it was starting to take too much of my time. I’d rather put a higher priority on school. I enjoyed modeling, but it was just a means to an end. Architecture is my true passion.”
Marissa smiled at Amanda.
“We’re going to miss you.”
Amanda frowned.
“I never said I was taking down my Twitter. My fans will still hear from me. And I may post a few photos every once in a while. I’m keeping my Instagram, too.”
“That’s nice. So you’ll still be a celebrity?”
“I prefer the term ‘public figure’. It doesn’t sound as pompous. And I don’t think that’s something you can step down from completely. People will always wonder where you are these days.”
“You’ll be a pretty hot architect.”
Amanda chuckled, and then both women broke into laughter.
“I’m just kidding. You’ll be a gorgeous architect.”
“Thank you.”
“Whenever I’m ready to buy a house, I’ll be sure to let you know.”
Amanda raised an eyebrow.
“If you’re willing to wait around four or five more years, at least.”
Marissa laughed.
“There’s no rush. Who said I wanted to get married so soon? I still have long before I need to worry about that.”
“I don’t know. Jonathan’s a bit up there in age,” Amanda joked.
“He is so not,” Marissa replied. “Jonathan’s got kind of a boyish face.”
“But that square jaw lends some manliness.”
“You’re right on that one.”
“Are you two already…close?”
Marissa moved her head from side to side, as if saying more or less.
“Yeah, you could say so.”
“That’s great. You guys look nice together.”
“Thank you.”
The following week, Nathan started his new job. After school, he got to his apartment to dress. Nathan’s work schedule was flexible enough to not interfere with school. With homework, Nathan would be pretty busy. Despite that, he’d still have time left for leisure.
As the weather was still cold, Nathan dressed in at least three layers. He tried on a scarf as well, but didn’t think it looked good with his blazer.
Amanda stopped by just before Nathan had to go.
“You look handsome,” she said, looking him up and down. “I like that haircut.”
“Thanks,” Nathan said. “Emmy?”
“She’s studying with Judith. When do you have to be at work?”
“In twenty minutes. It’s not far.”
Amanda laughed.
“Nothing’s far in this city. Ten minutes of driving gets you from one side to another, right?”
“Ha. I think so.”
Nathan changed the subject.
“Have you started looking for a new job?”
“Yes. I’m looking for something part-time, a small job like yours.”
“Does it matter what it’s about?”
“Not much. But I’ll pick one that I like, something that I’m good at.”
“Judith says you like technology.”
“I do. So I’ll probably look for a job in that field.”
Nathan nodded.
“I’ve got to go now. See you later,” he said, kissing Amanda on the lips. She giggled.
“See you,” she replied. Nathan and Amanda walked out of his apartment. Before leaving, Nathan stole another kiss, and then another.
“Sorry, I just love kissing you.”
Amanda laughed, shaking her head.
“You can steal kisses whenever you like.”
“Glad to hear that.”
Nathan kissed Amanda’s injured cheek. She closed her eyes, feeling him kiss further down. Then he started walking away.
“Good luck,” Amanda told him.
“Thanks. See you.”
As Nathan had anticipated, driving to the office building didn’t take long. When he got there, Nathan was first given an orientation. They told him what his daily tasks would be, which included a lot of movement. Nathan would start by doing small stuff like delivering files and other office tasks. It was mostly a runner type of job.
Once his work shift ended, Nathan drove back to his apartment. He had some homework to do. Nathan wanted to rest for a bit before that, though.
A few blocks from the apartment building, Nathan got a phone call. He set his smartphone in hands-free mode and answered.
“This is Nathan Ferland.”
“Hi, Nathan. Are you busy?” Erika asked.
“I just got off work. I won’t have much free time tonight. Did you need something?”
“I just wanted to talk to you. Can I come over to your place?”
Nathan thought about that. He didn’t want to send Erika to his apartment if Amanda was near there.
“All right. I’m almost there.”
Less than five minutes later, Nathan was walking up the stairs to his floor. Erika was waiting outside his door when he got there.
“Hi. Thanks for meeting me.”
“No problem. Let’
s go in.”
Nathan and Erika walked inside. He closed the door afterward.
“Did you come here to study with me?”
“No, I told you I wanted to talk.”
“I see. Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thanks.”
Erika and Nathan sat down on the sofa.
“Valentine’s Day is this Friday,” she said.
“Yes, it is. Who are you spending it with?”
Erika went red. She hesitated before answering.
“There’s this guy that I like so, so much. I met him a short while ago. Only, he hasn’t noticed what I feel about him.”
“Why don’t you just tell him?”
“It’s not that simple.”
“You’re pretty, Erika. I don’t see why he wouldn’t want to date you.”
“I’m afraid he’ll say no. You see…he has a girlfriend.”
Nathan raised his eyebrows. He ran his hand through his hair, not knowing what to say to that.
“Is he close to his girlfriend?”
“Yes. But I really like him, and I know he likes me too.”
“I guess you should just wait it out. Valentine’s Day isn’t that important. You can love a person any other day of the year.”
“I know. But watching him send flowers and chocolates to his girlfriend will hurt.”
“Who is the guy?”
Erika looked at Nathan, focusing on his lips. She then looked at his eyes, and then up and down his body. She was afraid of what his reaction would be.
“He’s…you.”
Nathan gasped, his expression turning to shock. Erika glanced shyly at him. He was lost for words.
“It’s…you must…this has to be a bad joke.”
Erika looked hurt.
“I’m not screwing with you, Nathan. I’ve liked you since we met these few months ago. Remember? We were shopping for Christmas gifts.”
“You are aware that I have a girlfriend. Why are you telling me all this?”
“Because I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer. Over the time we’ve known each other, I fell for you.”
Nathan stood up, still taken aback.
“What do you gain by confessing your feelings to me? I’m not going to break up with Amanda. Not for you, not for anyone.”
“Won’t you at least give me a chance?”
Nathan looked at Erika, who had stood up.
“Are you for real?”
“Nathan, you like me too. Remember that day, when you were supposed to take me around the city?”
“What about it?” Nathan asked, concern starting to show in his face.
“Well…we kissed. You kissed me. We made out.”
“What!?”
“Yes. We didn’t go all the way. I didn’t want you to think that I took advantage of you afterward.”
“I remember nothing of that.”
“You did drink quite a bit. I haven’t said anything because I didn’t want to scare you away.”
“Ha.”
“I just needed you to know, Nathan. I want you to choose me.”
“Erika, you’re asking for way too much. Just so you know, I’m going to marry Amanda Tilley one day.”
To Nathan’s surprise, Erika laughed.
“What? You’re marrying Amanda? Nathan, look at her. She’s the stuff of men’s wildest dreams. Do you seriously think you can keep a woman like that?”
“We love each other. That’s more than enough.”
“She’s miles out of your league. Sooner or later, your fairy tale love story is going to end. Let me spare you the huge pain you’re setting yourself up for.”
Nathan walked toward Erika, stopping about an inch from her face. His expression was serious.
“You. Know. Nothing. About me. You haven’t got the slightest idea of what Amanda and I have.”
Erika looked at Nathan’s lips before switching her glance back to his eyes.
“If you choose me, I’m not going to break your heart. She will, deliberately or not.”
“You’re speaking nonsense.”
“I’m not the one who’s blindfolded. Look at Amanda. She could marry a movie star. Why would she choose an average guy like you? No offense.”
Nathan walked away from Erika.
“If that’s what you think love is like, you’re going to spend the rest of your life alone.”
Erika sobbed, looking down at the floor.
“So be it. Consider yourself warned.”
Nathan watched Erika rush out of his apartment. He sat down on the couch, exasperated.
What the hell is Erika playing at?
Christopher sat at one of the outdoor tables next to the entrance to the Olin Library. He already knew Amanda well enough to tell when she would come to do homework.
A few minutes passed, which Christopher spent by pretending to read his textbook. He looked up at one point and saw Amanda, walking next to Judith. They hadn’t spotted him yet. Christopher debated whether it was a good idea to approach them together. He was supposed to want Judith, but really wanted Amanda. Or the other way around. He didn’t truly know anymore.
“Here goes,” Christopher muttered to himself. He stood up. “Hi, girls.”
Judith and Amanda looked at him.
“Hi, Chris. Lots of homework?” the latter asked.
“I’m almost finished. Do either of you need help?”
“No, we’re fine,” Judith said.
“Don’t be rude. Let Christopher make us company.”
Judith rolled her eyes, but was stifling a smile. Christopher didn’t miss that.
“I won’t distract you. Promise.”
Amanda almost laughed. She knew how nervous Judith got around Christopher. He followed the two of them inside the library.
They found a table and sat down. Amanda and Judith sat next to each other on one side of the table. Christopher sat opposite them. Judith was avoiding his gaze. He found that entertaining.
“What class are you studying for?” he asked.
“U.S. History two,” Amanda replied.
“Huh. That should be straightforward.”
“Is it your favorite class?”
“No, but I’m still good at it. Science is my favorite subject. It’s…fascinating, even though I don’t have what it takes to be a scientist.”
“I do have a hard time picturing you as one,” Amanda commented. “You’re not the slightest bit aloof.”
“Unlike your friend here.”
“Hey!” Judith says, laughing. “It’s not my fault you’re annoying.”
Christopher grinned.
“Please. You can’t even convince yourself.”
“Behave, you two. We’re here to do homework,” Amanda said to them.
“Let’s start, Judith.”
The three of them opened their textbooks. They turned to the chapter the class was working on. The instructor had told them to read it and then answer the short quiz together. After that, they each had to work on the instructor’s test alone.
While Christopher and the girls studied, Rebecca entered the library. She was carrying a backpack and wearing glasses to blend in.
Rebecca started to walk among the shelves, looking for Amanda. She’d seen her outside, walking toward the library with a friend. As she searched, Rebecca couldn’t believe that her plan had failed. Amanda should have been angry at Nathan for spending the night with another woman. Why had Amanda forgiven him so easily?
Halfway inside the library, Rebecca spotted Amanda at a table. She was sitting with her friend Judith, as well as Christopher. He frequented Amanda a lot lately. Rebecca thought that benefited her plans. If Christopher could seduce Amanda, things would be easier.
Rebecca had another plan waiting to be set into motion. If Nathan thought that Amanda would say yes to his proposal, he was very wrong. This time, Rebecca would make sure that Amanda learned to hate Nathan.
“Busy?” a voice asked behind Rebecc
a. She fought hard not to flinch. Rebecca turned and saw Amanda’s bodyguard, Kellan.
Shit. I should have been more careful.
“Yeah. I got lots of studying to do,” Rebecca said in a nonchalant voice. Kellan smiled.
“I can give you a hand if you want.”
“No, thanks. I was just…” Rebecca glanced toward Amanda, and then back at Kellan. “I was looking to get her autograph, but she looks busy. Maybe another day.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I was having a hard time plucking the courage, anyway. She’s…something.”
“Ha. I know.”
“Okay. I need to go.”
Rebecca walked back to the entrance and left the library. She tried to look calm. Kellan could not suspect her. Fortunately, Rebecca was a pretty good actress.
I know just what to do to ruin Valentine’s Day for Amanda and Nathan.
In her backpack, Rebecca had a dangerous weapon. She didn’t want to use it unless absolutely necessary. It was rather cliché.
The big day was just around the corner. Nathan woke up early on Wednesday. As it was Valentine’s week, Nathan had started leaving gifts outside Amanda’s door. Last Monday, he’d left her a handwritten love letter. To someone so techy, it would be refreshing. The previous day, Nathan had sent her a box of assorted Ferrero Rocher chocolates. This time, he was going to give Amanda something that she wouldn’t help but like.
Nathan went to his closet and grabbed a box he’d been keeping in the section for shoes. The small gift box, which had a bow on top, contained a cutting-edge USB 3.0 flash drive. Ashton had helped him select one of the fastest models available.
I can’t wait for it to be Friday.
When Amanda saw what the flash drive contained, she would be ecstatic. Nathan was going to make her the happiest girl in the world that week.
Almost an hour later, Nathan was ready for classes. He grabbed his backpack and left the apartment. Nathan checked the time on his phone. Amanda should already be at the school by now.
Nathan walked to Amanda’s apartment. When he got there, he saw Caldwell casually standing guard outside the door. He was trying not to be conspicuous.
“Hey, Caldwell,” Nathan greeted. “Is Amanda in?”
“No. She left ten minutes ago.”
“Oh. Could you put this on her coffee table for me? It’s another gift.”
Devoted to Her (Dream Date Book 2) Page 15