Billionaire's Best Friend

III. The Husky Laugh

Nina’s POV:

Serendipity is known by many names synchronicity, fate, coincidence, fortuity.

It’s the idea that when you move in the direction you’re supposed to be going and take specific actions, the universe has a way of stepping in and guiding you.

Serendipity is when action entwines with faith, and together, both seem to swirl along to the beautiful symphonies.

Are you my serendipity?

Leaning on the kitchen counter, I debated whether I should go back to the park or find a new one.

Yes, an overly attractive man asked you out two days ago, and you say no. Yes, he made a lot of suggestive comments towards you, and you let him. But why are you feeling bad? It’s not like you accepted his invitation and cheated on your boyfriend. It’s not like he owns the park. What are the chances you’re going to see him again?

I couldn’t stop my endless line of thoughts. I couldn’t stop thinking about him.

I look at the clock—3:00 pm. I was blessed with luck today, my professor or I would refer to him as the devil, ended class early.

I realize if I go early then, I won’t see him. Perfect sounds like a plan. Grabbing my keys and earphones, I drove my crappy beat-up car to the park, but it still runs, so why not.

While driving, my eyes were caught by a small coffee shop. I have been driving past here several times, but I never went in. I parked my car, grabbed my purse, and walked towards the small joint

Walking in, I saw several green plants and a burning fireplace along with several bookshelves. Immediately, I decided I liked this place. I will be back.

A young lady smiles, “Hello, what can I get for you?”

“Can I have a latte with whip cream, please?” I said as I dug into my black hole of a purse. I don’t know why I carry around such a large bag when I never use anything here, but I know one day if I decide not to use it, I will need it.

“Coming right up.”

After several brutal minutes of digging into my purse and awkward stare from the cashier, I finally found a five-dollar bill. Releasing a breath of relief, I paid for my coffee and sat down on a chair. I tugged on my earphones and stared outside.

The rain gently hit the window as people frantically scatter to get indoors. I love the rain; it’s so relaxing. It makes me want to bundle up in a giant fluffy blanket next to the warm fireplace drinking hot cocoa.

While I dozed off, I felt a light tap on my shoulder. I took off one earphone.

“Excuse me. Is this seat taken?” An overwhelming familiar deep voice asks.

The temperature rise, breaking the thermometer, it was suffocatingly hot.

It was burning hot.

I licked my chapped lips and slowly turned my head.

Him.

I shook my head, “No.”

Grab the seat and go away. Grab it and go away.

He gave me a heart-throbbing simple smile and sat down.

Okay, not what I expected. It seems like the boy doesn’t take no for an answer. Oh, who am I kidding? He is no boy. He is a man.

Glancing at him, he was in a white t-shirt showing off his biceps and black sweats. There was some water dripping down his cheeks past his stubble sharp chin towards the neck ending at his broad chest. I gulped loudly, moving my eyes upward, seeing his lips was chap due to the dry cold air. Looking up a little more, I realize he was staring at me and with his piercing icy blues, and my eyes snap back down towards the table.

After several awkward minutes, the bartender came and gave us our drink. Involuntarily, I smiled when I saw the heart on my coffee. I love it when people draw on my coffee. My eyes trail from my cup to his.

“Black?” I accidentally said out loud.

He lifted a brow and nodded, “Yup. My favorite.”

I scrunch up my face, “Isn’t it bitter?”

He took a sip, “Certainly is.”

“Ever try it with one small teaspoon of almond milk?” I asked.

“No,” he replied.

“Try it. Gives a bit of a sweet kick.”

He leaned forward, “How sweet?”

“Not too sweet, just enough for you to get addicted,” I said, placing my elbows on the table, chin on my palms.

One side of his lips tilted upward, almost into a smile. “Fascinating.”

He positions both arms on the table, leaning forward, closening our distance. “And if I don’t get addicted?”

I shrug, “Return to black coffee.”

He leans back and crosses his arms, straightening out his long legs, gazing at me.

“Don’t you get bored?” I asked, placing my cup of coffee down.

He tilted his head, uncrossed his arms, and leaned forward once again. “Of?”

“Drinking the same old thing. Try something new. Step out of your boundaries.” I send him a smirk and drink my cup once again.

I love coffee. I have a problem.

He lifted a single brow and nodded. “I think I will try something new," he said suggestively.

Before, I knew it. We started talking as if we are old friends, laughing, joking, teasing, and telling stories.

“Yeah. I climb out of the window to grab my dog. My adorable but foolish dog. I went to the front door and entered the pin, but it kept denying me. I stood outside for five hours in my boxers, waiting for someone to get home.” He leans back slightly as loud laughter erupts from his lip.

“Why didn’t you call them?” I held a hand over my mouth, attempting to lower my hyena laugh.

“I left my cell phone inside the house.”

“Isn’t there another way to get in?”

“Funny you ask because I did try to get in, but all the windows automatically shut. My younger brother kept sneaking out, so they installed this new fancy system that shuts everything. I broke the window, and a f*****g alarm went on. Next thing I know. I was surrounded by ten cop cars and arrested for breaking and entering.”

As I broke out laughing at his story of being locked out of his house in his boxers, I looked outside and frowned. Turning on my phone, I look at the time - 9:26 pm.

Looking down, I realize we had six cups of coffee in front of us. Great now I can’t have any more coffee for the rest of the week. Scanning the surroundings, I realized there were only us and a worker leaning on the counter using his phone.

I grabbed my stuff and stood up, “Sorry, but it’s getting late. I have to go.”

He follows my actions and scratches his neck lightly, “Wait, I wanted to apologize for the other day. I didn’t know you have a boyfriend. I hope you don’t feel too weird.”

I smiled at him and shook my head. “Not weird at all.” Truthfully it boosted my confidence and ego. Not every female or male can enjoy the feeling of being hit on by a supermodel.

He laughs lightly, “Do you want to grab coffee or lunch next time? Just as friends, though, just friends."

I bite my lower lips, debating whether or not I should have lunch with a complete stranger.

“I don’t have that type of intention. I really meant the friend thing. I enjoy talking to you, Nina,” he quickly said. He continued scratching his messy hair and gave me a small smile showing his single deep dimple.

Hesitantly, I nod my head. Reaching for my phone, I knock over the half-empty cup of coffee on Matt.

“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry!” I grabbed a napkin and patted it on his pants as I continued apologizing.

“Nina, it’s okay.” He grabbed my wrist and attempted to pull me up, but I kept cleaning him. “Nina, I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“What isn’t?” I ask as I continue patting him. Looking up in his eyes, he was looking at the worker. Turning my head, the worker was staring at us with his jaw open wide. Looking back at my hands, I realize I was patting near his private parts. My eyes widen as I drop the dirty napkin into the floor.

Instantly, I jumped up and waved both hands in front of him in defense. “That wasn’t...I wasn’t... I’m not a pervert!”

Ruffled laughter escapes as he grabs a clean napkin, patting himself slightly on the stain. “It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean to. It’s just that’s not what others think.” He tilted his head over at the worker.

I can feel the blood rushing up towards my cheeks.

“So maybe no coffee. How about we grab some sandwiches together next time? As p*****t for staining my clothes?”

I twisted my lips once more as I looked into his eyes. “Sure.”

He releases a breath as if he had been holding it in.

At that time, I didn’t know my response could alter my whole life. That the man standing in front of me is everything except ordinary.

When we finished exchanging numbers, he placed his hands in front of me while I held mine out for a short hug. We back away awkwardly laughing as we try again, but this time we switch spots once again, ending it with uneasy laughter.

“Okay, I got this,” he said. He grabs my wrist and pulls me into a hug.

“This is kind of weird,” I muffled into his chest.

“And why is it weird?”

“I just met you today. You’re kind of a stranger, and we are hugging.”

“Technically, we met two days ago. We became friends roughly six hours ago, and friends are allowed to hug,” he responds.

I sucked in both my lips and nodded. “You are right. Friends can hug.” I cleared my throat when he didn’t respond. “I got to go,” I said, pointing at the door, taking a step back.

He nods slowly, “Okay.”

I bit my lips and walked towards the door. Glancing back, he was still looking at me, waving lightly. “Bye, Matt.” My voice boomed throughout the cafe, and I released a loud laugh. I wanted to contain it, but I couldn’t.

He covers his reddened face with his hands as he takes a step back, laughing loudly with his deep husky voice. “Bye, Nina!” he screamed back at me.

An adorable, devilish smile was drawn on his lip.

Looking at the worker’s face, he shook his head at us and resumed cleaning.

Finally home, I heard a ding from my cell phone.

Unknown: This is Matt. It was nice talking to you today. By the way, you left your earphones.

I scan my living room and realize I did lose a pair of earphones. Darn it, that was the third pair of earphones I lost the past two weeks. I heard a low ding and looked down at the screen.

Matt: Meet me on Monday evening at the downtown park, and I’ll return it to you?

Nina: Okay. Thanks.

I threw my cell phone on the coffee table and flopped down on the couch. I started thinking if it’s okay to have such an attractive, sexy hot gorgeous friend.

Placing both hands on my face, I release a loud groan. I can’t stop thinking about him.

Matt.

Ba-dump.

Matt.

Ba-dump.

Ba-dump.

His name continuously echoes in my mind as his face pops up every time I close my eyes. Each time I hear his deep seductive yet playful laugh, my chest tightens.

I fell in love with his husky laugh.

I can’t forget the way his lips upward, showing off his deep dimple and his perfectly aligned white teeth. It seems so genuinely sweet with a hint of mischievousness. Every time he smiles, a rush of warmth spreads through my body.

What was most surprising was his eyes. It wasn’t wholly blue; there was a glimpse of green inside. When he stared at me with his alluring icy blues, my blood danced.

I can remember everything about him. The way he licks his soft pale lips. How he bit them gently. How he scratches his head when he is embarrassed. The way his lips scrunched up when he tried to recall a memory. How warm his hand feels as it slightly brushes against mine.

Everything.

Taking several deep breaths, I stood up and shook my body.

There is no way I like Matt that way. Similar to everyone else, I am infatuated with his physical looks. He is a handsome man; anyone would be captivated.

Running towards the bathroom, I decided to take a shower.

A very long, cold shower.