Aria's Second Chance

11_Persuade

Aria

My mind is all over the place as I rush home. It is ten minutes to five and Nancy’s shift starts at seven. She did me a huge favour looking after Evan, and I do not want to take her help for granted.

I loved spending the day with Dahlia on campus. She is a breeze of fresh air, and I enjoyed the classes. If I were not so lovestruck with Bruce, I would not have minded furthering my education. Today was proof of that.

“I’m here, I’m here,” I shout as I storm into Nancy’s apartment. “Sorry, the day turned out to be more intense than I expected.”

“You’re still on time,” Nancy smiles at me but I hardly notice as Evan runs to me.

I pick him up and swirl him through the air and he cries out his joy.

“He was the perfect angel,” Nancy watches us. “He’s so gentle with Mandy.”

“Thank you again, Nancy,” I say gratefully. “You truly saved my life today.”

“So, did you get the job?” She asks as she turns on the kettle.

“Yeah,” I sigh.

“You don’t sound happy?” She frowns as she makes us coffee.

“The contract that I must sign is well … thick,” I chuckle and shake my head. “I’m too scared to sign it.”

“Ask Claudia in number twenty,” Nancy hands me my coffee. “Her mind is razor sharp when it comes down to contracts.”

“You truly are a lifesaver, thank you,” I smile.

I listen with half an ear as Nancy continues talking. My eyes are fixated on Evan playing with Mandy’s toys and my heart cringes. What am I doing to him? Our apartment consists of two blow-up mattresses and groceries. No toys or furniture. No friends and nothing are familiar. I must do better.

“Oh, shoot,” Nancy exclaims. “Look at the time. I must get ready. The babysitter will be here shortly.”

“I won’t keep you,” I say as I rinse out the mugs. “And I owe you big time.”

“Nonsense,” she waves it off as I pick up Evan. “What are friends for?”

Evan and I say goodbye and leave just as the babysitter arrives.

“What would you like for dinner?” I ask Evan as I carry him to our apartment.

He cups my cheeks between his chubby hands and squeezes until I pout at him.

“Mama’s mac and cheese,” he grins at me.

“I will make mac and cheese,” I say weirdly as he shapes and pulls my face in various directions. “But first, I think you deserve something special for being such a good boy.”

He exclaims happily as we walk to the bus stop and go to Target. Once there, I allow him to pick out some toys.

“Aren’t you wasting money?” Maya asks concerned.

“I’m taking Harvey’s offer,” I reply. “I can always resign if it’s not working out, but I’m not raising Evan in these circumstances one second longer. He needs stability and stimulation. I will tell Harvey in the morning that I will accept the job and then I’m going to find the perfect day-care for Evan.”

**

It is still dark outside when someone knocks on my door. Frantically, I put on a gown and rushes to the door.

“Do you think something is wrong at Nancy’s?” Maya asks. “I don’t know of anyone that would disturb us at this hour.”

“I don’t know,” I grunt as I pull open the door.

“Hello, I’m Sara,” the woman greets me in a way too chirpy voice.

“What time is it?” I look at Sara with irritation.

“It’s half past four,” she smiles at me like it is a normal hour to receive visitors.

“What the …” I rub my face and try to calm myself. Why is she so happy at this hour and more importantly, why the f**k is she at my door?

“May I help you, Sara?” I sigh and bite back my annoyance.

“Mister Bourdeaux send me,” her smile falters for the first time as I glare at her. “I was told that you’re expecting me.”

“Harvey sent you?” I flip my eyebrow. I cannot believe what I hear.

“Yes,” she confirms. “I’m your nanny until nine.”

“I’m going to kill him,” I mumble as I open the door to allow Sara in.

“Excuse me?” She frowns.

“Never mind,” I shake my head. “Make yourself at home. I’m sorry for the lack of furniture but this is only my third day in Las Vegas.”

“I understand,” she stands around awkwardly as she inspects the empty apartment.

“Feel free to make yourself a coffee or whatever,” I shout over my shoulder as I rush to the room to get dressed. I am fuming. The audacity to just assume that I will take the job irks me. I have a good mind to tell him to shove the contract up his lily-white ass. Arrogant asshole.

Within minutes, I am dressed and on my way out.

“Here,” Sara holds out a set of keys. “Mister Bourdeaux said it’s yours.”

“What is it?” I ask suspiciously.

“Keys to your company car, of course,” she replies like I am an imbecile.

“Thank you,” I take the keys and head outside. It is not Sara’s fault that Harvey is a conceited prick.

Outside I press the control on the keys, and I stare in awe at the black Mustang’s lights flicker.

“Damn, that’s nice,” I cannot help but admire it. I allow myself only a few moments to appreciate the car before I speed off to O’lmas. I hope I hit every single camera and that he is swamped with speeding tickets.

The valet rushes towards me as I park in front with a roaring engine. As I storm toward the elevators, I do not even spare him a glance. I will never admit it to Harvey, but driving the Mustang here, was one hell of a ride and I enjoyed it immensely. And as much as I enjoyed it, it did not calm my anger. If fact, it fuelled it. Sending me that car could only be one of his tactics to get what he wants.

The elevator doors open at the penthouse and instantly two vampires block my way, staring at me with aggression. I growl at them, and their eyes widen for a split second before they regain their composure.

“Excuse me, Miss,” one of them says sternly. “But no guests are allowed on this floor.”

“I’m not a guest,” I growl, and he swallows hard. “I’m here to see Harvey and if you were properly informed, you would’ve known that.”

“Are you Aria?” The other one asks cautiously.

“What do you think?” I glare at him.

“I’m Harry, please go through,” he nods and stands aside so I can pass.

“Harvey!” I shout as I storm into his penthouse. I do not care if I wake up Dahlia or the entire hotel.

“Not much of a morning person, are you?” He asks as he strides into the living room.

“Who the f**k do you think you are?” I hiss as I walk closer to him. “I have not signed the contract and are not your employee. Where the hell do you get off assuming I will take the offer?”

“Are you telling me that you’re declining it?” He smiles at me, not in the least fazed by my tantrum, which infuriates me even more.

“That’s not the point, your egotistical jerk,” I grunt and poke him on his chest. “I specifically said I will read the contract and decide. Your overconfident mind decided it was okay to invade my privacy and take away my privilege to decide for myself by sending a nanny and a car. You have no right!”

“That is not …”

“And how the f**k do you know where I live?” I cut him off. I am standing so close to him now, if he had a heartbeat, I would have felt it.

“Frank followed you yesterday,” he admits without blinking.

The sound of my hand connecting with his cheek echoes around us. For a second, I am taken aback by my actions, and I expect all hell to break loose. Instead, he rubs his cheek and looks at me in a way that I cannot decipher.

“I’m sorry,” he says plain and simple. “I didn’t think about it that way. Frank followed you to ensure you get home safe. Nothing else. And honestly, I was excited about seeing you again. I couldn’t wait for you to decide. I thought this way might encourage you.”

I stand back and look at him gobsmacked. His explanation is so pure and simple that I cannot help but believe him. I should be flattered, but it scares me more than anything else. When was the last time a man was eager to see me?

But this is wrong on so many levels. I am a widow for less than a week. I am not supposed to be attracted to Harvey or any other man. And I am not interested in a relationship. Bruce was enough to last me a lifetime. Also, he only said he was excited to see me. Nothing about attraction. This is very likely just in my mind.

“I don’t want you or any of your men near my apartment again,” I say and turn around to leave. “I will sign the contract and start tomorrow.”

“Aria, wait,” he calls me back, but I ignore him.

Suddenly, he is standing right in front of me, and I take a quick step back.

“Stop doing that,” I shout as my heart nearly beats out of my chest. “No more vampire speed when I’m around. It scares the sh*t out of me.”

“Fine,” he holds his hands up defensively. “But since you’re here and there’s a nanny. How about we start your training?”

I am about to tell him to go catch a tan on the sunroof, but he glides the back of his hand against my cheek, and I am unable to move. His touch is cold, but it is the light in his eyes that is sending shivers through me. When he looks at me like that, I lose every morsel of sense and sensibility. My eyes fixate on his luscious lips, and I find myself wondering how it would feel to be kissed by him.

“No,” I shake my head and close my eyes to break the magnetism. “I will see you tomorrow.”

I avoid looking at him as I rush past him to the elevator.