Like No Other Man

Chapter 4

The next day, I decided to go into work.

The office was up and lively as I walked down the hall to my office.

I waved and said hello to people as I passed by.

I entered the office and let the light glass door close on its own.

After placing my bag on the desk, I took a seat and powered up the monitor.

Jonah was at school today. He was more than happy to go, wanting to see his friends. Only six hours until I would see my baby's cute face again.

I went through some unread emails and looked through some files. Getting to work, I didn't waste a second as I dived right in.

Three Hours Later.

"You bitch." I looked up to see Ashley, a very close friend.

"Hey whore." I greeted her with a smile.

She walked into my office and seated her big ass on my desk.

"So, I was thinking we could go to the club. You know to get our dance on. We need excitement in our lives. What are we, old people?" She asked,

I shook my head at her, dropping the folder on the desk.

"Do you remember the last time we went to the club to get our dance on? You came out with alcohol poisoning." I pointed out,

She rolled her eyes, muttering YOLO.

"You're crazy." I muttered,

I leaned back in my seat and listened to her ramble off about men she would love to sleep with.

~~~~~~

It was seven and Mateo and Grace were on their way.

"Mommy! Uncle Mat and Aunt Grace are here!" Jonah yelled,

I grabbed Jonah's jacket from his room and walked downstairs. I didn't have to open the door for them because they already had a key just like I had one for their house.

"Hey, are you ready." Mateo said when I entered the living room.

"Thanks." I said and hugged them both.

"We can't stay for long. Mateo here took forever to come out the bathroom so we're late for the movie." Grace said, lifting Sophie up higher on her hip.

"It's ok. I hope you guys have fun." I said,

We walked over to the door and I quickly hugged Jonah.

"Be a good boy. Mommy loves you." I said,

"I love you too, Mommy and I promise to behave." He said and gave my cheek a big kiss.

I smiled and brushed his hair back.

"You're my life, baby." I whispered,

Jonah smiled and touched my cheek.

"I know, Mommy." He said, making me laugh.

"Bye." I said as waved at them as they left.

I closed the door and let a deep breath as I smiled to myself.

I had the house all to myself.

Walking to the kitchen, I dug deep into the fridge and pulled out a bottle of red wine. After grabbing a bag of chips and a wine glass.

I plopped down in the living room couch and flipped it on to a movie. Friday the 13th came on and I grinned.

One Hour Later.

Halfway through the movie and empty wine bottle, the doorbell rang out.

"Don't tell me they're back already." I groaned as I got up and walked to the door.

Just before opening it, I realized that Mateo would never ever ring the doorbell.

Peeking through the hole all I could see was something broad blocking my view.

"Who is it?" I called out,

It was silent for a moment before the person spoke.

"It's pretty mean of you to have me waiting for your call when you're free." My eyes widened at Luca's voice.

"How the hell do you know where I live?" I demanded,

"Mateo sent me the address. Come on, Charli. I mean no harm, I even brought wine and food.

I bit my lip wondering if I should really invite him in. He did bring wine and food and my bottle was already done.

I opened the door slowly he smiled at me, holding a brown bag and a bottle of wine in the other.

"Hey." He said,

"Hey." I replied,

Luca chuckled, making me blush for some unknown reason.

"You don't have to be so stiff and formal with me, Charli. I don't bite, unless you want me to." He said,

I blew out a breath and opened the door wider. He stepped through and I closed the door.

"I see you've started." He noted, gesturing to the empty bottle on the coffee table.

"Yeah, so what brings you here?" I asked, crossing my arms.

I was in a loose shirt and shorts which made me feel suddenly conscious in front of him.

"You never called so I decided to take the initiative. I am man that if I see something I want, I go out and get it." He stated and briefly looked back at me.

"So you say." I muttered and lead the way.

"You have a lovely house." Luca said, entering the kitchen.

"Thank you." I said,

He placed the bags on the counter and pulled ingredients and uncooked food. I raised an eyebrow and stared at him.

"I thought I'd impress you by cooking for you." He explained,

"Wow, a lawyer who can cook. So impressive." I nonchalantly stated but sat down at the counter.

"Mind if I get familiar with the place?" He asked,

"Knock yourself out." I stated,

He opened a few cupboards and looked around while pulling things out. I attentively watched as he prepared everything.

"So, what are you making?" I finally asked, grabbing the bottle of wine.

"Filet mignon steaks and sea scallops with red wine." He said, taking the bottle away.

I glared at him as he placed it in the fridge. "It’s best to drink it cool and with the meal." He stated and I leaned back.

"Fine." I sighed,

"Why don't you help me?" He offered,

I bit my lip and got up, walking to the living room. I turned on my pandora and music started playing before I walked back.

"So, what do I do?" I asked,

"Well, you can prepare the spices." He said and handed me the ingredients.

I got to work, making sure I didn't mess anything up. We moved around the kitchen making light conversation.

I surprisingly learned that Luca was actually from Canada but had Greek ancestry. He was 33 and has been a lawyer for over six years now.

He leaned against the island as I placed the steaks in the oven. Luca silently watched me the entire time and when I was done, I looked up and met his dark, beautiful eyes.

"You're a very interesting woman." He said, straightening up.

"Really? How so?" I asked,

"Well, for one you're not the easiest person to impress or get to know. I've noticed that you're quite reserved and can be indecisive." He shrugged as he stared on.

"Yeah, while you're the total opposite, who knows exactly what he wants and shows up at people's homes unannounced." I stated,

"Well, I'm quite impatient and I really wanted to see you again, but just the two of us. You could call me eager, but I'm enjoying getting to know you." He said,

I fell silent not knowing how respond back to that.

"How about we dance for a bit?" He suddenly said,

"Sure, I guess." I sighed, we walked onto the hall and he picked up the remote to change the station.

Lovin' You by The O'Jays came on and I smiled at the song.

"Such taste, Mr. Derain." I said as he walked over.

"It’s a lovely song and I felt like it fit the mood, don't you think?" He mused, taking my hands.

I placed one on his shoulder and softly held his hand with the other as he gripped my waist with his other. We began to slowly move to the beat of the song. He spun me around a couple of times, and we ended up laughing and smiling. The song soon ended we moved the couch.

We dropped in a heap and I had to be impressed at how fast he got me comfortable around him.

"You have quite the moves on you, Luca." I said as I calmed down and leaned against him.

His arm was around my waist as he agreed, stating the same about me.

We sat there in peaceful silence until the timer on the oven went off. We got up and finished preparing everything. I finally pulled the bottle of wine out of the fridge and got two wine glasses.

I entered the dining room on the side of the kitchen. The lights were dimmed, and I placed the wine on the table as Luca placed the plates next to one another.

We took our seats and poured the wine.

"To a good meal." I said, raising my glass.

Luca smiled and raised his, clicking the glass together, we took a sip. We began to eat and I couldn't help, but moan at the delicious taste.

The steak practically melted in my mouth and I took one bite after the other.

"That good?" Luca asked and I nodded my head, giving him a thumbs up.

"So good. The wine compliments it so well!" I gasped as I tasted the scallop.

"Well, it would've never have tasted this good if it wasn't for your help." He said and I noticed a light blush on his cheeks.

I giggled as I reached over and pinched them. He groaned and swatted my hand away.

We finished eating and Picked up the plates, carrying them into the kitchen. I washed the plates while Luca wiped down the counter and table.

There was still some wine left, so we moved back to the living room. Music was still playing, and we sat there just talking about things.

I was laughing and feeling comfortable around Luca.

The front door suddenly opened, and we jumped in surprise as Grace and Jonah entered.

"He- Oh wow." Grace gasped as she took us in.

I blushed knowing how this looked and walked over.

"Hi, Grace. Where's my brother?" I asked,

"That i***t fell asleep in the car with Sophie. This big here ended sitting up front with me." She stated, shaking her head.

"Mommy." Jonah murmured, rubbing his eyes.

"Come on, sweetie. I'll put you to sleep." I said, taking his head.

He nodded his head and I took him upstairs. I quickly changed him into his pajamas and tucked him in bed.

When I went back downstairs, Grace was beside Luca waiting.

"Ok, so please explain what's going on. Bottle of wine, faint smell of cooked food, you are looking absolutely comfortable and wide awake at 11 in the night." She started off,

"Ok, so umm... Luca showed up at my house and we had dinner." I said,

"Mateo gave me Charli's address, but doesn't know I'm here. He thinks I took it for reference." Luca added,

"Speaking of which, please don't tell Mateo about this." I pleaded and she sighed.

"Alright, I won't. I don't mind this at all, I was just being noisy." She stated and we laughed.

"I'll go now before he wakes up." She said and I walked her to the door.

I watched as she pulled off and I let out a deep breath in relief.

"I should get going to." Luca announced and walked over.

"Ok, thanks for tonight... it was fun." I stated and he chuckled.

"It really was." We were close to one another an mind it fell silent.

I held my breath as our faces neared until our lips were brushing each other. He held my face with one hand as our lips pressed firmly against one another.

After a moment we pulled away and I blushed, looking away.

"I'll see you, Charli." He mumbled and I nodded my head.

He walked out and I watched with a burning face as he got into his car after glancing back.

I waved at him and closed the door.

"Wow." I mumbled as I leaned against the door, feeling my face turning hotter.

Why the hell am I blushing!? Gosh, Luca like no other I've met.