Chapter 8 I Need Help!

• A bar.
• That was where Ryan wanted her to meet him. At 5:55 p.m., Kiera had gathered her belongings and was about to leave the office.
• She felt a sense of achievement wash over her. It had been a long day, but she had completed all of her tasks and was ready to call it a day. She turned off her computer, gathered her belongings, and headed for the door.
• She reached into her purse for her wallet in order to retrieve some cash, but she was met with nothing but empty space.
• The breeze does not help when it blows her skirt, so she dropped her purse and held the skirt down, which caused her to frown.
• “Need I say anything?” She heard a voice say, and looking over her shoulder, she noticed Alexandro smiling at what had just happened. "Not at all, sir," she gritted her teeth, about to bend over and pick up her purse, but he beat her to it.
• "Waiting for your boyfriend?" He asked, passing her the purse.
• "Thank you, and no. I am going to hail a cab.”
• "I could give you a ride," he offered again. His smile met hers as she peered up through her lashes. He was really attractive. The way his hair drapes across his forehead, nearly hiding those brilliant eyes.
• “Well?” He inquired, and she nodded her head. "Yes, thank you," she replied with a smile, and they both walked to his car.
• *****************
• Was she expecting a conversation? The man remained silent. Her gaze remained fixed on the misty windows as the rain began to pour. The traffic was claustrophobic, as usual. Her hands tugged at her skirt, hoping to warm her cold skin. Every now and then, she glanced at the heater button, wishing he would just turn it on.
• "Are you OK?" His voice cut through the silence. "Oh yes," she said with a clumsy smile. "Are you cold?"He inquired, looking at her thighs and then her face.
• "Um, N-no," she lied. Why? She did not want him lecturing her about her wardrobe choices again.
• "Are you sure?" He took one hand off the steering wheel and quickly placed the back of his hand against her ice thigh. "Mr Alexandro," she said softly, her face burning up again. He took his hands away and turned on the heater.
• Why was he being so touchy? It was making her nervous. "Next time," he turned to face her, and she knew exactly what he was going to say.
• Next time, dress in longer skirts! Yeah right.
• "Next time, just ask, and I will turn it on," he trailed off, looking down the road.
• "Turn on what?" Her cheeks felt like they were burning. She sure has seen him flirt with many girl staff during this month but was he trying that on her? She’s definitely not interested.
• "Will you be fine if I drop you off here?" She nodded at him and unbuckled her seat belt as he pulled the car to a stop across the bar. "Thank you, Mr. Alexandro," she smiled shyly, picking up her purse.
• "Outside of work, you can call me Alex_ Alexandro." Gosh, there was something so satisfying about the way he pronounced his name.
• "Thank you, Alex_Alexandro," she said, blushing, and she knew he noticed because he grinned, flashing his white perfect teeth and boxy smile, which she rarely sees.
• "Take this," he says, reaching over to grab his coat from the backseat. "No, no!” She declined, knowing that her boyfriend would throw a fit. "I am fine,"
• "You will catch a cold," he deadpanned.
• "I will be fine," she replied as she pushed open the door, and he sighed. "I will see you at work," he waved as she closed the door and dashed across the street, which was surprisingly empty. Her ankles nearly snapped at the pace she ran to get out of the rain.
• Once she was at the door of the bar, she brushed her outfit and looked back at the clear sight. He was no longer there.
• *****************
• 7:00 p.m.
• “ You're late”.
• Selena watched as he walked around the island and opened the refrigerator. She laid down the wooden spoon and turned off the gas.
• "I made your favorite," she smiled, rushing over to hug him. "Why did you show up at work?" He waved her hug, and her smile disappeared, leaving her pouting. "To see my boyfriend," she replied, crossing her arms over her chest.
• "You see me at home, please do not show up just to make sure I am loyal," he deadpanned, popping open the soda he was holding.
• "Excuse me? I came because I missed you," she blurted out, almost in tears. " Yeah?" He walked towards the door, ignoring her dejected expression.
• "She is a cute assistant," her words brought him to a halt. The carbonated beverage sizzled in his mouth. "Is that the reason you are not fucking me the way you used to and ignoring me?" Her flushed cheeks began to show signs of tears.
• Alexandro shakes his head and walks away from the kitchen. What the hell was she accusing him of? He has never looked at Kiera that way.
• The sound of his vibrating cell phone was the only thing audible in the quiet room. With a moan and a whisper, Alexandro reached under his pillow to retrieve the ringing phone that had kept him from getting the much-needed sleep.
• "Hello?" He answered abruptly.
• "Alex."
• The softness of her voice caused him to glance at the caller before sighing and returning it to his ear. "Kiera, do you know what time it is?" She remained silent on the other end before responding with a hum. "I apologize for disturbing your sleep, but I need a small favor from you."
• She sounds nervous to even be asking this from her boss. " Yeah? What is it?" he inquired, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.
• " Could you please come and get me from the bar? My boyfriend is in no condition to drive me back to my apartment, and cabs at 3 a.m. are rather sketchy," she said, trailing off.
• "Yeah, stay right there, I will be there soon," Alexandro assured, scratching the back of his head. With that, he hung up and got out of his warm bed.
• "Fuck," he cursed, rummaging through the closet for clothes. She did not sound intoxicated, and her boyfriend is clearly an asshole for putting her in danger. Well, she isn't in danger but he was still worried about her.
• Today of all days that she is dressed like a hooker, what will the drunk men think of her? He rushed into his sweatpants and hoodie.
• ***********
• 3: 13 am
• Ryan had gotten so drunk that he literally passed out with his friends in the booth. Kiera, on the other hand, avoided drinking alcohol. She felt stupid for calling the only person she knew who owned a car.
• She hopes his girlfriend does not mind. Sitting outside the bar, she inhaled the fresh morning air. It was cold, but also refreshing and soothing. Her skin crawled with goosebumps, but it was well worth it. The streets were quiet, and all other stores, except the bar/club she was in, were closed.
• Ryan was not irresponsible, but he lost control last night. While tapping her feet on the ground, she could not help but admire her tiny toes. Yes, she did take off her heels. The soles of her arched feet could not take the pain any longer. It was like having needles stabbed into her repeatedly.
• She was hoping that Alexandro would not be offended that she had called him. She will certainly make it up to him. She promises to work harder and bring him better coffee.
• The squeak that came out of her mouth when a coat landed on her lap made her heart race. Glancing up, she met his gaze, a frown on his face, and he appeared perfectly normal in those normal clothes.