Chapter 10

BRIANNA

It's almost midnight and Steve is driving me to my apartment. By the look of things, he's happy and he can't stop smiling. He can't stop thanking me for accepting to be his girlfriend.

All I can do is to fake a smile as well but deep down, I feel so guilty for what I'm planning to do. I don't know if I'll be able to do it but exploiting a nice and kind man won't be easy.

I vividly remember when I agreed to date him as we were busy sipping onto our wine, Stephen jumped up and down like a teenager, almost knocking over the drinks on the table, shouting to everyone who cares that I've agreed to be his girlfriend. Some people in the VIP lounge were shocked while others congratulated us. Others took out their cameras and started filming the happy guy as he celebrated and hugged me continuously. It was a scene to behold! As for me, I just remained calm, wondering why he was behaving like a baby. What if I agreed to marry him, how would he have behaved?

I sigh heavily as I imagine my life with him, pretending and trying my level best to put up the act of being a loving, supportive and caring girlfriend. Ah! Some things will be hard to put up with!

He has already promised to take me to his house to meet his children and their nanny next weekend and to be sincere, this is already freaking me out.

What if they don't like me?

What if I don't like them?

Heaven knows I've never been close to any children and it'll only take God's grace for me to get along with them!

“Here we are baby girl!” Stephen says, snapping me from my reverie. I was so much engrossed into my thoughts such that I didn't see the car being parked at the apartment's parking lot.

“Thanks for tonight Steve!” I finally manage to say as I unbuckle and climb down. “I really had fun!” this one is real. I had mad fun and to be sincere, he's not so bad to be around. He's fun and accomodating. He's not bad at all and I can manage him as I exploit him!

“I had fun too darling.” he replies as he unbuckles and climbs out of the car as well. “I hope we shall be meeting more often before the weekend.” he adds.

“Yeah sure, I hope so too.” I say and he walks to my side and then takes my hands into his.

“Let's go to my apartment.” I suggest but he declines, citing that he wants to rush home to release his kids nanny.

I nod in understanding.

Still holding my hands, he draws closer to me and leans in for a kiss, which I take without hesitation. Even if I'm faking it, I need to make everything look real!

We kiss passionately for a while, trying hard not to attach my emotions since he's a great kisser. His tongue works wonders in my mouth and I can't stop craving for more. He's an expert in that department and I hope he's even better in bedroom matters!

When he finally lets go, I'm breathless and I try so hard to keep still and on my feet.

“Can I see you tomorrow evening for a cup of coffee? I don't want to be out for long since the nanny will be leaving by eight.”

“Yeah, sure. Why not? I'll be free...I guess!” I agree without thinking twice. I don't want to miss any chance of getting closer, knowing his likes and dislikes and getting deep into his heart. That's all I need to convince him that I'm deeply in love with him, else my plans will thwarted before I even commence! I want to earn his trust as fast as possible! I need to strike soon!

“In that case, I'll leave to my house. I'll pick you up tomorrow after work and I hope you'll be ready.” he says as he plants a kiss on my cheek. “See you tomorrow darling, I'll miss you tonight!”

“I'll miss you too Steve. Say hi to the children.”

“I will dear, have a lovely night.”

“Lovely night too.”

He lets go of my hands and steps back, waving at me as he walks to his car. I also wave back and wait until he gets inside and that's only when I release the breathe I've been holding. I sigh as he exits the parking lot and when he completely disappears, I turn and walk towards the elevator. I don't feel like using the stairs to my apartment!

Immediately I settle on my bed, I place call through to Tiffy and I inform her about my decision to date Steve. She sounds happy from the other side and I can tell she's happy for me. However, I'm not going to tell her that I've accepted to be Steve's girlfriend due to my selfish motives since she'll start judging me immediately.

“I am so happy for you my dear!” she says excitedly over the phone. “I hope you won't disappoint him!” she sighs.

“Why should I disappoint someone I already love?” I ask her and even my own lie almost chocks me. Deep down, I know I can't love him. The only man my heart will accept and love unconditionally is Ethan Raymond, my twin sister's fiancee!

“If you say so honey. I wish you nothing but the best. I can't wait to be the chief brides maid at your wedding!”

“Don't raise your hopes though!” I say to her. “We are just trying things to see if it can work out between us.” I assure her but deep down I'm imagining how disappointed she will be when things doesn't work out as she expected!

***

After meeting Steve for coffee the following day, he drops me home early and as usual, I end up in my bedroom, thinking about how my life has taken a huge turn.

All my life, I've never dated anyone for a long time, except my sugar daddies who I date for years just because of money. The other boyfriends I have are friends with benefits and I always reach them out whenever I'm in need. They don't just show up in my house without an invitation.

I've taken over Brenda's bedroom since she's no longer coming back to this house...it's obvious, right? She has a big house, a mansion to be precise, a fiancee, a growing business, a car....she won't be needing this apartment anymore so I can as well make everything in here mine!

****

The rest of week is spend speculating on what to wear on the weekend as Steve takes me to his house to meet his family. I don't know how to behave in front of children especially when introduced to them as their daddy's girlfriend. I don't know what I'll do unless God gives me His Grace!

Fast forward, the weekend is here and I end up settling on a knee length navy blue dress and I can't help feeling decent. I mean, I bought this dress for such occasions and finally it's playing it's role. I don't want the nanny and the kids to think that I'm an indecent woman who doesn't deserve Steve at all.

Deep down, I know I don't deserve him but does he have a choice? He approached me when I was busy minding my business and since he showed interest in me, I played along so as to achieve my goals. I'm on a mission and at this rate, no one can stop me!

As usual, Stephen picks me from my house at around twelve noon and after a long kiss, we drive off towards his house. He has already informed me that his house is not far from Brenda's and everyone is in the house waiting for us.

I'm supposed to have lunch and dinner with them, spend the weekend in the house and familiarise myself with the house and the kids. From what I've gathered, his kids are friendly and he has assured me severally that they'll like me. My only worry is if I'll be able to like them back!

A few minutes later, he pulls up in front of a not so large gate and a lady dressed in nanny uniform opens the gate for him. I don't pay so much attention to her as he waves at her and then we drive into the compound which is not so spacious.

The house is not that big as compared to Brenda's but I can tell he's doing great in life. He's not badly off and I can manage him!

“Here we are darling,” Steve says, snapping me from my reverie. “Let's go, the children are waiting!” he has already climbed down and he has come round to my side.

Wow!

I unbuckle and climb down from the car after Steve opens and holds the door for me. He offers me his hand and I take it, surveying my surroundings, wondering if I'll be able to fake it and make this my home for some months until I'm through with my mission.

The nanny has already locked the gate and as she approaches us, I also see the children running towards us, the little one just dragging herself since she just learned to walk just the other day, as Steve told me. They both hug their dad and as the boy clings on to his hand, he picks up the little girl and carries her up and then leads the way to the house. At this point, I don't know what to do but I manage to spare a brief hi to the nanny whose face has already turned red. She looks familiar and I can't even remember where on earth I met her!

As we walk into the house, I can't help but ask myself where I met that lady but my thoughts fail me. I can't keep on torturing myself therefore I stop thinking about her and I focus on other things.

I'm ushered to a couch and after making myself comfortable, Steve sits beside me, still carrying his gal and the boy sits in between us.

“Brandon, say hi to our guest,” Steve says to his son who shyly walks up to me and extends his hand in greetings. I take his tiny hand into mine and since I don't know how else to react, I pick him up and place him on my laps.

As he shyly fidgets with his fingers, I ask him his name and he repeats the name Brandon to me. Of course I know his name but I'm just trying to appear friendly.

I engage the little boy in little chats and he answers all my questions. His father is smiling at the bond we're already creating and he seems satisfied with how I'm handling Brandon. This boy seems so intelligent for his age!

“Stephen, Brianna, lunch is ready and served!” the nanny says and I'm surprised that she already knows my name. Steve nods and she picks the little girl from her father's laps and takes Brandon's hand, leading them to the dinning table where she helps them to sit down.

Steve helps me up and he leads me to the dinning table. He shows me to a seat next to him and after settling down, we serve our lunch and eat silently. I know it's common table manners but deep down, I'm disturbed. I've already remembered Steve's nanny and where I saw her! Shiet! I hope I'm not in trouble!