CHAPTER 3–TEA FOR THE FUTURE

               April couldn’t believe what she heard Damien admit to her. Finally, she discovered that he still remembered her. No, he didn’t just remember her. He remembered more about her than David cared to remember about her. Damien had complimented her more in a few minutes than she could remember David ever doing.

               She’d married David to elude her family and grandfather’s secretive lifestyle. David had showered her with compliments and gifts. He’d married her because he thought she might have a secret fortune. He believed she’d gain bank accounts of wealth that he could drain. But that’s not what came. David insisted on April signing agreements to keep their business interests separate. He didn’t want any part of her hobbies. April agreed with that. If they divorced, the division of their financial assets was clear and so were the reasons. Securing proof of David’s affair was the following hurdle in obtaining the divorce.

               Then she’d see if Damien was interested in teaching her a few fun details about him.

               “How did you learn about my favourite tea?” April was curious. It’s too silent now that Damien had insisted. They have a cup and talk. She could feel her cheeks warm as her blush settled in again. Another reminder of the old days and how self-conscious she was. April remained like that for an extended period.

               “By accident, one day I spotted you clearing out your backpack of old receipts. I knew it’s incorrect, but my curiosity got the best of me, and I pulled out a stack. They contained the similar orders. Well, most of them. But it’s the dates, they had me April. The rumours about you didn’t explain the money spent in the stores. I had you investigated, April. I’m not proud of it. You could say I might have stalked you. But I wasn’t interested in hurting you. Each piece of information resembled a puzzle component. It seemed as if you were either a gift or evading something. Then I saw other things April. Your contributions to the school’s food drive and library work after school are greatly valued. I remember you painted all the lockers in the old wing before it reopened. Then someone defaced your locker after the ceremony. I don’t think they knew that you helped, but with each incident I think I changed that last year.”

               “That’s why you sought me out?”

               “Sort of. I wanted to ask you to the prom. You missed both graduation and the prom.

               “No, I chose to pick up my certificate beforehand and let everyone enjoy their time without my upsetting presence. It seemed optimal then for everyone.”

               “Everyone deserves a prom and graduation.”

               “Damien, I learned early in life some people have everything handed to them. Others must kick and scream for it. Then some must outsmart both to survive and reach their goal. I’m one of the last. When we get to the end. That’s when we achieve the high-point, and we stay there. It’s sweeter still because it’s so difficult to reach.”

               “But that’s it. What’s your point? How can I help you to achieve it? It’s not right or fair that you do this alone. I wish to be there for you.”

               “Damien, that’s the most heartfelt compliment I’ve ever received from a man. Currently, I’ll be candid with you, and I hope you won’t take offense. But your words have blown my mind, and I’m struggling to believe you. I’m afraid you’ll turn around and tell me this is all a joke. But I’ll phrase this with care. I’m married to a jerk who’s having an affair on me. I understand, however, I am uncertain regarding his mistress’s identity. To divorce him, I need to catch in the act and identify her. Once I’ve signed the separation papers, I’d be interested in finding out if you changed your mind or not. The divorce settlement will happen fast because it will be his fault.

               His phone goes off, notifying Damien of an urgent notification. He groans at the poor timing of it.

               “Timing for this couldn’t be worse. April, my feels it appears haven’t changed in three years and in that time, I have seen nothing about you to change how I feel. Everything I’ve seen makes me feel secure in what I believe about you and how I feel.”

               “Do you haven’t told me how feel?”

               “Well, it’s not straightforward. No. I respect you, and care about what happens to you. I believe I love you and it’ll grow deeper with time. What’s happened to you at school years ago had no business happening and I’ll always regret my part I had in it. I intend to rectify the harm I caused you, but it’s not something that can solve with a band-aid or money.

               “No, it’s not.”

               His phone’s notification alert chimed again.

               “This is urgent. Well, I must go. I’m sorry. But I’ll see you at dinner?”

               “Yes, I have to unpack in my suite, rest briefly, and then change for dinner.” April said. She thought she was ending the conversation as she put her cup down and stood with him.

               Damien had a different idea. “I don’t care about your failed marriage. I want you to understand unlike David, I’m not playing games.” Damien said this as he stepped close to April, his dark blue eyes never leaving hers as he cradled the back of her head. His other hand brought her close to his hard, muscular warmth.

               April gasp at the feverish excitement that shot through her body. His lips came down on hers. Moments of feeling recognized. Wanted. He wanted her. Damien Jones wanted her. This is what she dreamed of, but also what haunted her. In her case, timing is crucial, and everything revolved around the filing for divorce and assigning blame. David must be the one.

               His phone notification alerts chimed again.

               Damien pulled away from April. He made an annoyed sound, which confused her for a moment. Her confusion came because she believed he’d found their kiss annoying rather than it being interrupted. But it’s caused by her interrupting their kiss. “I hated that it’s for the best that we’re interrupted. But this is significant. Work fast to get the evidence. Damien mentioned, “If I find something, I’ll send it to you,” as he left the tearoom, and the door closed behind him.

               April held the table for support and wondering what had just happened to her neat and ordered life. Yes, her life was horrible, but she could manage it. This, this wasn’t it. This was beyond belief and beyond her wildest dreams. Could she give up the deadbeat and pick up the billionaire?

               Her body ached right now for that billionaire.

               Darien left his cup there. April’s hand caressed her swollen lips before she turned the two cups over. Her hand went back to passing over her now eager curves as she thought about her future and her question.

               “Do I say, welcome to Damien Jones into my intimate life?” April examined the tea leaves in his cup, then hers.

               April gasped, and her hand went to her heart. She witnessed than expected. This couldn’t be. There must be something at work. Please don’t let the other shoe drop?