6. Over A Cup Of Coffee

DANE

“Would you like to come inside for a coffee?”

I looked at her, trying not to look at the way water trickled down her collar bones and into her cleavage. This was not a good idea… I glanced at the mansion hesitating. Should I agree?

“Sure, I guess I could use a hot drink.” I said quietly, not missing her eyes widened in surprise. I raised an eyebrow.

“Why ask if you didn’t want me to agree?” I asked. She shook her head vigorously, a tendril of hair falling in front of her face. My fingers itched to brush it aside.

“No, no that’s not it. I owe you, come on in.” She said getting out of the car as she hurried to the door, my jacket around her shoulders. She reached inside her purse and took her keys out. Unlocking the door, she stepped aside allowing me to pass.

I looked around the entrance hall that was dimly lit by the rectangular wall lamps that glowed warmly spread across the soft brown panelled walls. The floor was marble and the centre lights that hung in large white orbs on the ceiling were turned off. Several doors led off from it and a large staircase led upstairs. I could see a glass balcony from the second floor too. She closed the door behind us and looked at me.

“Everyone’s turned in for the night. Come, I’ll get you some dry clothes.” She said now looking me over before she looked away quickly. I didn’t bother replying as I followed her up the stairs.

Our footsteps echoing in the silent halls. She seemed to hesitate when we reached the landing before she turned to the right and opened the door. Switching the light on.

“I’ll be right back with some dry clothes.” She said, leaving me in what looked to be a spare bedroom. In this state, I was going to ruin the carpet. I kicked off my shoes, peeling off my socks and walked over to the bed and began to empty my pockets.

I unbuttoned my shirt and had just taken it off when I heard the door open. Had she not heard of knocking?

I turned to see her smoothing out some clothes she was holding along with a towel. She no longer had my jacket around her.

“Your build is bigger than Warren’s but I think these will fit you, I've bought some brand new boxers-“ She gasped when she looked up. Her eyes went impossibly wider as her gaze fell to my bare torso. It was almost amusing to see her blush, averting her gaze before she quickly moved to my left and placed the clothes down.

“I uh… Sorry I didn’t realise you weren’t dressed!” She said.

“What’s the matter? Never seen a shirtless man before?” I asked, picking up the t-shirt she had brought.

“At least wait for me to leave!” She snapped. Now glaring at me as she turned, stepping backwards as if to avoid making skin contact with me - Only to stumble on the hem of her dress, yelping. I raised my eyebrow grabbing her by the elbow at an awkward angle, making the both of us tumble onto the bed. A scream left her lips as my face hit her soft pillows, her delicious scent hitting my nose and her heart beating erratically.

I froze when I realised exactly where my head was. I pulled back; my eyes widened in shock as I looked down at the woman who was beneath me.

Her gorgeous eyes were wide with shock, her cheeks dusted in a dark pink blush but what caught my attention was the way her breasts that had cushioned me moments earlier were rising and falling rapidly. I quickly got off her, running my hand through my hair, composing myself.

“If you can’t walk in them, don’t wear them.” I said curtly glancing at her heels, trying not to look at the smooth skin of her leg as she sat up slowly.

“Sorry…” She said quietly. I didn’t reply, picking up the clothes she had bought me and looked around realising there was another door in the room. Hoping it was a bathroom I walked through slamming the door behind me.

I towel dried my hair before I changed swiftly. Pulling on the clothes hoping she was gone from the room. I gave it a few extra moments trying not to think about her on that bed…

Her arms by the side of her head, the curves of her breasts emphasised even if her dress wasn’t low… I frowned. I am not going to think of her like that. I re-entered the bedroom frowning at the empty room.

Picking up my stuff, shoving them into my pockets before I grabbed my wet clothes and walked over to my shoes.

Pausing when I realised she had removed the wet socks I had dropped and left a new pair. I frowned, not knowing what to make of it. Wasn’t she a dumb spoilt princess who had people to serve her?

Squashing the thought, I left the room with my clothes in hand. Just as I saw Dahlia stepping out of a room a little down. Dressed in a long-sleeved fitted white top and floral leggings that showed off her long toned legs. She wore slippers but the most shocking thing was her makeup-free face.

She was a natural beauty… her cheeks flushed under my gaze, and I had a feeling she wasn’t over the moment from earlier.

“The clothes fitted well…” She said hurrying over and taking the wet ones from me. “I’ll have these washed for you, it’s the least I can do for dropping me home. Come let’s have something to drink.”

She didn’t even give me a chance to reply as she led the way down the stairs. That sway was still present in her hips, and I didn’t even realise I had tilted my head watching her perky behind until she turned and walked off to the left.

We entered a large kitchen, decorated in all cream. The cabinets were glossy and the marble worktop had flecks of gold in it. The bright spotlights were warm. One entire wall was complete windows. The middle being doors that led to the garden.

“Take a seat.” She said to me, motioning to one of the stools as she walked over to the coffee machine. “Hot chocolate? Coffee, latte, tea?”

“Latte’s fine.” I said, looking anywhere but at her, this felt too intimate. Just as the machine was started up I heard the sound of footsteps, and the door was pushed open.

A little girl in pink unicorn pyjamas stood there. She looked to be around 6 or 7. Her chocolate-coloured hair fell messily around her shoulders, and she was rubbing her eyes.

“Mama?” She said. Dahlia turned; a smile I had never seen before lit up her face making my breath hitch. It wasn’t the polite faint smile I saw so often. This one held happiness. She rushed over to the little girl, crouching down in front of her and brushed her hair back.

“Ari, are you ok? Did mama disturb you?” She asked in a soft voice. I frowned. I didn’t know she had a daughter. The girl looked nothing like Dahlia or even Warren. I had done my research on her beforehand. She and Warren had dated and then married a little under a year ago… there was no mention of a child…

“No mama I missed you.” She said, hugging Dahlia tightly. Before her eyes met mine, they grew large as curiosity shone through. “Who's that mama?”

“That’s… Mr Altaire. He dropped me home from the party and I invited him in for a drink. Would you like a milkshake or hot chocolate?”

“Can I have a milkshake please?”

Dahlia bought her over and lifted her into the seat next to me. I saw her look between me and her daughter for a moment, an emotion I couldn't make out flickered in her eyes before she turned to the child.

“Aria, say hello.”

“Hi Mr Altaire.” The child said, holding her hand out. I gave her a small smile, I had to admit the girl was adorable.

“Hey Aria, you’re a cutie, right?” I said, she blushed shyly and nodded.

“Mama always says so.” She said as Dahlia left us and went to continue with the drinks.

“Well, I guess this time your mama’s right.” I said, I didn’t really care much for kids or even considered having them myself, so I was quite surprised I was even talking to a child.

Dahlia returned with two mugs and a glass of strawberry milkshake. She placed them in front of us before taking a seat on the other stool next to Aria.

“Daddy never comes to the kitchen. He says it isn’t proper.” Aria said, I didn’t miss the flicker of sadness that washed over Dahlia’s face. For a moment I wondered if she really wasn’t to blame but then again, I doubted it wasn’t a two-way thing. The elite always had inner conflict. Playing games was their favourite pastime.

“Mr, do you know when daddy will come home? He’s gone on a trip.” The child continued, as I downed my drink. I needed to get out of here. This all felt too… intimate. I ruffled her soft hair.

“Your dad will come home when the time's right. I mean surely he will miss an angel like you right?” I said surprised the frown on my face didn’t deter her as she giggled.

“I’m no angel.” She whispered before looking towards Dahlia and giggling. The woman smiled at her as she cupped her own mug, barely having had a sip. I stood up.

“Well, thanks for the drink. I’ll see you at work.” I said curtly not even looking at Dahlia.

“Of course, see you at work.” She said, getting up and following me out to the door. I didn’t bother slowing down as I pulled open the front door.

“Thank you.” It was the last thing I heard from her before I walked over to my car.

Pausing when something to the far right caught my eyes and I looked at the fountain. The stone base was a mermaid with the water pouring from her hands. Why did it look so familiar? I pushed the thought away and got into my car.

Glancing towards the door I saw she was still standing there. I looked away, a deep unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. The mermaid fountain also niggled at the back of my mind as if I was forgetting something very vital…