CHAPTER 159

Genevieve Tessa Robert

I listened as Kyle told me everything that happened between him and Avaline. He also gave me updates on his case, and I wasn’t surprised when he said Avaline was an accomplice to the crime. She had all colours of suspicion written on her when we spoke in Nashville, or rather, when she forced me to listen to her ramblings. 

He was looking strangely at me. Did he say something that needed my response? 

‘Did you say something, Kyle?’ I asked, not caring that I made him feel like I wasn’t listening to him.

He shrugged. ‘I have been saying a lot of things, but it’s obvious that you aren’t listening to me. I am truly sorry for not showing up. Avaline just showed up suddenly, got me talking, and before I could figure out what was going on, I was gone.’

I replied, taking his hands. ‘You didn’t return my calls. I was worried, and the kids were waiting for you. They refused to sleep after the party because they insisted on seeing you. Kyle. We were supposed to tell them about you.’

He sighed. ‘I made plans. I can give you the project supervisor’s number. He will confirm the time I left the site. I was about to leave when Avaline came. I promise you. I wanted to really come. I wouldn’t miss my first celebration with them for anything in the world.’

I stared at him, feeling the sincerity in his eyes. He had tried to be here for the kids. Also, he had left everything to come over to my office and apologized for everything. I should forgive him.

‘Alright, Kyle. I believe you, but next time, when Avaline shows up at your door, don’t let her in, okay? Also, I don’t want to hear anything about Avaline again. The cops have her, and they will take care of everything.’

He nodded, smiling. ‘Thank you, Tessa, for giving me another chance. I promise not to mess it up again and no more stories about Avaline. Can I meet the kids?’ 

I laughed, standing up. ‘I have forgiven you, but you still have to make it up to me.‘

‘I sent flowers to you earlier, but your company's receptionist hated them. I think she gave it to one of your stiff security men as a gift. They need it anyway.’

‘Okay, no need to emphasize on my employees mood. I know how they can be at times, and I am sorry about the flowers. Next time, smile when you speak to people. It will help relieve the tension you build around, Kyle.’

He looked up at me astonished. ‘I don’t believe I make people tense. I am a sweet person, Tessa. You know that.’

I chuckled, walking to his side. ‘Of course, but don’t forget you have your cold side. When you step into a room, your presence is felt, and I have seen the way employees tremble when you want to be the devil’s son.’

He stood up, grinning. ‘That’s why I am the coolest boss around, Tessa. If I am not cold, employees won’t respect me. I also like the control that comes with it.’

‘Right, Kyle. Learn to smile though; it will help your stoic and cold persona.’ I said, leaning into him.

He took me into his hands, sniffing my hair. ‘I have missed the scent of your hair and you. You know, on my way here, breaking many traffic rules, I was wondering how I was going to survive if you didn’t forgive me. I am obsessed with you, Tessa. Nothing makes sense without you, and I dearly want us to be more than friends.’

I sighed, releasing my body from his hold. ‘Kyle, we already agreed to be friends and nothing yet; I am still learning to trust my feelings and be free with you. Please don’t rush the process.’

‘Alright, Tessa. Anything you want, I am ready to work with it. Can we see the kids now? I need to make it up to them and your parents too.’

I nodded, picking my bag. ‘Also, make it up to me. We also need to tell them about you. It’s long overdue, Kyle.’

‘Yeah, are you sure we need to tell them now? I didn’t show up on their most special day, and it will be somehow. I don’t know.’

I smiled, staring at him. ‘They will understand, Kyle. Hope and Nicholas are smart and kind kids, and it’s best we let them know now rather than waiting till they are older.’

He agreed, taking my hands. ‘You always know the right words to say when I am in doubt. Thank you, Tessa.’

I smiled, not saying anything. I hadn’t imagined I would fall harder for him after he failed to show up, but listening to his words and leaning into him, I knew I had fallen harder than I wanted to.

We walked out of the building holding hands and turning heads. I could hear my employees giggle and gossip behind the palms as we walked past them. This was the first time I was walking out with a man. A gorgeous man who sent chills to men who crossed his path. A man who made me feel like the only woman in the world who loved and was loved.

I held his hand tighter as my chauffeur stopped in front of us. ‘Do you want to drive, or the chauffeur should take us home?’

He looked at me, taking my figure in. ‘Let him drive, dear. I want to whisper sweet nothings into your ears and enjoy listening to your voice as you tell me why you chose to wear a bold evening gown to work. ‘

I blushed, avoiding his stare. ‘I chose the outfit because Hope picked it for me. She’s good in colours, and I couldn’t say no to her puppy eyes. Shall we?’

He nodded, opening the door. ‘She did good. The outfit fits you perfectly well, Tessa. Thank you for today.’