Chapter 5

I gave him a once-over. It wasn’t hard for people to buy a fancy out and return it the next day. There are some really good actors out there that will play to get what they want. This guy could be a handsome poser for all I know. He could be some drug addict that sleeps with women then steals their money in the middle of the night while the girl is asleep. Then once they have it, they run.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to hide the interest I was secretly feeling at finally being able to know his name, “What’s your name?”

"Michael Collins, but my friends call me Mikey.” He answered proudly.

“Mikey,” I say testing it out. I could finally put a name to the handsome face.

His eyes darkened when his name passed through my lips.

“Yes,” his voice hoarse. Clearing his throat, “When you see that I’m telling the truth. I deserve a reward.”

“A reward?” I repeated the word, but more in question.

He nodded.

Crossing my arms, I looked at him with disbelief, “What are you? 10?”

He narrowed his eyes at the insult but refused to give up.

"Everyone gets rewards for things." He shrugged his shoulders as if that was a good enough reason.

I let out a laugh finding that absurd comment amusing. Rolling my eyes, I stare at him debating whether I should give in. To a man, I had yet to find out if he was telling the truth or not.

I am smart and I know that I should say no and shut this down quickly, but for some reason, what came out of my mouth was, “What type of reward?”

His eyes widened and he looked pleased with gaining my interest. He threw me a charming grin, that showed two dimples.

Those dimples could kill a woman.

I looked at him, feeling skeptical about this. If he thinks the type of reward, he’ll get is a night with me in bed, he is dead wrong.

A slow grin pulls at his mouth, “I’m not expecting that kind of reward, but if you’re willing to give that instead,” he sang, trailing off.

“Pervert,” I scolded.

He put his hands up in defense and wore an innocent look. This guy was as innocent as a lion is to a mouse. He looks like he steals innocence instead of giving it. I turned to walk away, but he grabbed my hand to stop me. He snickered in amusement, “I was just kidding.”

I looked at him with disbelief, not buying his act.

He let out a laugh and his eyes twinkled, "Can you blame me!?" he gestured to me with his hand in an up and down motion, "You're undeniably gorgeous."

My mouth fell open at how blunt he was. I had to stop myself from touching my cheeks that were now turning red hot at the compliment. Never did I ever think I would be attractive to a man this handsome. So, to hear that, boosted my self-esteem big time. Even though I didn't need it, it still felt nice to hear it.

Be still my beating heart.

“Fake Compliments will not get you anywhere.” I tried to act unfazed.

He points his finger up, stating a point, “It’s a step in the right direction.” Then looked at me with all trace of amusement gone, "and I wasn't trying to throw fake compliments your way. I was telling the truth, Cassie. You are very beautiful. I noticed you right away when I saw you at the Craft Fair. I was so close to not going that day." He scoffed in amusement, "I am so glad that I did, because if I didn't, then I would have never gotten to meet you."

I saw the look in his eyes, and I could see the honesty behind them. He was telling the truth.

Pulling myself back together, with my cheeks still blushing red from his compliment, I shook my head in disagreement, “You are still not getting a reward.”

He groaned and in a playful tone replied, “I’ve been accused of being a cheater. I think to deserve a reward for not being one.”

I wasn’t pleased with his answer. “You need a reward for staying faithful?”

“No,” he said, pulling me close.

Reminding me that he still hasn’t let my hand go.

“I’d like a reward for telling the truth. I’ve never had a relationship before. I’m no saint Cassie, but I don’t play with women’s hearts as well. I am a very honest man and prefer to not play games. So, you will always get complete honesty from me.” He explained with seriousness.

I stared at him. “Okay.”  I sighed giving in.

“Okay?”  He asked surprised. As if he didn't think I would give in.

“Okay," I repeated.

I didn't think I would give in. This man could be a stalker, cheater, or killer. I still haven't looked him up. I could do it right now on my phone, but I don't want him to see the reaction on my face in case he is telling the truth. The smug look on his face is what I would like to avoid. Plus, I will enjoy making him sweat and wonder if I looked him up.

I do not doubt that I will be able to find information about him and more. Women are naturally great at searching for information about men on the internet. We will know most of their backstory before they even tell us about it.

One time, Ava told me that she searched up her ex-boyfriend on the internet before they even started dating. She found out what he did for a living as well as some information about his childhood up to his present life at the time they were dating. She also found out what his parents and siblings did for a living before she even met them. So, it was amusing when she had to act surprised when she met them and they told her things about themselves.

“What would you like for your reward?” Curiosity getting the best of me. 

He quickly answered, “Dinner.

I let out a snort of laughter, then covered my mouth when it escaped.

Way to go piggy. I inwardly groaned.

I thought back to when he first asked me to have dinner with him and I told him no. The wide grin on his face showed he was remembering that day as well. He looks like the cat that got the cream. 

My mouth curved into a smile that I couldn’t fight to keep in, “Okay.” The wide grin that shined on his face split even wider. I put one finger up, “But only if you’re telling the truth.

He looked at me like he couldn’t believe that I still didn’t believe him. He also didn’t plan on how hard it was going to be for him to get this dinner. He scoffed, “I am.”

My lips pursed together, “We’ll see.”

His eyes flashed with something promising, “No. You’ll see." Emphasizing the word 'you'll' to me, reminding me that I'm the one that's doubting him.

My nose crinkled at his point. “Point well made.”

He pulled out something from his pocket and it was his wallet. Taking a card out of his wallet he handed it to me. I grabbed It with my free hand. It was matte black with fancy gold writing on it. It was probably more expensive than the lipstick I was wearing. His name, position of the company, company name, and phone number are written on top. My eyes widened when I saw the CEO in big bold gold letters on the matted black card.

I looked at him and saw him waiting for my reaction. No doubt, waiting for me to start seeing dollar signs and throw myself at him after seeing CEO adorned on it. Pushing down the panic at how not only is this man handsome, but he is rich and powerful as well. I gave him a poker-faced expression.

“Even if you were telling the truth,” I said shaking the card in the air, “this doesn’t mean you’re getting more than dinner.”

He smirked at me and something glowed in his eyes. I know that I’m a challenge for him, and maybe that’s why he wants me.

Just a challenge and nothing more.