Chapter 4

HOLLY

"I wasn't?" He did not seem pleased.

I have to say, this man is a bit contradictory. Despite his reserved demeanor most of the time, I saw him smile a little bit earlier and now he's sporting what seems to be a frown on his face. What does he expect me to say? That he would be the first one? 

I nodded. "It was my mother." 

"Was?" He asked again.

With a straight face, I answered him, "She died when I was six. Mom had a... problem breathing." In reality, her husband murdered her because he thought she was being unfaithful. To put it simply, he choked  her death. But I can't tell him that— not right now anyway. 

"I'm sorry to hear that. And your father?" 

I shrugged my shoulders even though I know exactly where he is. "He left me to the care of my mother's relatives and took off when Mom passed. I haven't seen him since. But it's okay. I managed to finish my studies. I had a hard time staying in one place though so I keep changing jobs." I reached for the glass of water and took a sip.

I was abandoned by my father. My mother's sister is a nice person, but she has had a tough time since her husband died two years ago, leaving her to raise their three young children alone. My presence only complicated matters for her. Nonetheless, I did my best to assist her with housekeeping and keep things tidy. I was never one to whine about my meals. I'll eat anything she puts in front of me, and all I've ever asked for is to stay with her until I'm old enough to take care of myself.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to bore you with my life story." 

He shook his head. "No, it's anything but dull. It's amazing how you survived it all. You made this far while others would easily give up. It's not easy to lose your parents at a young age. I know because I was raised by my uncle too."

"I see." I am not sure if he noticed I gritted my teeth but I couldn't help myself upon hearing what he said.  "So you love to travel?" 

I nodded. "Yes. I like to see different places and meeting people from different walks of life." 

"What countries have you visited? I love travelling too." Two cups of coffee were served. I noticed how he didn't put any sugar or milk. Luca likes it black like I do.

"Hmm. Let me think." I took a sip of my coffee then put it down. "I've been to New Zealand and Australia. I stayed there for four weeks. Then I went to Singapore and Thailand prior to that. I didn't get to visit Indonesia. I wanted to go surfing at Kuta Beach."

"You surf?" Luca looked amused.

With a nod, I agreed. "Raised in sunny California. Because of our limited financial resources, I often relax after completing my daily responsibilities by watching other people surf. A woman who saw me swimming and surfing extended a free offer to teach me both skills. Until Greta taught me some tricks, I wasn't a particularly strong swimmer. That's her name. However, her stay was brief, and by the end of it, Greta had given me her surfboard. Are you a surfer?" 

As he did so, Luca shook his head. "I'm not a complete water baby, but surfing is something I've never tried. Possibly, you could teach me at some point." 

He got an eyebrow raise from me. "At some point?"

"Yes. That's right. I want to see you again." Very straightforward. Hmm. I managed to pique his interest and it's very obvious. Everything is going according to the plan.

I neither confirmed nor denied what wants. The arrival of breakfast couldn've come at a better time. We dug in, and Luca was right— the food is excellent. The crepes are to die for.

"How is it?" He asked.

"It's delicious. Do you always come here?" 

"I haven't brought any woman here if that's what you are asking."

I burst out laughing. "Do you always answer like that?" 

"Only to you." He smiled a little. "I'm— I'm new to this. I'm not very good at conversations with women."

"Unless you're both in bed then conversation is not required. Right?" Luca blushed. "You're not a virgin, are you?" 

Okay, maybe I'm being a bit bold with this role. But I already caught his interest, and I have to keep him intrigued so I can move to the next step. I don't have to sleep with him— I am sure of that. I need to keep the act so I can keep Luca where I want him.

"No. Are you?" He asked.

"If I say yes, would you believe me?" I saw Luca swallowed twice and stared into my eyes. How did this conversation turned sexual? It must be the crepes. Right, I'll blame the crepes for this even though I'm the one who started about the virginity talk.

"I wouldn't know unless you sleep with me." By now, the thing in between his thighs would be hard as steel. I read somewhere that it doesn't take much for men to get aroused. Even a conversation like this can turn them on if the man is interested in you. And Luca is definitely interested in me.

"Is that an invitation?" I sounded so flirty I felt like I'm a different person from another universe.

Luca just smiled and continued eating. When we finished our meal, I stopped by at the washroom while he waited for me outside. I wanted to split the bill with him but he shook his and paid it in full. 

"Just let him know I'll need a few more days." Luca said to the person he's speaking with on another line. He was in the middle of a call when I emerged from the restaurant. Luca hung it up then led me to his car.