The Meet

Warning 18+ Content

“This is ridiculous!” I argue as I continue scrubbing the lounge chair near the beautiful blue pool.

The mansion looks like it’s made of pure silver and glass windows that extend from floor to ceiling on every damn level. The patio, or whatever it’s called overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and I am jealous.

I shake my head as my arm begins to hurt from trying to scrub the stupidest little blemish on a chair that probably costs more than McKenzie’s car…or my new car.

“How did I let you talk me into this?” I yell. “I mean, the job itself isn’t so bad, but what rich people expect us to clean is just dumb!”

McKenzie pops her head out of the sliding doors, a wide smile on her face as she holds a bucket of soapy water and a brush in her other hand.

“It’s good-paying work!” She argues with a friendly smile. “You moved in three days ago and you’ve made how much already? Just scrub the damn chair and be grateful!”

I sigh, knowing the sunny, warm, and overall good-feeling day makes me somewhat enjoy this job. I never imagined cleaning a billionaire's home sitting next to the Atlantic Ocean, but here I am.

McKenzie quickly spins around, stepping back into the house. “Mr. Deacon!” She says as she walks further in, her voice becoming quieter.

I stop scrubbing the chair and try listening in. A male voice is in the house, talking to her. I assume it’s the owner of the place. Are they arguing?

I push myself a little forward, sliding the chair against the cement with me. I turn my ear in the direction of the entryway, hoping to hear whatever they might be talking or arguing about.

“I had it on the nightstand.” The man argues in what sounds like slight anger. “I know where it was, and I’ve known you for a while, McKenzie, but if that camera shows you stole it.”

“I didn’t take it!” She pleads. “Watch the camera. And my friend didn’t take it either!”

“What friend?” He questions. I can see a silhouette of him as he steps closer to the patio doors. “There’s another one of you here?”

“Yes!” McKenzie explains and pauses. “Cassie. She’s my best friend and she didn’t take it either…Devin! You know me well enough to know I would never do that!”

The door slides open, revealing a man in what looks like an expensive dress suit. Dark blue with black dress shoes. He is very fit to the point that I can almost see the muscle lines through his suit. He has freshly cut jet-black hair and a clean-shaven face. His jawline is very well-defined as he turns toward me, and now I see it. His eyes!

I freeze in place, staring like an idiot at him. His beautiful ocean-blue eyes mesmerize me. I cannot think, move, or breathe. He is stunning. Forget the fact that this guy probably has more money than anyone I have ever met, he’s unbelievably gorgeous.

Why are rich people always so stupidly attractive? It is like a stupid movie! A rich billionaire looks like the hottest guy on the planet, and I am scrubbing a damn chair!

“Never mind, McKenzie!” He says as he turns toward me, sliding a flash drive from his pocket. “I’m so sorry! It was in my pocket! You can kick my ass later.”

“I wasn’t worried!” McKenzie says with a hint of sarcasm in her tone. “That’s my friend Cassie, by the way!”

His eyes instantly connect to mine, making it even more difficult for me to move. He pauses. His lips are pursed tight together as he stares at me like he is seeing gold for the first time in his life. He slowly steps one foot forward, confusion building on his face.

Another giant lump begins building in my throat. The scratchiness forces me to swallow a hard, sandpaper feeling swallow. Am I nervous? I’m never nervous. Why is he making me feel nervous?

“I’m…” He says and pauses, seeming lost while shaking his head. “I’m sorry, who are you?”

“Cassie.” I softly spit out the words. “I’m new.”

There’s a flutter in my heart as my eyes stay connected to his. My words seem lost as I want to speak, and my body feels slightly tingly.

“You’re gorgeous.” He admits, sliding his hand from his pocket, not taking his eyes from mine. “I’m sorry. I usually don’t randomly tell women that I’ve never met, that they are gorgeous, but you…”

“Cassie?” He says and steps another foot toward me. “Beautiful name too. I’m sorry if it seems cheesy, but I’m just…” He pauses and his smile grows. “I’m single. I recently got over a toxic relationship, and I am not looking for a relationship, but how would dinner with me tonight, sound?”

“Nice to meet you too,” McKenzie says with sarcasm radiating from her tone as she pokes her head out. “Ever hear of meeting someone first, Devin?”

“McKenzie!” I quickly argue, trying to yell at her with my widening eyes. “He’s your boss!”

I step back, quickly trip, and fall backward. My body hits against the chilly water. The pool sucks me in, and I immediately suck in a large gulp of water, causing me to choke. My lungs fill with water as I try breathing in.

Another splash of water pushes me deeper as my vision begins to turn black. I can see a pair of legs swimming toward me, but it’s too late, the water filling my lungs makes it impossible to breathe.

My heart races even as I begin to slowly fade out. I’m still trying to fight my way to the top of the pool. Is this it? Am I going to die in a fucking swimming pool? Everything slowly goes black.