Chapter 7

I walked into Cullen's mansion with a few shopping bags in hand, feeling a little tired from the long day of shopping in the bustling New York City.

As I made my way up to my room, Cullen's driver offered me a refreshing smoothie he had bought on our way back from the mall. I gladly took it, it was as if he could read my mind at the moment.

I was still sipping my smoothie when my phone rang, and to my delight, it was my friend Evie on the other end. "Hey Evie, what's up?" I greeted her warmly.

"Oh Brielle, it's been such a stressful day at work," she exclaimed. "I could really use a break."

I sympathized with her and told her about my day, how I had gone shopping at the biggest mall in the city. Evie was thrilled to hear about my adventure, and she couldn't help but express her envy. 

"Wow, you're so lucky to have met Cullen," she said. "I wish I could've gone with you."

I chuckled and explained that it was a last-minute decision and that I didn't have time to invite anyone. 

"But don't worry," I said. "I'll make it up to you. How about you come over for a visit?"

I could feel Evie's face lit up with excitement on the other end. "Really? I'd love that, Brielle! When should I come?"

"How about this weekend?" I suggested. "I'll have everything ready for you."

Evie agreed, and we chatted a little more about our plans for her visit. She was such a free-spirited and happy person, and I couldn't wait to have her over. 

As we said our goodbyes, I couldn't help but feel grateful for having such a wonderful friend in my life.

I was still laying on my bed, scrolling through my phone when I heard a familiar voice downstairs. 

I stood up to peep from the stairs and I saw Drew, Cullen's cousin, in the living room conversing with the maid. 

I wondered what he was doing here as Cullen wasn't back and wouldn't be back anytime soon. 

But deep down, I felt butterflies in my stomach. I've been wanting to see Drew once again as the first and last time I saw him was at my wedding party. And there he was, standing in the living room.

I rushed back to my room and decided to change into something more appropriate and a bit seductive for a not so surprise guest. I put on a skimpy skirt with a tight body-hugging top and went downstairs to say hi to him. 

Drew, on the other hand, was still talking with the maid when he caught sight of me. You could tell in his eyes he was charmed by my beauty. 

The maid excused herself and Drew stammered as he tried to find something to say. I helped and cut in,

"I guess you're Cullen's cousin, Drew, right?" I asked him with a warm smile

"Oh yes, I am," Drew stammered.

 "It's nice to meet you once again, Drew," I said as I extended my hand to him.

He took my hand and kissed it, as his lips pressed against my hand, I felt a jolt of electricity course through my veins. I pulled my hand back, my heart racing with confusion and curiosity. 

His eyes were fixated on me, like he was trying to read my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder what he was doing here.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the shakiness in my hands.

"Ugh…" he stuttered "I have some documents to deliver to Cullen," he replied, fumbling with the papers in his hand.

My eyebrows raised in surprise. "You know he's not going to be back anytime soon, right?"

Drew hesitated, his thoughts seemingly elsewhere. "Yeah, I know," he finally said, looking up at me with a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

I waited for him to continue, my expression urging him on.

"I might be staying over for the night," he stammered. "We have some pending discussions, so I decided to come early and rest before he's back."

His words hung in the air between us, the tension palpable. I couldn't help but feel drawn to him, despite my reservations. What was he really doing here? And why did his presence make my heart skip a beat? 

I could sense the tension between us as we both stood frozen in time, staring into each other's eyes. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, and I wondered if he could hear it too. 

There was something about Drew that drew me in, something that made me feel alive in a way that I hadn't felt in a long time.

For what seemed like an eternity, we just stood there, caught in a moment that felt both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. 

I wanted to say something, anything, but the words seemed to escape me. All I could do was stare into his deep, penetrating gaze and wonder what was going through his mind.

Just as I was about to open my mouth, the sound of Carla's voice broke the spell. I turned my head to look at her, feeling slightly embarrassed to have been caught in such a moment with my Cullen's employee.

But as I turned back to Drew, I could see a mischievous glint in his eye. It was as if he knew exactly what I had been thinking, and he was enjoying every moment of it.

"Thank you, Carla," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "I'll be up in a moment."

As Carla turned to leave, I watched her disappear down the hall before turning back to Drew. He was still staring at me, a small smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

"I apologize for that," he said, his voice low and husky. "I didn't mean to keep you waiting."

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks as I looked away, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "It's fine," I said, trying to sound casual. "I was just...lost in thought."

Drew stepped closer, and I could feel his breath on my cheek. "I know," he whispered. "I was too." As he walked down the hallway, leaving me to my thoughts.

My heart skipped a beat as he said those words and I contemplated my effect on the opposite sex. I couldn't help but recognize the pattern - I seem to have a knack for causing men to lose their focus and become dazzled by my presence but this time around, the reverse was the case.