Chapter 10
CHAPTER 10
Denise
Through the small screen of my phone, he walks around what he calls his cozy cabin .
When people say the word cozy with real estate, they mean something small and not very luxurious. However, from what I can see, his cabin is anything but. He shows me floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a breathtaking view of snow-capped peaks outside. He has dark brown leather sofas and armchairs centering on a crackling fireplace, with a large television over the mantle.
When he swings around to the kitchen, it’s state-of-the art and full of stainless-steel appliances with a massive marble island that has place settings for four in front of high-back chairs.
“Take me outside,” I order him.
“Seriously? It’s cold out there.”
“Well, that’s not my problem. Now take me outside, show me around.”
“Okay, give me a second.” He places the phone face up on the counter and I get a view of his light fixtures and a moment later, his face appears with a grin.
“You might not see much. It’s getting dark.”
“Humor me. I haven’t been to Brookhaven in years.”
Outside his cozy cabin is a gorgeous view of towering pine trees. There is a winding stone pathway leading away from the home with grass on both sides of the pathway with the focal point being a large gazebo with seating and a firepit.
“How far up in the mountains is Brookhaven?” I ask.
He turns the phone camera back to him. “I’m not sure about the elevation, but it’s colder here than it is in the city.” He blows out a breath, so I can see his breath in the cold air. “I would rather be inside in front of the fireplace with you.”
“Well, you’re the one who didn’t come back to the city from your trip. Why is that?”
“My friends and I have a standing appointment every month.”
“Sounds so official. Should I be worried that you do group doctor appointments?” I tease.
“Funny. We have a monthly poker game.”
“Did you win?”
“I won enough. But not the entire pot.” He walks back into the cabin and sits down. “Tell me about your day. Did you get your results yet from that exam that you took?”
“Well, I feel confident that I passed. But no. Usually, it takes a few weeks for the stuff to get back to us. But I totally passed.”
“Awesome.”
“When you come back, I need to take you out.”
“Oh, really?”
“Really.”
“Well then, it’s a date.”
“It’s a date.”
Laughter and conversation filled the air as we shared stories, secrets, and what we’ve been up to in the past few weeks since we’ve seen one another.
My best friend, Jess, a beautiful blonde with a love of crystals and chakras, returns from the bar with our drinks.
“Okay, spill the beans. Tell me about this amazing guy you met!”
I place my chin in my hand and smile. “Well, his name is Miller,” I began, my voice tinged with excitement. “He’s different, you know. Not like anyone I’ve ever met before.”
“I’m intrigued. Different how?” she presses.
I take a deep breath, my mind racing with thoughts of our encounters. “He’s successful,” I admit. “Like, really successful. He runs his own company downtown, has a fancy penthouse, a cabin in the woods - that isn’t really a cabin and a driver. Basically, he’s got a lot of money.”
Jess’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, her mouth forming a silent ‘wow’ as she processed what I was telling her.
“Like a millionaire?”
“Like a billionaire.”
“Holy shit. Where did you meet him, and does he have a brother?”
“I met him originally at a charity thing that I was working. And then he showed up at the diner with some friends of his. He stuck around after they left and, well, we’ve kind of hung out a few times since.”
I recounted the details of each time I’ve seen Miller since meeting him as Jess listened intently.
“But you know I can’t help but feel like he’s out of my league. I mean, he’s a billionaire, and I’m just a waitress. What could he possibly see in me?”
Jess reached out to grasp my hand in hers, her expression filled with empathy and understanding. “Hey, don’t say that,” she replied, her voice gentle yet firm. “You are an amazing person, Denise. Smart, funny, beautiful… any guy would be lucky to have you.”
My eyes welled up with tears as I listened to my best friend’s words of encouragement, her heart swelling with gratitude.
“Thanks, Jess,” I whisper, my voice choked with emotion. “I needed to hear that.”
She squeezed my hand reassuringly, a comforting smile playing on her lips. “Anytime, hun.” She replied. “Just remember, you deserve to be with someone who sees you as the incredible person you are. And if this guy can’t see it, then he’s the one missing out.”
I wipe away the tears and straighten my shoulders. “You’re right,” I declare, my voice solid and full of conviction. “I won’t let my insecurities hold me back. If Miller likes me for who I am, then that’s all that matters.”
“Good. Now finish your drink, so we can get another.”
“Are you trying to get me drunk? To take advantage of me?”
“Oh, you would be so lucky. I’m celebrating.”
“What? What are you celebrating?”
“I got a promotion at work!”
“And you let me get all debbie-downer, without telling me about your awesome news. What the hell!”
“To be honest, I prefer to hear about relationship shit instead of work stuff. Sure, I got a promotion, but that’s it. I got a bump up. But, when we talk about relationships, there are layers. And when we un-peel those layers, it’s so much a better topic of conversation than a simple statement of yay, I got a promotion!”
“I guess you have a point, but seriously. You’ve been eyeing a promotion for months. All that ass-kissing and yessirs have come in handy.” I grin.
“So, do sucking your boss’s cock, but thankfully, I didn’t have to resort to that. The man is an animal, and could likely break me in half.”
I lean forward with anticipation. “This sounds like it could be a sexy plot of a romance book.”
“Let’s just say that he’s attractive, but he has issues.” She shrugs her shoulder.
“Oh, those are always the good ones. If there’s a screw loose, they fuck like madmen!”
“And you know this how?” Jess asks.
I sit back in silence and watch her squirm.
“Wait, does this new guy have loose screws?” her eyes go wide.
“I don’t know if he does or does. Doesn’t everybody, though?”
“My boss is totally not the type of guy who would allow for advancement by blow-jobs. Now, some pegging, I’m pretty sure that would be his thing.”
“Gay, or just enjoy someone playing with his ass?” I laugh.
“Weren’t we talking about your sexy romance and not the details of my boss?”
“There’s nothing more to tell. He’s a busy guy, he’s got a ton of money, and he’s slumming it with me.”
“Honey, you would be the furthest thing from slumming it. You’d be the best thing since sliced bread.”
I playfully dust off my shoulders. “I am pretty amazing. Keep going. What else about me is awesome?”