Chapter 43
Daniel
I’m back on business and have no plans to travel for the next few days if I can manage it. My discussion with Anu about her travel still has me a little rattled. I trust her much as I don’t like the idea of her ex so close to her.
Stepping out of the court room, the one person I didn’t expect to see in a Chicago courthouse is right in front of me, standing in a perfectly practiced posture against a wall, expectant as always.
She looks as stunning as ever in navy skirt suit.
The skirt is at the right length and right tightness to show off everything she’s selling, besides her legal expertise.
A subtle peak of black lace bra, right amount of peak to lure the man and an alluring smell to pull you in.
Yet, I swallow my disgust at seeing her.
“Hello, Sophie,” I say to her. She bats her lashes with a flirty smile.
“Hey, Daniel,” she says with a slight purr. “Isn’t this a surprise?” Her fake pitchy voice is scratchy to my ears. We both know it’s not a surprise. This was a calculated move on her end.
“And you are in Chicago because?” I reply, holding back my annoyance. I know this meeting isn’t coincidental, she has always pulled nonsense stunts like this.
“Because my firm sent me here temporarily.”
I nod. I don’t buy her bullshit answer.
“Well, good for you and enjoy Chicago,” I say, turning to leave.
She pulls my arm, in a gentle caress.
“Are you available tonight?” she whispers. A sad chuckle escapes me.
“I can assure you, I’m never available to you.” My answer is through gritted teeth. Removing my arm, I turn and leave.
I text Zack that I’m on my way out. He pulls up just as I’m walking out.
I get in, trying hard to control the turmoil of seeing Sophie.
She always shows up close enough, yet far enough that I can’t say she’s stalking me, but I know she is fucking following me.
How I managed to attract a crazy woman is beyond me.
I inhale and exhale to control my anger at seeing Sophie.
That woman has a way of poking me in ways no one else can. Subconsciously, I wanted out of New York to avoid her as much as possible because even New York with millions of people was too small for us. It doesn’t help that she’s a lawyer with a big firm and quite manipulative at getting answers.
I’ve only been away for twelve weeks and she’s already here in Chicago.
It seems the more I avoid her like a plague, the more she’s emboldened.
Don’t do it, my subconscious warns.
Do what?
Go down the fucking rabbit hole called Sophie.
You are right.
I pick up my phone and dial the one person that can make me smile.
“Hello,” she answers, her voice sleepy.
“Still sleeping, Princess?” I tease.
“I spent the night getting fucked from Chicago to Timbuktu, so I’m worn out.”
“Sounds like you had fun.” I smile, while mentally giving myself a high five.
“I did, only the guy didn’t think to bring me tea this morning to recharge my energy.”
“What a terrible guy. Should I subpoena duces tecum him to your court, my lady?” I say in mockery.
“Daniel, that’s too much grammar for my sleepy brain. I think I will let him go and get a replacement that would bring me tea in bed,” she groans.
I know and love that sound when she should get up and she doesn't want to.
“I hate to burst your bubble, he’s irreplaceable.”
“Should’ve known luck isn’t on my side.”
I laugh out loud.
“Any plans today, Princess?”
“A few of the kids are down with a cold. I’ve canceled the program for the rest of the week to avoid a spread. I’ll send them instructions on practice. I have a private lesson with little Nick and lunch with Nkem. That should be it for today,” she quietly spills.
“Okay, you need to rest and not get sick as well. Can’t you cancel little Nick as well?”
“This is my last lesson with him. I won’t renew my contract. His dad is getting on my last nerves.” I hear the irritation in her voice.
“Is he still asking you out?” I bet she can hear the anger in my voice.
“No, he’s unusually polite, but his demeanor tells a different story.” I hear her shudder. “A bit cringy, I would say.”
“Okay, I’ll send Zack to you once I arrive at the office. He’ll be your driver today.”
“I can manage on my own, Daniel. I’m sure it would be a last peaceful lesson.”
“I’m sure it would be, but Zack is your driver today.”
“Fine, I didn’t feel like driving anyway. I was going to Uber.”
“Then it’s settled. I miss you.”
“Not sure I like you very much right now. You wore me out and I can still feel your imprint all over my body.”
“Just the way I like it, Princess,” I tease.
“Bye, Daniel, the irreplaceable guy.”
I laugh harder.
“Bye, Princess.” I hang up, smiling, knowing I’m irreplaceable.
I would rather she cancelled with the little boy, but I know she would fight me about it. She cares about her students.
I turn to Zack.
“Zack, once you drop me off at the office, return home and pick MAK up. Make sure you stay with her all day.”
“Yes, sir.”
I smile on my ride to the office. Living with Anu, I am guaranteed a life filled with laughter every day.