Dating Mr. Mogul (Book 2 of Mr. Mogul series)

Eight

I gave him a sad smile, remembering why I had those evident eye bags in the first place. "Well, I suggest you call me next time even if you just wanted to yell at me," I stated sourly though my tone didn't have a bitter edge to it.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled sadly, though he kept the smile on his face.

"Me too," I replied as I leaned in for one last kiss.

The second kiss wasn't as passionate and heated as the last one, but it held more meaning and emotions. It was a kiss of forgiveness and acceptance. It was a kiss to pull us out of whatever anger we had towards each other. After that, I gripped my hand tighter on his blazer, wanting the moment to last longer.

As I closed the door to my apartment, I learned by the frame feeling my knee give out. I reached up towards my lips, remembering our kiss a few minutes ago. A blush was creeping up to my face, so I fanned myself lightly, hoping to cool myself down.

When I was able to gather my thoughts, I silently made my way towards the living room where I heard a faint noise coming from the television screen. I did a double-take as I eyed the two men sitting on my couch.

"When did you two get here? Why didn't you tell me you were visiting?" I asked as I glanced between Terry and Andrew.

"Andy! You are back!" Terry cheered in greeting as he jumped on his feet. He skipped in my direction and enveloped me in a bear hug.

"Don't try to change the subject," I grumbled under my breath as he held me tightly. "Can you let me go now? I can't breathe," I added.

"Sorry. I just missed you," he gushed cheekily and returned to the couch.

I followed him while eying the back of his head suspiciously. "Hi, Andrew. I suppose you are the only decent person in this room who can answer my question without attacking me," I said as I turned my attention to Terry's lover, who sat silently throughout the exchange. I can tell his amusement from the smirk on his face, though.

"I'm sorry for the intrusion, Andy. Your dad called Terry while he was on his way to pick me up. He wanted some help with recording some show on the television, but when we got here, there was no recorder attached to it to record the show," Andrew replied shyly.

"I was also thinking about that before I called, but you know technology these days. I thought it was possible with this television," my dad suddenly interrupted as he appeared, standing in the hallway leading to our rooms.

I turned towards his voice, a small amused smile plastered on my face. "Didn't you listen to me when I told you about it last time? We didn't have that recording thing," I pointed out half-heartedly as I kept my voice light and less angry.

"Well, I'm glad that you called us, Mr. Peterson. Andy here had already forgotten about me since she started hanging around a lot with her hot-shot Mogul boyfriend," Terry stated teasingly, making me look at him in a warning.

"Oh! Don't be jealous, Terry. He doesn't have the class to ever replace a man like you in my life," I said sarcastically and rolled my eyes.

"He can try, but he already lost the moment he wanted to bang—" he countered with a wicked grin but stopped when I cleared my throat, realizing that he was about to cross the line.

"Okay, Okay. Let's stop talking about me. So, what is this show you wanted to watch Dad?" I said to divert the topic away from my relationship.

As my father gave me his reply, I glared at Terry for a second while he eyed me teasingly. I smiled at his failed attempt at embarrassing me in front of my father. Terry could be quite aggressive when you challenge him in a battle of witty comebacks.

Since it was the start of football season, my father had been recently glued to the television. Tonight, we were watching a recap game of his favorite team. Even though he already knew who won, his reactions to each goal were all the same. It was a sight to see my father so enthusiastic again.

After the game, Terry and Andrew decided to call it a night. I was so distracted from the moment I came in the door that it took me a while for me to realize that Terry was supposed to be at work tonight. When I asked him about it as I walked them out, he looked hesitant and disgruntled for a second.

"I quit," he finally admitted in a whisper.

"What? Why didn't you tell me?" I asked in surprise and then it crossed my mind. Now, it explained a lot of things from the last time we met.

"I wanted to tell you when he had those drinks last Friday, but I couldn't. I know you'll be up to my case, and you are currently dating my boss's boss," he replied abashedly.

"You didn't tell me because I'm dating William?" I stated in disbelief, a little appalled at his admission. I thought there wouldn't come a day where people around me would start hiding things because of the people I associated in my life, but I spoke too soon.

"Don't blame this on yourself. I can see it on your face. This is not about you. This is on me. I didn't want to worry you. You dating William is enough trouble and stress as it is," he stated, his eyes filled with sincerity.

I stared back at him with the same intensity before nodding in agreement. I understood why he didn't tell me. Terry was one of those people who didn't like to burden others with his problems. It was one trait of him that I found admirable.

In defeat, I reached up and pulled him into a hug. My actions took him by surprise for a second, but he responded after he understood the situation. Faintly, I could see Andrew standing wearily beside him. While my head rested on his shoulder, I glanced up toward Andrew and mouthed 'please take care of him'. In reply, he gave me a quick nod and a smile.

When they were gone, I went back inside and crasheddown on the living room couch. I understood what Terry had told me. I knew whatI'm going to be dealing with if I dated a man like William Maxwell. I knew thatthe huge difference in social status would be a strain on our relationship.