Colton
"Should I wear the black or the blue one?"
"Doesn't matter. Take your pick. Come on, man, you're taking forever to choose a shirt." Gerald was chilling on the couch, watching me search through my wardrobe.
My home is always open to him. He's using my gym, swimming in my pool, crashing at my penthouse, driving my car, and all others. He's more than just a best friend, he's like a brother.
There used to be three of us who were best friends since grade school, and we all ended up taking the same course in college. The other one, Cassie Garcia, sadly passed away in a car crash. This happened back in our second year of college.
Losing Cassie hit Gerald and me really hard. Especially Gerald, who had a relationship with Cassie for years.
Gerald lost his motivation to study after that thing happened. He ditched studying and just stayed home binge-watching Netflix or playing games online. His life was a total mess. Up until two years ago, he was okay with me footing the bill for his online class. Soon, he'll be done with college and work for me.
"I'm thinking of going with black." I decided, but immediately changed my mind. "But it's her favorite color. Maybe she'll think I'm trying to impress her."
"Dude, you've been staring at your closet for like half an hour. It's not a fancy date, just a business dinner. Keep that in mind."
"Yeah, I know. But I still have to look good. She'd notice everything and come up with an extra reason to hate me."
"Do you really think she cares? She doesn't like you."
My lips twisted. "The feeling is mutual, but I notice every little thing about her."
"It's because you're super attracted to her. You bug her all the time because she doesn't feel the same."
I balled a shirt and threw it at him. "Hey, I'm not shallow."
He evaded and threw it back at me, hitting my arm.
"You still fancy her, right? It's too obvious, man. You don't have to tell me."
I sighed and gave in. "Time to have my brain examined. She's got me crushing on her every single time I see her. She's just so damn irresistible."
"Have your heart checked as well. From the way I see it, you're in danger of falling in love with her."
I laughed meanly. "I'm not really into love or commitment right now, you know? It'll come when I'm ready and find the right person. And for sure, it won't be Luna."
"Just keep saying it to convince yourself." He laughed aloud.
"Get outta here. She'll be here any moment now."
He stood up and tapped my back. "Good luck, bro. Try harder to resist your enemy, okay? Remember why you're doing this."
"Of course, I won't forget it."
***
Luna
I showed up at Global Excellence Consultants on Friday at 7 pm. I had on a pantsuit in all-bisque color with heels that matched perfectly. I just tied my hair back in a ponytail and put on a bit of makeup.
I couldn't believe it was happening. I never thought Colton and I would be eating dinner together. We've hated each other since day one.
My hands were all shaky, and my legs were trembling. Ugh, why am I freaking out about meeting him?
I had a rough night's sleep, thinking about my meeting with Colton. I woke up this morning feeling super edgy. If I don't relax, I'll totally lose it.
"Good evening, Miss Stavrakos. Mr. Treble is waiting for you." Mr. Albert Ong said when we met in the lobby.
"Good evening, Mr. Ong."
"You can call me Albert, ma'am." He smiled, flushing a little.
I nodded and smiled back at him. "Thanks, Albert."
"Follow me," he said, leading me to the elevator that goes straight to the penthouse.
Besides the three security guards, there aren't any employees left on the ground floor.
He said Fridays are off-limits for overtime, as per management. It's also the day when everyone's rushing home for some nightlife. He'd do the same once he showed me at the penthouse.
As we rode the elevator up to the penthouse, I couldn't help but think back to the first time I met Colton.
Yeah, it was in the elevator.
It happened like eight years ago, when me and my family went to this fancy award event. I had to leave the event to get something for my unexpected period. I took the elevator down to the ground floor where the convenient store was.
The door was about to close when a hand stopped it.
This really attractive guy stepped into the elevator. He had a killer jawline, straight nose, full lips, and bronze brown hair.
Oh, my gosh. He was totally giving off Edward Cullen vibes. You know, the super attractive vampire from the Twilight books that Bella's totally in love with.
I felt butterflies in my stomach, and no joke, I heard angels singing in the background.
But my admiration died when he smirked and said.
"Are you lost, baby girl?"
What the heck! It was cringy when he said the exact same line from a mafia movie. He was nothing like the Edward Cullen I had in mind, more like a total idiot.
I started feeling super aware of being alone with him. I freaked out when he got closer and towered over me.
What's he doing? He's making a move to kiss me!
My exercise routine included self-defense and boxing. I knew how to kick some ass when I had to. And it was time for me to defend myself.
Right before his lips touched mine, I reacted right away. I landed a solid punch in his face. That really got him! He came close to falling but caught hold of the elevator railing just in time.
"What the actual fuck! Why'd you do that?" He was furious, checking his jaw for any damage.
"You asked for it. Don't you know you can't just kiss anyone?"
"Kiss?!" He looked confused for a moment, then chuckled nastily, "You seriously thought I wanted to kiss you?"
I was so insulted, like there was no way a hot guy like him would ever kiss a girl like me.
"Weren't you?"
"Seriously? Why the heck would I do that? I'm not insane." His forehead furrowed. "I was trying to press the buttons, but you were in the way."
I twisted my lips. My pride won't bow down. "Hmp, whatever."
"Dang, you won't even say sorry."
I totally rolled my eyes and acted like he wasn't even there. It was all his fault, being all cocky when he stepped in the elevator. If he hadn't used that line, I would've been nicer.
Anyways, I wasn't really worried about him. I don't think we'll ever see each other again.
Unfortunately, I ran into him again that night. Turned out, he was the brother of Sweet, the girl my brother was dating and now his wife.
And then, there were some more reason to hate him. It was like a chain reaction. We ended up meeting each other again in a very unfortunate way, that led us to hate each other more.
"Here we are, mam. I'll leave you now. The butler will show you in."
"Thanks, Albert, for the opportunity to talk to Mr. Treble."
"No worries." He smiled back, then left together with the elevator.
The middle-aged butler took me to the really spacious living room. It was as amazing as I remembered.
"Please have a seat, mam. I'll just inform Mr. Treble that you're here."
"Thanks."
Instead of sitting down, I glanced around his place and spotted this enormous painting on the wall that totally blew me away. The painting was all abstract and had black, white, and gray shades. I had my head down, trying to make sense of the art.
"You're going to have a stiff neck if you don't stop doing that." I heard Colton behind me.
I turned to him and was like, oh my God, he looked amazing in that black shirt. He had his sleeves rolled up, showing off his gorgeous veiny hands. My weakness.
Goodness gracious. He completely stole my breath.
What's going on with me? I'm engaged and having strange thoughts, even about my worst enemy.
"So, what is the image?" I asked, still curious about the painting.
"It's a woman, looking at the moon."
My eyebrows furrowed as I looked back at the painting, studying it. "How?"
I heard him laugh. Darn it. His laugh was sexy as hell, waking up all my buried nerves.
I felt him moved closer behind me. His cologne smelled incredible and captivated me. Smells fresh, clean, and manly with hints of sandalwood, iris, and vetiver.
"Here," he pointed at the figure on the painting.
I looked at the figure, then at his stunning hand.
Out of nowhere, I felt this ache that I really didn't want, and it had been buried deep down for so long. Seriously, though. Why do I feel like I'm eighteen all over again?
"I see." I glanced at him and caught him staring at me.
I backed off to a safe spot. I was freaking out. Not about him, but how I reacted to him.
We just stood there, staring at each other. I was totally aware of him, as he was of me. It was way too intense between us. I couldn't even breathe.