I wake the next morning feeling a little reluctant cause today was supposed to be "me time" I have a few days of break before I fly to New York to start shooting the movie and I was looking forward to relaxing and catching up with some friends but no, I've got a date with a rude, egotistical weirdo. Well, it helps that he's hot, hopefully, he plays by my rules and doesn't pull anything funny.
I get up and go downstairs to brew some coffee, still half sleepy. I know it's 10 in the morning but with all the accumulated tiredness, I'm exhausted.
As soon as I head into the kitchen, the doorbell rings. I glance at the clock as it's only a quarter past 10. Why is anyone here at 10 am on my day off?
I open the front door to find a delivery guy holding a huge bouquet of red roses and a large flat black box with gold detailing, in his hand.
"Good morning, Ms. Red?"
"Yes?"
"Could you please sign here?"
He hands me a board to sign and I do so, returning the board to him and trying to juggle the items he hands me.
"Have a great day Ms. Red." He beams and scoots off
"Yea, you too," I say, closing the door.
Looks like Zac still doesn't get it does he? I place the flowers and the box on the dining table and look for a card among the flowers. I mean, it could be management congratulating me on the movie or something. Gosh, I'm so full of myself.
I notice the tiny gold card in between the flowers and I pick at it to reveal who it's from
Good morning beautiful,
Hope you like the flowers and the dress
Put the dress on tonight.
Looking forward to seeing you.
J.
J? Dammit I forgot what his name was. James? Justin? I place the card down and immediately open the box to find a beautiful blue dress, I take a look at the label on the box again, and it's freaking ALEXANDER MCQUEEN! Did he buy me an Alexander McQueen dress? Who is this guy?
I take the dress out of the box and it immediately falls out, I almost choke on my breath and cough. It's a long dinner dress in navy blue with slightly transparent georgette material on the outside and short satin material on the inside, It was simply gorgeous, I was too excited by the dress to focus on anything else, I immediately strip off my pajamas and throw the dress on running to the full-length mirror I have by the door, to look at myself. "God, I look like a million bucks," I say to my reflection in the mirror. Why would a guy I met once, buy me something this expensive? Is he trying to prove something?
Annoyance coursed through me, If there is one thing I hate in a guy or even people, in general, is "showing off". I get that you're rich and all that but, so what?
I pick up the card and read it again
Good morning beautiful,
Hope you like the flowers and the dress
Put the dress on tonight.
Looking forward to seeing you.
J.
"Put the dress on?" He's telling me what to do? He's telling me.... what to do. As amazing as this dress is, I can't keep it. I can't take a gift like this from a complete stranger. This is just ridiculous. I take the dress off and fold it back placing it in the box. I decide on returning it back to him tonight. I agreed to a date and a date is all he's gonna get.
I spend the entire day lounging on the couch, painting my nails, rewatching episodes of Friends, and indulging in Dark chocolate-covered strawberries that my friend Ricky had sent me, as a thank-you gift yesterday. He wanted me to Collaborate with him on a track for his new album and tomorrow I'll be spending the morning at his studio, recording.
I'm looking forward to that cause the song is dope and Ricky's got a great fan base. Collaborating with him will also help my career.
I look at the clock and it's 6.30 pm.
Wow, I can't believe I spent an entire day doing absolutely nothing, I feel so fulfilled.
Well, I'm always on the go so I deserved this.
Knowing myself, it will take me forever to get ready, I like taking my time, figuring out what to wear, while blasting some Beyoncé, showering then sipping wine while putting on makeup, stopping to watch a little bit more Friends. I like taking my time.
Judging by the dress he sent me, I'm guessing he wants me to wear something elegant. But I want to make sure it's also me. So I decide on a simple red polyester off-shoulder bodycon dress that falls slightly below the knee.
It looked classy and not very revealing. I pair it with a pair of black stilettos and decide on putting my hair up in a very neat low bun. I settle on a little foundation, some mascara, and a bright red lip. Red lipsticks are my thing. Take every single makeup away from me I could go on with just red lipstick.
*dinggg donggg*
The doorbell rings. Wow, it's 7.50 pm. Why are they always early? I open the door and gasp at the sight in front of me. Hercules looks like Prince Charming right now. He's got his hair tied up in a classy man bun and he's wearing skinny black jeans with a white t-shirt and a blazer on top. He looked dashing.
He looks at me up and down, taking in everything, and locks eyes with me giving me a smug smile. He gently but firmly grabs me by the waist hugging me. I couldn't help but feel slight tingles in my tummy at the smell of his strong intoxicating cologne and his large arms draped around my waist.
"You look gorgeous.... however.......this isn't the dress I sent you." He says raising an eyebrow. Still keeping me locked in his arms.
I gently let myself out of his grip, as I leave the door open for him and walk to the kitchen. I hear him shut the door and follow pursuit behind.
"Did you not read the note?" He asks holding back his annoyance. Something about him just seemed very intimidating but I can't let that affect me. I'm a strong bold woman.
"Oh I did.....thank you.... but I'd rather my own wear my clothes," I say picking up the box from the kitchen counter and placing it on the dining table in front of him.
He looks at the box and looks back at me with confusion in his eyes.
"You didn't like the dress?.... was it the color?... cause my assistant said this would look really good on you and that's why I got it."
He explains himself as if I was this unhappy spoiled brat he's trying hard to please.
"What? No! The dress is gorgeous. A little too good actually. I just can't accept it."
"Why not?" He asks, moving closer. God his voice is so deep and sexy
"Because firstly, I only agreed to a date and secondly, I'm pretty sure I know how to dress and I don't need you buying me an expensive dress just to go on a date with you. That's just ridiculous." I say. He smiles at me slightly amused as he steps closer towards me. He had such a strong presence that my automatic reaction was to take a few steps back as if he was going to eat me alive.
"Firstly, the price isn't a big deal to me and secondly, it was just a gift. There's nothing wrong with the way you dress, you looked good even in that white t-shirt and blue jeans you were in yesterday....." He says, smiling. "I just wanted to do something nice." He continues, pushing the box towards me.
I feel myself blushing at the fact that he remembered what I wore and I thank God I'm black or I'd be red right now
"Well that's sweet of you Mr. Rodriguez but I'm afraid..... I can't accept this." I persist, pushing the box back at him. He stares at me intently and I stare back, slightly nervous and slightly turned on by this back and forth. He then proceeds to shrug in defeat. I could tell that he was annoyed but he held it back. Wow! We're off to a good start.
"Did you at least like the flowers?"
"Oh I loved the flowers, they were beautiful. Thank you." I say, nodding and smiling at him.
"Great! Then I guess I'll take this home and use it as a curtain or something." He jokes, picking up the box and walking towards the living room.
"You do that..... I'm going to get my purse." I say and heed to my room to check myself in front of the mirror, one last time.
We arrive at, of course, this fancy Italian restaurant, and I could see people looking at us as soon as we step into the room. I couldn't tell if they were looking at us cause he's a famous boxer or just us in general. But I'm over that face of being all self-conscious.
"Rodriguez." He tells the host at the front desk and she ushers us to a secluded table at the corner near the window that gives us a beautiful view of... just the outside.
"What can I get you to drink?" The waiter asks, handing us the menus.
"We'll have a bottle of Romanee-Conti 1990." He orders confidently
"And can I get a glass of warm water please Thank you," I tell the waiter.
"Sure. I'll be back to take your meal orders." He says and leaves.
I began glancing at the menu but I can feel Jason's eyes on me. I act as if I didn't notice him. The waiter comes back with our drinks and opens the bottle of wine, filling our glasses.
"Ready to order?" He asks.
"Yes, I'll have a steak rib, medium rare and the lady will have the same thing, how do you like it done?" He asks me. Oh wow! That, he chooses to ask? How about, what do you like to eat. I could be a vegetarian for all he knows. How dare he order for me. I'm baffled. He just ordered for me like I was a freaking 5-year-old.
"Actually...I'll have your pesto pasta," I speak up for myself and the waiter immediately senses the tension and for some reason looks to Jason as if awaiting his approval.
"You heard the lady, she'll have the pesto." He says looking at me smiling amusingly. The waiter nods and leaves.
"So do you always decide for the girls you go out with?" I ask.
"It's sort of a habit and they seem to like it. They never deny an expensive gift and they trust what I order for them." He says sarcastically.
"Well, it sounds like you dated a lot of balloon heads, so... should I be offended?" My mouth speaks faster than my head can control it.
"You're something else, Ms. Red." He says, chuckling.
"I should hope so," I say, feeling a little-relaxed cause he didn't get mad. Why am I so on edge? Gosh, get it together Jess.
The food arrives and my eyes lit up as I see the chunks of cheese scattered around my creamy pesto. I begin to dig in but sophisticatedly of course
"So, what do you do?" He asks cutting into his steak.
"I work in music," I say, shortly.
"What do you do in music?"
"Well... I make them." I say, trying not to reveal too much. I don't know this guy, I don't have to give him details.
"So you're a musician?"
"Yea..... you could say that."
He studies my every movement as if he was trying to look for some type of signal. I've never felt this insecure around a person before. I try my hardest to not be affected.
"So... what made you get into boxing?" I ask trying to switch the focus on him.
He shrugs and continues cutting into his meat. "I don't know, when I was 9, I use to get into fights so a teacher recommended me to get into boxing, it helped. Started like therapy but when I learned the art of it, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I'm good at it too. Don't you agree?" He asks looking at me with a smug smile.
"You are indeed." I smile back amusingly. For some reason, his confidence is actually attractive, It's kind of enduring.
"So how is it that someone as beautiful and successful as you are, still single?" He asks.
"Which part of me being a said musician, made me sound successful?" I laugh.
"Except that you're an award-winning, multiplatinum-selling pop star." He says waiting for my response. My eyes grow wide. I've never even so much as given him my last name before. And only now does it hit me that, he knows it.
But he didn't seem like the kind of guy to google me.
"I did my research, Ms. Red. I know where you grew up, I know you have a little sister in fashion, you've been single for a while now." You'd be surprised by the things I know. He says, sipping his wine creepily. Did he realize how creepy he's acting?
God, why do I feel so small all of a sudden? How much does he know about me? I don't know if this is creepy or considered normal for a famous man to research the girls he goes out with.
"Why would you do that? Is that how you figured out where I lived too?"
"Yup." He replies confidently. It's suddenly so hot in here and I feel a little suffocated. This is the reason why I'm afraid to simply date people I don't know.
The thought of someone knowing where you live and every personal detail about you, he even knows my freaking dress size. That is freaky as hell.
I no longer feel comfortable sitting here with him and all I want is to get out. I mean, call me crazy but for all I know, he could be a serial killer on the side and no one would think to investigate him cause he's a celebrity. What if he has a type? And I filled the criteria of his next victim. How stupid can I be? I need to find a way out. God, I need to get out.
"Are you alright?" He asks, suddenly realizing I've been silent the whole time.
"Uh... yeah, I need to use the restroom," I say, leaving the table. I can feel his eyes on me the whole time as I make my way to the back mentally figuring out an exit. I feel a strong uneasy feeling come upon me, I'm never the type to simply go on dates with people I don't know and I don't understand how I allowed this to happen. I even got in the same damn car with him. That's something I never do, I should know better, especially now even more than ever.
Tiana has told me a million times not to be stupid and what I've done, is the exact opposite of that. Now I need to think of a strategy.... how to get out of here? Maybe I'll just stand here long enough and when he's not looking, I can dash out. Yes, that's what I'll do.
I stand by the ladies, waiting until I see him glance around a little bit and then look down at his phone "thank you, God!" I whisper to myself and make a run for it. I run outside and stand at an angle where I can see him but he can't see me. I begin to look through my contacts to call someone, and when I look up, I see the waitress walking up to him and saying something. Shit! His demeanor immediately changes and I see him glance around, he gets up and leaves some money on the table, and walks off.
Dammit, dammit I quickly begin walking to the corner hoping he won't notice me as I frantically press call when I see Tiana's name.....it goes straight to voicemail.
"Jessica?" He calls out, making me almost drop my phone in shock, as soon as I hear his deep voice go a little higher than usual.
Should I run? I'm in heels, I can't run, I realize that I'm standing at the corner of the restaurant, and next to it is a quiet isle with dumpsters and there isn't a place to run to. So I turn around to face him.
"Were you running out on our date?" He asks, a little confused.
"I really need to go home," I told him nervously.
"Well... alright then, I'll take you home." He says calmly, walking towards me.
"NO! D...d...don't come near me," I say, putting my hand out for him to stop right there, as I move backward.
"What?" He asks. Even more confused
"Please, just leave me alone," I beg
"Did I do something wrong? I thought we were having a great time. I don't understand." He says, looking almost hurt.
I don't even know if he's pretending or is he for real right now. I'm terrified but at the same time, part of me feels like he might not have any bad intention.
"Why did you ask me out and why did you have me investigated? Like who are you and what do you want with me." I asked bravely. On the inside, I'm terrified to hear what he has to say.
He looks at me for a few seconds as if trying to read my emotions if I'm being serious. He huffs realizing I am and glances around, tucking his hands in his pocket, he looks at me.
"I don't know who you are... I met you for the first time at the match and I thought you were beautiful..... I noticed how you hated being there cause you had this sour face" he chuckles. "it was really cute...." he makes a funny face and laughs again. I almost laugh too.
"But for some reason......you were there. So when your friend needed my help, I used it as an opportunity to get you to go out with me and Yes, I know it was a dick move to put you in that position but I had to do what I had to." He says and shrugs like it's the most obvious thing.
"But of course I needed to know what I was getting myself into so I had my assistant do a little research on you. All she had to do was put your name in google and find everything there is to know. So there wasn't any crazy investigation there." He explains calmly.
Well, that makes sense but that doesn't answer how he has my address.
"How did you find out where I live?" I ask, folding my arms.
"Your friend Kim?" He answers like it's so obvious.
I look at him contemplating if I should believe him or not. I mean everything he said made sense and I can't lie, I do believe him.
"So...?" He asks, taking his hands out of his pocket and folding his arms.
Suddenly I feel stupid. Damn, I watch way too many psycho murder movies, I can't believe I thought my date was a freaking murderer.
"I'm sorry..... I just... I freaked out okay. I thought you were like some serial killer or something." I admit
"Are you kidding me? Why would you think that?"
"Cause you're like all big and intimidating and you knew where I live and all that. Who wouldn't think that?" I say, throwing my hands around to emphasize my descriptions.
"Look, you may not believe this but, I'm not good at this." He gestures at both of us.
"I don't really date or meet many women. Besides the people I work with and the occasional wives who come and watch me, with their husbands and fantasies about me." He says smugly, and I roll my eyes at him.
"But I don't know how to be charming and smooth, like the guys you've probably gone out with." He says as he chuckles and begins to move closer to me.
"Oh, you're smoother than you think..." I blurt without thinking how that sounded. We both laugh as he takes more steps toward me.
"You're really funny you know that." He says, with that irresistible deep voice again.
"Well, I was being very serious," I tell him, trying to keep a straight face. I realize how stupid this is. Well, I watch way too many psycho-murder movies so I can't help but be paranoid. But after his little confession, it made sense why he was a little weird.
He moves closer and towers over me, looking into my eyes, I look up into his deep brown eyes and realize they're not really brown, they're more green. I notice his pupil dilate as he brings his huge hand to my jaw and begins caressing my cheek and jaw with the back of his hand. I could feel my skin beginning to burn under his touch as he slowly leans in closer to my face, Taking a deep breath as if he was breathing me in.
"And I was being serious when I said that you are the most beautiful girl I've ever met Jessica Red." He says softly. His breath smelled like red wine, his aftershave mixed with his cologne was intoxicating. I could feel my heart beating so fast, I wondered if it was audible.
"Your skin so soft, so golden......beautiful." He whispers into my ears. His lips begin caressing my cheek, dangerous making their way down my neck his lips felt so foreign on my skin but it felt so good, I couldn't help but let out a slight moan. He pulls away a little and smirks as he continues his torture assault, bringing his lips to the corner of mine. I knew I could either live in the moment and let this go on, not knowing where it may end up, and regret it later, or I could take things slow now and play it safe. Kissing him would mean that I'm in.
I master up as much willpower as I could, as I form a firm grip on his hand that's gripping my jaw and moving it away. Placing my other hand on his chest I push him a little further to create distance. His face changed I couldn't tell if he was upset or what. I just know that if I let him kiss me now, it would mess with my head and I won't be able to think straight.
"Can you take me home?" I croak. My mouth and throat felt so dry
He stays quiet for a while, looks at me with a slight frown, and then nods. "Yeah, sure."
We get into the car and he begins driving. We sit there the whole time in complete silence, but a comfortable one.
I try to stop thinking about what just happened but I can't. His touch felt so foreign but I liked it and his eyes.... how is it I never notice they were a little green. Another thing that bothers me...... I can't read his eyes and I'm good at reading people. I decide to forget about it for now and just glance out of the window.
Suddenly my thoughts drift to my pasta, which was some really good pasta and I had to leave it behind cause I thought he was a serial killer. How stupid Jess? I let out a sigh of disappointment.
"Hey, you alright there?" He asks, glancing between me and the road as he drives.
"Just thinking about my pasta..... it was one of the best I ever had.... and I didn't get to finish it," I say. Still leaning against the window.
He chuckles.
"I can't believe after everything that happened tonight, all you're thinking about is that pasta? That's one lucky pasta I guess."
I turn my head to look at him and his eyes remain on the road.
"I'm sorry about what happened today.... it was a really nice date and I ruined it," I say.
"Yea, you did." He answers still looking at the road.
I frown and sit up looking at him. How dare he?
"Well, I wouldn't have ruined it if you weren't so scary," I said folding my arms.
"Scary? You really see me as scary?" He asks in seriousness, looking at me for like a few seconds and back at the road.
"A little," I say timidly.
"Wow!" He lets out a huff and continues driving silently.
I didn't know what else to say so I stay silent as well, looking out the window.
We pull up to my apartment complex and he puts his car in park turning to face me, resting one arm on the steering wheel, his eyes find mine the minute I turn to face him.
"I never meant to scare you or do anything to make you uncomfortable, I just... I don't know... I tend to come off that way sometimes but I'm working on it." He says and laughs a little. I could sense the sincerity in his voice. "Please don't be afraid of me." He whispers.
For the first time tonight, I felt like he was just a guy, just a regular guy with emotions. The whole night he was like a Lion and I was his prey being cautious afraid he'll pounce but now, here, just looking at him and the way he's looking at me, I feel like he might not be that bad.
"Yea, I believe you," I say and smile at him.
His face lits up and for a split second, he looked like a little boy.
"Will I get to see you again?" He asks hopefully
I didn't think about that. Do I wanna see him again? Well, he's good-looking and all that but he's very unpredictable. I guess we'll see.
"Maybe," I say. Kissing him softly on the cheek and he smiles widely.
"Wait! I'll get it." He stops me as I turn to reach for the door. He gets out coming over to my side, he opens the door.
"Thank you," I say, stepping out of the car, and smiling. I turn to face him and he looks at me slowly reaching for my hand and placing a soft kiss on the back of my hand. I feel a slight tingle as he looks at me and smiles.
"Good night Jessica."
"Good night Jason," I say, smiling, still a little giddy from the kiss on the hand. Gosh, why am I so ditzy? I feel his eyes on me as I walk into the building.
Jason is so different compared to the guys I've gone out with, in the past. I can usually tell if a guy is a player or if he likes me for my fame, even with Zac I knew dating him would be risky only because I could kind of tell the kind of guy he was and I've got his previous dating records and all so he's an open book. But with Jason, I don't know what to think. I don't know what he's thinking and that scares me even more.
I look into his eyes and see nothing but a mystery. It's like there's so much to him but you'll have to dig deeper to find layers. Yup, that's it, mysterious. Mysterious is what he is and it's so enticing. I guess I'm gonna see how hard he pursues. That will tell me a lot more about him cause right now, he seems like the kind of guy who always gets what he wants.
I get ready for bed, put some eucalyptus oil into my diffuser, and bring a cup of chamomile tea to bed. After sipping on tea and overthinking everything again, I cover my eyes with an eye pad to block out all light and go to bed feeling anxious.