A/N
If you have gotten to this chapter of the book, I want to thank you for your time and the votes💗
Anna's POV
As we both sat on the bed, Shaun brought out a mini package and stretched her hand out to take the box.
" What's this?" Raised eyebrow
" I dropped by your apartment, found in your mailbox."
" Oh. I can't remember ordering something online." I tore the sealer off the box
" check the sender's name."
" No name" more curious as I began to tear the box in haste.
" Halt!" Shaun exclaimed. "It could be a prank..we have to be careful." Stood up to pace the room.
" Shaun, stop being paranoid. And stop pacing the room, you're giving me a headache."
"Sorry" hesitates with a worried look then sat a few steps away. "Should I call San to come?"
" I am fine. I can handle it." I smiled up at her.
" For all, we know it could be a dead cat or something."
" I don't think I have done something in my life to deserve such, " I said with a weary smile, the object in the box threw me into a laugh.
"It's not funny, Anna."
" This is very funny" I took out the mini stuff pokemon and a little note that was attached to its ear.
" A Pokemon?" Shaun's eyes went wide with an exclamation. " and the note?"
" Says " Your secret admirer."
" that's ridiculous." Shaun stood and began pacing the room again. I can't blame her when she does this often to think on her feet. But girl it sure gives me a headache.
" Who might it be?"
" No idea"I smiled with contentment
San got himself into a competition
" Anna, you're in no situation to be smiling sheepishly like a goat on the heat."
" Ouch... I felt that deep down in my soul."
" Sorry, but really?" Our gaze locked and we laughed out.
" Did I seem like a goat?"
" figuratively. " came to sit beside me.
" I miss being on the heat with John acting out on me." Shaun placed her head my shoulder for comfort, I, in turn, patted her on the back.
" He will come around. He's probably busy with clients and stocks plummeting." I assured her
" You don't think he's cheating on me?"
" God, no" John isn't like that, he's always preoccupied whenever he takes on a new task. Call him a lone ranger but never a cheater. " If you want, I could talk to him."
" No dear, I will wait for him." Shaun held my hands and hugged me. "Thanks for taking out time for me and my insecurities."
" Anytime because I know you would do the same for me."
" Not when you should be spending time with San and his sisters."
" Believe me, when I say he needs this bonding time more than I need it." I gave her a kleenex box to wipe her eyes, which was getting puffy. Whenever a tear is let out of Shaun's eyes, it gets puffy for a day or two the reason she rarely cries.
"By the way when are you coming back to work?"
" Miss me much?" A grin on my face.
" Yes, I miss our afternoon session."
" I am leaving this house tomorrow, although, I am yet to tell Philip that I am leaving." And he's not going to like it.
Weary eyes on me, Shaun knew what was thinking, held my hands " Say it, Shaun."
She laughed hysterically, while more tears were let out. "You know me too well. But I will allow you and Philip to worry about your troubles." Stood up and turned to me, " I have to leave now. "
"So soon?" I pout my mouth. " Stay for dinner, won't you?"
" That's so sweet of you but enjoy the bond time with Philip " smiles then continued "I see family drama at hand."
" Come, on Shaun "
" I am just saying" hands up " just saying and poor Ayo gets to witness this epic drama."
I laughed as the thought came to mind.
No, Shaun, Ayo loves family dramas. He won't miss out on this one.
" See you on Monday."
" I can't wait and tell Philip about your secret admirer." smiling " I will see myself out. Enjoy yourself. " nodding in response, we both hugged ourselves.
*******
Once I saw Shaun off, I went into the kitchen to see what the noise was about. The James clan and Ayo were playing a game. The atmosphere was surreal and compelling to watch the game and see the winner jubilate with a victory.
San sat across from Natalie with hands folded. He didn't seem to be playing, a happy spectator... That was what he was.
As I approach, he held out his hands for me to share his seat with him. I gladly took them and sat with me back on his chest then he wrapped his warm hands around me and whispered: " did you have fun talking with Shaun?"
I nodded in response, then turned slightly to face Philip. " She sends her regards too."
" That's kind of her." I turned back to the game before me. Again, He whispered " rain check? Can we ditch these clowns?"
I smiled at his comment then pats his hands " these clowns seems to be having fun, Philip."
" Five mins." More jubilation was let out from Sunny winning against Ayo. Ayo should just quit, he's never been good with games like fortnite or Nintendo. But this is a great way everyone could bond.
"I am famished, " Natalie said, " Should we order pizza?"
" Sure, any specials?" Philip asked
" Hawaii is fine, Ayo, what about you?"
" Meatzza will do."
" pepperoni " Sunny yelled out with eyes glued on the monitor.
" I will have meatzza too," I said
" that makes three of us" Philip replied.
" Great, it's pizza night. " Natalie grabbed her phone to order our menus while
Philip said something about going down to the cellar to get the wine.
Cellar? He owns a cellar filled with wine? ... I must be right about the old money.
*********
Philip and I settled on the couch on the patio after dinner. I had only sat for five minutes when I decided it was time to talk about my leaving the next day. But first, I poured myself more wine.
"Annie, you're quiet. Is anything the matter?"
" No, am fine. I am taking in the night and beautiful works ..." He cuts me off
" Annie, what is wrong? "
" Nothing ?"
" Come, on Annie, you never speak poetry."
" Yes, I do."
While he tried to process my reply, Philip resorted to staring at me. His stare was cute, the stillness of the moment was even hilarious.
No, he's right, I don't speak poetry.
" Fine. We need to talk"
" I know where this is going. If it's about my family, I know it was overwhelming, and I am sorry that I could not warn you about them."
"God, no." Shaking my head, " I had beautiful moments with your sisters, Philip. I also think it was kind of them to reach out to you, brother" I teased him
", and that's not what we need to talk about, my two weeks vacation is over. I am thankful for taking care of me and having me in your beautiful home."
" You're leaving?"
I saw the slight frown of annoyance on his face as I clung to the state of my partner's feelings towards me.
Gosh! Did I call Philip my partner? I blushed at the thought.
" I have to say, Philip, we both knew this arrangement was temporary, and I would leave someday." My blushing intensified, I waved my hands in the air to calm my conflicting emotions.
" You can go to work from here. I must say its even faster to get to work from my end."
I saw a relatable smirk on his face after his comment. I understand his need for attention, care and love but my leaving won't put that on hold.
Over the weeks, I have come to fight my fears to give us both a chance at this thing called - relationship, and I am not ready to ruin it with irrational behaviour. We are two adults we can make this work.
" How about this, I go home and come back to spend Thanksgiving with you?"
" Why? Thanksgiving is this week, can't you stay till then?"
" Come on, Philip. I am trying to reach a compromise" I grinned at his indecisive face. " besides I have to feed my pet."
" Anna, you and I know you don't have a pet."
" getcha! " we both chuckled " So, what do you say, Mr genius stockbroker." I teased him
" We can come to a compromise after I ask my movie mates." The smirk on his face said it all, once he grabbed me closed up to himself. Then his eyes were on my sheer chiffon top.
I laughed out at his wits and kissed him passionately.
" Compromise reached, I will drive you back whenever your ready baby. " he kissed me more.
" You have a competition Mr..." I chuckled at the thought of telling him about my secret admirer.
" competition you say?"
" I have a stuff Pokemon up in my room."
His hands on my waist, trying to process my reply, we both stared at ourselves for what looks like a minute.Before he replied " Pokemon? I don't recall sending you one; you have a secret admirer? "
" Bingo" he's smart
Rendered incapable of what to say, he shakes his head and smiled.
" Should I be worried?"
" Are you worried?"
" Nope, but I am jealous " He laughed at his reply, I couldn't help but join him.
More like a Pokemon Jealousy alert
" I am pleased to make you jealous, Philip San." The look he gave me was melting, his smile was captivating, which plummeted my heart. At that instant, I knew I would head down any lane with this man. And to add to it, he was bloody handsome even with the spang of jealousy.
" It's getting cold, let's go inside" he startled me out of my trance.
" Sure," I said with a kiss.
A/N
At this point what do you think about Philip and Anna's relationship?
Thanks for reading and I also want to thank you for all the votes and comments. 🙏 I appreciate them and look g forward to reading your comments.
Maryansika💗💗