a's

ailed after us, all because Brandon and I had stepped into the building together. Some people

him standing in their way, calm but clear. I longed for the comfort of my apartment, a glass of wine in hand, and a night where no o

decided to order food since I disliked cooking for one. At times, I hated being single, but work often left me with little time fo

aurant when my phone rang, a

to go back to the office," I

is everyth

laugh on the

work. Call me Brando

to talk about work. Why e

ing all right?" I sai

are you even doing

e, but there was no point in spinn

order takeout and pour myself some wine. That's

thing, and we can be bored together if that's what you want. And b

at least until you drank him

lready dressed for

dy. I'll have a driver waiting." Wi

considered here? Apparently not. I let out an exasperated sigh, barely resisti

lipped into fresh clothes, and grab

ng that last night had turned out surprisingly well. His company had made

as turned off. Just as I reached for my bag, my phone buzzed with a ne

arked outside." Wait

his mind. Truthfully, I was relieved I wouldn't be riding with

up against his car

eeted, his voice f

he greeting. "Wasn't expecting you.

myself. Don't want to be lazy." He shrugge

the driver's seat, and in no time, we were headed down the road, making our way from my

ll be rice and steamed vegetables to go with it. Are

not cooking this because you've figured out wha

you were up to, since I was bored and in the mood f

truth or just a line to make me feel

appreciate it. I co

already pulling the car over. Without wasting a second, he

nfused. He didn't strike me as the type

notice before, but that's because it's hard to be polite with al

I guess," I added, matching his p

ge my mind," he teased

already stepping out of the car and heading for hi

gy to do that much himself

. As I glanced around, something caught my attention-pictures of

It seemed like a brave step for him to take, but at th

t go of all of them." I hear

had returned to his face-the same look I'd seen last night. He n

of the silence lingered. Our eyes met, and something about the stillness made me

shifting uncomfortably and

nt. No point in holding on to a big house when there's no one to

l of that, Brandon." I smiled ge

look over my place choices and tell me what you th

e. I'd be

ass of wine and start making dinner,

up and ready to go. Taking a seat at the counter, I watched as Br

?" I offered, watching hi

. Everything has to be done my way, with a little bit of mystery thrown

smile, watching him. He was completely in his element- calm, composed, like this was where he truly

u always

n to open my own restaurant," he replied without mis

can cook, but I absolutely hate it. It j

figure out why it stresses you out." He laughed t

to be alone forever. I need to figure out how to stop stres

turned to face me, leaning c

onsense. No way you're g

nd always steals my time. So, yeah, I'm starting to think it's a

asing, his smile growing wi

nd as you? She's not going to be alone forever. The right guy is out there for you,

blush spreading across my face. His words were

ng his elbow casually on the counter, sto

he teased, his smi

ying to laugh it off. "But you... I'm sur

y lips twitching, fighting the sm

ven try to deny it."

eturning to his work, but the tea

ll silent a

my mind. Was Brandon flirting with me again? It seemed

't even know how I fe