Page 32 of Echoes of Temptation
“Bye,” I wave and continue my way to the elevator.
I type in the code for my floor and wait. There are only four apartments per level with mine being on the second floor. Daddy wanted me to take the ninth-floor apartment because it was one of only two on that level and much bigger.
I told him he was certifiably insane. Why in the world would I want something so big for a single person? Not to mention the hassle of keeping the entire thing clean. Daddy may like to live a lavish lifestyle with fancy cars and massive homes, but I’ve never wanted that. My parents’ bank account has never been a goal for me.
I want a small home that will be just the right size for me and my future husband and children.
King pops into my head but I quickly shove him back. I’m only imagining him in my future plans because of the couple of times he’s shown interest in me.
I won’t forget his words. I won’t forget the way he made me feel when he all but threw me out of that building. I won’t settle for someone like that. I may not be supermodel beautiful, but I’m not ugly. One day, my prince will come. One day, I’m going to fall in love with someone who loves me for me. Someone who trusts me completely, regardless of what others may say or do.
The image of King’s face resurfaces and I punch it in the face.
Freaking Jerk.
Digging through my school bag, I find my keys and let myself into my apartment. It’s already nice and toasty in here. Laying my bags and food down, I grab my cell and call dad.
“Hey Cookie,” he greets. “How was work today?”
“It was good,” I smile. “I missed those little ones like crazy.”
“I’m sure you did, honey.”
“I just wanted to call and thank you for stopping by and turning the heat on,” I say, pulling out the burrito I ordered. “It’s freezing out there and would have been just as cold in here.”
“I haven’t even left the house, Maddy,” he tells me. “It was cold the last time you were at your apartment. You probably just forgot to turn it off then.”
That doesn’t sound like me. I’m always careful about making sure the big stuff is off when I leave.
“You’re probably right,” I admit. “Actually, I think the last time I was here was when King brought me over to grab my school things. It was cold that day. Anyway, Daddy, I’m going to eat, shower, and then relax for the rest of the day.”
“Alright, Cookie. Call me if you need anything. Love you.”
“Love you, back.”
I put my dinner on a plate, grab a bottle of water, and head to the living room. The second I turn a corner, I see a figure, scream, and drop my plate.
“Man,” I sigh. “Not my fruit salad. I was really looking forward to that.”
“Fruit salad with a burrito, baby?”
“Don’t judge me,” I glare before picking up my burrito, stepping around the broken plate, the spilled fruit, and cottage cheese. With a sigh, I flop down onto my couch. “What are you doing here, King? How did you even get up here? You need a code to the front door, a different one for the elevator, and a key to my apartment door to gain access.”
He simply relaxes back on my chair and smirks.
Realization hits me and I toss my burrito on the coffee table and pull out my phone.
“I hate you.”
It only takes seconds for my ex-best friend to text me back.
“Love you, too, Shortcake. Hear the man out.”
“How did you get a key?” I ask, refusing to look at the man stinking up my chair.
I’m never going to be able to go to that part of my living room again without King’s scent invading my body.
I have to move. Maybe even toss out that chair. What else has he touched? You know what, it doesn’t matter. I’ll start from scratch.