Chapter Thirty Two

Caden's POV

I felt something hit me hard on the chest.

"Ow!" I exclaimed as I slowly opened my eyes and looked around.

Mercedes.

I laughed, staring at her lie on the bed just beside me and already killing myself with laughter from her expression when she woke up. She was gonna be as red as a pumpkin.

Immediately, I got her legs all tangled up in mine and placed her hand on my chest.

It was time for some drama.

I tapped her back. "Wake up!- Wake up!" I whispered.

"What?" she groaned, disturbed, and returned back to sleep.

"Wake up!" I whispered again and she opened her eyes for a split second.

Her gaze was fixed at the ceiling before she moved it to the breath that pressed against hers.

I winked at her.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" she yelled as she grabbed the sheets to herself and stood up immediately.

I laughed,"Its my room. Remember?"

"Then how the hell did I get here?" she asked, placing her hands on her head and trying to remember.

"Chill. You were too scared last night, remember?"

"Oh. I remember," she nodded and stood up.

"But last night was really interesting," I spoke up in an attempt to annoy her.

"What?" she yelled in astonishment and that thunder of laughter just overtook me.

"I'm serious!" she yelled, annoyed, and stomped out of the room in anger, my duvet trailing down her body like a veil.

Damn do I hate to see her go, but I loved to watch her leave...

°°°°°°°°°°

I arrived at the office just in time and headed to the elevator.

At the top floor, I walked straight to my office but didn't see Adrian anywhere around.

Where the heck was that dude?

I dialled his number and placed the phone at my ear, waiting for him to pick up. Instead, I heard a phone ring from my balcony. I walked out only to see Adrian stealing coffee from my private espresso machine.

"Care to explain what's happening?" I asked, folding my arms against my chest and leaning against the wall.

"Nothing?" he asked and took a sip of my excellent coffee.

The best yet.

"You barged into my office and steal coffee from my machine and say its nothing?" I asked.

"I'm still mad at you!" he shot and dropped the mug on the table.

"That's funny, because last time I remember, the person messing with other peoples businesses is you!" I shot, walking over to him and pointing my finger at his chest.

"I just messed with a coffee maker. You messed with my feelings," he argued.

"Look. I'm not gay," I laughed.

"You don't need to be," he shot.

"I'm still your boss!" I reminded.

"And i'm still your best friend and loyal employee,"

"Whatever," I rolled my eyes.

Maybe he was right. He was a stupid brown curly hair employee, but could be a cup of fun at times.

"I'm sorry," I finally apologized.

He didn't budge. He still kept his angry pouted lips and knitted brows.

"A hug?" I asked and he came over.

"We're at work. Don't get weird," I turned him down and walked over to the machine for some coffee.

"You know sometimes I need a hug too!" he whined.

"Then grow up!" I shot with a smirk and he rolled his eyes.

"You have an outing scheduled today with miss Mercedes,"

"With who now?" I asked.

"Miss Mercedes," he said again.

"Why?"

"Your parents said to have a nice outing after the incident last night and get both your minds relieved from the stress,"

"And the goons from yesterday?" I asked.

"Oh, your father took care of them," he smiled.

"Good," I nodded and returned the mug.

"Where's she now?" I asked.

"Banks said to meet them at the park,"

I laughed. "So, you're into Banks now?"

"What? No!" he shot as his cheeks turned red.

"Admit it. You like her," I urged.

"No. I don't," he cried out.

"I'll help you with her," I suggested in a trick.

"Really?" he asked so eagerly and I burst out laughing once again.

"I should leave now before I crack your head with annoyance," I chuckled and left him there.

I should've gotten him a girlfriend much earlier.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

It was sunny but the wind cooled it from time to time as the children played around. Parents at the shady seats and lazy babysitter's at the food area. I was still wondering why I was there.

"So, of all the places in this world to have an outing, you choose the park?" I asked as I sat down on the swing, just beside Mercedes with children all around.

"Its fun. And you'll like it here," she replied.

"You should have considered the fact that we're both adults in a children's park and i'm a billionaire in a suit on a swing, with children playing around me like I was some toy car," I blurted.

"That's just the egotistical you talking. Let go and realize the fun you're missing," she said.

"Egotistical me?" I asked.

"You heard it right," she replied with a smile.

"Whatever," I rolled my eyes.

"Should I get something to eat?" Banks asked as she stood up from the rock she sat on.

"Ice cream. And popcorn. And, oh,oh! A popsicle. And cotton candy and - "

"That's enough, kiddo," I interrupted and stood up.

She pouted her lips in annoyance.

"whatever. Just get it all," I changed my mind and handed her my wallet.

I returned to the swing reluctantly and stared at the view of the park.

"So, who was it?" she spoke up, turning to me with a simple smile on her lips.

"Who was who?" I asked, raising a brow.

She laughed. "Are you trying to be funny?"

"No. Not really," I shook my head.

"You reeked, Caden. You reeked of alcohol and women's perfume and I carefully pointed out a smudge of strawberry baby pink lip gloss on your neck and your lips. You can't lie," she looked at me.

She was a detective, alright.

"You got it all wrong," I started, speechless.

"Mackenzie?" she asked.

"No, not - "

"If I hadn't called last night, would you have ever remembered me or at least, returned back home?" she interrupted.

"I don't understand the questions," I stopped her.

"Never mind," She shrugged as Banks approached with hands full with Mercedes's child-like food choices.

°°°°°°°°°°

"Are you sure you'll be able to return to work by tomorrow?" I asked as she laid on the bed and shut her eyes.

"For the millionth time, i'm okay," she replied.

"Well, okay. Good night then," I said and turned off the lights.

"Good night," she replied and I closed the door.

That was not what she was yesterday. What the fuck happened to her?

Author's Note.

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