The Return Of His Ex Wife
Chapter 26: In Love?

Chapter 26: In Love?

Tara’s POV

"Great." I tried so hard not to sound over excited. What did that mean for us anyway? That he could come around whenever he wanted, and acted like he was my man? Ha! Foolish me was actually starting to get excited.

"Then you’ll be my plus one to your mother’s party--"

"-step mom. Please, my mother died." He quickly corrected. I didn’t like that I’d brought a frown over to his calm face.

"I’m sorry. Step mom," I said instantly. He smiled, then I realized the tired look in his eyes had grown more noticeable. "Hey, by the way, are you okay? You don’t look so good."

"Oh, I guess not. Just been struggling with sleep at nights now. Nothing serious."

"Nothing serious? You need your rest. You seem extra busy with work these days."

He sighed. "I can’t complain. Things we do to become rich, am I right?" A warm smile filled his face. "It’s like everybody hates me now, to be honest. My old man wants me to...uh, he’s punishing me anyway. Work has been really stressful. There’s a new project I’m working on, and oh, you know the old hag’s party? She awarded the contract to me, to help manage and throw a great party. I’m also into event planning, occasionally, because I don’t have the headache to waste on that."

I wanted to just nod and smile, but the old hag? "Your dad, he’s the old man, right? Because I don’t think I know if you’ve still got a grandpa."

"What? Oh my goodness!" He bursted out in laughter. "Sorry. Yes, old man is my dad. And the hag--"

"--step mom. Got it." I helped complete it. "You have a very interesting family."

"Yea, I do. I’m stuck with a bunch of weirdos. You know, I understand how Richard feels now. I’m not on great terms with my old man, and I don’t want that for Richard. How long will you plan on separating him from Derek?"

I wished he hadn’t asked. Well, for as long as I could!

"Just a couple of weeks. Months, maybe. " I lied. We both got up, as I was about to go with him towards Richard’s room. I felt silly saying this, but it was a thought that had just dawned on me. "Hey, you know what? If you’re ever free, you could come around. I’ll make dinner for you. Maybe not as delicious as those delicacies you made the other day."

His smile was like a sudden beam of sunlight illuminating the room. "Well thank you. It’s a huge compliment for me because I learnt from my mother." He moved an inch closer, and the most unexpected thing happened. My eyes flickered down to his lips, silly thoughts of what he would taste like playing in my imagination.

Damn it, Tara! Get a hold of yourself!

"Did you hear?" I had to pause to let him repeat the question again before I realized he’d been saying something.

"Huh?" I blinked, "what?"

He tilted his head, green eyes concerned for me. "Where did you go just now, Sunflower?"

Down to your sexy lips...

"Richard is in his room!" I flinched. Then I used that moment to move away from him, tripping over something on the floor. Arlo was quick to hold me from falling, big hands wrapping around my waist. Our eyes locked, that pause of moment sending shiver down my spines. I pulled free from his grip, jumping back with heavy steps, but managed to maintain my balance now.

"Heyy, are you okay, love?" He asked, charming voice soothing my ears.

"Nothing!" Again, I flinched. "No, what I mean is that...I’m, uh--Richard is waiting. He’s waiting for you. Let’s go." I did not waste another second lingering to catch his expression because I had carried my feet out of the room before I would embarrass myself further. "Come on, Arlo!"

"Yes, ma’am." He said behind.

***

"Come on, bitch. Spill! You guys had sex, didn’t you? You whore! You slut--!"

"--we didn’t have sex, Ella." I rolled my eyes in detest. "But you know the funniest thing? I wished we did have sex. Damn it! He looked so...hot. I was so turned on."

Ella jumped up, running around the room because she was just so dramatic. Finally, she stood before me, eyes glaring at me like I was some strange extraterrestrial object that had flown to earth out of the blue. And I panicked. I was a sweet innocent lady, a busy career single mom. I didn’t have time to hook up with dudes at all. Then why was I staring at how his abs popped out in that tight shirt...

"You whore!" She sat down beside me. "It’s okay, it just means you’re not an alien as I’d thought you were. You have real feelings for a man! Every time I take you to night clubs, these men are always boring to you. Even the sexs, you lie they’re great but I’m sure they aren’t! Plus, the sexs? Have you ever actually made out with these men before! You’re a really great liar, T."

"That’s not even the point, Ella. The point is that I am attracted to a guy! And as much as I would love to respect his decision on protecting Richard, I want this man! It’s so creepy, I think something is wrong with me." I laid down my confession to Ella. At least, she has to get me! I liked Arlo, and it was too sudden, but I liked him.

"Girl, if you are not attracted to him, you must be sick. I completely understand, believe me. You’re a full grown adult, and you can do whatever you want."

I sighed, "he wants to respect Richard’s honor. He doesn’t want anything too fake, Ella. I like him, but I think in attracted to him just sexually. But Arlo is probably looking for something realistic."

"But you like him! That’s all that matters." She said, ignoring the side eyes I flashed her. "Hey, do you wanna hear a story I told you when we were like 10?"

"The fuck, Ella? No way! I will not become a sexy diva just for Arlo. He probably has like 20 girls all at the same time, begging to kiss him and sleep with him and stuff."

Her eyes widened and lips curved into a sinister smile. "So? Do you care about those other girls? Or you’re gonna listen to me and learn about some points to make Arlo drawn to you even more than he already is??"