I’m fucked.

It’s been about 45 minutes and we haven’t arrive yet. Now that I have calm myself down, mind no longer hazy, able to think straight, I realize that everything I said was a bad idea.

Going to his place? He just made a joke about being in relationship with a stranger. How can I confirm that he’s gonna keep his hands to himself? What if he rapes me? No, Cody. He’s bold and quite intimidating but I’m sure he’s a gentleman.

Right?

“We’re almost there.” The sudden noise made me flinch. Oh my, this is it.

The neighborhood is a bit- wait, it’s only few of them and it’s far apart. They’re all big houses, no, mansions with large yard. Can I be any more uncomfortable? I knew going to his house would be too much to ask.

He turn and got inside a huge front yard which lead to an enormous mansion, scratch that, palace. I’m not exaggerating it. It is that massive and have this royalty vibe. I’m so afraid to get out the car now. You’re dummy, Cody.

This is where you know he’s THAT loaded when the prove is legitimately towering in front of you.

He parked at the driveway, right at the main door with a beautifully carved wooden door. He unbuckle his seat belt and turn to me with a confuse expression. “We’re here. You don’t wanna go out?”

“Hm, I think I made a mistake making your house an option. Can we go somewhere else?”

“Why? We just got here.”

“Hm, I’m pretty scared, I felt embarrassed with this.” Pointing at my clothes. It’s because I never expected his house will be this grand. Slap me please for underestimating Derek’s wealth.

“Your clothes is fine.”

“But what your mom will say if she saw me?”

His plain expression crack into laughter. Did he lost a screw on the way here? “Hey, what’s so funny?”

He laugh so hard that he’s tearing up while holding his stomach. While he’s having his moment with whatever made him laugh, I saw a huge bulky looking man in a black suit standing at the entrance. Is he Derek’s butler? He’s quite big for a butler.

“I’m sorry, puff. It’s been awhile since I heard someone mention about my mother.”

“What do you mean? Isn’t that a common thing to ask?”

“It is but I’m a 35 year old man. How do you still ask about it?”

“Wait, you’re 35? You don’t look that old.”

“Of course. I am like wine, the older the better.” Rolling my eyes at his bold statement which receive another chuckle. It’s not like I disagree or anything because it’s true that his age doesn’t really affect his face or appearance. Just as appetizing as ever.

“Don’t worry, I live alone.”

“Alone? In this big space?”

Nodded, “It’s been decades since the last time we met so she’s not coming or anyone going to be my guest other than you. No one gonna judge you, puff. I’ll cut their tongue out if there is.” The last line was a little too real but it did made me relief.

He took the paper bag which I forgot sitting on my lap the entire time and flash a genuine smile. “Ready to go?”

“O-Okay.”

Though I’m still uncertain, I exit the car. I need to stop worrying over small matter, it will eventually annoy him.

He waited for me until I’m beside him before walking together to the long awaiting man. “Welcome back, Mr Collen.” he said, bowing.

“Thank you, Yuri. I brought a guest this evening. This is Cody,” turn to me, “And Cody, this is Yuri.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr Cody.”

Yuri bow as low as Derek’s which I only responded with a nod. I know I seem rude, not responding anything in return but now that we’re face to face, I found that Yuri is really huge compared to me. Maybe because he’s slightly taller than Derek that I barely reach his shoulder.

He has a buzz haircut and a chiseled face that made him look strong and masculine. He doesn’t suit working as a butler actually, according to his appearance, he definitely suit better as a bodyguard. No one’s gonna mess with him if they don’t wanna breathe their last. Man, he’s scary.

“We’ll be at the living room.” Informing his butler before gesturing me to follow him further inside the mansion. It’s a long aisle from the entrance to his so call living room. This place is so big and shiny, everywhere I look is whether an artistic painting or glass artifact that reflects my amaze expression back at me.

Despite the size of the mansion, it’s not dusty at all. Neither the decorations with dust in sight nor the high ceiling covered in cobweb. It’s completely pristine.

Other than Yuri, I don’t see any other soul. Either he has maids, cleaning his entire mansion once in a while or the house is too big to bump into one of the maids or chef or whatever.

So empty.

How can he live alone in such a large space like this? Even I sometimes felt lonely in my tiny apartment. I couldn’t dare to imagine if I were in Derek’s shoe. But surely he’s busy with work or his girlfriend. It’s just illegal for a beautiful man to be single.

Or maybe he’s a one night stand kind of man. He’s beautiful to be able to change partners every time. Or maybe I should stop meddling into his personal life. What am I even thinking?

We made it to the living room, I literally gasp with everything it could offer. It’s a modern type of place with few furniture and decoration, looking elegan and neat. There’s a huge comfy couch with a big glass table in front where Derek put our food and disappear behind a different door from the one we just entered, leaving me to myself.

I felt so nervous to do anything that I waited until a few minutes later, Derek came back with plates and cutlery. He chuckle as soon as we made eye contact, walking towards me.

“I’m sorry, did you wait for my permission to sit?”

“No.”

“Sit then.” He flop at the center of leather couch, putting all the stuff on the table and tap the space beside him, smiling. “Come here. I won’t bite.” Don’t want to seem rude in his house, I didn’t talk back this time and did as he said but a little further away than he instructed, hands placed awkwardly on my lap.

“Hey, puff.” Scoot over to me, rummaging inside the bag, “Drop those tense shoulders. I won’t do anything. Here.” Passing me the wrapped goodness. I gladly take it and he continue unpacking the foods.

Waiting for him to finish before Derek once again speak, “Go ahead, eat. Why are you suddenly acting like an obedient puppy right now? Do you need to ask permission for everything?” while snickering.

“I’m trying to be polite in your house, Derek. Now that you mention, I’ll eat this now. I won’t wait you.” Unwrapping the paper, revealing the mouth watering burger. It’s been so long since I crave this.

“Do you want to use plate or fork?”

“No, I’ll just bite. You should too. Put this aside.” Pushing the plates away and grab Derek’s already unwrap burger, putting it in his hand whose looking all confuse but remain silent.

“I know this will be a little messy but I promise you, it’ll taste ten times tastier. Try it.”

He hesitate at first before he just go for it. As he gnaw the burger, some of the sauces and ingredients fell on the spotless floor regarding how stuffed the burger. He chew for quite some time and my impatient ass asking, “Is it good?” As his mouth still stuffed, he moan in return.

A mixture of joy and relief fills my heart knowing he approved, don’t want to imagine else. Maybe he’ll kick me out, who knows. Derek can be unexpected most of the time. Like a pregnant lady with unstable hormone, one minute he’s kind and forgiving, two seconds later he’s the most cruel person alive.

Enough of this chatting, it’s my turn. I took a mouthful of mine, same mess decorated the floor, moaning. It’s too good not to. Everything is perfect, the mixture of beef and bacon, crunchiness from the crispy bacon, lettuce and pickle. Ugh, I can’t ask for more.

And that’s how we spend our late lunch at 4 pm. Both exchanging moans and groans, nodding once in awhile to each other. I felt better this way than dining at the restaurant. Just the two of us, eating in a comfortable silence.

We finished our food quicker than expected. Not really surprise though due to its delightful taste, anyone can gobble it down under five minutes.

As we done, I gather all the wrappers and litter inside the bag. I was about to wipe the stain on the floor and some on the table when Derek stop me, holding my wrist. “Don’t mind that. Yuri will clean them later.”

“No, it’s okay. It’s a little stain, nothing I can’t do.”

“Puff…”

Letting my wrist go and resume wiping. “I insist. Now where is your bin?” Pointing at an average size bucket beside the door Derek came out before. Swiftly do the task and came back.

After that we’re occupied ourselves in a long talk through the evening. Basically about anything which this time I let Derek involve in the conversation. I mean last time it’s just me ranting about my life and this time balance between us.

I just found out that he’s the youngest from four siblings. An eldest brother and two sisters. I can’t lie that it’s pretty unexpected for him to be the youngest considering his attitude. Shouldn’t youngest be cute and soft? What happen to Derek?

We move to the dining room which thankfully an ordinary dining table in size. The decorations and furniture are again, marvelous.

Yuri serve us Bolognese spaghetti with shrimp and it’s the best. How can a burly butler like him produce this gem? I’m running out of delicious word today.

Before we knew, we finished our last meal of the day which was really amazing, thanks to Yuri’s incredible cooking skill.

“Did you enjoyed the spaghetti?”

“A lot. He’s such a good cooker.”

He smile before I continue, “And I’m so happy today. I can’t believe we made it despite, hm, y-you’re late. I’m sorry if I’m rude for requesting your house all of the sudden.”

“It’s fine. I’m thinking of inviting you over one of these days anyway. Since we’re gonna spend a lot of time together in the future, why not treating each other like a normal friends. Sleepover, hangout things like that.”

A lot of time together? How frequent is he talking about?

“Yeah.” I said, halfheartedly. Now that I think about it, did he really ditch them for me?

“Derek?”

“Hm?”

“I have a question.”

“What is it?” he said after taking a sip of a warm water in a mug before put it aside, all attention back at me which suddenly making me nervous.

“Tara called me this morning.” He sigh, somehow look disappointed but didn’t say anything so I proceed, “She said you have an important event with one of your client. Did you, hm, how do I phrase this? The meeting…”

“No, I didn’t.” He said, cutting my hesitant words yet I kind of relief he did. What I’m about to say is a cringe and self-centered line. No, it didn’t sound good in my ear.

“So I assume everything went well?”

“No.”

“That’s good- wait, no? Then, why are you here, relaxing and stuff? Aren’t they a valuable client to Crowdest?”

“They are.” Smiling.

“So?!” I exclaim. What is he so amuse about? Shouldn’t he busy chasing them? And why am I feeling guilty all of the sudden?

He chuckle before saying, “Our business discussion merely took three hours. Later than that is only countless rounds of game and persuasion into marrying their daughters. In which clearly wasting my time. I usually just follow their flow but today, I have my priority.” Staring at me, looking all serious.

Please, don’t stare me with that intense eyes.

“O-Oh wow, you must be famous. Aren’t you interested in marriage? What’s holding you? I mean you have a stable income and you’re in the perfect age to- I’m sorry. I shouldn’t meddle in your affairs.”

“It’s okay, I know you’re curious. I haven’t meet a suitable women or partner to settle in. But now, if I play my cards right, I might consider marriage. Even when I have to take baby step on this person I’m chasing.” Smirking.

Hm, okay(?)

“So,” Changing the topic immediately. “You said about work, right?”

“Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Come here.” Usher me back to the living room before. “Wait here.” Then, disappear again to the same door he got in earlier this evening. Coming back a few minutes later with bottle of fancy looking wine and two wine glasses.

Flop himself beside me, putting the stuff on the table. Excitement written all over his face saying, “You do aware that Highden’s scope is wine, right?” Simply nod in return, he pulls out a corkscrew from his pocket and skillfully open the bottle.

“This is the task.” Pouring a decent amount into each of the glasses. “I’m thinking of collaborating with a certain wine company. It’s a new company with an extensive experience of wine. Their last company was sabotaged and went into bankruptcy. Even though I trust them as an old acquaintance, I still need to have a taste and evaluate.”

Handing one of them to me which I gladly take. “But where’s the fun drinking alone. You’re here.” he said rhetorically, flashing his infamous smirk.

You see, I used to be a good drinker during college however my tolerance seem to reduce rapidly towards last semester. I’m so busy with final project that I hardly jump into parties anymore. I got easily intoxicated after two beers nowadays.

Mimicking Derek’s elegant action, I took the aroma of the wine and to be honest, it’s quite tricky since this is only my second time tasting wine but I’m sure I smell a dominant floral scent and a hint of citrus. Not really sure but proceed taking a sip on the bloody red wine.

“Wow.” I blurted out.

“It’s nice, right?”

“Yeah, surprisingly it’s not as heavy as it looks. It is nice.” I think I can definitely handle this.