After you "Mrs Pearce" *He was laughing and had a beautiful smile on his face*.

Why thank you dear "husband" *Tatum giggled and was smiling just as widely*.

They sat down at a booth in the back.

Well, I have to say "husband" we had a world record for courtship, marriage and divorce.

It's been 24 hours since we met and we are already getting divorced. Ha ha!

Who says? We can be husband and wife till we get home, can't we?

Pfft Ha! I suppose, let’s hope we don't run into someone else who knows you because that will be difficult to explain.

Nope, Not difficult at all.

We met when you climbed into my bed, made me breakfast and we eloped, done and dusted.

Ha ha, Okay, you have a wild imagination but let's go with that.

Their food and some coffee arrived; the waitress was quick and efficient.

She also picked up on Andrew's aversion to speaking to anyone but Tatum.

Tatum had placed the orders while the waitress was being ignored by Andrew completely.

The waitress left them to enjoy their meal.

I'm having a blast. *He said softly*

You're sadistic ha! That poor girl was kind of cute and very pretty.

I don't think so.

Oh! Why not?

Not my type.

So tell me what's your type dear "husband" ha ha *giggling*

It's changed. *he was acting grumpy suddenly*

Andrew?

Yes?

Why are you getting angry?

I'm not angry!

Yes you are, the moment I said that girl was pretty you got angry.

…

I won't let anyone else touch you while I'm around, so please talk to me. I will speak to everyone for you. I'll be the extension of your hand till I'm no longer needed, but you have to talk to me, please.

*sigh* I'm angry because... She insulted you.

What? You don't have to be, it wasn't an insult.

She said you're a surfboard.

But I am, it’s only natural...

Huh? What do you mean?

*Shit! I made a mistake* *Think Tatum think* I exercise a lot, so it's only natural that I have a flat chest.

Oh! Okay, so it didn't bother you?

It didn't. *Squeezing his hand*

Andrew?

Yeah?

You're going to have to let go of my hand, so you can eat your lunch.

I don't want to. He said grumpily

Hmmm... What about I come to sit next to you, with our legs touching?

Mm... Okay.

Tatum got up and scootched into the booth next to Andrew.

When their thighs were flush against each other, Andrew slowly let go of Tatum's hand.

Where their legs touched both were experiencing a tingling warmth that was slowly spreading.

Tatum was in mothering mode. All he cared about was that Andrew was doing okay.

He kept glancing at Andrew making sure that nothing overwhelmed him.

Andrew on the other hand was so painfully aware of Tatum's proximity and the throbbing arousal he was experiencing.

He wanted to go to the restroom, but couldn't get himself to go in this people-infested restaurant.

It eventually got to the point where he couldn't hold it any longer.

Tatum?

Hmm?

I need to go to the bathroom.

Tatum understood his predicament, he was too scared to go, but Tatum was supposedly a woman and couldn't go with him.

Will you trust me to go with you if I close my eyes, or can I stand guard outside the door?

His anxiety aside he couldn't ask Tatum to go into the men's restroom.

...Door, you can walk me to the door and stay by it, please.

Sure I can, and I'll make sure no one goes in while you're in there.

...Okay...

Tatum took his hand and they made their way to the bathroom, he knocked first to make sure no one was within.

Then called out to make double sure, he softly pushed Andrew into the bathroom.

I'll wait right here.

No one tried to go in while Andrew was inside, he came out quickly and grabbed Tatum’s hand the moment he saw him.

I think you're bad news. *He whispered softly*

What?... Why?... What did I do wrong?

You're just...too perfect.

Ha ha, hardly. Let's go pay and go home Mr Pearce.

As you say "Mrs Pearce".

Both laughed at each other's silliness then went to pay for their meal and drove home.

Andrew had reluctantly let go of Tatum's hand so he could drive. He was quietly watching Tatum, not hiding his scrutiny.

Is there something on my face Mr Pearce?

You can really just call me Andrew, Tatum.

Oh, yeah! Sorry, is everything okay Andrew?

Hm, mm. I don't really know yet.

Yet?

You're an enigma; I don't know what I'm supposed to do with you.

Do with me? He asked shocked.

I don't think you have to do anything really; I'm just the housekeeper, so do as you please.

As I please?

Well, it's your house; you're basically my employer, so if you wanted Lobster Tremedoire at 2 am I'd have to make it.

I hate Lobster!

Oh!

As they pulled into the driveway of the estate, Tatum got out first to go to Andrew's side, but he had stepped out.

So when Tatum got to the passenger side he was suddenly face to chest with Andrew.

He tried to step back as he was now too close to Andrew, but Andrew's hands came down around his hips, startling him.

Tatum's eyes went wide and he stammered.

W-what?

Andrew was back on his home turf, and here he was a tiger, not a kitten scared of its shadow.

Relax Tatum, I told you I don't bite unless you want me to.

…*blush*

Tatum was once again thrown for a loop; he had gone from a man hiding to a stalking tiger.

Andrew lifted Tatum up in the air and then deposited him on the roof of the car.

W-wha-?

Andrew bent down plucked a rose from the bush next to the fountain then presented it to Tatum.

Thank you for a lovely day "Mrs Pearce"

*smiling widely* you’re most welcome Mr Pearce.

Seeing that we are getting divorced now, this is a farewell gift.

Ha, ha what a lovely gift dear "ex-husband"

"Ex-wife" shall we go start preparing dinner?

Yes, we shall...*giggling*

Tatum squirmed, trying to get off the roof of the car, Andrew tried to take him off gently, but his foot got caught.

They went tumbling into the fountain.

Spluttering, Tatum wiped the water from his eyes, as he sat up. Andrew also wiped the water out of his face.

Tatum was sitting across Andrew's lap with his legs on either side of Andrew's thighs.

He tried to jump up but Andrew pulled him back down onto his lap.

Tatum was startled and looked into Andrew's eyes, which had taken on a darker hue.

A-ah Andrew, let me get up. *Blushing profusely*

*stubborn* I don't want to.

But you're wet!

So are you, we can't get any wetter.

Maybe "speak for yourself" * Mumbling softly*

What was that?

N-nothing- I'm just thinking out loud, we're going to catch a cold.

It's worth it...

What's worth it?

…

A-Andrew?

*I want to devour this woman, I want to kiss her right now...*

C-can I...

Tatum could see he was struggling with something, not too sure what he was thinking...

Tatum reached out and put his cold wet fingers on Andrew's cheek.

Don't worry; I also don't bite, unless you ask me to...

Ha ha ha!

*He relaxed and shook his head, then he let go of Tatum's waist.* Okay, we can get up now.

Not sure what the problem was, but sure Andrew felt better now. Tatum leaned forwards as he got up.

He pushed his fingers through Andrew's wet hair to expose his forehead, then bent down and placed a soft kiss there.

Then quickly stepped out of the fountain.

Andrew sat staring at the retreating Tatum; he touched his forehead with his fingertips, confused at his own reaction.

Each of them went to have a quick shower in the en-suite bathrooms.

Tatum dressed down in a soft black t-shirt and jeans, while Andrew simply wore a tank and shorts.

Tatum was preparing some coffee for them when Andrew appeared.

…

Andrew had gone quiet again as such Tatum began to fill the silence by making small talk.

I've made Lasagne before, so if you need me to do anything just say the word.

I can chop up anything you want, or fry the meat.

Maybe I should've bought some wine.

Wait, do you even drink?

Tatum!

S-sorry. *Tatum made the all too familiar zipping motion over his mouth*

*Burst out laughing shaking his head*

Would you like to help me cook, or would you like me to cook you dinner?

Let's cook together...

Andrew handed Tatum the onions to chop up.

As they work the daylight outside turns to night.

While chopping up the onions for the meat sauce, Andrew comes to stand behind Tatum.

He leans into Tatum's back, putting his hands past Tatum onto the counter closing him in.

Andrew's face came very close to the back of Tatum's neck, the very spot where pheromones are released from.

Because Andrew was so close Tatum involuntarily released scent but forcefully stopped a few seconds after.

But it was too late; Andrew pressed his nose softly into the base of Tatum’s neck.

Hmmm. You smell like Gardenias, my favourite flower. *he seemed lost in his thoughts as he nuzzled Tatum's neck again.*

He lightly kissed the back of Tatum's neck feeling an intense urge to "mark" her.

Tatum too scared to breathe in case he released more pheromones closed his eyes feeling the warmth of Andrew's lips.

W-what? I do...? *whisper*

Andrew nuzzled his nose into the base of Tatum's neck again, tickling him softly. Tatum let out a soft moan.

Then clamped his mouth shut with his right hand, while Andrew moved his hands from the counter to Tatum's stomach.

He stroked Tatum's stomach in circles moving ever closer to his chest. Then he whispered into Tatum's ear.

Hmmm, if I didn't know already that you're a Beta, I would think you're an Omega seducing me with your scent.

Tatum whipped around, startling Andrew momentarily.

I would never seduce you!

Aah, why not? Is there something wrong with me? Or am I not your type?

...That's not what I meant and you know it.

Do I?

You should, I don't seduce hard-headed billionaires!

Ah, so you only seduce broken billionaires?

No, I don't!

So tell me which type of men do you seduce Tatum?

I haven't seduced anyone EVER!

…*Shocked*

* Tatum was blushing bright red.*

Fuck! She is a virgin, so she is innocent, and again she proves what an ass I was yesterday.

Andrew had the overwhelming urge to take her right there on the kitchen counter, but he was sure she would run.

He put his hand on her cheek and then slowly leaned down to kiss her, giving her plenty of time to turn away.

Mere moments away from being kissed by this insanely hot man, Tatum panicked.

He watched as Andrew's lips were getting closer.

Then he bounced on the balls of his feet and licked Andrew on the tip of his nose, completely ruining the atmosphere.

He ducked underneath Andrews's arms and started laughing.

*Laughing* I'm sorry Tatum; I'll behave, but don't blame the chef if he burns the food the help is too sexy for their own good.

Tatum turned scarlet, and Andrew burst out in loud laughter.

As the Lasagne baked for the next 30 minutes the house was filled with the smell of grilled cheese.

Andrew watched Tatum covertly for the remainder of the evening, as she was a puzzle he desperately wanted to solve.

They made light conversation, Tatum doing most of the talking and Andrew, nodding, sometimes asking a question.

Most of the conversation was about Tatum's family and childhood stories, which had Andrew laughing more often than not.

When the Lasagne was ready, they both became quiet while enjoying the meal, until Andrew spoke.

Thanks for today, I haven't been out of this house in years because of anxiety today, I hardly felt any.

And another thing, don't take me too seriously all the time, I have a nasty temper, I didn't have one before.

Okay, I had fun today, thank you for coming with me.

Mm mm, Just one more thing...

Yes?

I promise not to put you in an awkward position like earlier again, I didn't know you were actually... * Looking down*

...? I'm actually what?

I-innocent... I accused you of horrible things yesterday and it was wrong, I had no right.

Innocent? Oh! You mean inexperienced, well yeah but you didn't know me from Adam.

And you did wake up with me climbing out of your bed...

I meant to ask... Why were you in my bed?

Oh! You were having a very bad nightmare, and I h-heard you shouting from the stairs, so I ran into your room.

And when I got into your room I tried to wake you up, but you grabbed my hand and pulled me in your sleep.

So, I ended up comforting you while you slept, when you let go I tried to get out of bed quietly but you woke up.

S-so I wasn't trying to do anything to you, I really was just concerned.

Thank you for clarifying, and I really made a mess of things by jumping to conclusions.

You didn't cause any harm, I just got flustered, all’s forgiven as I said.

I-i won't touch you again... without your permission...I promise...

You don't have to promise me that, just be my friend.

*I don't want to just be your friend... That's the problem*

I hope we can be friends, what do you think?

Sorry, Tatum but I don't think I can be your friend...

What? Why not, is there something wrong with me? Don't you like me?

No, that's the problem... *I like her too much*

Huh?

You do your job, and I'll stay out of your way, but I don't think you and I are good for each other.

Did I do something wrong today?

No, you did everything right, you're just too perfect, I can't trust you, and I can't trust myself around you.

Why can't you trust yourself?! ... I understand not trusting me, you don't know me, but you'll get to know me.

*I can't tell her I want to fuck her brains out... For the first time in 10 years... I actually feel human.*

Andrew?

I will just hurt you, Tatum, please... Do your work and stay away from me. Goodnight.

B-bu-

Andrew ignored Tatum; he turned and walked away, ascending the stairs two at a time.

What just happened? Everything was fine and then it was like a switch flipped.

As Andrew walked away from Tatum, he felt a deep pain in his chest.

I can't fall in love for fuck sake.

Tatum watched his retreating back, making himself a promise.

I don't give up so easily Mr Andrew Pearce, you need a friend and I will be waiting.

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