Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 14818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 74(@200wpm)___ 59(@250wpm)___ 49(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 14818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 74(@200wpm)___ 59(@250wpm)___ 49(@300wpm)
I sigh and smile even though she can’t see me.
This is why I love Mindy. She looks after me whenever I forget to look after myself.
Those times when I didn’t leave my home for days because I was too fixated on the projects, she dropped by and brought me groceries. She would even force me to eat out with her at our favorite diner or run around the park.
She’s that kind of friend.
We talk for a few minutes more before she finally ends the call, and for some reason, I feel twenty pounds lighter.
Tomorrow is my first day at work. I’m nervous as hell, but at least I finally have something stable. I don’t need to hunt for clients anymore or network as much as I can. I’ll have a steady paycheck. That’s something at least.
I don’t see Mika for the rest of the day, but I know he’s sleeping because I may or may not have listened on his door only to hear nothing.
When Monday morning arrives, I’m a big ball of nervous energy. But the nerves are for nothing because I actually end up enjoying the environment, my workmates, and even the work itself. I’m not back to my 100% creative self, but I don’t doubt I’ll get there eventually.
Maybe I just need a bit of change.
Mika: It’s raining hard. Are you still at work?
Me: Yup. Don’t worry. I got an umbrella
Mika: Can’t let you commute in this weather. Text me your office address
Me: I’m fine
He doesn’t respond after that, which is fine. I can’t impose on him. Besides, I hate being a burden to anyone. I’m a grown woman. I should be taking care of myself.
I gather my things and take out my folding umbrella. Too bad I’m not wearing a coat or something. In my defense, it was sunny when I left home.
Glancing out the window, I sigh because the rain’s not going to let up anytime soon, the fat raindrops splattering against the glass.
I make my way to the exit, letting the heavy glass doors swing shut behind me.
It didn’t look as bad inside the office. But now, standing outside, I can barely see the cars passing by. It’s not even just heavy rain. Gusts of wind tug on my clothing. My long skirt billows and flutters and I’m getting frustrated because I need to open my umbrella while making sure I don’t flash anyone.
It finally opens just as the rain intensifies. I hurry to the sidewalk to hail a taxi when a surge of wind hits me. I tighten my grip on the handle, but it’s no use. If I continue holding on to it, I might end up getting dragged.
Grumbling to myself, I ultimately give up and snap the umbrella shut. The moment I do, cold rain immediately soaks my clothes, and I suppress a shiver.
I’m about to run to the taxi idling on the side of the road when I feel a huge hand wrap around my elbow and turn me around.
Fear pools low in my belly, but relief washes over me the minute I spot Mika. He’s holding an umbrella big enough for two.
“My car’s over there. Let’s go.”
I only manage to nod, my teeth already chattering, my clothes sticking to my skin. The chill seeps into my bones.
Mika opens the door to the passenger seat, but I tug his shirt. “I might soak your seat.”
“Get in, Max. You’re already shivering.”
I slide in, and Mika runs around to the driver’s side and gets in, tossing the wet umbrella on the back seat.
“Take off your clothes.”
“W-what?”
He grabs a small duffel bag behind my seat and zips it open. He takes out a beige fleece towel, then a hoodie. “Wipe yourself and wear this. You’ll get sick if you insist on wearing your wet clothes.”
Again, I don’t have it in me to argue anymore. Mika at least looks the other way while I unbutton my blouse, unclasp my bra, and slide my skirt down my legs. He turns on the car, and I moan at the heated seat, the warmth already warding off the chill.
I’m just in my panties when I slip my hands into his hoodie and zip it all the way to my chin. I feel exposed, but it’s still better than freezing my ass off.
The drive to the apartment is quiet—not the awkward, uncomfortable silence. I steal glances at Mika once in a while, and I wonder how he’s single.
I don’t know how he found my office address. But the fact is, he braved the storm for me. He could’ve stayed at home, enjoyed a warm cup of broth, and watched TV. Instead, he’s here.
Like a knight in shining armor.
A wave of tenderness crashes into me, and I mentally recoil. It’s terrifying because I’ve never felt anything this strong and intense before. I’m not even sure I want to explore this feeling further.