Page 7 of The Dark Obsession

“Yeah, it’s not like that, really. We just met for coffee and had a chat.” I concentrate on looking guilt free. “Nothing much happened.”

Ben laughs. “Right, just be careful. He’s got a reputation with the women.”

I frown. “Oh, right. Lucky nothing is going on, then.” I force a laugh.

“Grace is coming tonight, by the way.” He smirks as he walks into the kitchen.

Dammit, not another girl. How does he do it?I stand and head for my bedroom. I set up my laptop on my bed, open Google, and type,Dale Cartwright, author. Under his picture are titles of different books he’s written, mainly horror and a couple thrillers. I click to enlarge his picture, and a funny feeling forms in the pit of my stomach, like something is fluttering around. So many times, I have heard people talk about getting so-called butterflies, but now I really understand. I have never felt this way about any other man, never this feeling deep within.

I put on some gentle music and change into my baggy grey t-shirt. With a loud yawn, I stretch myself across my bed. What a day! I recount the interview, and my heart palpitates when I think of working with him.

DING.My phone illuminates; it’s Dale.“Hope you made it home safe.”

I can’t help but grin as I text back,“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for helping me today.”I send it and sit still, studying my phone. My thigh burns as I turn onto my stomach.

“See you tomorrow, beauty.”

I giggle and lean onto my hands. My eyes flutter to a close. I fall into a wonderfully colourful dream. His arms wrapped around me, his lips on mine, his strong hands locked onto my hair.

I slowly open my eyes, my body feeling electrical, replaying my dream of him. I chortle at myself when I realise my dream was about another man—a man I’d never have a chance with: my new boss, Mr Alcazar. My phone vibrates. My head snaps up, and my arm whips out to answer the phone.

“Sorry. Did I offend you?” Dale whispers through the phone. The panic in his voice touches my heart; although, I’m confused as to why he’s calling me at three in the morning.

I snicker. “What? Offend me? How?”

“It’s just you didn’t reply to my last message.”

“Sorry. I fell asleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight”

“Night.” I put down the phone and wrap myself in my duvet. I lie back to collect my thoughts as I drift into a deep sleep.

???

I wake early, a smile spreading across my face as I see the sun breaking through the light, fluffy clouds. I check my phone and realise I have an hour and a half before I’m meant to be at Dale’s. The butterflies instantly swarm into my stomach. I search through my draws, my mind on which underwear to wear. No-one is seeing them, I remind myself, but still, I pick the black lacey ones. After showering, I spend fifteen minutes choosing the perfect outfit—an off-the-shoulder white top, with skinny light-blue jeans.

DING.My phone has a new message from Dale.“See you soon, beautiful.”

My cheeks lift with my answering grin, and I head for the kitchen to see Benjamin and a pretty brunette sitting on the sofa.

“Rosa, this is Grace,” Benjamin says as I pass the kitchen.

I avert my course and poke my head around the door. “Grace …” I smile. “Have a nice night?”

She giggles and nods, then stands, holding Ben’s hand. She’s tall and slim. Her smooth brown hair falls to her lower back. My confidence is hit when she flashes me a smile. She’s gorgeous.

“Yes. You have a lovely home.” She glances at Benjamin. “Come, let’s go upstairs.” She giggles and pulls him towards the stairs.

Benjamin regards me apologetically before his teeth bite his lip through his grin. “Have a nice day, Rosa. Call me if you need me,” he shouts as he disappears.

Chapter 4

Ipark next to the spotless Jaguar in front of Dale’s house. After several deep breaths and a mild panic attack, I clamber out of the car and fiddle with my hair as I approach the front door. My hands tremble as I reach for a beautifully carved lion, the bell hiding just inside its mouth. I stare at my feet as I wait. Why am I so nervous? I shake my head in frustration.

The front door swings open, and Dale stands there, grinning, wearing baggy sweatpants and a tight white t-shirt, his hair tousled. His eyes widen as he beholds me. He bites his lip, grabs my hand, and pulls me into his home. Bright lights illuminate the cream-coloured hallway. He holds me for a moment in a tight embrace.

I instantly smell his sweet scent and take a deep breath.

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