Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Collin opened his eyes, and the flash of his bedside lamp aimed at his pupils shot daggers into his skull, making the splitting headache worse. He squint his eyes to shade his eyes from the rude onslaught, grunting, he reached out and turned the annoying rays off. Collins dropped his head on the pillow gently, allowing his head to rest on its softness, and wondered at the reason he resorted to alcohol if it made him feel this way the morning after. He was never a guy that liked alcohol majorly because of the hangover experience.

He then immediately remembered the event that chased him to the bottles. Sandra, he muttered her name as the event of the previous night invaded his consciousness. his foul mood returning he shot up the bed but the sharp pain to the back of his skull reminded him to take it slow, angry or not.

He staggered to the bathroom grunting all the way, one hand rubbing the back of his neck the other hand reaching for the bathroom door. Shedding the remnant of his clothes he allowed the cool sprays of the shower to knock the hangover out of his system. He stood under the shower, lifting his face to the faucet, allowing the water to cascade down his Adonis-like body as he made a vow never to make himself vulnerable again. He was a good boy but that’s about to change. He rubbed his hands over his sinewy lathered body and vowed to use it to his advantage. He loves a challenge and does not do well with rejection, never will a woman treat him the way Sandra did.

The image of him kneeling in the crowded restaurant as he watched Sandra retreating came to him. It strengthened his resolve. He only tuned off the sprays after he felt every iota of good boy in him washed by the cool water, he stepped out of the shower admiring his perfectly toned features in front of the mirror, and a sinister smile curved his lips "Ladies be on the lookout." He felt refreshed; the shower did manage to restore his body to normalcy.

Collin felt free and happy, for what, he couldn't say but maybe because of his baptism into the bad boy fraternity he finished dressing in a pair of black jeans and a dark green plain shirt, he wore a black jacket combing his hair in place admiring the outcome in the mirror he looked good but not enough for a bad boy. He tousled his hair a little with a small part falling on his forehead, finally slid a dark shade on the bridge of his perfect nose, satisfied with his reflection, he prowled out of his den in search of his first prey.

Collin wanted to ride in his Cadillac escalade but decided against it in favor of his white mustang convertible. He dropped his suitcase in the passenger side, sliding into the driver's seat he reversed out of his garage set for the day's work at Transco Engineering, being the boss sure has its advantages

He whistled under his breath enjoying the blow of the cool breeze on his face. He trained his thoughts on what lay ahead of him, he remembered his grandma reading to him from the holy book during his Sunday school days…… "Forgetting the things that are behind and focusing on what lay ahead” ……. Collin said a prayer for Grandma Sally’s departed soul. She helped shaped him into the man that he is, but it’s just unfortunate that he had to try to do things his way for a change. The world simply does not need a good guy. Resolute, he pushed away his grandma's imaginary disapproving look and focused on his future.

He stepped out of the elevator, observing the admiring glances directed at him. He was never vain enough to give credence to all the advances he got from the opposite sex, but he found himself wondering how cool it would be to take on some of those ecstatic promises he saw in those inviting gazes.

He stepped in to the reception area of Transco Engineering. The company space is on the seventh floor of the sky scrapper located on Forte- Lauderdale Miami Florida. Grandma sally would not have been prouder of him as far as his achievements were concerned. He looked around the beautiful office at least he is doing well professionally. His eyes landed on Nicole Jenkins the office receptionist.

Hello Nicole he greeted, his long stride eating the space between them.

Good morning, Mr. Price, she purred at him seductively. “How are you, today?”

“Very well thank you, lifting his glasses off the bridge of his perfect nose, like James Bond would, he responded with a wink before sliding it in place and sauntering to his office.

“What has gotten into him?” He heard her whisper after him. He can’t blame the young lady’s reaction to his new attitude, Collin smiled, he is not fond of being overly friendly with his staff but that is about to change, he would make himself as inviting as possible to anyone bold enough to flirt with him.

“Hey! Stranger”

“Hello, Ryan”

Ryan looked his friend and senior partner from his styled hair to his shinny shoes, “Interesting choice of outfit, I must say. I guarantee that the proposal went well yesterday, giving your high spirits this morning”

Ryan followed after his Boss. Ryan Reynolds has been a very good friend cum partner.

“Are you going to answer me or do I have to dig the details out of you……?”

Collin stepped into his office and sat on his chair before turning to the impatient Ryan who was waiting for the juicy details of the most embarrassing night of his life. And he was about to shock his socks off.

“Well?” ….. He questioned impatiently.

Collin removed his sunglasses…...

“Is that a good sign that you had an incredible night?” Ryan asked pointing at his eyes bag. "I see," he continued with a smile….

“What did you see? Sorry to burst your bubbles,” he dropped himself on his soft leather chair.

Ryan looked confused “What do you mean?”

“Well,” he squinted his eyes let’s just say things didn’t go as planned”

“How do you mean, Collin, will you stop talking in riddles?”

“How about being ditched on your knees in a crowded restaurant”

“What?” Ryan asked incredulously

“I was also surprised just like you are my friend, I thought I read all her signs right but guess I was wrong”

“I’m so sorry….” Ryan was saying before Collin interjected

“Don’t be sorry… he said with a sinister smile…. “You know what they say? When life throws you a lemon you make lemonade.”

Ryan took a good look at his friend; he sincerely didn’t look hurt or heartbroken but what he saw in his blue eyes scared him. Wait… I know that look, what do you have up your sleeves?”

“Nothing” …. Collin feigned innocence. “Let’s just say, I’m planning on testing the waters”

“Are you sure you are alright, testing what waters? Ryan asked, concerned for his friend. Collin is a good guy; Sandra was stupid to have refused him. He thought.

“Absolutely, and to your other question….hmm, it means I’ll like to allow me some sampling of the other gender.” He smiled broadly

"This can’t be good… Ryan rolled his eyes. “For what’s worth I think Sandra made a big mistake. But you know you’ve got my shoulders if you ever need to cry, he said it as a jab at Collin’s masculinity.

“Seriously, Ryan Can we just get back to work already?” He said with an irritated smirk at his friend’s suggestion, knowing he was trying to make him forget his pain with his comebacks.

“Okay, so that’s a glimpse of the Collin I know,” he laughed “You know I always think you can do better than Sandra… way better,” he said before leaving his office.

Collin considered his friend’s words, shrugged and threw himself into his work, forgetting about his surrounding until his secretary tapped gently on his door.

“Would you need anything else before I close for the day?”

He checked his wristwatch, it was 6:45 pm and Lilly's closing time was 5:00 pm. The woman must have been waiting for him thinking he would still need her. "Lilly, I will be fine on my own, sorry for keeping you this late."

“It is fine, she smiled, good night Mr. Price” she closed the door gently behind her.

Collin rested his back on the chair…. He can only attribute his success to smart work, hard work, and more hard work. The only person that worked as hard as him in the entire company is Ryan and that’s why he made him a partner; a decision has never regretted for once instead he was always grateful for his mature and calm way of doing things. It is no surprise they were able to bring the company this far in short few years.

“Hey!” Ryan peeped through the slightly opened door after a slight tap, as though summoned by Collin's thoughts. “I knew you would still be here”

“Speak of the devil, Collin muttered

“Did you say something?” Ryan asked his boss turned friend

"Not at all, come on in," he said with a mischievous smile

“I was on my way home thought to check on you before I leave”

“Thanks, bro!”

“I suggest you get some rest, Collin; you push too hard.”

“I can say the same of you, you know”

Ryan gave him a guilty as charged smile, “Ok, Beth is waiting for me, I don’t want to keep her, or would you like to join us for dinner?” He suggested as an after-thought thinking his friend might need company given the disappointment he just experienced.

“Thanks Bud. I'm good. I will finish up and grab something on my way home.”

“Okay, see you tomorrow”

“Yep, see you, and please, give my warm regards to Beth and the children.”

“Okay. Good night.”

“Good night.”

Ryan closed the door after him leaving Collin alone on the office floor.

Collin felt a headache coming on; he rubbed his temples and rested his head for a little while. He checked the time again, he had worked for another hour, and he allowed his mind to return to the event of the previous night. He was able to push everything to the back of his mind up until now. He sat straight in his chair when he remembered his drunken state, he opened his hook-me-up, account and saw all his previous chat with Rose Petals, he was mortified. The things that a broken pride and alcohol would make one do! He wondered how he could remedy his mistake. He decided to drop an offline message….

“Hello, I sincerely apologize for my untoward behavior to you…. What can I say? I’m not always a jerk but I had a really bad evening…. I hope you can forgive me, and maybe give us a chance to be chatmates.”

He read the message again before sending it. Collin took a once over at the proposal that the sales department sent to him for approval before sending it out to a client. Aside from hard work and being very smart, he was an unapologetic perfectionist. He likes excellence which was why he loved to take a good look at everything that bears his company’s identity before sending it out. Perception speaks volumes… when he felt satisfied with the correction made; he closed his laptop and stood to leave the office. It was almost 8:30 Pm. He was pretty certain he was the only one left on the floor. He took his things, and set for the door after ensuring he had everything, he needed in case he had to continue working at home.

*********

She got to work late all thanks to Gentle Giant whatever he called himself so it’s only fair to do extra time. She remembered her chats with Gentle Giant, what kind of name is that even, she wondered. Lola chose to work very late something she seldom does, but she had no reason to rush off, plus she had plenty of things to do on her table. She received a message pop-up her screen, she scanned through the message and thought Gentle Giant might not be a beast after all. His profile seemed to be inactive but she was decent enough to take the olive branch and replied to his message.

“Hey! It is alright we all have one of those bad days once in a while, and yes, tomorrow is a brighter and a better day.”

“Hi! You are still around?” Franklin walked past Lola's slightly opened door, decided to check-in.

Lola jumped, at the intrusion.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to scare you, I saw your door open and just thought to say hello.”

“Thanks for checking,” she responded, and then stood up to close for the day.

“Don’t leave on my account,” Franklin persuaded

“I wasn’t leaving because of you. Please don’t give yourself too much importance.”

Franklin held his heart dramatically, “You just hurt my feelings” he said jokingly. “Here, I thought I was important”

The corners of her lips curved in a small smile… the man is so dramatic and too vain for his good.

"Hey, I see a smile…. Hallelujah!”

She looked at him funny, not honoring him with a response.

“Do you need a ride?”

“No, I’m good.” Though her car was at the repair shop, she needed to stay clear of the man; she was not going with him even if she had to beg a stranger for a ride home. She doesn’t want him getting ideas that she was softening towards him. The truth was she is wary of him, Lola reasoned. He has the charm and the looks but he is also a flirt. She is not afraid she might fall into his trap like some of the other ladies but she needed to keep her reputation of decency intact.

“Are you sure?”

Lola paused just before passing by him, a forbearing expression on her face. “Franklin, go to your wife," she said, and sashayed passed him out of the office.

“Soon to be ex-wife you mean….” He responded to her retreating back

She chanced a look at him over her shoulder…. "Whatever," she said before leaving the office floor, with Franklin leering after her.

He had tried every trick known to him but she was not giving in to his advances, rubbing his stubbed jaw, wondering how on earth he will get through to her. Lola is a challenge and he is not about to back down. A good thing he loved challenges he said to himself, even if it means playing dirty to get her. Franklin gets whatever he wants either a car, a house, a position or, even a woman. He was never a loser and he was not about to start now, a quality that had gotten him here. He would find a way to conquer her, whatever it took. He decided and strolled out of the office to his car.

Lola stepped out of the office building; she was so lost in her work that she didn’t know it was this late. She walked down the street trying to get a cab but no one stopped. She kept walking enjoying the cool night breeze- a far cry from the afternoon scourging sun. She hoped her car would be done quickly enough so she would not be at the mercy of guys like Franklin or even have to walk halfway home. She was lost in her little world she didn't observe gentle steps that snuck behind her, snatching her handbag, Lola was stunned but finally got the nerve to shout.

“That’s my bag, hey you!” She ran as far as her high heels could carry her. “Hey!” She shouted after the young man that was running so fast and about to cross the street to disappear between the clusters of buildings. Lola was so helpless and frustrated. She has her phone and her apple laptop in that handbag not to talk of all the important documents on her computer, luckily a spot car came down the road almost knocking the young man off if not for his quick press on the brake pedal. The young man fell from the impact dropping the bag, but before the driver could come out of his car to check the damage, he ran off limping and holding his right elbow, disappearing in between the buildings.

Collin watched the retreating back of the young man as he limped off the accident scene; it was useless to call after the guy. He picked the bag that had slid a little under his front tire.

That was when he heard it, the sound of heels on the tarred road. Collin turned towards the sound and saw the young lady running tiredly towards him.

“Thank you, she gasped when she got close enough. “That is my bag… I… was robbed.”

Collin looked incredulously at the beautiful young woman gasping for breath in front of him. He could not see the color of her eyes but she was one beautiful woman and obviously in need of a knight in shining armor- That! He would not mind being just for her.

“Then I guess this must be yours?”

“Yes, it is,” she said when she could find her composure. She had not run like that in a very long time.

“What are you doing on the street alone so late?”

She looked at him funny, wanting to respond with sarcasm, but the guy has helped her recover her stolen bag, so it will only be fair to be civil- “Well I worked late, and obviously could not get a ride home.”

“In that case, can I give you a lift?”

Lola looked skeptical, "How do I know you are not a thief or a serial killer?”

Collin looked taken aback by her retort and even contemplated getting into his car and driving away from what seemed to be a package of trouble standing in front of him but thought her response was justified considering her recent experience. He found himself smiling - “How do I prove to you that I'm a well-meaning citizen?”

“You can start by a show of ID?” she said with an arrogant lift of her shoulders

"Ok," he responded exaggeratingly. He brought out his wallet and presented her with his ID.

She looked wearily at him all the while but seemed to be content with what she saw and something seems familiar about the guy, she somehow felt she had seen him before but she was not sure where.

“... And allow me to introduce myself, Collin Price at your service”

“Lola Dickson” taking his outstretched hand in a firm handshake, his name didn’t sound familiar, but she was certain she had seen him before. His face was not one you forget seeing but she would bite her tongue before she would ask him where they have met before, she didn't want to sound like she was hitting on him, and the last thing she wanted was for her to give any sign of that but truth be told the man is oh! So attractive “Thank you for your help” was what she said out loud instead.

“He gave her a nod “Shall we?”

Lola entered the posh car and allowed the stranger to drive her into the night.

In short minutes they were in her driveway. The ride was a silent one aside from Lola giving him directions to her house, and chancing a side glance at him once in a while.

“Thanks again,”

“You are welcome Lola, good night”

"Good night," she said before alighting from his car. Unlike some other guys, he didn't attempt to make small conversations or even looked like she found her attractive. Why are the ones you might like turn out to be the uninterested ones? She wondered before turning to her porch in short steps. He even waited for her to go into the house and shut the door before leaving.

Lola rested her back on the door till she heard him drive, she peeped through the drapes and watched his tail light disappear into the night. She moved away from the window, quickly opened her bag, and checked her laptop to be sure it is still in good condition after surviving the evening’s ordeal

Grandma Sally would be proud of him. Collin smiled, happy with himself. He helped a damsel in need and a darn pretty one at that. He trained his thoughts back to his resolution- using the women folks for his amusement. That is the goal, and it must be a consensus between him and the lady. He is not interested in hurting anyone’s feelings; they both must know what they are getting into. Lola’s beautiful face danced in his mind’s eyes but he quickly pushed it away. He would not deny his attraction to the damsel in distress. He even considered pursuing no commitment kind of relationship with Lola, just two adults enjoying each other's company, the friends with benefits relationship but Lola Sampson spelled trouble in capital letters, so it is better to stay clear of her. Collin is not willing to court trouble. Instead of going home to face a lonely night all by himself, Collin turned the car around and headed for the club.