9 Bonding

When we pulled up close to the hotel, a huge crowd had gathered. My guess was it was more reporters because there were news vans parked close by.

"Unbelievable," I said looking around in disbelief.

"Well, there is no way I am going to let you go through to that hell-hole," Kyle said putting the car in reverse, "You're coming home with me young lady." He said not leaving any room for arguments.

He drove away quickly before we were spotted by the media. I wondered how they found out where I was staying. Word gets around so fast I guess. Or they were very resourceful.

"You're okay babe," Kyle raised his eyebrows, "Or should I go back and bash them all in the face?"He joked.

"You will do no such thing young man!" I wagged my finger at him.

"Ooh you look so sexy when you're all serious..say that again," he teased.

"What will I ever do with you Kyle Kinley?" I sighed throwing my head back onto the seat.

"Hmmm, Ican think of a couple of things," he said in his low flirty voice .

"You're such a tease," I slapped his shoulder and he laughed.

"Are you still up for dinner or should we order in? Or I can ask my chef to whip up something quickly for us?" He asked.

"I think I'm in the mood for a home cooked meal," I replied.

"The chef it is," he said as hepunched the number into his IPhone.

He asked the chef to surprise us, since we both didn't know what exactly we wanted to eat.We drove in silence but as usual Kyle found it hard to be quiet for very long.

"Do you have any solid plans tomorrow? Besides the hospital visit of cos?" He asked.

"I actually have a lot on my plate tomorrow, " I frowned, "Firstly, I got to go and inspect the offices and get the ball rolling for the launch of our shop. Then I have to go to the police station and find out if they have any more leads concerning the shooting. Then I got to try and line up some interviews for office staff-shop attendants, models, etc. Hopefully, I can squeeze in some time to find alternative accommodation."

"Wow, so no time for me then?" Kyle said disgruntled.

"Kyle, you know this is the reason I'm here?" I said. "Because of Rita's condition, I am already way behind schedule. I actually came here to work and unfortunately..I got derailed and distracted by a certain irresistible, hot and sexy music superstar," I turned to him watching him blush.

"Tell me more baby," he gushed,"Don't stop-please!"

"So, why don't we do this?" I suggested, "If you're not too busy tomorrow..then maybe you can tag along with me? No pressure of cos," I raised my hands.

"Now I like that plan much better than the initial one," he smiled.

We both laughed as Kyle maneuvered his car into his driveway.He parked the car in the garage and his housekeeperlet us into the house. When we walked through the door we were met with a very delicious aroma that seemed to be coming in the direction of the dinning room.

"Dinner is served Sir. If you need anything else I will be in the kitchen," the chef said taking a bow and walking out .

"Can I just freshen up first? " I ask Kyle "I'll be down in a second,"

"Yeah, good idea. I think I just might join you," Kyle says as he pulled me into his arms.

I look up at him and then he laughs, "In a differentbathroom of cos."

"I should think so," I gave him a dangerous dagger.

I followed Kyle up the stairs because I couldn't remember which room I had used yesterday. It turns out I slept in Kyle's room. On Kyle's bed. With Kyle. No surprise there.

"You can use this guest room. It's very close to mine," He smiled at me as he opens the door. "If you need anything just give me a shout," he says as he walks out.

I walked through the massive walk-in-closet in order to get to the bathroom and stopped and looked around in disbelief.To my surprise, I found my bags stacked on one side and my clothes were neatly packed in the wardrobe. But how..?Kyle. I rolled my eyes.

I walked into the bathroom not wanting to overthink it and took a quick shower.I brushed my hair and let it hang loosely. Then I slipped on a simple black skater dress and sandals, slapped on some lip gloss then made my way downstairs.Kyle was already seated and helping himself to the food. The housekeeper was hovering in the background and Kyle sent her away.

The chef had preparedgrilled shrimp and an herbaceous green sauce in lettuce leaves that were a crunchy, refreshing seafood bite.Chicken thighs in a blend of garlic, ginger, soy sauce and orange juice.Kale salad which consisted of thin strips softened in a light lemon dressing, then tossed with the savory-sweet blend of apple, dates, almonds and cheese.For dessert we had Mocha Chocolate mousselayered over fresh fruit and topped with a choice of miniature chocolate pieces, chocolate sprinkles or chocolate-covered espresso beans.

"Hope you're hungry, costhe chef went all out" he said standing up and pulling out my chair.

"No kidding," I said as my eyes went over the feast displayed on the dining table.

"Actually, I think we should go and eat outside. The weather is a bit warm tonight. Sounds good?" He stated more than asked.

"Sounds good," I smile. "Thanks for getting my luggage sent over from the hotel."

"Anything for you babe," he winked and changed the subject rapidly as usual, "Okay, grab the wine and the glasses and I will get the chef to help me bring the food outside," he says as he grabs the plates from the table.

He leads the way to the third floor balcony, that overlooks the sea. The view was spectacular. You could totally zone out just watching the waves.

Kyle and I settled down and had our dinner and just hung out afterwards. Watching the waves as they overlapped each other. We talked about our childhood, growing up as an orphan, college and the challenges we faced in our careers and pretty much spoke about everything and anything. He was also orphaned at a young age like me but at least he's grand-dad took care of him until he also passed on two years ago .

So we pretty much both didn't have family. It turns out we had a lot more in common than we both imagined.

"I wrote a song about you," Kyle said, "Want to hear it?" He grabs my hand and pulls me up, not waiting for my response.

"Really pretty boy?A song about me or a song for me?" I was surprised.

"Tomato-tomatoe," he says laughing.

He led us into his studio and made us sit by his white grand piano. He lifted the top gently and took out his music notes and handed the song lyrics to me.

"I will need you to be my backing vocalist or whatever, " he says looking nervous. "Before you say no..you just told me that you almost majored in music and you took lessons since kindergarten-so now is the time to make use of those classes."

"Me and my big mouth," I groaned, "Is this like a duet or something?" I joke.

"It's whatever you want it to be," he says kissing me on the cheek."When I nod my head it's a sign for you to join in. Got it?"

"Yes master," I said smiling at him.

"Sounds good?" he smiled back.

We sang the song together and when it finally came together it sounded beautiful-to me anyway.At the end of the song our eyes met and we drew closer to each other until our lips locked into a passionate kiss. Then the kiss deepened and our hands were all over each other. Kyle's t-shit came off somewhere in between and I don't remember how I got onto Kyle's lap but I was straddling him and his lips were all over me. He stood up with my legs still wrapped around his waist and he lowered me slowly onto the floor on a soft white rug.He unzipped my dress and continued to rain kisses on me.

Then suddenly he just stopped and pulled away from me.He sat with his elbows resting on his knees and kept running his fingers through his hair until he rested his head on his knees. Our uneven breathing echoed in the silence, a painful reminder about what almost happened.

"I'm sorry Amaya, I shouldn't have let things go this far," he said his voice laced with regret. "I don'tknow what came over me but I'm sorry, " he said his head still down.

Something was terribly off.He just called me by my name and that had never happened. Why did he pull awayfrom me so abruptly? What just happened here? I needed to getout of here and get my head straight. This was so humiliating.

I sat up beside him and zipped up my dress without saying a word. I stood up and glanced at him before storming out.

"Maya! Wait!" he called out but I was long gone.