HOW TO CATCH A BAD BOY

Two days passed, and Elena didn’t hear a peep from Chandler. Which was disappointing. She’d said no to his date but she wasn’t sure why she was still looking out for his text or call. She told herself that she was only looking forward to his call so she’d know if he’d spoken to the agent he told her about, and refused to admit to herself that maybe…Just maybe she also wanted him to text… To check up on her. It was really pathetic. She wasn’t one of those girls who played hard to get by engaging in mind games, but she couldn’t help the way she felt.

She had just taken a shower and slid into bed when her phone beeped. She sat up, and the thrill she felt when she saw that the text was from him embarrassed her a little. If she could feel this way over a text from him, she wondered how it’d feel if they actually kissed, or touched or made -hell no, she wasn’t going to let herself think that far.

‘Hi, Elena’ the next read, ‘I’m sorry I haven’t texted since. It’s been really hard to get a hold of this guy. Anyways, I finally got to speak to him this evening and he says he has a great place for you and he’s sure you’ll really love it. He will be available to show it to you tomorrow morning, so I would like to know if you can come see it.’

His text was formal and straight to the point, Elena observed. She couldn’t blame him. He was simply trying to keep his distance after she’d turned him down but still, was it too much to ask how she was doing? She sure as hell wasn’t going to tell him what she was thinking, so instead she texted back:

‘Tomorrow morning is very fine. I’d be happy to come see it. What time are we taking about here?’

‘9 am should be fine’ Chandler texted back, ‘It will be better that way so we can all go ahead with our plans for the day. I’ll send you the address tomorrow so you can just find us with the map.’

‘Sounds great. I’ll see you tomorrow. Thank you, Chandler,’

‘You’re very welcome’

Elena waited for a few minutes. That was it? Was he simply respecting her decision or was he mad at her, she wondered. If he was upset then that was really messed up. The fact that she didn’t want to go on dates with him didn’t mean that they couldn’t be friendly towards one another. Minutes passed and still nothing, so she decided to text him instead,

‘How are you doing?’

There! She’d sent it. How are you doing was a simple text. It wasn’t pushy or desperate. It was casual, and that was what she needed it to be. Two minutes passed, then she got a reply.

‘I’m very fine. Work has been a bit stressful lately, but it happens. How are you?’

Well, at least he was asking questions, she thought. He was trying to keep the conversation going. That was something.

‘I’m doing fine too. What’s going on at work that’s making you so stressed.’Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

‘We’re hosting this party soon. It’s mostly a cover up to get investors, but we still gotta plan for it,’

Elena was in the process of sending him a reply when another text popped into her phone,

‘I’ve missed you, Elena,’

She sat still for a few seconds. The text had come unexpectedly, and for a while she didn’t know how to reply.

‘You barely know me, Chandler’

‘True, but I stand by my words. I have missed you. Weird, isn’t it?’

‘Kinda’

‘Well, weird can be good sometimes. Could be fun too if you let it. Goodnight, Elena. I’ll see you tomorrow morning,’

‘Goodnight, Chandler’

Elena lay buried under the covers, but sleep eluded her. He was right. It was definitely weird the way she felt, especially when she was around him. It was weird that she was lying awake in bed thinking about him when she ought to be sound asleep, and it was definitely weird that she wasn’t only excited about tomorrow because she would be seeing the space that could turn out to be her bake shop, but she wasn’t also excited because she was going to see him too.

She could fight it, but she couldn’t deny the fact that she was starting to develop a crush on Chandler Kendrick and she had to do something about that crush as soon as possible.

———–

Chandler stood in front of the building, anticipation stirring in his chest as he waited for Elena to arrive. He was with Mr Harrington, the real estate agent, and he hoped Elena wasn’t one of those women who was late to everything and never showed up on time.

He adjusted the collar of his crisp white shirt, the soft fabric a stark contrast against the vibrant greens of the lush gardens. In the distance, the gentle hum of an engine grew louder, heralding her arrival. His heart quickened its pace as he caught sight of her car gliding along the winding driveway. The morning sun kissed the metallic surface, creating a mesmerizing dance of reflections.

She emerged from the car, a vision that stole his breath away. Her ebony hair cascaded down her shoulders in gentle waves, catching the light and shimmering with an ethereal glow. She moved with effortless grace, a sway in her step that was both confident and captivating.

Her choice of attire spoke volumes- a flowing, elegant dress that accentuated every curve, the soft fabric teasingly caressing her skin. The color, a deep shade of sapphire, complemented her complexion, making her eyes sparkle like gems.

Chandler couldn’t tear his gaze away. He found himself captivated by the way she moved, the subtle sway of her hips, and the soft smile plastered on her face. With each step closer, his attraction to her deepened, a magnetic pull he couldn’t resist. There was an undeniable allure about her, an intoxicating blend of sophistication and allure that left him spellbound. As she drew nearer, he felt a rush of emotions swirl within him-admiration, desire, and an inexplicable longing to unravel the mystery that surrounded her.