Admittedly, Daniel and Nathan both looked incredibly handsome and immaculate in their business attires. Based on physical appearance alone, it would be hard to pick which looked better compared to the other. They have their own unique physical quality that made them attractive.
Even though I recognized my own appeal and ability to draw a few attention, I was not anticipating being entangled between these two formidable men. Other girls might find my situation exciting, but in my point of view, it was frustrating.
When I wished for a new life, crossing paths with two men who were completely opposite in many ways was not something I had in mind. Then, Daniel and Nathan, showing interest in someone like me were quite astonishing. There was nothing special about me, for them to waste their effort on me.
Moving here and slowly getting back on my feet was the plan. Looked for a good-paying job to support my needs was the priority. Then, eventually, explore what I could do with my life. It was supposed to be that simple. Although I knew there would be challenges, it was not supposed to be like this one.
The backdoor creaked indicating that someone was about to go out. Expecting Gemma to follow me on our break, I was surprised to see a suited man sat beside me on the steps. Based on my body's reaction, I already knew who he was without even turning to look at him.
"You've been avoiding me again. Why, Scarlet?" Hearing his voice sent the hair in my nape standing. He was completely out of place in a dirty alley like this. He was certainly ruining his expensive suit by seating on these dirty steps.
"I just can't see you again. I don't think it would work between us," answering him truthfully as my heartbeat erratically. Avoiding looking at him by focusing my attention on the cat on the dumpster, which was busy looking for scraps in the trashes.
"I don't accept that. I believe you're just frightened of the way you felt about me because I certainly felt the same way." His admission was totally unexpected. He slowly placed his elbows on his knees as he tried to be comfortable beside me.
"That's not true. Nathan, I don't feel anything for you," denying it vehemently as his nearness made it hard for me to think clearly. He just said that he felt the same way, but it could be just another line to get what he wanted. I debated in my head.
"Don't lie to yourself. You want me as much as I want you." He boldly stated as he took my hand in his. My reaction to his touch was a clear indication of how much I wanted him. No, this was just lust, and this would soon fade in time.
"No, I don't," snatching my hand away from him. "I'm with Daniel now." I know it was a lie, but not for long. However, I was hoping that it would put Nathan off and leave me alone.
"Now, you're not just lying to me, but you are definitely lying to yourself." He said mockingly. He was now looking at me, checking my reaction.
"Just leave me alone. I am not interested in you." I wanted to sound clear, so he would finally get it in that big head of his and backed off. I knew if I did not stand my ground, he would never leave me alone until he got what he wanted.
This was just a game to him. A way to get me off his system. I had no inkling of what made him see me as a challenge. Was it because I had refused his advances? Or was it because of Daniel? Whatever his reasons were, I had no time to find out. I did not want to get involved in his plans.
He stood up and dusted off his suit. "You're just prolonging the inevitable." He was about to enter the backdoor when he stopped and said. "Stop using Daniel." Then, he was gone.
Left behind with my own thoughts, I replayed his words in my mind. What did he mean, prolonging the inevitable? Did he think that I would easily succumb to his advances and be just another name in his playbook? Think again because I was not falling for his traps.
About Daniel, I was not using him. That was not true. I was serious when I decided to commit to a relationship with him. I could not let his words ruined what I was trying to build with Daniel. He was just bitter that he could not convince me to sleep with him.
Gemma eventually followed me at the back with two sets of snacks. She wondered why she thought she saw Nathan came from here. I just explained that he needed something and accidentally ended up here. I mentioned that Daniel was inside with Nathan, and she explained that they sometimes worked on the same projects. That certainly explained why they were together now.
I saw that Nathan was almost out the door when I got back inside the main room, I proceeded to clear the table that they occupied, glad that I did not have to confront him. Most of his companion was outside the premises.
"Scarlet." I stopped before I reached the table when Daniel called my name. "I was looking for you."
I was not expecting that he would still be here. I thought he already left, not seeing him earlier inside the room when I walked back. As I turned around, I noticed that Nathan also paused by the door and directed his attention to us.
"Why?" I fixed my eyes on Daniel, who was now a few feet away from me. I should only focused on him. He was the one I chose.
"I would like to invite you for dinner on Friday." He was fidgeting with his keys in his fingers, a bit unsure. "There is this business event, and I'm hoping you can accompany me."
"I have no prior plans. Sure, why not." I simply said. Maybe this was exactly what I need, more time to spend with him. It was the perfect opportunity to tell him of my decision.
"That's perfect. I'll pick you at 6 pm at your place." I was not able to react when he suddenly lowered his face to mine. I did not mind since I was about to tell him that I was choosing him, so I let him kissed me.
Although it was just a short brush on the lips, I figured he was making a show explicitly for Nathan. Men with their need to mark their territory. Anyway, perhaps it was for the better. That should tell Nathan to back off.
"Ok," I muttered as I swiftly peeked at Nathan who was nowhere in sight. This time, I was sure that he took the hint. He would definitely leave me alone. Somehow, that thought was not sitting well with me.
This was certainly becoming a long day. I hope that there was nothing else that could go wrong. The worse was over. This should clear it with Nathan that there was nothing between us. There would never be.