"Chef Diana! Are you alright? Step away from the bottle pieces". The manager yelled. "Call the bussers!". Luckily, Treasure was sleeping. Damian just stood there. Without a single word as he watched the entire scene unfold.
He was far different from what I remembered. His black hair had turned brown. I thought he would've been skinny but he grew muscular. I just wished he had worn a long-sleeved top because those arms were distracting. I ran into the bathroom and spattered cold water on my face. "Snap out of it Diana". I muttered. "You came to Wrightwood for a reason. You shouldn't feel intimidated by some past saga". I told myself. The imagery of those arms popped into my head again and I wailed out in frustration.
When I felt that I had gotten myself together, I stepped out of the bathroom and realized that everyone had left. The shattered bottle pieces had been cleared too. I sighed. "What a relief". I flinched when I heard the shutter sound of a camera coming from the bedroom area. There he stood, taking pictures of the town from the windows.
I watched him for a while and a thought popped into my head. 'He must've known I was coming. The paparazzi knew and the hotel knew too. He probably came here on purpose to haunt me '. I thought to myself. The atmosphere in the room was so dense that one could cut through it. I decided to speak.
"Shouldn't you be taking pictures of the room?". I asked as I cleared my throat. "Don't teach me how to do my job, Diana". He stated as he took one last picture and turned to leave. I was befuddled. He knew my name. It could've been because the hotel manager said it, but the way he called it was what got me on edge.
"Wait!". I called out. "You knew I was coming, didn't you?". I asked, realizing how idiotic the question sounded as soon as it left my mouth. "Don't get ahead of yourself. I'm here on Strictly business. It has nothing to do with you". He stated as he closed the door behind him. "What a jerk!". I scoffed.
It was a sunny morning. A morning fit for some fun in the sun. I started to make a mental note of things that I could do today. The memories of the previous night came dashing back and I instantly reminded myself that I needed to get work done as soon as possible. I reminded myself that Damian was in Wrightwood and we have no business being nice to each other. More he than I.
I had my bath, bathed Treasure, and put on a designer Gold dog collar on her neck. I brushed her smooth and delicate fur. She snuggled closer to me and once again, I felt it. That warm feeling that only she can bring to me. She looked up at me with those puppy eyes and I fell in love all over again.
I looked out and the weather was perfect for some jean shorts and a tank top. The shorts were fitted enough to accentuate my wide hips and showcase my stunning legs. I styled my full brown hair into a ponytail and grabbed my purse.
I went to the downstairs dining area for breakfast. I resolved to order groceries because I preferred making my meals. The hotel's food was good enough to be digested, from my point of view. As a chef, it was easy for me to point out the flaws in the meal. I expected a world-class hotel like this to serve the best quality food. The meal lacked originality and dexterity. Treasure seemed to have no issue with hers. I chuckled at the sight. I ate what I could put on my sunglasses, and with Treasure in my arms, I left the hotel.
It would have been easier to hire an agent to make my task of securing a plot of land easier, but I knew what I wanted and I would feel it when I saw it. Even if it was a building. I drove into town and watched how the residents went through their daily lives. There was something so endearing about it.
I kept on driving till I was a little out of town. It was the quiet side. I came to a stop and took off my glasses in admiration. "Wow!". It was an empty piece of land with a single palm tree in it, by the ocean. By the side, was a cliff. On top of the cliff, was a house. "Who builds a house on a cliff?". I murmured to myself. I went closer. Treasure walked toward the ocean and I followed her.
I turned and saw a truck parked below the cliff. I inferred that someone lived there. Treasure barked and moved her paws through the flowing water. I crouched to see what it was. "Oh look a sea shell ". I said as I picked it up.
"What are you doing here?". I jerked up at the sound of the voice. "Huh?" I said, realizing it was Damian. "Well, the real question is what are you doing here?". I shot back weakly. "I live here and you're trespassing on my property". He responded, staring a hole into me.
"Oh". I murmured as I looked at the house on the cliff and the truck below. "Do you own this land too?". I questioned with a nervous smile. "Yes, I do. So can you please leave with your dog?". He stared at Treasure for a while. "What is it?". I asked. "Nothing. Just leave".
"You can at least try being nice to me".
"Why?. It's not like I have a particular reason to".
"Well, if that's how it's going to be, so be it. But guess what, Mr. Grumpy Pants, I want this land. And I will not stop until I get it. I'll come here every day if I have to". I responded sharply.
"Didn't you read the sign princess? It's not for sale". He stated with a raised brow.
I walked closer to him and looked up. The height difference was agonizing.
"Well, I guess I'll have to keep trying then". I said as I realized I shouldn't have moved closer to him. His eyes were now fixed on me and he stared at me in a way that made my heart flutter. I took a step back and he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me closer. His eyes ran over my face and then went down to my thighs and my perfectly exposed legs. "Diana". He murmured. I was lost. I was sure my brain didn't work anymore. The way he called my name made me want to melt in his arms.
"If you're gonna keep coming here, you're gonna have to offer me something that might change my mind". He whispered with a grin. I pushed him away instantly. "What kind of woman do you think I am!?" I yelled out. "Like it or not Diana. I find you sexually attractive. I'll be clear that I have no feelings for you and don't intend to".
"What a joke! You expect me to just fall into your arms after you've treated me so terribly? The fact that you don't want to bring up the past....
"If you're done speaking, you can leave now".
I stood in shock at his instant change in tone. He turned to leave immediately and I took Treasure in my arms and walked to my car.
I was so angry. "That son of a gun! That bastard!". Treasure barked at me. "Oh sorry Treasure. I'll mind my language". "You know what?. Let's head back to the hotel and order some groceries. We're gonna have a proper meal today mama". I told her with a smile and she wagged her tail happily. Deep down, I needed to cool off, and cooking helped me do that.