Mars the feline greeted the master of the abode, Nathan McNeill. While they scuffled and laughed merrily, I watched wistfully from under my hair.
"Your face looks so shiny as if you went through a car wash. And," Mars sniffed Nathan's light blonde ponytail, "You smell like a fig tree." Nathan cuffed him on the ear playfully.
I admit I'm a bit jealous of their relationship. I left all my friends back in Scotland when I came with Nathan. In spite of the fact that it was my own choice, I still felt lonely. My sole friend is Gene, and I barely speak to her these days.
In the corner of my eye I spotted a black figure slinking closer. Nathan plonked Mars onto his plush couch and stared at his fox. "What a surprise. I didn't expect you to miss me, Blair." The fox's fur stood up defiantly.
He refuted, "I only came out to see what the ruckus was about." Nathan just chuckled as he pulled out the bag of souvenirs. I felt like an outsider while they enjoyed one another's company.
Mars and Blair emitted joyous cries as they practically snatched their gifts from Nathan's hands. I nibble my lip, imagining myself in their place. It would be marvellous if I received a present from the boss.
I envisioned the striking face in front of me, smiling benignly as he presented an extravagant gift and—-
My mind froze. No way, this is Nathan, a womanising and greedy bastard. It was clear that I was merely his worker. He will never buy me a gift, and he will never consider a woman seriously at any point in time. It's come to my attention that Nathan tried going on a date before, but it turned out to be a complete disaster. With him the root cause too.
Nathan lugged his bag to his room, leaving me by myself. I squinted balefully after him. He maintained an attractive figure, broad shoulders with narrow hips indicating he went to the gym regularly. He brushed away some sweat from his brow, causing me to inhale sharply.
"How is this guy not on some magazine cover?" I mumbled incoherently. For the first time since encountering him, I thoroughly examined Nathan's appearance. He still wore his surfer clothing, with sunglasses hanging off his neck.
I leered at the veins as he bent to open his bag to unpack. His tanned muscles rippled on his arms and legs as he moved, making me lick my lips. "I have to get out more," I grumbled as I flitted to the couch.
I unzipped my bag completely ruffled. I gave a squeak as I detected something rub against my leg. "What's wrong? Your face is completely rosy. Did you burn it when sunbathing?" Mars asked in concern. I swallowed nervously.
"Uh, yeah. I mean, no. My thoughts made my blood pressure rise a little." I tried brushing it off. However, nothing went beyond Mars.
"Do you like Nathan?" he flung the question out of nowhere. Off balance, I answered without thinking, "Yes, I do. No, wait!" It was too late however as a smirking Mars loped away rapidly, leaving me behind dumbfounded.
Me, like Nathan? That arrogant womaniser? How can I like someone who treats others like crap? Angrily I grabbed my toothbrush and pyjamas and stomped to the shower. I do not like that hot, blonde and strong male.
I glared at my red face in the mirror as I undressed. I do not! I ranted resentfully as my eyes turned slowly to the direction of Nathan's room. Why is this house so small?
I'm sure it's my imagination, I tried to convince myself as I switched on the faucet. I mean, I smiled to myself weakly, who could love someone who only loves himself?
END OF BOOK 1