Roses and Flame

Chapter 16

It was quarter to five and I was already sitting on the same bench as I was last time. Before I left I ate and left a note for my parents so they know where I am at. Today was a bit chillier so I was wearing jeans instead of a dress with a simple white t-shirt and my favourite all-black Vans. I decided not to take a jacket because I wasn't even sure how long I was going to be here anyway. I kept wondering about multiple "what if?" scenarios and a lot of them ending with him saying goodbye or me running away. Why I was like this I had no clue. I guess I just wanted to be prepared for anything no matter what happens or what I'd actually like to happen. I've been doing that - overthinking - a lot since I remember myself. I found comfort in somewhat predicting the outcome but most people seem to surprise me or I was just thinking mostly bad scenarios.

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I still couldn't believe that it was already two weeks since my last mission. I specifically asked for the whole three months off. It was bad enough I could stay longer in one place, I needed longer holidays. My boss wasn't happy about that but I was his best agent so he always fulfilled my wishes. I didn't ask a lot - just normal things like not too extreme requests and not too dangerous. Also when I wanted a holiday, I would have it and as long as I wanted. I haven't been to London like lived here in years. The last time was on the mission in the 2012 Olimpic games.

Also, I was one of those crazy people that worked even on their holidays. I was the owner of Miller Insurance - one of the leading specialist insurance and reinsurance brokers operating through the London market and internationally. It was kind of funny that I was a secret agent and owner of the insurance company. I always had something to do whenever I had a chance to check my email or go to the actual building. It felt good to be back here in the office but some people didn't seem to recognize me - I guess they were new and also it's been ages since I actually was here so it wasn't anything new.

I always get asked if I had to choose between the two of them which job I would take and which not. I can't choose between them. As a secret agent, I get the thrill of adrenaline plus I can travel all around the world and the insurance company gives me stability in life.

I don't why but I've been called a macho. I mean I look exactly like my twin brother Tyler so that couldn't be about the look. Was it the fact that my so-called-relationship usually didn't last long? I was not in the same place long, so I couldn't possibly be involved with one woman as well as bringing her into my life as a potential danger because my job felt unnecessary. I mean when I went out with my friends or my brother I was more than likely to leave the place with a woman by my side. Mostly it was just for one night fun but neither of them complained about that, but when I met Rosanna for the first time I actually thought I was seeing an actual goddess in flesh. She was nothing compared to any other woman I have met judging by the look alone. That floral dress she was wearing that day felt like it was made just for her - it fits right in all the right places and still showing off all of her curves. She had hair in that beautiful shade between red and auburn and those curls... When she turned around and looked at me for the first time I saw those big, beautiful eyes that seemed to be the same exact shade of green as that gem jade - not too dark but not light either. At first, I thought she only had freckles on her face but later I saw that she had them on her neck and arms too. And when I saw her dress cling to her body, even more, when she got soaking wet in rain... Oh god, I had a lot of ideas about where our meeting could lead but most of them ended with passionate sex in my bedroom. For a minute I wanted to ask her right there to come with me, but something stopped me. I added all the clues in my head and realised that she's probably still a virgin. Holy f-! It was hard not to ruin the mood and easy-going feeling between us. When I walked her to her bus stop I couldn't keep it anymore so I kissed her again. Something about her felt so mesmerising that I couldn't keep my distance or at least try to keep the conversation going. I knew I had to see her again because the longer the time passed it felt more like a dream, not a memory of actually happening. If it wasn't for Tyler and his rude habits I wouldn't have to beg her to come to meet again...

"Yo, bro, did that chick has already wrapped you around her finger?" amused asked Tyler. I didn't even notice him coming into my office and taking the seat in front of me.

"Shut up!" I said because I didn't want to explain. Especially not to him.

"Alright, alright!" he said while putting both of his hands up. I checked the time - it was quarter to five - so it meant I had to leave now if I wanted to make it in time and not make her wait for me.

"Are we going to that pub tonight?" asked Tyler noticing me grabbing my stuff.

"No, I have other plans," I said, "and don't even bother asking what as well as not go to my apartment cause I'm still mad at you!"

I wanted to leave because corny as it may it sounded but I actually missed her.

I just didn't realise then that at that moment I was already screwed.