HATE ME (book 2) -complete

Chapter 2

I woke up on a couch. My neck hurt, and my head pounded in pain. Too much wine. I looked around the living room and I realized I am still in the stranger's apartment. God, I don't even know his name.

I stood up and I looked for my shoes. I found them by the end of the couch and when I was about to pick them up the door opened.

The handsome stranger strolled in jeans and a T-shirt. He still looked delicious.

He smiled and walked closer.

"Hey, their sleepyhead. You were quite knocked out." He laughed.

"Must have been some strong wine. " I smiled and picked up my shoes. I sat down on the couch and put the shoes on. He took a seat next to me and said.

"Do you want to go out for coffee? Or breakfast? "

"Hmm, I should probably get home. But what do you say about dinner tomorrow? I work till five. After that, we can go out." I offered. He was nice. A good friend to talk to.

"I'd love to. I'll pick you up. Here is my number." We exchanged numbers, and he leads me to the lift.

"Bay, see you tomorrow."

The lift started to close and I remembered. I haven't even asked his name. Oh god, I really am dumb.

Arriving finally at home, I took a shower and I got ready for work.

It was half-past seven. I still had time before I needed to leave,, so I reviewed some work that needs to be finished this week. I was meeting a client today to refinish a few rooms in a mansion in the city.

I soon left for work and the day flew by quickly till I had to leave to meet the client for the mansion.

The taxi dropped me off and a familiar place. I remember these trees.

Oh my god, it's his mansion. Xavier's mansion. I felt the ground shake under my feet.

"Hello miss, mister is expecting you. Follow me." I followed, quietly wishing that the mansion was sold to someone new and that Xavier truly is dead.

The mansion was magnificent. I have never seen it from the outside. It was a work of art. No wonder Xavier had it. I marvelled at the sight. But I was also scared, knowing he was here.

We got to the front door and a maid opened the door and lead us inside.

I was trembling in fear. What if Xavier isn't dead? What if he survived? My mind was swirling with what-ifs.

I was led into the grand living room and there was a familiar face waiting for me.

"It's you," I exclaimed. The guy from today. Which I still don't know the name of.

"My God, what a coincidence. I think we should at least exchange our names if we are to work together." He hugged me.

"Of course, Katherine."

"Pleasure, Katherine, I am Caleb."

"So, is this mansion yours?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I just bought it last month. It went on sale so fast I couldn't believe it. I heard that this was the home of a really powerful man, but it seems he just disappeared a while ago." He said.

"Hmm, interesting. So show me what you want to be done."

"Follow me, I have a few rooms to change."

He showed me a few guest rooms that he wanted to be redone, and the living room was also included to be redecorated.

"Okay, so that's it. Just 5 rooms. If you could get them finished quickly, I would really appreciate it."

"Of course, I will do my best. So, what theme would you like?

"Hmm, let's do modern with a twist."

"Will do." I laughed with him. I just need to find the twist he wants to go with the beauty of this place.

"Come, I had dinner made while we were looking at the rooms. So we don't need to rush back. We were scheduled to go out either way."

"True, sure, I am already a bit hungry."

He leads us to the dinner table and pulled my seat out. The last time I was here was with him. I feel my hands shaking a little. I push all the bad memories back and try to focus on Caleb.

We were served dinner and it smelled delicious. There was fish and a salad, and I hopped there was dessert as well.

"So have you lived here all your life?"

"Oh, no, I moved a few months ago here. I used to live in New York before."

"Really how interesting. I went there on business, but I always wanted to live there someday." He smiled.

"You should really, it is a wonderful city, and you can easily find someone." I winked. He was handsome and nice and all, but I still saw him more as a friend than something more. And I think I still need some space after everything that happened.

The time flows so quickly and dinner was finished. We also ate dessert, a chocolate mouse. And it was to die for.

I felt relaxed and at peace, which was weird because of where we were.

"Well, I think I should be going soon." I stood up and made my way to the front door.

"Wait, I can drive you. I need to stop at my apartment to pick up some documents." He leads me to his car, and soon we were off to the city.