Hörny Boss

Chapter 14

VERA'S POV 

I opened the door of my apartment and invited Jackson inside as if he were coming there for the first time. I can simply say that he barged for the first time.

"Hey, neighbor!" Nathan used his leg to stop the door from closing on his face.

I was surprised because I didn't notice that he was home. Sometimes I wonder how he walks with such grace that his footsteps can't be heard until he's too close or when he chooses to make a noise and be noticed.

"You're home already? Wow, you frequent home these days and that's new to me. What's up?" I asked, inviting him inside as well.

He shrugged, touching my chin fondly. "Forgot something at home and I'm lucky since I got to see your visitor. Aren't you gonna introduce me?"

"Oh, forgive me. He's Jackson Taylor, my boss, and Mr. J.T. here's my neighbor, Nathaniel Vasquez," I introduced with a light heart.

Jackson nodded at him in acknowledgment and refused to shake hands with him. The man is a stubborn one and that got Nathan pissed. He faked a smile and clapped his hands unaffectedly.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. J. T. I think I will have to see you later, Vera." Nathan was hurt, I noticed as he turned to leave.

"Eeeh… Nathan, I won't be home for a few days. Can you please watch over my door for me?" I informed him.

He looked at me, "Sure will," he nodded and left.

"That wasn't cool at all?" I reprimanded Jackson.

"Can't shake hands that touch every animal in Texas! He might as well hit his head on the wall." He scoffed.

"How did you know he's a vet?" I asked as we ascended the stairs to my bedroom.

"He smells like one. Are you two just neighbors or…" 

"Hey, what are you insinuating now? Do you think I get intimate with every man that comes my way? Besides, Nathan is a very responsible guy and he's the religious type." I cut him off.

"Wasn't gonna say intimate but now that you mentioned it, I guess it's you who's blinded by his lifestyle. He looks at you with possessive eyes and I can't get along with him even in the future." 

I was already as pissed off by his words as Nathan was when he rejected getting in contact with him. I kept quiet as I opened my closet to bring out my clothes and shoes.

He walked around examining everything in my room. I couldn't get my eyes off him as I found myself admiring the way he walked and bent over to take a closer look at some things.

"Your room is cool, but a few things are missing." He said as he held up pictures of me and Hannah.

"I know, expensive things. Not that I can't afford it, but a lot of stuff here was gifted to me by people and I can't simply sell it off or trash it. I love them all." I replied.

"No, family and memories are missing here. I understand that you are old enough to live alone, but I guess family and childhood photos are supposed to be on the walls in replacement for these arts" he said the obvious.

Explaining to him about my parents is something I am not prepared for. I have always avoided it whenever people questioned me about them.

Hannah saved me, I heard her voice from downstairs as she called my name. I didn't hesitate to rush downstairs to meet her.

"Oh my gosh, you didn't tell me you have a model who doesn't have time to pose for an artist in your house! Hello, handsome!!" Hannah exclaimed when she saw Jackson as he descended the stairs.

"Hello," Jack grinned.

What does he think he is? An American gigolo I think! How can he flirt so openly with my friend while he was so rude to my neighbor because he's male?

"Hi, I'm Hannah! You are…?" She pecks him.

"Jackson Taylor. Nice to meet you, Hannah." He chuckled.

"Well, he's my boss, Hannah." I completed the introduction and added to cut whatever they thought they were doing, "Hannah is my best friend, a wife and a mother." 

"Your boss? You didn't tell me he's hot enough to burn my skin! Now I know why you acted rashly on your first day at work, who wouldn't?!" Hannah exposed me.

"Who told me to trust my secret with you?! Well, since you like the idea of it, I'm going to stay in his house for a few days." I broke the news to her.

"Wow! Everything is on a fast-forward here; someone gotta slow down!" Hannah looked at me confusedly.

"I was going to call you. I also wanted to tell you something, but I guess that would be the next time I come over to your place," 

"We need to talk now!" Hannah scolded and hurriedly went upstairs.

"Excuse us," I said to Jack and ran after her.

"What was that all about? As much as that guy out there looks harmless, I don't think it's wise to stoop so low as to make such an odious decision!" She reprimanded. 

That's Hannah for you. She's older than me and sometimes I look at her like my mother because she was there for me when I was transferred from one foster home to another and now.

I knew I could count on her when I decided to settle here. I was close to her since I knew how stupid I could be at times. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have gotten here all by myself.

"I know what you are thinking right now, but it's not like that. He didn't force me to do this and this is something I want too." I tried to explain myself

"Something you want? Until when were you planning to keep it from me? Vera, I still insist that you visit Dr. Halmes!" 

"You think I didn't go to the old man? He also thinks I'm not making sense but then he also knows there's nothing wrong with me! Hannah, believe me when I say that I need to do this, I have my reasons." 

"What stupid reasons?! I thought you ceased to be a nymphomaniac two years ago. Now what triggered you to do this?" She turned from being angry to worried.

"I know you are looking out for me and I appreciate it, but let me do this. That hot man out there is sick and I'm the only person that can help him. His son needs him to keep sane, and it's only for a short time until his doctor comes back." I explained curtly.

"Oh, he even has a son! Bitch, what if you fall in love with that guy and get ditched. Your heart will never heal since you faced more than heartbreak before." 

That's a clear warning, one I refused to observe. 

"That's never happening. I know what I am doing and love isn't part of the plan. I will give you more details about him when I come over, please?" I cupped her face.

"You'd better be careful or you will have yourself to blame for whatever happens. Good luck!" She pecks me and walks away from me.

My bad!