Our love story

16

SHAWN SHANE WINSTON POV

Seeing her cry got me pondering, what exactly has she endured that makes her feel unworthy of love? Who hurt her? I clenched my fist at the thought of someone causing her pain; whoever did that to her had better hope I don't encounter them.

I took a quick shower and, for the first time in a long while, I put on a pair of jeans and a turtleneck shirt, pairing it with sneakers. I gazed at myself in the mirror, and a smile crept onto my face; I never expected she would agree to go on a date with me.

The sound of my phone ringing snapped me out of my thoughts. I walked back into the room and grabbed the phone from the bed.

"Speak."

"Mr. Winston, are you coming in, or do you want me to clear your schedule for today?"

"I won't be coming in today, but the dinner with Mrs. Chan is still on."

"Okay, sir, I will send you the address and time for dinner." I didn't bother responding and hung up.

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair; I have a lot planned for today, and I need to make it back home before 7 to get ready for dinner with Mrs. Chan, which I can't cancel.

I walked out of the room and headed downstairs to await Nadia's arrival. I took a seat on the couch and decided to read the text Keith sent me last night.

Wtf, dude!? Why am I just finding out you took Nadia with you?

I rolled my eyes and responded with 'It's not your damn business.' I got another text from Owen.

You best treat her right, bro, I wish you nothing but the best. And hope you can finally get rid of odeya and be happy after so long.

I found myself smiling and replied with a thank you. I tucked my phone into my pocket when I heard the sound of someone approaching. I stood up, and Nadia stood with a small smile on her face; she was dressed in a bralette top, paired with leather pants and a leather jacket draped over her shoulder.

"Do you think I am over-dressed?"

I ignored her question, stood up, and closed the distance between us. I slowly released her hair from the bun. She frowned as I slowly trailed my finger through her hair.

"I hate it when you put your hair up; you look more beautiful this way."

She flushed hard and took a step back from me, then put on the leather jacket. My eyes darted down to the purse in her hand; I grabbed her purse and brought out her phone from it, then dropped the bag on the couch.

She frowned. "I don't understand, Shawn; what do you mean by this?"

"I am taking you out on a date."

"I know that, obviously, but I am not letting you pay for everything."

I sighed. "Nadia, please let me do this for you. Let me spoil you, even just for one day. I know you are independent and capable of taking care of yourself, but let me do this for you, Nad's."

She nodded. "But next time we go out, you are going to let me pay."

"Sure." She pecked my lips with a smile on her face, then immediately walked away with a flushed face.

I chuckled at her cuteness, and we got to the garage. I opened the car door for her, and she thanked me. I got in as well and drove out of the mansion. She turned on the radio and leaned her back properly against the seat.