HIS FLOWER

CHAPTER SEVEN

JAYDEN

My jaw clenched, my fist tightened as I watched her run out crying. I promised myself she wouldn't cry again after the incident with Stella. For some reason, it wreaked havoc inside me, knowing I'd made her cry once more.

Fuck!

"Excuse me, gentlemen." I rose from my seat and went after her, unable to bear the turmoil brewing within.

I won't lie; when she got cozy with Jacob and hugged him, I wanted nothing more than to snatch him by the neck and slam him to a wall. But right now, all that mattered was this instinct to protect her.

I caught up to her figure disappearing around the bend leading to the restroom and followed. Whimpering sounds came from one of the ladies' stalls, rooting my feet.

"Ivy, he was so mad. I made a mess of his clothes. I feel like a terrible person... I can't help it." Her unmistakable voice sobbed.

Over a tuxedo I could toss in the trash if I felt like it. Admittedly, I overreacted because I was pissed at Jacob for hugging her, damn it! And I was pissed at Joe for trying to flirt with her. That airhead should count himself lucky to be my friend; otherwise, I would have figured out a way to take him down without raising dust.

"I don't know, Ivy. I couldn't replace it even if I wanted to. Nobody deserves clothes reeking of coffee all day. I just feel so bad, Ivy. I wouldn't blame him if he had me arrested." She rambled, bringing a smile to my face. She was indeed an angel.

I decided to put her out of her misery by knocking on the door. She gasped, fumbled for a minute, and finally snapped it open, stumbling right into my chest.

"I'm so sorry. Didn't know you were waiting." She mouthed to whoever she thought it was. Probably thought it was someone waiting to use the restroom.

"Don't be, it's not worth your tears," I responded, wrapping my arms around her and hugging her to my chest.

"I didn't mean to upset you, Lily. How can I make it up to you?"

Her tense body relaxed after ten seconds of being locked in my embrace, moving her tiny arms that barely reached my back.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make a mess of your clothes." She whispered, and I felt tears well up from the crack in her tone.

"It's fine, Lily; trust me. Just so you know, not all of us wouldn't mind smelling like coffee the whole day." I mouthed, and she blushed, warmth rushing to her face.

"You heard that?"

"I did. What can I do to make you feel better? Is there something you like, someplace you'd like to go?" I asked, watching her beautiful brown orbs light up.

Fuck! That weird flutter in my chest.

"Uhm... Ice cream." She whispered shyly.

"And?" I asked patiently.

"I like to take a walk in the park. It's uplifting seeing people happy."

I was stunned for a moment; I wasn't expecting her to say that. I'd always known she was different.

"Do you mind if I grab my car keys from my office?" She shook her head in response, and I nodded, grasping her small hand in mine.

The moment the elevator dinged, and we stepped out, Stella was up my ass once again.

"Sir, Mr. Cheng keeps calling to set up a meeting with you, and you have a business lunch with Miss Loretha. She called to let you know she's on her way. After that, sir..."