Experience Me

Chapter 16

"Oh come on Ariah. Why are you holding out on me? My life is a bore, at least give me something." I laugh at his exasperation.

"There's nothing to tell Johnny. We've went to lunch a few times. Maybe one date." I mumble the last bit but not low enough that he didn't hear it. Johnathan's failed attempt to hide his excitement resulted in a sly smile from me.

"Omg, I knew he had the hots for you! Was he good in the bed? Oh he looks like he's just a natural." I hit him on the shoulder and he grins.

"Shut up. We haven't had sex and that's none of your business if we did. Now go away before we lose our jobs." He snickers as he goes back to his desk.

Today I met with a few clients and attended progress meetings. The re-brand launch date was quickly approaching so everyone was busy making sure there were no mishaps. Time flew by and before I knew it, five o'clock had creeped up on me. Hearing the growl of my stomach, I decide to switch off my computer and head downstairs. As I reach the bottom, I become aware that I didn't drive to work. I didn't want to bother Silas so I opted to take a cab. Just as I was about to pay, I hear a familiar voice from behind me. Mason appears in my line of sight looking as handsome as he did the day in the elevator.

"Well, you're a sight for sore eyes," he says as he approaches. I smile.

"Hi, Mason. It's nice seeing you again."

"You as well. If you don't mind me asking, why are just standing out here alone?" I explain to him my dilemma and he kindly offers me a ride home.

"Oh no that's fine. I'll just get a taxi or something." He offers me his hand.

"I insist. It's no problem. Besides, I would feel bad just leaving you here." I take it and allow him to guide me to a deep blue Lexus. Opening the passenger door, I slowly slip into the luxurious car. He smiles and walks around, getting into his side.

"You have a very nice car." I adjust in the seat as Mason smoothly pulls off.

"Thank you, it's new. However, I rather not discuss my car." I shift my eyes to him.

"And what would you prefer discussing?" His thin lips curve into a faint smirk.

"I'd like the chance to take you out for dinner sometime." Shifting in my seat, I cross my legs before telling him the directions to my apartment then continuing the conversation.

"Do you now? I get the idea that you could have any woman you want. So, why me?" A soft chuckle flows out of him and I curve my lips into a smirk as I allow my gaze to travel across him. Mason was a handsome man, but we could never be anything serious. I can tell he's the unruly type who I could have a lot of fun with, but never settle down. We round the corner and stop in front of my building and he gets out to open my door. I step out and he closes the door, leaning against it.

"Other than the fact that you're extremely gorgeous, I think our time together would prove to be rather exotic and memorable." His words were oozing with suggestion. The roaring of a Mercedes caused us both to turn our heads in the direction of the sound. Silas hops out of his car and within a few strides he is by my side.

"I'm so sorry. I lost track of time."

I smile up at him. "I did too. It's okay though, Mason brought me home." I gesture towards him. "Thank you by the way." I say to Mason.

"Anytime sweetheart," Mason replies before turning his attention to Silas and nodding his acknowledgment of his presence. Rounding the car to the driver side, Mason opens the door but pauses before he gets in and looks at me. "I do hope you consider my offer Ariah."

"She won't." Silas speaks up for me. Mason laughs and gets in the car, speeding off down the road.

"I can't speak for myself you know," I say while walking into the building.

"I'm aware." I roll my eyes and remove my shoes as we walk into my apartment. Tossing my purse and keys on the couch, I move towards the bedroom. Silas leans against the door frame with his hands in his pockets.

"So, what was his offer?"

"He wants to take me out for dinner." As I'm removing my mascara, Silas appears behind me and softly trails his fingers along my sides.

"You're not going." It was not a question. I look at him through the mirror once I'm done.

"Don't." I shrug off my blazer and throw it on the bed.

"I'm not being controlling. You're just not going." He runs his fingers through my hair, I lean back into his chest.

"I wasn't planning on going Silas. I have enough toxic masculinity in my life as is." I motion towards him and he flashes me a cocky grin before guiding me back to the room.

"Stay with me tonight." He twists a lock around his finger and looks down at me.

"Silas, I have work in the morning." I'll admit, the prospect is enticing. A night with Silas Wilson.

"I'll get you there on time. I promise. Stay with me." He repeats as he wraps his arms around me, pulling me closer to him. His deep brown eyes staring down at me and the warmth of his embrace eventually break my resolve. I grab some clothes for tonight and work tomorrow. After grabbing a few extra toiletry items, we are on the way to his house. Silas holds my hand the whole way there.

Soft music filters through the car as we ride. I look down our entwined fingers. He looks over and smiles at me and I could feel the twinge in my heart at the sight. The more time I spent with Silas, the easier it became to fall for him. The possibility made me cautious, but the risk lured me in. He brought me excitement and lit fire to my ardor. The lack of warmth flowing through my body made me realize that we had arrived at his home and he was out of the car. I slowly got out while he grabbed my overnight bag. Taking up my hand, Silas guides me to the door and escorts me inside.

I stand by the door taking in the beautiful home I once stood in. Moving further inside, I glide my hand along his black sofa feeling the smooth velvet. The curtains that were once a lighter gray now a few shades darker; however, it did not take away from the beautiful entity. I pivot around and smile sheepishly at the place on the wall where we had our first encounter. Silas catches the direction of my eyes and smirks.

"That night, I found out who exactly I was dealing with." I raise an eyebrow and mirror his smirk.

"And whom might that be?" I ask as he brings me closer to him.

"A feisty dread head who isn't game for her time to be wasted." He kisses me deeply before guiding me up a beautiful set of white wooden stairs. I find myself wanting to touch the glass railing, but I refrain from doing so due to fear of smudging it. He pushes open a door and my eyes meet an elegant black four poster bed that sits between two matching nightstands. The wide rustic dresser that sits across from the bed is decorated with small miscellaneous art. As I venture inside, I note the exquisite hardwood flooring.

"Whoever your interior designer was, I need their number." He chuckles before sitting my bag on the bedroom bench and taking off his jacket. He begins to unbutton his shirt and I can't help my eyes as they follow his fingers.

"Are you hungry?" Right on queue, my stomach growls. "I guess so. Do you like lentil soup?"

"Yes, but I only eat my mother's."

"You haven't tried mine yet. You shower, I'll cook." Leaving no room for discussion, Silas strides out of the room and leaves me to follow his instructions.

Tonight should be interesting.