Chapter 46: Pool Night

Zenobia's POV

Night had fallen. I looked at the clock on the wall. Ten O'clock. I was still up, brainstorming my business plan. I struggled to fight a yarn and thought some herbal tea would be perfect to have.

I headed to the kitchen and made myself a cup then I heard a splash. I put down my cup and headed towards the pool.

Jordan was in it.

I crept along the long poolside chairs to have myself a peek. He was shirtless. The water styled his neat pompadour haircut flat to his head. His body glistened in the water under the lights in and around the pool.

I gulped as he rose and sat on the edge. He reached for his phone and began typing then he dropped it up to his ears and started a conversation with someone.

I forced my ears to listen in and drew myself closer, staying out of his sight. Hopefully.

______

Jordan's POV

Zenobia Hollen.

My uncle did warned me that she was a handful but I was up for the challenge of being her new bodyguard after Kyle quit.

The first impression I got was that of her being a spoiled brat. She was her parents' only child and they spoiled her to the core. Born and raised into money, she had everything she ever wanted but yet for all, she wasn't happy.

She appeared to be ungrateful towards her father and all what he had done for her.

She was low-key an alcoholic and did a very poor job of containing her liquors and her behavior after consuming it.

There were talks about her and Kyle having a relationship whilst being her bodyguard. How unprofessional. It was bound to end the way it did and when she saw he had moved on, and somewhat played her, she turned to alcohol and broke the last straw but I wasn't expecting her father to go off on her like that.

Kind of made me feel sorry for her.

Hearing him telling her that he'll take away everything was extreme. At the end of the day, that was still his daughter.

And she was doing a very poor job of spying on me.

She couldn't keep still. I saw her every move behind those pool chairs, and I thought it was funny but crazy.

~
"Hey, mom," I spoke as my mother answered the phone.

"Darling, how are you?"

"I'm good. Sorry for calling so late."

"Oh, it's fine. I was just having a cup of tea before bed. How's the new job, have you seen Kenneth?"

"Yeah. We spoke. He's based at Mr. EJ Hollen's property. I'm at his daughter's so we don't see everyday but he's okay. The job is great too."

"Good to know. I heard the Hollen girl is a handful."

"Ma, her name is Zenobia."

"Opp. Look at you correcting me about her. Now, Jordan, don't you dare go mixing business with pleasure. Okay?"

"Come on, I know better."

"Good."

I heard her yarn. "Ma, I'll get you go have your tea and get to bed. Have a goodnight. I love you."

"I love you too. Goodnight."

I hung up and walked over to Zenobia's so-called hiding place. She sprung up in surprise when I came up to her.

"You are terrible at spying on me," I joked.

"I wasn't spying."

"Oh no?"

"I was just waiting on my turn to the pool. I wouldn't want to be in there with you either."

"Says the person who invited me in today."

"I can change my mind you know."

"Fair point."

"Why are you swimming this late though?"

"A habit I can't seem to shake. I prefer the pool at nights."

"I see." She handed me a towel and I graciously accepted. The winds had picked up and I was trying my all not to shiver in front of her.

"Umm. I owe you an apology," she said.

"Why?" I asked, toweling off my hair and body.

"I was out of line talking about you being a bore, and your girlfriend. I meant no disrespect. I'm sorry," she apologized. I paid close attention to her eyes, facial expression and her body language.

She was being sincere.

"Apology accepted."

"Your girlfriend would be a fool to leave you," she said and toyed with her fingers. A show of nerves.

"You're indirectly asking me if I have a girlfriend, aren't you?" I asked with a laugh. She flushed and covered her face with her palms while shaking her head.

I found it cute. She was cute.

"I wasn't," she said finally.

"Yeah you were. Just come right up and ask me. Then I get to ask you a question," I countered.

A shy smile formed on her lips. "Okay, do you have a girlfriend, and be honest about it."

"Yes, I do have a girlfriend."

"Okay, thanks for being truthful. Now, ask your question."

I wanted to see where her self respect stood.

"Would you fall a man who's already in a relationship with someone else?" I asked.

"No. I know my worth now and I'll be damn to be anyone's sidechick."

"So you wouldn't kiss, make out, spy on..."

"That's another question, Jordan, but the answer would be a no."

"Okay then," I answered as I shivered a bit.

"Maybe you should get indoors and out of that wet trunks," she suggested.

"Yeah. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

I headed back to my apartment on the premises. I took a warm shower and changed into my dry briefs, shorts and a vest when a knock came to the front door.

I opened it and she was standing with a cup in her hands.

"Hey, I made some hot chocolate with marshmallows. I thought you might like some."

"Miss. Hollen..."

"Call me Zenobia. We're about the same age."

"Miss. Hollen, thanks but ehh... I shouldn't accept..."

"Jordan, it's just a cup of tea. I'm not asking for your hand in marriage."

"Thanks," I said. I accepted the cup and she immediately turned away without another word. I closed the door in and sipped the tea. My tongue welcomed the taste and I drank the entire thing down afterwards, marshmallows and all.

"That was the best hot chocolate I've ever had," I said to myself. I went into the bedroom and got into bed.

~
Another knock came. I groaned as I went to get it already knowing who it was.

"Done with the cup?" she asked.

"Yeah. It's in the kitchen," I said and handed towards there. She stepped in and waited by the door.

"It was delicious. Thanks again," I said as I brought it back to her.

"You're welcome."

She looked radiant with a short silk red dress on and a silk robe to match.

I was in a battle with myself. Something I wanted to do since day one versus professionalism.

"You okay?" she asked.

"Yeah."

"Good. Well goodnight again." She turned to leave but I pulled her back and pinned her against the wall between my arms.

What the hell are you doing, Jordan? Don't! Remain professional! You're not Kyle!

Man, fuck Kyle!

"Jordan, what's happening right now?" she asked. I gazed into her beautiful grey eyes.

"I know we shouldn't, especially after what you said by the pool but I want to kiss you so bad right now. Can I?"

She nodded yes.

Slowly and surely, my lips met her. It deepened as a moan escaped her throat. Before I knew it, I was picking her up and taking her into the bedroom but she stopped me when she fell onto the mattress.

"Jordan, I can't. We shouldn't."

"You're right. And I'm sorry."

"I'll let myself out."

She ran out of the room. I went after her but she had vanished like she never came.

"What did I do? Shit!" I questioned and cussed myself.

___________

*Ring Ring Ring Ringggg*

I leaped up in the bed and heard my phone going off.

"It was only a dream," I said with a racing heart. I gathered myself as the phone stopped ringing.

Five missed calls from my girlfriend. Damn it. I overslept.

My phone chimed next. A text message from my unhappy girlfriend.

'Jordan. U better not still be asleep. U told me you'd be available this morning for the appointment.'

I quickly responded. 'Baby, I'm already out the door. I'll be there shortly.'

She texted back. 'date prisa chico.'