Chapter 58

"What do you think?" James smirked and my brows furrowed. What the hell is going on in his head?

Jones frowned "Why can't I have her number? Who are you?"

James shrugged. "You don't have to know."

Jones scoffed, with an incredulous look. "What are you? Her boyfriend?"

"No – "

"Yes." My eyes widened. I turned to James with a questioning look but he was not even staring at me. His gaze was solely fixed on Jones.

"I had no idea."

"Now you know." James smiled, and gestured with his hand, indicating that Jone should leave. Jones and I shared a brief glance before he left.

"What was that about?" With a frown, I turned to James who simply sat on the stool Jone had vacated. He tilted his head towards me. "Elaborate."

"Why didn't you let him have my number, and you said we were dating..." I trailed and his lips curved up into a smile. He placed his head on his elbow, drawing close. "Then let's date for real."

I blinked, swallowing nothing as our eyes mirrored.

"What do you say?" He raised his eyebrows, questioningly. I kept staring, unsure of what to say and just when I decided to respond, a man showed up.

"Hey James, wanna – "

"Nope, I'm busy." James cut in before he could complete his words. I smiled lightly, glad that he refused him. I watched as the guy left before returning my gaze to James. I stopped smiling immediately, clearing my throat.

"I thought you were gonna leave with him." I said, trying to sound nonchalant but his response caught me off guard. "Nope, you're more important."

My face flushed, and I had to start fanning myself, feeling the rise to my cheeks. I needed and escape and my stomach obliged, growling with hungry. I stood up abruptly. "I'm hungry, I'm gonna go find something."

I tried walking away, but James held me. "No answer?"

Clearing my throat, I shrugged a little. "I'm hungry."

James nodded, and released my hand. "I guess I have to try harder."

My brows furrowed at his words but I said nothing and just walked away, in search of food, which I found. At a corner was a food booth with different dishes. I smiled, knowing that I had a lot of options to pick from.

Throughout out the night, I made sure to avoid same as the next day. The conference ended without any more problems from Kyra and Reed. In fact, I didn't set my eyes on Kyra at all, so I assumed she just left.

That night, I got my things ready before going to bed at an early hour, because my flight was by seven. By six in the morning, I was already at the airport and when it was time, I boarded the airplane.

The moment I got settled in my seat, my eyes went shut as I waited for the plane to take off, which happened after a little briefing.

"Can't believe we are seat partners." The plane had just gotten stable on air when I heard that familiar voice. I slowly opened my eyes and it landed on James, who was staring at me.

I blinked twice. "What are you doing here?"

"What else, if not going back to the country?"

I rolled my eyes and closed my eyes back.

"Are you sleeping?" I heard him ask but I ignored him and soon, I was deeply asleep.

I woke up at intervals then went back to the sleep. The last time I did, I got deeply that I wasn't even aware of when the plane landed, until James tapped my body continuously.

I said a 'thank you' to him before leaving the plane with him behind.

"Should I give you a ride? Vince is coming to pick me up." James said as we walked out of the airport.

"Mr Greg is coming to pick me up too." I kindly refused and at that moment, I saw Mr Greg standing by a car.

"Young Miss!" He called with a wave of his hand. I smiled, and bade James goodbye before going to Mr Greg.

"Welcome home Miss, how was the flight?" Mr Greg asked as he collected my bag from me before heading to the car trunk.

"I slept all through, but I still feel really sleepy?" I replied and he chuckled.

"We should get you home then. You must have been so stressed."

I nodded in response, and we went into the car. He started the car, and as we drove out, my eyes met with James who was staring at me with a look I couldn't fathom in his eyes. I breathe out, as the car sped through the road.

A smile appeared on my lips. "It's nice to be back."