Let It Be Me (Let It Be Me #1) (8 page)

“We hired him when we started the foundation,” Ben explained. “Henry has worked in other non-profit organizations. Between my Economics degree and Alex’s Communication Studies degree, we didn’t really know the first thing about putting up a foundation.”

“Alex has a college degree,” Kayla said in wonder. She clamped her mouth shut, realizing how that sounded. She better start thinking more before speaking her mind out.

Ben laughed. “Maybe he doesn’t look it but yes, he has a brain somewhere in there.”

 “What are you chatting about?”

Ben and Kayla turned back to see Alex walking over with a self-assured smile, positioning himself between Ben and Kayla. Kayla could smell his familiar soapy scent. The smell has always reminded her about the very first time she encountered him outside the elevator.

“Kayla here is surprised you went to college,” Ben spilled. Kayla looked at Ben with horror in her face, before she hesitantly and guiltily looked back at Alex. 

“Really,” Alex said, feigning a hurt look. “You don’t give me enough credit, Kayla.” 

Kayla felt herself blush with embarrassment. She’s been getting herself in trouble for all her stereotypes.

“If you guys could excuse me,” Ben said. “I see someone I know.”

So Kayla found herself alone with Alex.

Alex peered down at her, smiling, then asked, “How did you find the movie?”

“Everyone enjoyed it,” Kayla said, feeling shy under his gaze. “I’m not sure how Jenny will get Trey to sleep tonight.”

“That’s good to hear, but I was asking how
you
found it, Kayla.” 

“I – uh – liked it.” Kayla stammered, conscious about being put on the spot. She quickly looked around before forcing herself to look back at him. She said quickly, “It was amazing.
You
were great.” 

Alex beamed. And Kayla saw a hint of satisfaction and relief. “Thank you,” he said a bit breathlessly, causing Kayla to “Everyone else has left?”

“Brandon and Sara are out there somewhere,” she said. “But the rest have gone.” 

“I’m glad you were able to stay,” Alex said.

Even before Kayla was able to react to his statement, Alex was approached by a red-headed beauty. Kayla watched as the woman placed her hand on his arm. “Alex, there you are,” she purred, just like they were in bed, making love. Kayla has never heard anyone speak like that in public.

“Oh,” Alex uttered. “Kayla, this is Helena Perov. Helena, this is Kayla Richardson.”

Helena’s smile was obviously practiced and lacked sincerity. Kayla recognized her as one of the smaller bits in the movie. Kayla watched as Helena leaned closer to Alex to whisper something, suddenly making Kayla feel awkward and out of place. What has she gotten herself into? Kayla looked around to try to find Ben. Maybe he would be willing to go. Or maybe she can go back out to look for Brandon.

When she looked back, she saw Helena walk away. She didn’t know what Alex told her. Maybe they would be meeting again later on?

“Hey, if you need to go, I’ll be okay,” Kayla assured quickly. “I’ll just look for Brandon or Ben, or maybe catch a cab. Don’t worry about me.”

“The hell you’re not.” Alex’s look was fierce, surprising Kayla, and she saw his jaw clench. “I will not allow you to take a cab.” He took a few breaths then continued, “I wish I could stay longer with you, Kayla, but I still have some interviews to do. And I couldn’t have you wait for me.”

Kayla wasn’t sure how to take what Alex was saying.    

“I can take care of myself, Alex,” Kayla said softly, still a bit confused. 

“I know, but –“ Alex looked at her and sighed. “If you really want to go we can go look for Ben.”

Kayla nodded. She didn’t want to be a burden to him on his big night. She saw disappointment in Alex’s face but she watched as he took out his phone.

“Where are you, man?” He listened as Ben spoke. “I need you to take Kayla home.” He listened some more. “Okay thanks, we will wait for you here.”

Ben arrived right away. Ben was a good friend, Kayla observed. 

Alex said something to Ben, but Kayla couldn’t hear. Alex then turned to Kayla and smiled. “It means a lot that you were able to come, Kayla.”

Kayla was speechless as she looked up at him. Her heart was pounding. His words were echoing in her brain. His words seemed innocent enough, but the way he said it gave her some shivers.

“I’ll talk to you soon,” Alex said. Then placing his hand on her shoulder, he bent down to kiss her on her temple. As he leaned back and took his hand away, it was like the feel of his lips and his hand stayed with her.

Kayla managed a nod. “Thank you,” she practically just whispered. 

Ben led her away as Alex left with one of the movie’s publicists. As they approached the valet area, Ben gave his stub to the attendant and they waited for the car.

“I hope you enjoyed yourself,” Ben said.

“I did,” Kayla said slowly, still a bit shaken. “It’s just different.”

“It gets better,” Ben guaranteed. But Kayla thought, it wasn’t like there was going to be a next time.

Ben’s silver Lexus arrived. He opened the door for her then got in the driver’s seat. Kayla told him where she lived. He was familiar with the area, but automatically input the address in the navigator.

“I’m sorry you had to leave early,” Kayla said. “But Alex could be so stubborn. It almost seemed a waste that I stayed.”

“Of course it wasn’t a waste,” Ben assured. “I couldn’t stay too long in those events too. Just need to make sure our friend Alex behaves, and also to network a bit for the foundation.”

“It’s great that you and Alex share the same vision,” Kayla observed. 

Ben nodded. “Yes, we’ve been talking about this since high school. Everything’s coming true.”

“That’s just great,” Kayla exclaimed.

Kayla was quiet after that. Tonight’s events were still yet to sink in.

“Alex is a really good guy, Kayla,” Ben said out of the blue.

Kayla wasn’t able to say anything after that. She wasn’t sure what Ben was trying to imply.

They finally reached her townhouse. Ben, the true gentleman, got out first to open her door. 

“Thanks, Ben,” Kayla said, as he brought her to her door.

“It was my pleasure, Kayla,” he said reassuringly. “Good night.” He bent down to kiss her on her cheek, but it didn’t leave any impression as Alex’s kiss.

“Good night.”

Kayla wasn’t sure how she functioned as she went through her nightly rituals.

It was almost an hour till Kayla lay down on her bed and mulled over the evening. The extra attention she was getting from Alex may be exciting, but how could it lead to anything? He was in the limelight and was surrounded by gorgeous women like Helena Perov and Emily Harper. She was a boring architect who didn’t have much of a life. 

So yes, she said it, Alex was right about her. 

Now how can her life compare to his?

Chapter 10

Kayla was home the following night by eight. It was almost no use to stay later. The day was almost unproductive. She tried to reset her mind and try to go through the day just like any other, but her mind kept wandering and remembering Alex’s words, his hand on her waist, his lips on her forehead, his scent…

Then it would rewind further to the night they kissed in the elevator.

Darn. She better get a grip.

In order to take her mind away, she planned to catch up on her reading that night. She was in the middle of a suspense thriller.  That should do the trick.

After her shower, she burrowed under her comforter decked in her pajamas. Her hair was tied in a bun and had her glasses on as she turned to the last page she has read. 

She was practically holding her breath as she was reading the exciting climax of the book when she heard the doorbell ring.

Kayla froze.

Who would drop by at ten at night? 

Slowly, getting out of her bed, she crept out of her room and down the flight of stairs. She tried to stay quiet in case she could catch any sound from outside, but all she heard was a car pass by.

Suddenly getting nervous, she made her way to the door, passing by her kitchen. She spied a skillet on the drying rack that seemed durable enough if bashed over someone’s head. Taking it quietly, she made the last few steps to the door. She peeked through the side window, but she only saw a portion of someone’s back. It was obviously a man based on the built.

What if he shot her before she got to hit him with the skillet?

Were her neighbors home? Would they hear her if she screamed?

She said a quick prayer. She enjoyed reading suspense thrillers, but she didn’t want any in her life!

She took several breaths before she opened the door an inch to peek out. She was stunned to see Alex turn. He was casually dressed in jeans, a hoodie and a cap.

“What are you doing here?” she asked incredulously, opening the door wider. She was still shaking a bit from her earlier scare.

“Just thought of dropping by,” he said grinning, raising a bottle of wine and a paper bag on each hand. “Can I come in?”

“Yeah, s-sure,” she said, faltering. She tried to think how he knew where she lived then the best guess was Ben told him where he dropped her off the night before.

“You look a bit pale. Are you okay?” he asked. He peered at her with worry painted on his face. He didn’t wait for her to respond. “And why do you have a skillet? Cooking a midnight snack?” he inquired as he walked in.

“No, you dork, it was my weapon in case it was a burglar at the other side of the door!” she bellowed.

Alex chortled. “Oh Kayla, for one, a burglar wouldn’t knock. He’d help himself in.”  

“I know that. But who comes at ten in the evening without a call first?”

“I’m sorry,” Alex said sincerely. “I just had a long day and wanted to wind down.”

It was then that Kayla remembered she was just in her pajamas and felt self-conscious.

“I better change,” Kayla said, more to herself.

“Oh no, you don’t have to,” Alex said quickly. “I just wanted to chill anyway. Didn’t know you wore glasses though. You look adorable.”

Kayla made a face that made Alex laugh. Who liked being called adorable? 

She led Alex to her dining area. “What do you have there?” she asked him, pertaining to the paper bag he had.

“I just came from a press conference. I had them make a doggy bag for me of petit fours.” 

“I’ll just get some glasses and plates,” Kayla said heading back to the kitchen. She placed the skillet back in the cupboard and got two wine glasses, two plates and dessert forks. While she was going through the motions, she kept on wondering why he was there.

When she came out to the dining area, he had just opened the wine bottle. She handed him the glasses then she laid a plate and fork on both their places. Alex poured wine on the glasses as she sat down.

Kayla was not used to seeing Alex dressed down. He looked almost… normal.

“What are you doing here, Alex?” she asked again.

“I already told you,” he simply said.

“But why here? Why me?” she asked frankly, forgetting her inhibitions for a while. “You must have dozens of people to choose from.”

“Sometimes we just follow our gut,” Alex said cryptically, he raised his glass to clink with Kayla’s. Kayla sipped and felt the smooth wine flow down her throat. It was obviously good and expensive wine. She looked at the burgundy color of the wine as she tried to understand what Alex was saying.

“Kayla, you don’t have to fight so hard,” he said, making Kayla look up. “I’m here with good intentions. It’s not like I’m taking advantage of you. What’s wrong with being friends?”

“I just keep on thinking why you’re so interested in being friends with me,” Kayla replied honestly, daring to look at him. “You’re surrounded by such fascinating people. I’m just someone who’s closed off and clearly you think I’m boring.”

“Why would I think you’re boring?” Alex said intensely, a frown creasing his forehead. “I wouldn’t be here if I was bored.”

“But you kept on lecturing me since the beginning how I don’t live life,” Kayla argued.

Alex stared at her in shock for a second.

“I’m sorry if I made you think that I thought you were boring,” Alex said contritely. “But that wasn’t my intent. I knew there was something in you. And contrary to what you think, I’m fascinated by you. You have to get to know me more to know what interests me.” 

Kayla sighed. Alex made so much sense. And his words warmed her because she felt that he meant them. “I’ve been overthinking, haven’t I?”

“Just a little,” Alex said, with a comforting smile. Then probably in an attempt to change the subject, he said, “Let’s get you some of these cakes.” He brought out the plastic container from the paper bag. He opened it to uncover several mini cakes of different colors.

“My goodness, I want to try them all!” Kayla exclaimed at the sight. She’s always had a sweet tooth. 

“No one’s stopping you,” Alex teased. He placed one of each kind on her plate, totaling to five. 

They started eating as Alex told her about his stint at The Ellen Show that morning. “She gave me a bunch of Ellen underwear,” he said bashfully. 

Kayla laughed, after taking a bite of the mini pistachio cake. “I’m sure the audience ate it up.”

Alex shrugged. 

Of course they did, Kayla thought. Who wouldn’t? Jenny would definitely have.

She probably would have too.

“How long would this be? All these interviews and promotions for the movie?” she asked.

“Around two weeks,” he replied. “Next week would be tough since I’m starting another film.”

“What kind of movie would it be this time?”

“Action suspense,” he replied. “I’m playing an FBI agent in this one.”

“Sounds exciting,” Kayla said and meant it. She enjoyed suspense movies as much as the books she read.

They ate their cakes and drank the wine as Alex briefly told her the story of the new film. 

“Sorry if I just spoiled it for you,” he realized after he told her.

Kayla shrugged. “You didn’t really give away the ending. And who said I was going to watch it?” She couldn’t help but tease him.