Chapter 3 Three

SCARLET

I still couldn't get over the thought of Luke being here in Cambridge. I'd been debating with myself whether to show and introduce myself formally, but how would I? I couldn't ask Mom for his number. I didn't know where he lived. However, I was more concern about what would I feel if I see him. I would certainly have mixed emotions. I heard Thomas assigned him to a new business project in Cambridge, and he's going to stay for three months. It would be enough time until I graduate in two months. I badly needed someone's help with IT expertise for my thesis. Luke was an IT genius in his Harvard days.

I frowned at my wristwatch. The Uber I booked came at last after fifteen minutes of waiting. I dragged my luggage along with me and stepped in the car. To my irritation, my phone rang precisely the moment I settled in the car. "Good evening, Ms. Scarlet Carter?" the Uber driver asked, "And your destination is JFK airport?"

"Yes, thank you, " I answered quickly, then I drew out the phone from my pocket. Jax's name appeared on the screen.

"Yes, what is it?" I snapped.

"What's with your tone?" "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm going to be late for my nine o'clock flight."

"Is it today?" he asked, then cleared his throat.

"Yes. Why did you call me?"

"I just want to remind you of our agreement. Nine days more to go, Ericka."

I rolled my eyes. "Why? Didn't you find another woman to screw this weekend?"

"Unfortunately, I've been busy. I flew back home last night." He groaned. I noticed the grogginess in his voice. Jax told me that he was a businessman, and he often flies around the world. I wasn't sure if I was going to believe him, but he made himself clear how he hated liars, so I guessed he was telling the truth. Though, I didn't bother asking about it.

"You flew back home?" I frowned. "Isn't your home in Manhattan? I still don't understand the coincidence between us."

"Yet, you can't show yourself to me. I'm starting hate answering your queries about your job. Are you sure you're a graduate?"

I bit my lip. "Of course, I am. I won't be able to register in the app if I'm not, right? Also, as I said, your expertise in IT is wider than mine. I'm still new to this."

"I'm pretty sure you also didn't give your real name on ProExpress."

"Ericka is my real name, " I lied. "But I'm sure yours isn't Jax."

"Do you want me to tell you my real name?"

"No. Thank you, " I declined right away. I had stalker tendencies. If I know about him, I will search his name all over the internet.

"You soon find out when we meet."

"What if I'm ugly?"

"I'm pretty sure you're not."

"I said, what if? What if I'm not your type?"

"Then, I'll cover your head with the bedsheet."

I laughed. "Okay, okay. Because I'm sure you'll be disappointed. I'm not pretty."

"I don't care. I care much about how wet you could get if I'm inside you." And there, I felt something building up inside me.

"You don't care about appearance, is that it?"

"No. I care, but it would be much easier if you told me what you look like."

"I look like a woman." I giggled. "Why are you in New York? Didn't you arrive in Cambridge a few days ago?"

"It's family matters. Something came up, " he said. "I can easily find you when you arrive here, you know?"

"You won't do that."

"I said, I can. I didn't say I will. And I don't stalk. I only search for people if they committed fraud."

"Good. Because I'm going to sue you." He laughed softly. "I'll see you in nine days, then when is your flight back?"

I shrugged. "Maybe, in a week."

"Good, I have to hang up, my father's calling from the other line. Have a safe flight, Ericka."

"Thanks, Bye."

I hang up then tried to call Thomas's number, but his line was busy. So I just sent him a message. I told him about my expected time of arrival. I just hoped he received it. He insisted on having me pick up at the airport. He was happy that I was finally coming home. If only he could wrap me in a box with a ribbon as a present to my mother. Thomas's was a great man, and he was a good husband to Mom. When we talked over the phone, never-ending things about how he loved her. But I heard that he's a strict man and the King of the house-and someone shouldn't break a King's word.

However, his son, Luke, was no prince since he hardly stayed in the house. Then that made my Mom the Queen. I wonder if they would treat me like a princess. I giggled at the thought, but I remembered that I don't want to be like one.

The flight went on smoothly. Honestly, I was excited and nervous at the same time. It's been five years since I last saw New York. As usual, even airports were crowded. I dragged my luggage and decided to find Thomas's driver.

After a few minutes of searching, I couldn't Thomas's driver. Mom said he should be an early forties man, and he had my picture so he would easily find me. My shoulders were beginning to get heavy and feet, too. I thought that he got jammed in traffic.

I drew out my phone and decided to call Thomas. But as I was scrolling on my phone, someone approached me. I lifted my head to see him, and to my surprise, Luke was standing in front of me. I gasped at the sight of him. My heart pounded abnormally.

"Hello, little sister, " he greeted. His voice sounded so smooth and strangely familiar. My imagination didn't give justice to how beautiful he was. He's even more gorgeous than I last saw him. He was dressed in a tailored navy blue suit with a gray silk tie, a Constantin wristwatch, and I was sure that he was wearing a pair of custom made shoes.

My knees started to feel giddy. Luke's deep cerulean eyes were piercing through mine, and his chiselled jaws were sharp and defined.

"Luke, " I breathed. "How did you find me?"

He flashed out a half-smile. I almost melted. "Technically, I remembered your face a little."

"Where's.... Where's the driver?" I asked, my mouth still felt dry. He was too beautiful. It was too much to handle.

"He's not here. Come on." He snatched the handle of my suitcase from me. I instantly felt tingles in my stomach when his fingers brushed mine.

"Wait. What's going on? How come you are here?"

"Unfortunately, Dad asked me to come and pick you up." He looked briefly at his wristwatch, his left eyebrow raised. "Come. It's getting late." Luke walked first.

I wanted to ask him why he's in New York since I thought he was in Cambridge, but my mouth suddenly felt immobilized.