Chapter 6 Dom, Dom what now

GRACE

"Huh?" Samantha did not hide her surprise.

Okay, right now, I might be shooting myself in the leg. I need to resume by seven am and I'm yet to be in bed even though it is a few minutes to midnight.

I am currently chatting with Samantha and David, empty boxes of pizza sprawled on the table in front of us.

The two of them surprisingly showed up at my door a few minutes before eight. Though it took them a few minutes to get used to each other, they were soon bonding over small talk and pizza. And I quickly forgot about my desire to fall asleep.

In the midst of all that was happening, I told them about my boss. It was that information that Samantha was reacting to.

"The very Dominic Powers?" Samantha was close to jumping off the couch.

"Dom, Dom, what now?" I sounded uninterested but my insides were desperate for some information. It seemed Samantha knew something huge about my new boss. But Sam didn't appreciate my tone and smacked my arm in a flash. "Ouch."

"That is what you get for spoiling the name of a sexy-looking man."

"Well, that confirms it. I am not that sexy." We diverted our eyes to David who was finishing the last slice of pizza. "I mean," he continued in between bites, "nobody has called me sexy or even cute since I entered this room. I have lost my looks and charms." He began to fake a cry dramatically. "But. It. Is. Fine."

Sam and I shared a look, then looked back at David who was now wearing puppy eyes.

Samantha huffed at his drama and tapped me to continue what she was saying.

"I read about Dominic Powers last week on the internet. At twenty-eight years of age, he is already making his way to becoming the king of the stock market. He is young, hot and you are lucky to be working with him."

"I am babysitting his daughter not working with him. But he is sexy, no doubt."

"And you are working in his house! Just imagine how nice it would be to see such an amazing sight every freaking day!"

"You are too excited about this." I quickly dismissed her words before her excitement could encourage my fantasy. "I need to sleep. I can't afford to be late to work on my first day."

"I do feel sleepy," Samantha said in between a loud yawn.

After slipping on my slippers, I got up and readied myself to date my bed.

My eyes fell on David who was busy with his laptop, and I asked, "David, are you sure you are okay sleeping on the couch? You can join us in the room if you want."

"Yeah, I am fine." He looked up from his screen. "Besides, staying in the same bed with two gorgeous ladies is not a scenario my little friend would be able to handle."

After making sure a blanket was next to him, I grabbed Samantha's hand and we headed for my room.

"I am proud of you, you know?" Sam said, her hand wrapped around my waist.

"Why?" I pocketed my hand into my silk, deep-blue PJs.

"This is the first time in three weeks I am not getting a call from a ridiculously drunk you giving me disorientated speeches about your life."

I grinned at her as we pushed the bedroom door open. "What can I say? Things tend to change in one's life."

"I am proud of you, Grace."

Her words made me smile. We hugged for some seconds and the next minute, we jumped into bed to chat until sleep called.

********

I never liked Maths.

Even as a five-year-old, I fought with that subject like crazy.

So, as I watched little Ruby studiously listen to Mr. Roberto, her home school teacher, I felt my head swirl.

Already intensely tired from that session, I unlocked my phone with the hope of finding something fun on one of the socials. I have done that almost a hundred times in the last six, almost seven hours.

And even though there were about nineteen minutes left for Ruby to complete her schooling for the day, I decided I could not take it anymore.

It was enough punishment that I had to sit in one place throughout their seven hours of learning because Mr. Roberto- the not-so-fun, very grumpy teacher- does not like strangers touching his stuff or walking around in his little apartment.

Even though his place was not as huge as Mr. Powers, it was clear that he was rich too. Why he would decide to homeschool a child was something that was beyond me.

But I easily assumed he was doing it as a hobby.

Soon, the remaining nineteen minutes led to the end of the longest and most painful seven hours of my life since I graduated from school.

It is the most painful because I could not leave since I did not trust the idea of leaving the not-so-friendly man with a five-year-old.

So, I sighed in huge relief as my butt left the cushioned chair.

"Come on, Ruby. Let's go," I said to the young girl who was struggling with her books.

I helped her with her struggle and packed her books into her bag which she insisted on carrying by herself.

I think I am blessed to be babysitting a delightful child like Ruby.

"Alright, Ruby. Let's go." Let's go far away from this room that has tortured me a lot.

I didn't bother to greet her teacher goodbye. The dude was busy rolling himself away anyway.

But, damn it! I will still see him tomorrow.

Ruby and I entered the elevator and in no time, we were on our floor.

"Yay! Pool time!" Ruby dumped her bag on the floor as she rushed into the house and raced upstairs.

While I was still a bit shaken from earlier, I grabbed her bag and walked to the living room. I dropped her bag onto one of the couches and my body followed because I craved the feeling of relaxation.

In no time, Ruby's voice travelled down the stairs, her mouth making funny noises. I listened as her slippers rushed to where I was carelessly sprawled.

"Grace..." My eyes snapped open and I met her worried expression.

"Hey, Ruby."

The girl had swiftly changed to a blue swimsuit, a juice box in one of her hands.

"Let's go shwimming?" Her voice was low and so concerned, it made me smile.

I held up my hand for her to grab and she helped me up in the little way that she could.

After a brief stretch, I affirmed the grip I had around her fingers and said, "Definitely. I can't wait to see the pool."

But a little frown settled on her forehead. "But... But you are not in your onesie."

No, I am not darling.

"Jeez!" I gently slammed my forehead. "I can't believe I forgot them." As she watched my little drama, Ruby's frown turned to a pout. "I will still get into the pool though."

"How? You don't... You don't even have your onesie."

"Just wait till we get to the pool, okay?"

Ruby's cute worries quickly disappeared. A smile followed and she was soon pulling my hand.

"Come on, come on. Let's go."

A short laugh and I gave in to her pulls. I hurried after her little figure and as we approached the elevator after closing the door, I wondered what could be so exciting about the pool.

And when we arrived at the pool site, I saw what the rave was about.

The swimming pool, while having a bit of gold in its features, was accompanied by a freaking huge slide that was positioned at a height I would not dare to reach without the assistance of the attached ladder.

As my widened eyes scanned the grandeur of the indoor pool, I began to wish that I brought my swimsuit. The peaceful water was tempting enough to pull me. But so was the largeness.

Gosh... This is what I'd like to call a proper display of money.

"I don't think you will shwim," Ruby commented as she put down her juice box.

"I wish I could right now," I mumbled to myself. And when I realised Ruby was still waiting for an answer, I looked down at her. "I wish I could. But, don't worry, I'll roll up the legs of my trousers and dip my legs in the water. And next time, I will make sure to bring my swimsuit."

She smiled grandly and strutted to one of the little stairs that led into the water.

"Let's have some fun!" Her giggle was a delight and I watched as she gently dived in. Her body moved with the water and I admired her confidence. But I still kept my eyes on her even though I took some seconds to study the setup of the structure.

"Oh no!" Ruby suddenly exclaimed after minutes passed.

I tore my eyes off the lounge area adjacent to us and my knees quickly kissed the smoothness of the tiled floor.

"Ruby, what's wrong?"

"My rubber duck... It's not here. I always shwim with it because it is very huge. I always use it as a boat!" Her pout of worry grew as she slammed her hands on the surface of the water.

"Okay, darling. I will get it for you. Is it in your room?"

"No, it's in my Daddy's room. Fiona kept it there last time because I was bad."

Wow. She does not seem upset about being punished.

But, wait a minute... Did she just say the duckie thing is in her Dad's room?

"Your D-Dad's room?" I asked to make sure I heard right.

She nodded. "His room is the first..."

"I know, darling. I will get it for you. Come here." I helped her out of the pool and had her sit on one of the long lounge chairs. "Are you going to be fine alone?" I asked as I placed a towel around her to prevent her wetness from irritating her too much.

"I am going to be fine. Thanks, Grace! I love you!"

My, my. We are using the great L- word already. That's quick.

"It's fine sweetie. And... back at ya!" After a wink that caused the girl to laugh, I resumed my walk to the elevator, wondering within me if going into Mr. Powers's room was a good idea.

But what can I do? A girl needs her rubber duck.

I did not hesitate to walk up the stairs when I entered the house.

But when my feet stopped in front of the man's door, it occurred to me that I was about to set a record and go into my boss's room on my first day of work. So, I took a second to maintain a steady breath.

Then, I pushed open the polished, wooden door which was separating my eyes from what was on the other side.

The quietness that I met assured me that he was not in. Besides, I heard him leave the house when Ruby and I were preparing for her home lesson. So there was nothing to worry about.

The room was quite dark, the only source of light came from the little peeks of sun rays that were able to find a way past the shutters.

I was awed by the intense combination of grey, white, and black in the room. But the masculine scent the room was giving off pulled my senses.

For that brief moment, I chose to drown in the lovely scent since it was probably the closest I would get to smelling the sexy man.

Seconds later, I took a few more steps and stopped just right by the edge of his king-sized bed whose sheets were ruffled, like someone just got intensely banged in them.

Immediately, the thought of Mr. Powers in bed with someone flashed in my mind. My brain took up the chance and created a sexual picture which made me feel slightly hot despite the cool air in the room.

Before I could indulge my stupid thoughts, I tore my eyes from his bed, ignored the novel on his nightstand, and focused on his exposed closet which was tightly filled with suits hanging off the rack.

Just below those were what seemed to be his casual wears. That made me wonder if I would ever see him in something other than a suit.

Not too far from the closet was another door which I guess was the bathroom.

I was about to advance my short excursion when I remembered that I was keeping a girl waiting.

So, I started to look around for what I came there for. But minutes passed and I failed to find the rubber duck.

So, I took a moment to think. I tried to figure out where I would keep a toy if I wanted to hide it from a child.

Amidst my thinking, I heard the front door being gently closed and I opened my eyes, dropping my right hand which was holding my waist.

"What are you doing in my bedroom, Miss Sands?" I gulped hard as Mr. Powers's half-naked self moved closer yet slowly towards me, my eyes finding a way to roam his exposed, well-toned torso.

"I asked you a question, Miss Sands." His voice became lower and unintendedly sexier than earlier while one of his brows jerked.

Realising that it was time to let something out of my mouth, I placed my hands on my upper thigh and rubbed off the sweat forming on my palms.

"I... uh..." I pointed a finger in some direction. "Ruby... Ruby! She left her toy here and I had to get it for her."

I gave a nervous chuckle. And a crazy feeling settled in my chest when he stopped himself from walking towards me.

"Get out," he said with an unfriendly tone as he ran a hand through his nicely done hair.

"Yes, sir." I curtsied without meaning to and soon, I proceeded to walk out of the man's room.

"Grace..." His voice with the power to make one shiver called. And I did feel myself shiver a bit. I turned slowly, a short, uncertain smile on my lips. "Never enter my room again."

I was about to complain about the harshness in his voice but I held myself back. A furious nod and I answered, "Definitely! Never enter your room. Absolutely clear."

Oh God, I must look silly with my nerves all over the place.

But what to do? His sharp gaze was sternly watching me as I retreated out of the room. I was close to leaving his room when I remembered that I still didn't have Ruby's toy.

"Uh...sir?" I cautiously took two steps into the room.

Mr. Powers faced me, his fine lips pulled into a thin line, his full brows cocked as though questioning my prolonged presence in the room.

"The toy. Ruby's toy." I wasn't sure what my fingers were doing, but they were pointing in unjustifiable directions. "She said it is in here, if you could just..."

Mr. Powers said nothing. All he did was shut me up with a slight raise of his right hand. And I did shut up even though the sensible side of my being found it ridiculous that I was doing his bidding without batting an eye.

My eyes followed my boss's figure as he walked to the other side of his bed, his body moving with ease, his muscles flexing.

I gulped again and questioned the universe.

Why did I have to be in his room when he was shirtless?

Why was he even around?

The man bent and the rays from earlier created art on his back. I was about to admire it when he began to approach me with a huge rubber duck settled in his hands.

"Here." He pushed the toy into my chest.

As I positioned my hands to have a good grip on the toy, his fingers lightly grazed mine and I swear, I felt the creation of goosebumps on my skin.

Unable to look into the man's intense eyes for the fear of doing something jeopardising, I rushed out of the room.

And when my hastiness led me to the living room, I reduced my fast paces and let out a shaky breath.

My eyes darted to and fro the room while I tried to give myself a reasonable explanation concerning the crazy thing that just happened.

I took a look at my arms and there it was, evidence of my reaction to Mr. Powers's slight touch.

It then became clear that at that point, I had only one question to ask, ′Jeez, what is going on with me?′