Chapter 4 A Chance

Harlynn's POV

"Your services are no longer needed tonight."

I blinked in confusion. "What do you mean? I thought I was escorting Greg to a social event tonight."

I needed this money. As a matter of fact, I was counting on it. Escorting is my only source of income right now, so every bit of money counts.

"He called me last minute and said that he won't need you to escort him anymore."

I've been escorting Greg for a year. He's almost a decade older than I am, which drew in the attention of some of his family when he first introduced me as his "girlfriend". Not that we were years apart but the fact that someone like Greg could pull someone as young as me.

Although he's extremely wealthy, he doesn't receive much attention when it comes to the dating department. To be honest, the man is boring. He doesn't know how to talk about anything other than the boring ass stock company he owns.

If it wasn't for me, he wouldn't even have known how to initiate conversation with a woman without bringing up work.

"Did he tell you what the reason was?"

My boss, Amelia nodded. "Yeah, he has a date."

"Really?" I questioned in surprise. I wasn't expecting that at all. The fact that someone actually found interest in him is truly shocking. I mean, good for him though. He deserves it.

"Yeah, but don't worry. He still paid you." Amelia handed me the white envelope in her hand with my name written in cursive on the front.

Thanking her, I opened up the envelope to see a card inside. Pulling out the solid white thank you card with a gold border, I flipped it open so I could read the words on the inside. It read:

Thank you for being my friend, and showing me that there's more to life than success. I'm sure Amelia already told you, but I have a date tonight. Her name is Sarah and she's amazing. Anyway, thank you again Dove.

-Greg H.

Pulling off the check that was taped on the inside, my eyes widened when I saw the amount. This was twice the amount he usually pays me.

Amelia smiled. "Isn't he a sweetheart?"

"Yeah, he is."

A smile tugged at my lips. All I'm doing is simply playing a role. Nothing more. Even so, it's crazy to think an escort paid to be the arm candy that makes them look good could make a difference in someone's life.

I mean who knew? Because I sure didn't.

****

When I got home later that day, Bolt nearly knocked me off my feet from excitement. Jumping up onto his hind legs, he whined as he licked my face and wagged his tail.

He knows that as soon as I get home it's time for his walk. Dropping back down onto all fours, he picked up his leash, which he grabbed from off the kitchen counter.

Nudging me, he followed me into my room. He waited patiently while I got changed into a pair of gray biker shorts and a matching sports bra.

Stepping into my bathroom, I stood in front of the mirror to check my appearance. After tying my black hair up into a high ponytail, I smiled in approval.

When I turned to leave, I paused when I saw Bolt. He sat in the hallway, looking at me as if to say "you're not fooling anyone."

"What?" I said, as if I wasn't trying to make sure I looked cute for a certain green eyed pretty boy. I usually don't care about my appearance, but I wanted to be prepared just in case I happen to run into him again.

Despite knowing he's a playboy, I'd be a fool not to notice how attractive he is. And how attracted I am to him.

Which is why I refused to give him my name and number. I'm not looking for a relationship, but I'll be damned if I give him my heart to break.

****

While we were on a walk, I couldn't help but look over at the beach in search of the beach stranger I met a couple of days ago.

I wasn't paying attention, Bolt suddenly tugging real hard on the leash. I was nearly dragged

as I whipped my head in his direction. I stumbled forward, yelling at Bolt to heel.

I thought his reaction had to do with another tennis ball, but I didn't see a ball anywhere. Just a bunch of cars on the road and a small crowd of people walking down to the beach.

Bolt didn't stop running for nearly an entire block. I was covered in sweat, my breathing all over the place by the time he finally stopped.

"Seriously, Bolt!?" I scolded, bent over with my hands on my knees as I struggled to catch my breath.

I didn't realize what made him take off like that until a low voice spoke, the familiar voice vibrating throughout my entire body.

"Miss me, no name?"

I froze.

When he chuckled, my heart began to race. I couldn't look up. I kept my eyes on Lady, who was currently busy sniffing Bolt's ass.

It wasn't until my back started to cramp that I had no choice but to straighten up and lock eyes with those breathtakingly beautiful green eyes.

Even though a part of me was hoping I'd see him again, I wasn't expecting to actually see him. My eyes slowly fell down the length of his body. He was wearing a pair of black shorts that left little to no imagination.

He was definitely telling the truth about his measurements.

I had to clear my dry throat and quickly look away so he didn't catch me staring at his dick imprint. My eyes trailed over his glistening tatted torso before returning his gaze.

Does he not own a shirt?

"Not so talkative this time, huh no name?" He asked, tilting his head with a grin.

"What do you want?" I retorted, trying to hide the fact that he was really distracting.

I watched him reach down to pat Bolt's head. He of course, had his tongue hanging out of his mouth, enjoying the attention he was receiving.

"I should be the one asking you that. You're the one who interrupted my walk, no name."

I sighed, feeling frustrated because for the first time in my life I was having a hard time talking to a guy. "Would you stop calling me that?"

The grin on his face never left, his eyes slowly drinking me in before settling on my eyes once more. "Okay, sweetheart."

I shook my head. "No, that's not going to work either."

His brow rose. "Well what am I supposed to call you? You won't tell me your name."

"Because it's not important. Now excuse me, but I have to get back to my walk." I moved past him, catching a hint of his cologne in the process. I'd never smelled someone so positively alluring.

Pulling Bolt's leash with one hand, I stopped in my tracks when I felt the stranger grab my other hand. Glancing back at him, butterflies stirred wildly in my stomach and I couldn't tear my gaze away from his.

"Mason," he drew out slowly.

"What?"

"My name's Mason."

"I don't really care," I countered.

Which was a lie because I did care. I've been dying to know his name since we met. It's been eating me up inside not knowing. And now that I can finally put a name to the face, it's going to be that much harder to get him out of my head.

"That's fine. You don't have to care. But I guarantee you that one day my name will leave those beautiful lips. And when that day comes, it will hopefully be because I fucked it out of you."

I was speechless.

His forwardness should have creeped me out, but it did nothing but turn me on. I'm blunt myself so it was a little surprising to meet someone who matched my energy damn near perfectly.

He went from wanting to know my name and get my number to wanting to fuck me.

He's bold as hell, I'll give him that.

I flashed him a cheeky smile. "Sorry to crush your dreams playboy, but I don't fuck strangers."

"That's okay too. We've got plenty of time to get to know each other."

I pulled my hand out of his grasp. "Who said I wanted to get to know you?"

He simply smiled, turning to walk in the opposite direction. "See you around, no name."

The audacity of that pretty whore to assume I'd want anything to do with him. I mean seriously?

Who the hell does he think he is?