Chapter 2 Damon Pierce

DIANE

3 DAYS LATER...

The breeze whipped my hair in all directions as I stepped out from the airport building, dragging my little luggage behind me.

I didn't like traveling heavy so I'd sent my other things and they'll be arriving tomorrow.

I reached for my phone in my purse as I searched the swarm of people and cars for the familiar face of our family driver, Ray.

Pulling my shades down to shield my eyes from the intensity of the sun rays, I switched on my phone and was about to dial the driver's number to ask where he was parked when a message notification from my dad popped up.

I squinted my eyes and was about to click on the message when a voice sounded, freezing me on the spot.

My breath hitched, the heartbeat pounding loudly against my ribcage.

It can't be. It can't possibly be. It definitely can't be!

"Diane," the deep and husky voice called out my name again.

Even in my sleep I could recognize that voice anytime and anywhere, even from a mile away.

I'm mistaken right? It can't possibly be him. Dad said the driver would come pick me up.

That's right. I clicked on the message my dad sent, the letters blurring in my vision. I skimmed through the text, seeing the words busy, can't make it, office, driver, Damon, pick you up.

What?!

My legs felt like jelly. Through my eyes that were still glued to my phone screen, I saw a shadow of a figure approaching me, blocking the sun from my view.

I feared to look up. I couldn't. I couldn't control how fast my heart was beating, how sweaty my palms were. I suddenly felt so hot all over. My hand that rested on my luggage faltered, causing the luggage to slip to the ground.

I slowly lifted my head up, seeing him stride towards me in quick steps. I didn't move as his figure towered effortlessly above my 5'9 height.

I took in his features. The suit hugged his arm and torso like a second skin, his hair was still the same, gelled back in his usual signature look, his beards well groomed with a tint of silver.

The sight of him sent a dull ache to my nether region.

As he came close, the familiar scent of his cologne hit me, enveloping me in the sweet and addicting scent.

"Diane?" He cocked his brows as if for a second he thought he was mistaken.

I quickly gathered myself, mentally reciting the words I'd always used to calm myself from doing something stupid especially when he was close by.

'He's my dad's friend. I don't like him. I'm just confused. It'll all go away soon' I recited.

"Hi, Uncle Damon," I tried to put on a smile but my insides were in total chaos.

He wasn't meant to be here.

"You're all grown now Diane," his eyes swept over me and lingered for a second longer before he caught himself and looked away.

I felt my knees buckle at that singular act.

"You aren't the little girl I once knew anymore." His words hung around me. To him it might have been an innocent compliment but my mind had to take it a thousand miles further.

He said I was all grown now. Does it mean perhaps he notices me? Hell no. I'm his best friend's daughter. I'm sure he'd never look at me wrong or even think of it.

I smiled and muttered a small "thank you."

"How was your flight?" He asked, reaching for the luggage on the floor. I could see the way his muscles flexed even in the suit at his movement.

He was so close to me and my hands itched for me to touch him but no. I couldn't.

"It was smooth," I replied absent-mindedly, my mind still clouded by his more mature features.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

"Richard had an emergency meeting and the driver meant to pick you up had to take him," he said as he dragged the luggage and I followed behind him.

"Yes...um he left me a message," I replied awkwardly while tucking my hair behind my ears.

He nodded. "How was college? I heard you're all done now. That's wonderful news Diane." The way my name rolled off his tongue made my stomach tighten. Oh God! I was acting like a hormonal teenager that just saw her crush!

"Thank you Uncle Damon."

We came to a stop in front of a Rolls Royce Phantom. Of course! Damon Pierce doesn't do anything by halves. I'm talking about generational wealth here!

He opened the boot and effortlessly lifted my luggage like it weighed nothing and placed it into the boot.

I stood watching his every movement with my mouth half open.

He closed the boot and came towards me. My heart pounded faster as he closed the distance between us, his eyes locked on mine.

My back hit the side of the car as I took a step back. He took one closer. I took fast and shallow breaths as he invaded my personal space.

"W‐what-" the words died in my throat as he reached to the side and pulled the passenger door open for me.

My face heated up and I knew I'd be as red as a tomato.

I quickly gathered myself, trying not to show him how flushed I was as he came close to me.

"Um...uh T-thank you," I stuttered and slid into the passenger seat, the leather seats smooth and soft against my body.

He closed the door with a dull thud, before rounding the car and getting into the driver's seat.

He ran his hand through his hair, an action that I've gotten accustomed to. He does it whenever he's nervous. Did I make him nervous? No. Impossible.

"Cold?"

"What?" I asked confused.

"Are you cold?" He asked, taking off his suit jacket. I couldn't tear my eyes away from his forearms.

"N-no," I said, barely audible but he heard me because he nodded.

He placed his jacket at the center console, one sleeve falling on my lap. I couldn't help myself from tracing my fingers across the jacket, imagining it was his arm I was touching instead.

I looked up at him only to see him roll up the sleeves on his shirt revealing his muscular arms before he pulled his tie down and unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt.

My throat immediately went dry. I averted my gaze and shifted uncomfortably in the car.

He turned on the air-conditioner. The engine roared to life as he started the car.

I stole one more glance at him as he drove away from the airport, his left hand on the steering wheel while his right hand rested on the center console.

He was left-handed and I found it all the more alluring and intriguing.

I could see a little hint of stress and tiredness in his face as he drove. I wish I could take it all away.

Oh my God. This is just my first day back and I'm barely holding up with him this close to me. How am I meant to survive this?