Playing With The Playboy

Chapter One

"Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart, and the senses." - Lao Tzu

Kate's POV

I don't want to open my eyes, the sun is too bright, glaring directly at me. But I don't care at all, I can stay here forever.

A soft smile touched in the corner of my lips.

I don't have to worry waking up early today and catching the eight fifteen bus. I can sleep till noon. Lying here in this secluded beach is like living in paradise. And what makes everything perfect is that, I'm with Adam.

Adam Parker. The only loyal, faithful, one-woman man I know living in this planet. A one in a million from all the hungry lady killer playboys in the world.

"Adam..." I turned to him but the sun was too blinding that I could not see him. "Adam?"

My phone rang so loudly, it felt like my head was about to blow. I rolled at the side and my sleepy hand reached for my phone.

"E...llo..." I answered in my very sleepy voice.

"Kate! You're still sleeping?"

Hearing my prince charming's voice made me open my eyes wide. Reality immediately sank in. I was lying on my bed here in an apartment in Soundview New York that I shared with my besties-- my cousin Jerry and recently my best friend Julie.

"Adam?"

"Where are you? It's nine thirty and the customers are coming."

"It's nine thirty?" I checked the time on my alarm clock. "It's nine thirty! Oh my God, my alarm failed!"

I heard him groaned. "I need you here Kate, Mr. Doherty is looking for his suit, I can't find it in the claim section."

Mr. Doherty? Our grumpiest and oldest costumer in the tailoring shop.

I threw my blanket and pillows as I scrambled out of bed. "Did you ask Wendy?"

"She can't report today, her baby is sick."

"Oh... poor baby."

"What about Michael?" I asked him about the other Sales Personnel.

"He asked yesterday to report after lunch, remember? He has to fetch his mom in the airport."

"Oh, yeah..."

Adam must be frantic. It's Friday, the busiest day of the week in the shop and he was alone. Many clients would pick up their custom-made suits, shirts, pants and other items of clothing today. Darn it, I shouldn't have watched 'Bird Box' last night.

"I need you here in the shop, I have to be in the sewing area. We're rushing a dozen suits for next week's wedding." He drawled.

I always find Adam's drawling so damn sexy. And every time he said that he needs me was enough to make me feel so giddy over him. He's so kind, so sweet, so nice and so handsome that I could not leave my job as his shop supervisor to a higher paying job in New York.

My mom keeps on telling me that I needed advancement in my career and working in the tailoring shop made me stagnant. It's even out of my league after earning the Bachelor's Degree Programs in Marketing.

I work for Adam for three years already. It's my first and only job since I graduated university. I just can't leave Adam because he's too nice. I know he would be very devastated, he relies on me in running the shop.

Besides, it's true. My crush on him often goes too far. I imagine that someday, there could be something more between us.

"Kate? Did you hear me?"

"Yeah.. yeah, of course. I'll be there as quickly as I can."

The moment we hung up the phone, I jumped out of bed and headed directly to the shower. After five minutes, I was back in my bedroom hurriedly choosing a dress to wear. It was Friday, wash day for the uniforms, so all employees could wear whatever decent clothes they have.   

Jerry, Julie and I were planning for a night out after office hours, so I needed an outfit that would take me from day-to-night. We'd be going to a very high class bar that only socialite members could enter. Lucky that Jerry's new boyfriend worked in there as a bouncer, he could help us get inside.

My best friend, Julie Paige just broke up with her boyfriend for five years. We would paint the town red and help her get over that jerk!

I told her that Ethan Conway was not an exemption from all the playboys in the universe but she would not listen. She caught him countless times hooking up with different girls, but she was so martyr always forgiving and allowing him another chance!

Too many times I wanted to bump her head on the wall so she would wake up and realize that Ethan was a certified asshole playboy! But she would not let him go, claiming that she could not live without him in her life. He was her strength, her happiness, her rainbow and heaven... but she never acknowledged the fact the he was also her weakness, her sadness, her torturer and demon from hell.

Julie was always the prettiest and the smartest in class during university days but when it came to love, sad to say, she was the dumbest hanging on to that playboy.

The recent one finally opened her eyes. It was a big blow for her when she caught Ethan having sex with their teenage neighbour on their bed! Totally, it was chaos. I never thought Julie could be so violent. She burned all his clothes in the fireplace and his important documents. She also almost castrated Ethan!

It was another traumatic and phobic experience for me. My hatred for playboys escalated from a hundred to a million percent. I swear, I would never ever trust any guy.

In my opinion, ninety-nine percent of single straight men beyond my age (excluding those who practice celibacy) are playboys. The 1% are gems and rare to find. Not too lucky though that I found one -- and that's Adam. Because he never asked me for a date until now.

I grabbed the conservative-cut black dress and put it on in a hurry before I'd change my mind. I've bought the dress two months ago but I've never worn it ever before. It just stayed there hanging inside my closet. It was my just-in-case dress. Yeah, it sounded stupid. I reserved it for my future date with Adam.

A date that never came.

It was quarter past ten when I entered the shop. I was catching my breath after running across the pavement when Adam suddenly stood up behind the reception counter.

I was caught off guard standing too close on him. He was looking so sinfully handsome as usual in his dark business suit and satin gray tie. I was easily drowned in his deep blue eyes, mesmerised by his tantalising smile and transported to another planet when I smelled his wonderful fresh cologne scent.

"Hi." Adam greeted me after making a brief glance of my appearance.

"Hi." I managed to answer after being dumbstruck for a moment.

"Whew! Glad you're here. I'm going out in a minute, I have to catch a business meeting." He checked the time on his watch before he looked at me again with concern eyes. "Can you manage here alone?"

"Yeah... yeah. I'll be fine, Michael will be here soon." I've done it several times though.

"Good. Um... I really have to go." He strode passed me then paused at the sensor glass door. "You're looking very lovely in that dress, are you going out tonight?"

My heart pounded so hard in an instant. What does that mean? Is he going to ask me out? Should I lie or tell the truth? My mind was debating.

"Just a night out with the girls." I gave him my warmest smile and popped up the question. "Want to join us?"

He returned the smile and shrugged his shoulders. "No, I don't want to ruin your night with the girls. I'll just stay home and watch Bird Box."

When he left, my shoulders slumped with disappointment. See? We're the same. We both enjoy watching Netflix and Bird Box.

If only I could, I would ask him out for a dinner date. But the problem is, he's a conservative guy. And another thing, it seems like he's not yet ready to date, three years after his wife died.

***

My gay cousin Jerry, (in my mother's side) came to the shop to fetch me at five. I needed a ride because my car was broken and still at the automobile repair shop.

Jerry worked as a makeup artist of top celebrities and oftentimes he travelled with them during shootings, concerts, promotions and international guesting.

"Oh... your wearing that for-Adam-only black dress. Girl, what's wrong? Tired of the waiting game already?" Jerry greeted me with a provoking smile. "Admit it bitch, you won't be Adam's Eve. His wife brought his heart with her six feet under the ground."

"Will you stop? I'm not pushing myself onto Adam. And please, lower your voice," I glanced at my colleague, Michael who made body measurements of a client. "Michael can hear you."

"Hmm... talking of Michael, I can smell that he's one of us." Jerry whispered back when Michael was out of earshot.

"Michael is straight. I hate him sometimes for being a player."

"A player? That's a joke. Na-ah! I swear, that's only his disguise." He wiggled his fingers in front of my nose. "I can tell from his appearance."

"I don't think so."

"Girl! Are you blind? His foundation is thicker than mine. I'll bet you my bum implants if he's not gay."

"Many guys are wearing foundation nowadays."

"You're right, but not with eyebrows, mascara, cheek and lip tint." He rolled his eyes heavenwards in exasperation.

"I still don't think so. He said he hooks up with different girls every weekend."

"That's what he said... but they are all lies. I've infected him, sister." Jerry flipped his bob cut ash blond hair out of his face followed with a roar of laughter. "Let's make a deal. If I can prove to you tonight that Michael is gay, you bitch will hook up with a hot guy in the bar."

"Hook up with a guy? That's too much! You know I hate playboys."

"I know. But that's the deal, bitch."

I laughed at him for being overly confident. I always won in our beating game. The last time, I got his whole month salary.

"Okay, what if I'll win?" I held my chin up daring him.

"Well...    I'll pay next month's rental in our apartment. You won't pay anything, and that bitch Julie." He lifted one of his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders.

"Not good enough. Make it two months."

"Two months! You're so savage."

"Come on, you chicken out already?" I held my laughter when Jerry's eyes widened.

"Of course, not! You know how I hate being called chicken... okay bitch, listen to me. Two months including the light and water. Is that a deal?"

"Okay queen bitch, it's a deal!" I answered confidently not knowing that the said deal would change my life forever.

Chapter Two

"Sometimes the person you fall for, is not ready to catch you." - Pinterest

Later, Jerry and I met our bestie Julie at Burger King. We decided to grab some burgers before going to the bar. Jerry was at the counter ordering food for us when I told Julie about the deal.

"Hook up with a random guy? Oh gosh, Kate, you're in for a trap. When was the last time you entertain a man in your life? Four years ago?" Julie looked puzzled.

"Aha..."

"My goodness, I can't imagine. You could end up with playboy." Julie looked puzzled.

"You're right." My lips twisted with distaste. "With a probability of 99%"

"Exactly. Are you sure you're into it? You hate playboys."

Hate was an understatement. I really hated playboy's. My dad was a rotten playboy with strings of mistresses in every corner of the country. He used to be a book salesman and travelled as often as he could. He enjoyed his job, got good commissions and had the pleasure of hooking up with his customers.

Mom found out about his infidelity and talked to him about it, but he was the one who got so mad, cursing mom and calling her an ungrateful bitch. After too many arguments, he left us and totally cut off his relationship with us. No financial support, no contacts, visits or whatsoever. He easily forgot about us and after a year, he got married again to a filthy rich socialite. They even have a daughter!

Mom was heartbroken-- so did I. I was five years old at that time and being left by my dad who made me believe that I was his princess and most precious one was so painful. Every time I had a birthday, I kept on waiting for him to come, or to call or just send a note, but nothing. He forgot about me. He hated mom and he hated me.

Mom is right. He's a cheater, a liar and a rotten playboy.

"Kate?" Julie snapped her fingers in front of my face. "You're spacing out!"

"Sorry, I just remember something." I swept my straight black hair over my shoulders before I continued. "Don't worry, I'm positive I'll win again. Think of the two months rental in the apartment that I could save for a new car."

"I totally agree. You have to dispose that car, you spent too much already having it repaired all the time." Julie suggested.

"Just a few bucks more for the down payment."

"In case you'll win, I'm willing to give you my share of the apartment."

"Please no, Julie. You have a bigger problem. Your mom will need it for her medication."

Julie's mom suffered Lupus illness and recently, her condition was getting worse. Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue.

"Thank you, Kate. You've been very helpful to us from the very start. I don't know how I would survive without you."

"Don't think about it, we're sisters, right?"

"Absolutely. Sisters from different mothers."

We laughed and I could not help reminisce how our friendship started. Julie and I had been best friends since I entered university. We were both scholars and took the same course, Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. We've been classmates and shared the same struggle in life – the hardship of being raised by a single parent with no enough food in the table. It was so easy to relate to her. We worked and studied pretty hard to keep our scholarship program.

"By the way, this deal about Michael... what's the chances of winning?"

"101%."

"Good."

Both of us giggled, feeling victorious already.

****

To our disappointment, it didn't take too long to find out that Michael was gay. We opened the app Grindr, the world's largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans and queer people to connect. We saw Michael's profile, looking for a man.

"This is unfair. You know all along that Michael is gay. You already searched his profile on Grindr right?" I accused Jerry for tricking me into this deal.

"Of course not, bitch! Why would I do that? I'm not interested on Michael. To be honest, I go for a more manly look. Tall, dark and oozingly handsome. I don't waste my precious time on the likes of him. He's so pale... like a Zombie. Is it true that he auditioned on the Walking Dead movie?"

"You're so harsh, Jerry. The first time you saw Michael, you said he was your type. You're a fickle minded queen bitch!" Julie backfired at Jerry.

"That's right. Michael ignores you that's why you're salty." I seconded.

Jerry's eyes widened and we all roared into laughter.

"Don't torture Kate, she's your cousin." Julie said after we finished our burgers, bringing the topic back to the deal.

"Why would I torture her? In fact, I'm helping her get over her phobia with men." Jerry answered then sipped on his glass of coke soda.

"Excuse me? I don't have phobia with men." I defended myself.

"Okay, let me rephrase it. You hate men. You bitch is a certified man-hater."

"Nope, I don't hate men, mother bitch! I hate playboys not men."

"But you think, majority of the men are playboys. Right?"

"Come on, Jerry. You know damn well why. You were there... you saw it."

"Yeah... yeah... your dad is a playboy who left you and your mom miserable and penniless, then there's your pathetic low self-esteemed favorite teacher who attempted suicide because of her playboy ex, and your favorite celebrity couple who were both polygamous in nature broke up because of the same reason, and your first love, the narcissistic prince charming Toni Babinski who turned out to be a playboy..." Jerry flipped his ash blond hair then pointed at Julie, "and here comes this bitch... yes you Julie, your experience became an addition to her intense hate on playboys."

"Don't blame me." Julie glared at Jerry.

"Shut up bitch, of course I'm blaming you. You're so stupid you won't listen to us. Remember when we caught Ethan in the mall with another girl, you pretended that you haven't seen him."

"Okay! I was stupid, you don't have to point it out on me again and again. I learned my lesson now." Julie almost shouted at Jerry. "Can't you see I'm still hurt! Your constant reminder won't help me forget about that jerk!"

Yeah, they looked like they were fighting, but it was normal to us. We were brutally honest with each other, we called each other bitches, stupid, assholes and other mean words, but that's how we were as best of friends.

Jerry gave Julie an apologetic look. "Aww... sorry sister." His attention shifted at me easily. "Anyways, back to our topic, I just want to help you, Kate. Think of it... how many men you know personally are playboys? Not even ten. I don't understand why in the world you think that majority of the men are playboys? Literally, I don't see any logic there, that's why I want to help you get over that notion and start entertaining men."

"I don't want to argue with you now, or we'll end up going nowhere." I held my arms together under my chest and set my condition. "Okay, but I'll be the one to choose the guy."

"Sure, no worries." Jerry agreed. "And you have to get his number."

"Is that necessary?" Julie interrupted Jerry.

"Of course. How can they contact each other again?"

"Okay, I'll get it. I think that's easy." I was too sure of myself.

Jerry's eyes gleamed and answered. "Let's see."

***

We arrived in the bar at nine thirty in the evening. Jerry drove us there using his pink Mazda 3 2014 model.

It was an exclusive bar for very high-class people located within the vicinity of the New World Hotel. The parking lot was like a showroom of very expensive cars, mostly Bugatti, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini.

There was a lobby when we entered the bar with modern and elegant furnishings. Smaller chandeliers were placed in every corner of the ceiling and the biggest at the center near the main door. Big soft padded couches were at the sides with huge marble tables.

Jerry's boyfriend, Roy who worked as a bouncer greeted us. He showed us inside the bar where the action was. Loud music greeted us when he opened a double swing door that resembled those in the movie theatres. I could smell the combination of liquor, cigarettes, leather, perfume and food.

Immediately, I recognized the DJ onstage playing the music live. It was Zedd! Instantly, the three of us became very excited and euphoric!

"Let's dance!" Julie shouted behind the deafening music.

"Later!" I yelled back. "We have to find a table first."

We got a table and settled happily on the soft padded couch. Roy gave us complimentary ladies drinks then left us to go back at his job.

Later, we joined the people crowding upfront DJ Zedd, dancing and drinking tequila. The three of us forgot about the deal and just let the night flew. All we cared about was the fun that we were had and DJ Zedd.

At eleven, we were a bit tipsy so we decided to chill and go to the lobby. We need to clear our brain and relax our ears from the loud music. We sat down on the stools of the stand up table near the door where the party was going. We were talking and laughing when the main door suddenly opened. My jaw dropped open when the hottest guy I've ever seen in my whole life entered.

Oh my God...

Clean cut jet-black hair that glistened under the chandelier, looked like he was freshly out from the shower. He looked like a model... no a movie star, like the young James Bond in his very white shirt with the top button opened and black dinner jacket.

No, not James Bond... much much more. His sex appeal made me breathless. When he moved, he resembled a panther-- walking towards me in slow motion.

Is he walking in slow motion? Or I'm only imagining it.

His eyes were like of hawk, so dark and compelling. He had a chiseled face like that of a Greek god, so captivatingly attractive, a perfect nose and beautiful lips. I wondered how it felt to be kissed by that lips.

My heartbeat stopped when his eyes caught mine. Oh no... he caught me staring at him. But for some reason, I could not take my eyes off him, liked I was possessed by godly good looks.

He continued walking to the door to the party, but his eyes were on me. When he entered, I was able to relax.

"I saw that. I saw that..." Jerry snapped behind me.

"Me too. Oh girl... what's that all about?"

"You're a flirt! You're staring at that yummy specimen like you're going to have him for dessert!" Jerry giggled. "I thought you're a man-hater..."

"Shut up Jerry." I stopped him from talking by covering his big mouth.

"He's so gorgeous! Who is that guy? A celebrity?" Julie asked.

"I don't know. Maybe a model?" I answered.

"Yeah, he looks like a pin up centerfold model. Hmm... I think I saw him in a magazine in Calvin Klein brief." Jerry interrupted us.

"Really? Where? Let me see!" Julie giggled.

"Stupid, I'm just kidding. Come on, let's go inside and find that godly human being so we can worship him. Hurry girls!" Jerry snapped his fingers and we followed him towards the door of the party... the same door leading to my soul's death.

Chapter Three

"He's gone! That handsome devil vanished like a smoke... probably back to hell. Come on bitches, let's grab some tequila." Jerry cat walked back to our table as we followed him.

"Is that him making out with that girl in red?" Julie pointed at the couple in the corner and both me and Jerry's eyes followed her finger.

"Na-ah, that's not him! Are you blind Julie? The guy we saw was way too gorgeous and has a sensational tan like he've just been sunbathing in the Caribbean." Jerry said and took a shot of his tequila. "He's so... rarrrr!!

We all laughed and Jerry continued. "Guys like him should watch out on me. I already converted three straight men..."

"Converted? Why, are you running a what... a cult?" I bursted into laughter that I spilled some tequila on my dress.

"Exactly!    To convert to our faith, our beliefs...and be baptized officially as gay." Jerry laughed aloud and took another shot of tequila.

"I don't think that guy can easily be converted. He looked so damn straight." Julie poured a tequila in her glass and took a sip.

"Hmm... you're right. We don't smell the same." Jerry lifted his hands on the air. "Ugh! I hate that I don't have any chances with a gorgeous guy like that. Obviously he prefers real women, like you two bitches."

"Awww... you're jealous of us again. Poor you Jerry. You don't have boobies like these." Julie put her chest forward and shook her breasts.

"Shut up, I don't envy your watermelon boobies, okay? Some men prefer oranges like Kate's."

"Seriously Jerry! Do you have to shout it?" I pulled Jerry's blond hair from the roots bringing his head down on the table.

"Ouch! Ouch! I'm sorry... No one heard me!" He pointed DJ Zedd and the loud music. "Let go of my hair, bitch. You're pulling my hair extensions."

When I removed my hand, he glared at me angrily like a possessed... gay. "Before I'll forget, you owe me something bitch. You haven't hook up with a guy yet tonight! I want you to go and find that handsome devil we saw, get his damn name and damn phone number."

"So you can stalk him." I put my arms together under my chest and lifted one of my eyebrows.

"Ha-ha." Jerry laughed sarcastically and shoved my glass of tequila towards me. "Here, drink this to pull your nerves together, then go."

Five minutes later, I was in the bar drinking a glass of margarita. I could not find the guy anymore, he probably just dropped by to get something or fetch someone -- a girlfriend.

Yeah, he looked like he had a girlfriend already, or engaged, or married. That type of guy who has an oozing sex appeal, Greek god appearance and body that any girl would love to worship, surely could easily get any girl he wanted.

Ha! A playboy. The exact description of a playboy, the kind of guy that I avoid. Forget about him Kate, I told myself.

My eyes wandered at the other men at the bar trying to choose which one to approach. The guy sitting at my right side looked like he was in his forties. He did not have his ring on, but I could see the mark of wedding ring on his finger. He noticed me checking on him and I turned away abruptly and pretended scratching my neck.

On my left side, he looked like he was the same age as me. Wearing checkered long sleeves shirt and dark rimmed eyeglasses. One would think that he was heading to the library instead of going to a bar. He barely touched his drink since I sat beside him and his eyes kept on glancing at the dance floor.

I sipped the remaining of my margarita when I heard someone said behind me. There was an attractiveness in his voice, deep, sultry and sexy.

"Hey Joe, straight whiskey and another margarita for the lady."

"Coming up, boss." The bartender answered right away and went to prepare the drinks.

For no reason, my heart pounded. My instinct was telling me that it was him, standing behind me. I could feel his penetrating eyes, like a magnetic force directed at me. I did not want to look, not trusting myself in situations like this. I could do or say something... very stupid.

In a minute, the bartender with a fast speed skill put the two drinks in front of me, slightly pushing the glass of Margarita towards me.

"That's for you miss." The bartender said.

"Oh... thank you." Was all I could say.

"Excuse me." I heard his deep velvet voice so close to my ears and instantly, I felt the tingling sensations all over my body. Oh God, what is wrong with me? I felt like I was possessed!

I turned to face the man as he reached for his glass of whiskey. I was right, it was him. The handsome devil had risen from hell.

He was so close, that my face almost collided at the hollow of his neck. Just a mere inch and I could kiss that warm tanned skin. He had a wonderful smell... a very captivating sensual scent like sandalwood, leather and vanilla.

The man sitting at the right left and the handsome devil took his place. He was ignoring me and just continued sipping his whiskey while observing the bartenders.

I got intrigued. I wondered what was his drama, buying me a drink then pretended that I never existed. Is he psychotic or something?

I observed his appearance. But he was so damn hot and strikingly gorgeous. Any woman would fall for this guy. Beautiful thick jet black hair that I would like to run through my fingers, a very manly face with lips to die for. His hands that was holding the glass of whiskey... I just wished that it was my hand.

Darn it, am I the one talking or the wine? This is not good, I'm a bit drunk. I have to start a conversation so I could get his name and phone number for Jerry, then I'd go back to our table.

"Thank you for this drink." I said and took a big sip of the Margarita.

"You're welcome." He answered without even looking at me.

What's his problem? Why he did not even bother to look at me? Am I too ugly for him?

I was suddenly offended at the thought. I could not let this pass and stay quiet. I had to know.

"Do you have a habit of buying drinks for the ladies then ignore them? Or this is your strategy to get women so intrigued and get their attention."

He chuckled and put down his glass on the table. "Is it working?"

I heaved an angry sigh, twisting my lips in distaste. Rotten playboys and their tricks.

"You're pathetic."

"So I'm pathetic now." He finally turned and directed his full attention at me.

"Yes you are and that's very stupid."

"Okay, so I'm pathetic and stupid. Seems like you know a whole lot about me."

"Whatever. For all I know, you're a psycho." I shrugged my shoulders then stood up ready to leave. I did not want to waste my time on this guy. I was disappointed that he was a playboy and even played a trick on me.

"A psycho? No one ever called me that before."

"Well, good news! There's a first time for everything. Goodbye mister and thanks for the drink." I turned around to go but his words stopped me.

"I apologize if I made an ass of myself. You're so damn hot and sexy. I just want to come over here to see if there was more than meets the eye."

What? Did I hear him right? Hot and sexy?

"I was not ignoring you, in fact, I was trying to figure out how to start a conversation with you. I swear, my heart was beating ten thousand times faster sitting beside you. I had to gather all my nerves to approach you."

"You're just trying to sweet talk me."

"No, of course not. I'm telling you the truth. I want to get to know you." He touched the chair that I previously occupied and continued. "Please, can we start again? By the way, my name is Dan."