Chapter 45

45 15 Minutes with Him

If that was what they wanted, then I’m saying goodbye to this client and this case. Asking someone who doesn’t believe in love to teach another about love is too much of a stretch and I’m not about to take on a task that I know is impossible.

“Precisely,” the manager said resolutely.

“Of course, we’re not asking you to parade around publicly as EROS’s girlfriend. No one can know about your relationship even if it’s a fake one because it will obviously affect his popularity if people found out that he has a girlfriend. Instead, we’ll have you date him in secret while posing as his assistant manager,” the agency representative said.

“Rest assured, you don’t actually have to be his real manager. You just need to act like one enough so that the people around us will believe it. I’m his real manager so I’ll still do my job,” Mark explained.

I was starting to see what they wanted but the more I understood, the more impossible this whole task just seemed to me.

“Sorry but...I don’t think that’s going to be possible. I’m very sorry but, I can’t take on this request after all,” I said, trying to sound regretful.

The truth was, I wasn’t regretful at all. I knew that I had to avoid this case like a minefield.

“Why don’t you have a talk with him before you decide? EROS hasn’t been open to the idea until very recently,” the manager said with a polite smile.

“Yes, we went through many potential candidates with him, but he turned them all down. This is the first time that he’s agreed to meet with a candidate,” Mark quickly added.

.....

“I see...” I murmured.

“He should be here soon. He’s wrapping up his dance practice as we speak,” Mark said as he checked the time on his watch.

Huh? He’s going to be here?!

As if on cue, the door to the room opened and a tall man walked in wordlessly. He was dressed very differently from how he’s shown in public and in the media. EROS was dressed in very casual and comfortable looking clothes. Black baggy pants, thin and white sleeveless shirt that did nothing to hide his muscular arms and well-toned body, a light blue towel around his neck. His hair was wet, it was clear that he just came out of the shower. His blonde hair looks a few shades darker now that it’s wet.

“He’s so hot...oh my god...” Justin whispered as he nudged me with his elbow.

I guess that’s the standard reaction that people have towards EROS. Justin’s reaction as he fanned his hot face with his hands was enough to convince me that EROS coming out of the shower wasn’t a scene that should be seen by the public. It could cause serious public disturbances amongst the female population. So much for all that ‘I don’t want to get too involved with celebrities either’ stuff.

“You’re here...” EROS said as his eyes met mine.

I bit my lower lip and it felt like it was just us alone in the world in that moment. EROS did not pay any attention to the other people in the room. Not knowing how to greet him, I just nodded. No one should find out that I’ve actually met him before...

Does he...recognize me?

“I have 15 minutes. Let’s go,” EROS said as he gestured for me to follow him.

I could feel everyone’s eyes on me as I got out of my seat and followed EROS out of the room. Our destination was the room right next door. It was a meeting room with a large table and a set of leather sofas.

The moment that I stepped into the room, EROS closed the door and locked it. Surprisingly, I was more curious than scared. Without a word, EROS plopped himself down on the long sofa and relaxed into it. Slowly, I headed for the sofa opposite him.

“Not there. Come sit next to me here,” EROS said as he waved me over to him.

“I’m fine here,” I replied flatly.

“Are you scared? Of me?” EROS asked with a soft laugh.

“Of course, not...” I muttered as I glared straight at him.

“Come...” he said invitingly as his hand patted the empty spot on the sofa next to where he was sitting.

I headed over to where he was sitting and sat down next to him, ignoring the fact that he looked more than ready to wrap his arm around my shoulders.

“So, were the macarons from the other day yummy?” EROS asked before smiling brightly at me.

Is that what he wanted to ask me in private?

“Yes, it was. Thank you...” I replied honestly.

“Are you still mad about the other day?” he asked as he shifted his weight on the sofa to turn towards me.

To my own surprise, I couldn’t find it in myself to be mad at him at all.

“No. The macarons worked so I’m not mad anymore,” I replied with a small smile.

“When they showed me a photo of you, I was really surprised...” EROS said with a gleam in his eyes.

“Is it because you didn’t think that I’ll be working a job like this...?” I asked directly.

It’s a common reaction so I wouldn’t be surprised or offended if that was what he thought.

“Not that. You looked so beautiful in your photo that I didn’t recognize you at first. You look very pretty today too but I still think the you from the other day looked better...” EROS said as he seemed to recall some memories.

“How so?” I couldn’t help asking.

“Hmm...you looked more real,” he replied before winking at me.

“Your manager and agency rep told me that you were not interested in this before and it’s a shame for me to do this when you’ve finally shown some interest, but I’m going to have to turn down this job after all,” I said solemnly.

“Why?” he asked although he didn’t seem shocked about my refusal.

“I don’t think I’m cut out for this job. I won’t be able to do it well...” I tried to explain before trailing off.

–To be continued...