“…And please, I don't appreciate this kind of closeness existing between us. Let's streamline the relationship to mere colleagues and team mates. I don't owe anyone an explanation on who I want to be with and that includes you.
Now tell me, where do you want me to drop you off?” Andre demanded, his voice bland and emotionless. He glared at her and Rita said “Drop me off now”
Without a word, Andre parked by the side of the road and unlocked the automatic lock. “Andre, you'll regret this, that you rejected my company…”
“I will regret nothing, Rita. Get out” Andre thundered, grievance visibly expressed on his face. As soon as Rita alighted and shut the door, he zoomed off, going in the direction of the Wood's Electroworld.
But inwardly, Andre was surprised at his actions a few minutes ago. A lady was upset with him and requested him to drop her off and he immediately did that. That's unlike him. He could have persuaded her against her abrupt decision.
And that morning, his mother was surprised at his outburst at Regina Logan. This sudden change in his behaviour is alarming. He hopes this has nothing to do with his new found real identity?
Getting to the Wood's Electroworld, Camella was almost done with her meetings. He accessed the new machines and knew for the next few days, he wouldn't be having any serious work to do.
He would be able to concentrate on some things as his parents would want him to get acquainted with responsibilities that come with his title. But he still hasn't decided if he would be willing to leave N.Y at the moment.
His mother was still there and Camella also was there. Leaving these two amazing women and going to Ashanti is not going to be an easy decision for him to take. He stood there, glancing out of his window when Camella arrived.
“Hi, my love” she announced her presence. She was looking so beautiful in her cream coloured pencil skirt over a light grey designer blouse.
Andre turned himself to face her and his eyes ran over her so quickly. He admired her looks, her elegance and beautiful figure and a smile spread across his face “Hi Cam” he responded.
Walking towards her, he opened his arms and Camella hugged him. This is in fact their first time real closeness. She circled her arms around his waist, her heart beating fast. She touched him too close?
This could only mean one time, he was growing feelings for her as well. This is a good sign. Her one sided love isn't going to last much longer.
Caressing her hair, he held her close to himself “You're looking elegant, my girl” he complimented and raised her chin to kiss her temple.
“Thank you” Camella appreciated. She felt excited. For the first time, he noticed her looks. He doesn't care about such things even though they started off as friends.
Letting her go, he said “Let's go for lunch and we can discuss the new deal you talked about” he suggested. Camella nodded and they held hands and walked out.
When they got into the car, Andre asked casually “I saw you have a new male secretary. Is Mary on leave?” Fastening his seat belt.
“She'd been transferred to another department” Camella replied and looked away. She was avoiding Andre's gaze and as a matter of fact, he paused and glanced at her.
“Why?” Andre asked.
“I can't keep her around me. I can't bear to see another woman admiring my man, it sends chills of jealousy down my spine” he replied, totally avoiding his gaze.
Andre sighed and said “how long will you keep doing that? You can't stop the birds from flying but you definitely can stop them from perching on your head. It's not about transferring her elsewhere, it's who I chose to be with” he corrected.
“I love you Andre and I'm jealous seeing another woman confessing her love for you. Especially now, that you haven't fully accepted me. I need to guard my interest with all selfishness until I am certain that you really belong to me” she explained.
Andre sighed softly.
“Taking a step into this relationship, do you still doubt me? You're still acting so insecure despite introducing you to my royal parents? What do you expect from me that I haven't done, even if it's casually?” He asked, shaking his head.
He'd chosen her over others and yet, she still feels so insecure?
“We don't do what lovers do and that makes me still doubt you” she answered. She saw Andre start the ignition and reverse. She doesn't know why he doesn't like chauffeurs driving them around.
He is a prince now, he definitely wouldn't have a choice but to accept having his personal chauffeur. She glanced at him and saw him glance back at her briefly and looked away again.
“Tell me what lovers do that we're not doing?” Andre asked, glancing at her briefly again before staring straight in front of him.
“Last night, you didn't even think of kissing me or hugging me when you dropped me off. How can we claim to be dating when you haven't even thought of kissing me to kickstart our relationship and I haven't even talked about…” she trailed off.
Andre chuckled and he said “why don't you complete it. You were going to talk about kissing,sex and getting really intimate to mean that we're already dating right?” He paused.
Camella was blushing. He shouldn't have mentioned sex at all. Now she's shy by just thinking about what it implies. When Andre glanced at her, she choked and quickly swallowed hard.
“Don't let that make you feel insecure. Those things happen in relationships but I just don't have the impulse to do that with you yet, besides we're just getting to know each other properly.
Let's just take it slowly. When we'll eventually kiss or have sex, the feelings would just come naturally without having to feel awkward about it. I don't go intimate with my women in the first early months of our relationship…” he explained.
“We can as well say, you're taking your time to ensure you give your heart first before giving your body?” Camella stated, remembering his words days ago.
“Yes. Until I'm super sure I'm head over heels with a woman, I don't cross those boundaries. Even though I cannot really say the same thing about my ex. So please give me some time and don't feel unnecessarily insecure” Andre affirmed.
“Are you already falling in love with me now? Camella asked.
Andre chuckled and glanced at her, taking her hand he said “I can't say if it's love, but I think I'm getting addicted to you by every passing seconds”