Chapter 3

Teresa again felt the weight of rejection and disgrace on her shoulders, but she accepted the offer, typed in her number and saved it. -Thank you.

The man walked away from the bar. Slinging her purse over her shoulder, Teresa glanced at her watch. She could hurry home and tell the babysitter to leave, maybe that would save her one more bill. Teresa got off the stool and, turning around, met a pair of curious, squinting eyes. The man's brow was furrowed

frowned and held his second glass in his hand. She felt secretly fascinated to see his face at last.

At first, she had seen his back and his blond hair. Then she saw his hands and his profile, and now she could see him in full. He was gorgeous. His eyes were a deep, piercing blue and his jaw was set, with some stubble. He held the glass high in his long fingers and his chiseled, full lips parted. -Teresa Cooper, let me buy you a drink.

When she heard him say her name she gasped. She'd never heard anyone utter it so seductively. Then she remembered that she might have heard the whole conversation with George and felt uneasy. -Do you often overhear other people's conversations? - His lips curved into a smile and Teresa's heart skipped a beat. It was the most devilish smile she had ever seen, so charming it made her melt.

-Only when the person speaking is very attractive to me.

She was about to answer him when she saw Jackson approaching her.

-I'm sorry, Teresa, I'll have to see you out.

-He's with me.

Jackson turned at the sound of that loud, husky voice, just like Teresa.

-The lady is with me, she's my guest.

Jackson looked confused for a few moments and smiled impartially. -My apologies, Mr. Robles. - And he vanished.

Teresa watched Jackson walk away and wished she understood the true meaning of the handsome Mr. Robles' words. She turned to look at him, shrugging her shoulders. -I should go.

-Let me buy you a drink. You look stressed, it will help you relax.

Teresa gawked at the man, weighing the offer. It wasn't a good time. She had to get home. She could ask the babysitter to leave early and save some much-needed money. But she was very stressed and wanted to relax. She desperately needed it. -If you think a drink will take away my stress, you're underestimating it. - He smiled at the smile on Teresa's face as she sat down on the stool next to his. -Red wine, please. - He said to the bartender who appeared with only a glance from the impressive man next to him.

-Mr. Robles?

-James. - He held out his hand. -And your name is...

Teresa let out a laugh. -Teresa Cooper. Nice to meet you, James.

She picked up her glass and took a sip, smiling at him. -I'm sorry you had to listen to that painful conversation. I'm on the verge of despair.

-Don't worry about it. I didn't learn much after hearing your name.

Your poise is to be admired.

-Pfff,” joked Teresa. -What poise? I've been trying to get a job for a century.

James delighted in watching her. Her eyes, which a moment ago were full of worry and nervousness, seemed calm, though not for long. Her gaze was kind. All she needed was to avoid stress for a while. He looked at her body. Her large breasts were hidden behind a black shirt. It fit her perfectly, showing just a little cleavage. The jacket was dark brown, matching her wavy hair, and contrasted with her eyes. They were light, more dark green than brown, large in size and framed by thick lashes. Why is it so important to get a job in the middle of the night?

Teresa sighed, looking at the cup in her hand. -I don't know... I don't really know you,” she said apologetically.

I don't really know you,” she said apologetically with a smile.

-Hmm. - James approached her. -I'm James Robles, owner of Robles Corporation. - Then he paused and something clouded his eyes as he remembered. I'm the owner of Robles Corporation for now. -I'm not a serial killer, but I'm also going through some tough times. However, I'm used to disastrous managements and it doesn't affect me that much. From the looks of you, I think you need to clear your head and take your mind off the pressure of finding a job for a while.

Teresa smiled and looked away, not wanting me to understand and know her so well. -Yes. Thank you. - She raised her glass and looked at her watch again.

-Do you have another interview?

Teresa saw that he was watching her face in detail and paused before answering. His scrutiny was different from that of any other person in conversation. He was looking at her very carefully, as if searching for her flaws. She felt self-conscious, but he didn't seem to dislike what he saw. -No, I have to get home to my son.

James stopped instantly. -Oh. - He set the glass down on the bar. -Is your husband taking care of him?

She laughed. -I'm not married.

-Your partner?