C13

JADEN

The sky started raining cats and dogs,The rain pattered against the window wall in my living room and I tried to focus on it instead of the young woman that is currently soaking in the Jacuzzi tub in the room above.I sat on the couch with one leg crossed over the other,drumming my fingers on my knee.After so many years of solitude in my house,it felt strange to have another presence around.Robert usually only stayed for a couple of hours when he came over,but Isabella was staying the whole night.

I looked down at couch where she'd probably by sleeping.Isabella was small,but I didn't think she'd be able to lie down comfortably on it.I'd mostly bought it for the sake of design my sittingroom and the fact that it was a good brand.I wasn't meant for sleeping on but what was I supposed to do? offer to sleep in my bed with me? I'd mostly likely get a slap but I definitely wasn't going to be sleeping on the couch.

But she's been in a very stressful situation,I scolded myself.I couldn't be selfish at this time like this.I wasn't sure what drove me to invite her over but I know I couldn't leave her alone.She seems to be handling it well.The only glimpse I'd got was when she found the dress I'd bought for her had gone missing.

"It wasn't even a big deal," I muttered to myself,resting my elbow on the armrest of the couch and plopping my chin into my hand.She'd cry over it.A silly dress.Had she cared about it that much? Was it because I'd bought it for her? Or was it because she thought it was a waste of money to have it stolen? I couldn't figure her out.

What I did know,though was that she didn't rely on me at all.I thought I was a rather reliable person and yet she didn't want my help.I didn't understand.Were girls all hard to understand? or was I too used to girls who want my attention but Isabella didn't care about that at all.

A sharp pain throbbed my eyes and I winced,bringing a hand to it,Tonight was not the night for one of my migraines to make an appearance.I debated about waiting it out.Then I felt the dull pulse of pain and decided it'd just be better to take some pills.

Sighing I pushed myself of from the couch and head for the master bedroom.It'd almost be a week since my last headache.Why return now? The last thing I want was the throwing up all night when Isabella was there.

I pushed open the bathroom door,my hand still on my forehead.There was a small gasp and then splash of water and I stopped dead.I turned before I would realize it I was doing and came face to face with wide eyed Isabella,who had sunk down

to her chin in the water.My mouth went dry and I tried to utter an apology but all that came out was "Ssooo.."

"Ww...hat?" she said her eyes not leaving my face.My gaze travelled through the foamy water that hid her body then it snapped back up and I felt me nodding with my check warm.

"Sorry,I am not used to...".

"It's okay," she break in,her voice couple pitches higher than normal"it's your house,do what you need to?"

I swallowed hard not sure where to look.There was something sexy about Isabella when her skin and hair is wet and I didn't want to have those thoughts about her while she was staying in my house.Or in general,I had to act confident."I just have to grab something."

"Sure," she answered as I forced myself over the medicine cabinet.I hunched my shoulders as I searched for the right bottle.My head didn't feel too bad,so I didn't want to use any of the more expensive prescription pills.However,I also didn't want to be here any longer so I grabbed the excedrin bottle and made a beeline for the door.

"And you said,you wouldn't walk in on me "Isabella taunted as I stepped out.

I closed the door a little harder than I should've and took a deep breath,trying to calm myself.In this situation,shouldn't she have been the one more embarrassed than me? Just what kind of girl was she?

My head throbbed again,so I returned to the kitchen and got a glass of water and downed two pills hopefully that could be enough.I'd be doing well keeping my headache at bay.Maybe it was because Isabella was over? I didn't feel stressed by her though well that was wrong, I was little on the edge.

I fell back on the couch and closed my eyes,trying to rest.That lasted about three seconds because my phone started ringing.Groaning I pulled it out of my pocket and notice the screen reading Derrick,I answered flatly "ww..hat?"

"Mr Castle!" he cried in such a dramatic manner I winced.

"What?" I repeated.

"This is bad! really bad!" I could pretty much imagine him biting nails as he spoke. "Our construction team for the new resort at jeju island have announced they are canceling our contract!"

I sat up straighter in my seat."What?"

"I contacted your Dad,he said it was your responsiblity to talk them back into it."

"How did this happen," I demanded,Hadn't things been going on fine? construction was supposed to start next week.

"I am not sure,I recieved the call today and I have been trying to solve any issues,but they aren't agreeing to anything.You need to speak to them.You are going to come to the office tomorrow,"

"Go to the office?" I can't, I told him thinking about Isabella.I couldn't let her return to her apartment by herself tomorrow.I didn't even want her going back there period.It was too dangerous.

"Mr Castle,I don't mean to be rude,but you have been away almost a week.I've been doing what I can do in your absence,but I need you to sign some paperwork".Then I remember our accountant started her vacation,so payroll needs to be done.

"Have my father handle it," I told him.

"Your Father has made it clear that you are in charge." He paused. "S..she told me to tell you that your brother would've."

"Don't start," I snapped,my whole body tensing."Havn't I told you not to mention him? How can you use that against me?"

Derrick inhale and exhale a deep breath of hair and tried to recollect himself,"I am just repeating what your father said to tell you."

"Don't associate yourself with him.I'm the one who pays you so don't worry about losing your job,if you don't listen to her."I told him,trying to lighten my tone,even though my skin was crawling.It wasn't Derrick's fault,my father was an intimidating person,he could make almost everyone bow down to him."what kind of father would use that against his own son?"

"I never wanted to say or repeat it," Derrick said apologetically. "Your father is very serious about this and has noticed your absence this week." This is a very serious moment of your career,Mr Castle."

I bit my lips hard.Unfortunately he had a point.The jeju island project was my project.I couldn't try to pass it to someone else.What kind of leadership would that be? my employees were supposed to respect me,but who could respect a lazy employer?

"I just really wish I could do more to help you," he added quietly.

Derrick's word caught me and I let out a quick sigh.He was a good worker and a good person as well,I probably don't even deserve him.It wasn't right to take out my frustration of my Dad on him."I'll come in tomorrow,how long will I have to be at the office for?"

"I will request you to stay for some couple of hours to satisfy your father,but I hope everything will be settled quickly."

"I'll be in,"I promised reluctantly."Thank you for all your help."

"It's no problem.I have a feeling you are going to make this group even greater than it already is"

"Mm,that's some pressure there," I returned light-heartedly. "Have a good night.Come in late tomorrow."

He gave a slight chuckle."Even if I come in late,I'll still be in the office before you."

I paused my lips."You should treat me with more respect than that."

"oh sorry,I will be in before you tomorrow sir," and there was a click as he hung up on me.

I shook my head.He was something else.It took guts to tease your boss like that.But I appreciated it.No one is brave enough to speak to my father.He would fire them but I wouldn't.I was different from him.For example I will never use my brother name to force him into doing anything.It was cruel,how would he bring him up?Did he want to lose two sons instead of one? It was like he didn't care.

I smiled wryly,putting my head in my hands.He probably didn't care.He cared much more about the hotel than his own sons.His sons who where to stressed out to handle so much at once.which was why Mike....

"Jaden?"

I straighted back up in surprise,turning to see Isabella coming down stairs there was a frown on her face as she hiked up the pajamas bottom,I'd give her in to not trip as she descended.The shirt I did lent her was too large,so the sleeves flapping as she walked.My current thoughts dispersed being replaced by just one" cute".

"Thanks for letting me borrow your clothing," she said as she grew closer,shoving the sleeves of the shirt to her elbow.After a couple of seconds they roll back down.

I was never one to be at a loss for words.Yet around Isabella,I found it happening quite often.Especially when she was wearing my clothes. "Problem not" I said after a moment,tripping over my words.

"Okay,Yoda" she responded with a little laugh. I pressed my lips together tightly and grimaced inwardly,smooth.She dawled by the side of the couch still unsure if she should sit or not

.Her hair dripped at the ends,sending droplets of water into an expensive leather.I immediately stood up and reached for her,with the thoughts of tucking her hair back in the towel around her neck but then yanked my hand back when an overwhelmed feeling of shyness as I took in the exposed part of her throat and her collarbone.

Her eyes widened slightly and she shifted "what?"

"The water," I started but stopped myself.Was I really going to complain over a few drops of water? it would only make her uncomfortable than she probably already was "Dry your hair properly I said" instead.

She pulled out the wet strands,"I prefer not to towel dry my hair if I don't have to.It makes it more frizzy."

An awkward silence settled in when I didn't respond.I wasn't sure what to say you may ruin the leather? what if you get cold? It seemed a little cliche

.so I cleared my throat and slid over on couch,gesturing for her to sit next to me.She did so cautiously and I noticed how much space she put between us.

The quiet continue as none of us spoke,I thought about putting on the T.V but I wonder if it would offend her.Would she think I was ignoring her? Was this a common thing hosts felt when they have people over? I could hear the clock ticking I bet I could hear a needle drop.

"Sorry about today" Isabella spoke scaring me.I tried to cover by stretching out,"You don't have to apologize".

"I'll be out of here tomorrow," she continued staring at her lap.

"Isabella,I don't think you go back.to the apartment," I told her frowning. "You should find a new place."

She lifted up her hair in shock "why? what?"

it's almost uninhabitable.If it can be broken into once,who says it won't be broken into again?

"But it's the most affordable place." she argued "don't want to give it up." because of minor problem.

"Minor" she considered that as a minor problem?"I'll find you a better place" I 'm sure I know somebody who would offer you a good deal."I don't mind giving you some money to pay for it either."

"No"she caught me off in a hard tone.

"I'm not a charity case Jaden.If you want to give out money,give it to the orphanage."

"I do give to the orphanage,"I said insulted."I donate and fundraise multiple times a year.I'm not considering you as a charity case.I'm offering because I...."why was I offering?Normally I wouldn't bother with someone else's personal affairs,but I couldn't leave Isabella alone.She appraised for the moment biting her lower lip.I hesitate unsure of how I should finish.Friends help each other right? I'd help out Robert in a heart beat.Isabella was the same.

"We are friends right?" I said cautiously.

She paused for the moment and finally nodded."You're right,if I would help you out the same way,I would.But I am not going to accept any more money from you.I have enough to find myself a new place."

"So you will find yourself a new place?"

"I didn't say that," she responded,but I could see she was thinking about something. "Maybe I'll look around but in a meantime,I still have to stay there,so maybe the landlady will fix it up."

"You can stay here," I found myself saying before I realized what exactly I 'd just offered.

Her eyes grew wider "what?"

"Stay here" I repeated more comfortably.

"I don't know."

"Think it as part of our contract"I suggested. "If my father finds out we are living together maybe he will get off my back." Isabella started playing with the end of her hair to avoid my gaze."I don't want to intrude."

"Just until you find another place,I won't mind at all."

"Your couch may get my imprint."

So she was aware of the worth of the couch.That aside,I figure that was her giving up and agreeing to stay.It's fine, I can easily replace it.

She gave me a shy but dry smile and

I felt relieved instantly."Okay I will stay here for at least,one week tops.If I don't find a cheap place,I am going back to my apartment though,I still have the rest of the month paid for."

A week? that didn't seemed like a enough time.Isn't it better to start looking for two bedrooms? I asked. "Your brother will be getting out of jail."

Realization came across her face and she grinned. "Oh that's right,it's a good point actually."

I found myself smirking a bit.Convincing people to do things was always one of my strong points. :"I'll ask around."

"I appreciate it,Jaden" she said offering a shy smile."It's been a while since anyone has helped me out like this.I don't exactly know how to feel and I'm not sure what to say."

"It's nothing" I respond holding up my hand.I didn't want the awkwardness of trying to explain my actions again.

"If you need anything done around the place,leave it to me.Cooking or cleaning or anything really," she continued,more enthusiastic now."To be honest,I was a little scared of going back to my apartment.You're a suprisely good guy."

I nodded and then narrowed my. eyes at her. "What? suprisely? what's that suppose to mean ?"

"hmmmn nothing"

"Was that a indirect insult?"

"Hmmmn maybe"

My mouth fell open a little."After I've been so grateful."

She burst out laughing,effectively silencing me."I'm just kidding,Jaden.You're pretty ease to tease,huh?"

I folded my arms over my chest. "You. think you're funny."

"I will be here,all week," she retorted with a wink.

That's right.She should be here all week.A week with Isabella.In my house.Living with me,having wet hair....

I gave her a half smile,half grimace. and suddenly unconfident with the situation.