Love Story Of A Call Girl

I remembered the list of places to visit in the suburbs which I had chalked up from scratch yesterday. I had found it fun to do because I liked to see and experience new scents. Each place had its own distinct scent, especially in nature. I did not like to go to the cosmetic department of malls because there was an overload of senses. Scents had to be spread out over and surrounding me, not heaved right under my nose.

Plus although I was not as averse to crowds as Mr. Boardmann, had I a choice, I would rather choose quiet places where the next person was reachable only within shouting range.

"Did you like what you saw on the road less travelled?" I asked.

"Yes, it was far away from the crowd. That was why I moved here in the first place. It's for my peace of mind. For me to heal. To start afresh." He said.

"I'm glad that you had a relaxing afternoon at least. You look good today." I said, observing the colour of his skin, which now had a faint hint of a tan.

"I have you to thank for that recommendation to go walking to the nature reserve, for I see that the walk has rendered my skin the colour of your liking." He said, with a roguish look about his face as he slowly drawled out his words.

I guess colour must have risen to my cheeks, and that I could not have controlled for how could I see myself?

"You're blushing, Lila." He said.

There was an unrest in his eyes which I had not seen before yet he appeared suave and very much in control.

I brought one palm to my cheeks and turned away from him. I tried to look at my reflection on the glass panels. Was I really blushing? First, my preference for water was mounted into a whole issue as if the world would fall apart had I not disclosed my preference. I was disinclined to apologize to him and yet I did. He had this uncanny effect on me. What spirit had he possessed which reached the veins of my heart, causing me to melt to his bidding? And now I was blushing like a giddy schoolgirl all because he had teased me for finding him good-looking.

"In this line of work, shyness won't do, would it, Lila?" He asked.

He was not facing me so it was easier for me to get a hold on my composure.

"No." I said.

Then again, he was not the typical client. I guess the one who would pay the most for me must logically also be the most complicated one.

He leaned back against the soft cushions; both long hands spread lazily across the settee's side arms.

"Of course, unless you are playing coy. Perhaps it comes with the job? You're all skittish suddenly." He said, looking straight at me.

I was taken aback with his words. I would think that he was out to get me. He was baiting me but I did not know his end game.

He had made me feel a range of emotions within the past two hours. From unease to confusion to vulnerability. I had to keep my emotions on track. To look at it from a positive perspective, he was good training ground for me to get a grip on my fluctuating emotions. I would not lose more control in front of him or show him any signs of fragility.

"I am neither playing coy nor am I skittish." I said, feeling that being bullied twice was quite enough.

I could not help my next words. They arose automatically in my thoughts.

"Have you taken your medication?" I asked as colour rose to my cheeks.

This time I was sure I was not blushing. I was flushed and feeling rather hot in the room. It seemed like the temperature had risen substantially by the minute.

He was silent, just looking deeply at my whole being. His eyes were not piercing me.