Rose has been set up on a blind date for a company event night by Jenny- her caring, but highly unpredictable friend. The man that shows up at her door turns out to be someone, or rather - something -, Rose could have never expected. Can she get past the awkward situation she's been put in and enjoy herself? Rose is not so sure... Giving in to Adrian's advances, Rose finds herself in a very strange yet, physically, very satisfying situation. As time progresses, so does the relationship between the two unlikely lovers. But will the fine balance between sex and romance stay the way it is? Or will it all fall into ruin because of their resistance to fall for each other?
Chapter 1 PART ONE
"Are you telling me you don't have a date for tomorrow night?" Jenny eyed her over her cup of steaming coffee, sipping it carefully while waiting for Rose's answer.
Rose looked up from her foamed cappuccino, she had just stirred in some sweetener. She tapped her spoon on the side of her cup before laying it on the little plate where a cupcake had resided not 30 seconds ago, now settling nicely in her stomach.
"Well, no, but that's not a big deal, right?" She shrugged. "I mean, I'm not seeing anyone at the moment, and I can't just grab someone random off the street, can I"? Rose gestured at the window beside their booth, indicating the crowds passing by on the sunlit sidewalk outside. She knew exactly where this conversation was heading, so she went on the defensive very quickly.
Jenny and she were on a break from work, taking refuge in their favorite little coffee shop just on the corner by their office. Having a tedious old desk job was the last thing Rose thought she would be doing, but life has other plans than what she'd dreamt of as a teenager, and as it turns out, money for rent and food and all that has to come from somewhere. The entertainment industry proved much more challenging to break into than Rose thought, despite her parent's insistence on her reconsidering her decision to move to another continent in search of her dreams. They never understood the need for the drastic move and had pleaded with her to at least stay in England to build up a web of contacts to draw from once she set out tomorrow on her adventure.
But Rose had been eager to leave, not realizing the common sense in their words until it was too late. So now, just on the brink of turning 24, Rose was starting to accept that her professional career wouldn't be as exciting as she'd thought and that having any other job was better than the alternative. Working at the advertising firm put dinner on her table, and she wasn't all that fussed about it anymore. At least she's made friends with a few of her colleagues, and Jenny was one of her more trusted companions, even if she could be random at best and always teased her about her close to non-existent love life.
Who had the energy to date these days, anyway?
"At the moment?" Jenny repeated her words back at her with a quirk of an eyebrow, setting the cup down on its saucer with a rattle. "Rose, last I heard of you even mentioning a guy in the capacity of a potential fuck- "Rose winced at her casual use of the crude word, "- was ages ago.
Jenny paused, frowning and looking up at the ceiling in thought for a moment before she continued, " Actually, I don't think I've seen you with anyone since the office Halloween party. That's what? Nine months ago?" Her frown deepened. " What happened to the guy, anyway?
Rose squirmed in her seat, looking down at her hands as she fiddled with her cup, avoiding Jenny's meaningful stare. She didn't like to be reminded of the momentary mental relapse of him that was Kelvin from IT.
Rose had been more intoxicated than she could remember ever being, both before and after that night. Tall, black, and brooding was what Rose had in mind. Had seemed to be just what drunk Rose had been looking for, though, as towards the dwindling end of the party, she'd found herself sloppily making out with Batman.
Or Kelvin, as it turned out that following Monday. In the sober light of day and without costume enhancements, Rose found that while Kelvin seemed like a nice guy, they hadn't clicked right. And by 'not-clicking,' he meant that Kelvin was the vainest person she'd ever spoken to, judging by the short conversation they'd had when bumping into each other in the lunch queue that same Monday.
Rose had received messages from Kelvin for a week after that, asking for them to meet over lunch, but Rose had resolutely ignored him, too embarrassed to even begin to try to reply. Kelvin was coming off desperate- too desperate, saying how Rose was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen and such nonsense. Running into him in the lobby had left Rose quickly ducking out of the way to find escape routes ever since. Jenny hadn't stopped teasing her about it for weeks.
Hoping to avoid having to answer Jenny's last question, Rose shrugged. 'I don't get what that has to do with anything,' she mumbled, feeling a slight blush warm her cheeks, just like they always did when conversation steered towards anything regarding her sex life, not to mention her little slip at Halloween.
Rose wasn't comfortable discussing her intimate life, much to the enjoyment of people such as Jenny. The Brit was one of those people who'd casually talk about her one night stands, going into great details about the talents of the guys she met. She seemed to think that making Jenny uncomfortable was some type of sport. If it was, Jenny would be holding the world record.
'' That's because you're basically a virgin again. It clouds your mind, ' Jenny deadpanned, and Rose snorted.
After a few moments, though, Jenny bent her head down a bit before continuing in a lower voice, 'But in all seriousness, Rose. I know you haven't been seeing anyone since that party, and I just really want you to have a good time tomorrow. Alright?'
It didn't happen much while out in the open, but when Jenny showed her caring side, Rose was really grateful that they'd found each other. She was a good friend, and she looked out for Rose, almost like a big brother, even if she hid it well behind the constant teasing.
''I know, Jen,'' Rose answered with a sigh. It's just I still don't know if that makes it worth trying to find a date for an event taking place tomorrow night.'' Rose ran a hand through her hair.
Wracking her brain, Rose couldn't think of anyone to ask about the benefit. The only people she knew in New York were the ones she worked with, and that was unwilling to repeat. Oh, and the little old Latin man who ran a flower store right by her apartment block, but Rose had her limits.
She slowly shook her head. It's very short notice. You know.''
Jenny reached for a napkin in the little holder on the table, shook it out with a nonchalant air, and started to seemingly absentmindedly fold it into what would be a water lily. Rose kept her eyes on her face, though, waiting for a response.
After a few moments of folding, Jenny opened her mouth to speak again, not looking up from her little arts and crafts project, Why don't you let me worry about that, sweet cheeks.''
Rose frowned at the pet name. Jenny knew very well that she hated when she called her that, but she continued, ignoring Rose's indignant huff, ''You just focus on looking pretty tomorrow, and I'll have someone meet you at your place right on time to take you to the benefit. ''With a flurry of her hands, she presented Rose with the finished paper flower.
Wait, are you setting me up on a blind date?'' Rose asked incredulously while eyeing the flower as if it had offended her. She hated blind dates.
Chapter 1 PART ONE
15/03/2025
Chapter 2 TWO
15/03/2025
Chapter 3 THREE
15/03/2025
Chapter 4 FOUR
15/03/2025
Chapter 5 FIVE
15/03/2025
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