Winning My Ex-Crush

Fenella’s POV

“So, I was going to be busy with a packed schedule until February next year,” I said before biting a grape, its juice staining my fingers.

“Wow, that’s fantastic. Are you really going to carry the title of supermodel now?” Laird asked as he peeled and sliced an apple with skillful knife cuts.

“Well, I have to finish all the projects properly before earning that title,” I replied before popping the remaining grapes into my mouth.

“Hm, so does that mean you’ll be crowned as a supermodel in February?” He asked with a lopsided smile, placing the knife safely on the table.

“Not automatically. Seriously, you know it takes patience and extra work to truly be branded a supermodel,” I chuckled.

“For me, you’re automatically a supermodel in my eyes,” he said, reaching for my grape-stained hand and bringing my fingers to his mouth. Laird sucked dry all the red liquid from my fingers.

“You’re quite skilled at seduction behind closed doors,” I said with a gleeful smile, letting him wipe my fingers with a tissue.

“I’m glad to make it exclusive for myself,” he chuckled softly.

“Oh, damn,” I suddenly exclaimed.

“Why?”

“It seems I’ve stained your shirt again.” I grabbed a wet tissue and started to dab at a small spot of red on Laird’s gray t-shirt.

“Well, let it be. I’ll take it to the laundry along with your shirt tomorrow.” Laird took a piece of apple for himself and leaned back on the couch.

“Oh, well, okay then,” I said after making sure the stain had faded enough.

“Are you aware that you’ve been leaving more of your clothes here? Every time you take them to the laundry with mine, you never bring them back to your apartment,” he chuckled before chewing on his apple.NôvelDrama.Org owns this text.

“Ugh, yeah, sorry. I keep forgetting and bringing new clothes here. You must be uncomfortable seeing your wardrobe filled with women’s clothes, right?”

“Not at all. In fact, I see it as a little progress. It’s like you’re slowly moving your stuff from Jessy’s apartment to here, and I like that,” he concluded before finishing his apple slice.

“Oh, damn. I even left my toothbrush, face wash, and sunscreen here. I hope that’s not a problem for you,” I grinned.

“No, you could even move in here anytime. Save on transportation and rent,” he shrugged.

“Hm, is this an invitation to move in?” I tilted my head.

“Too soon?” he said, raising an eyebrow.

Of all the men who had been in a relationship with me, Laird was the fastest to come up with the idea of living together. In less than two months, he had already asked me twice. Strangely, with Laird, I didn’t feel bothered at all. But there was still a bit of hesitation surfacing in my heart.

“Well-” I cleared my throat and adjusted my sitting position on the couch to sit up straighter.

“Hey, it’s okay. Don’t force yourself. Take it slow; it’s fine with me. Just one item moving in each time you’re here is enough for me,” he interrupted me and sat upright on the couch.

I stared at him for a long time to search for emotions behind his words and tone. There was no hurt or emotional response, just hope and concern. Laird was so kind and attentive to me. His attitude had never changed since we were kids; he always paid attention to my opinions, no matter how silly they were.

I have forgiven his antics on prom night. I considered all old wounds unnecessary to reopen and, as advised by those motivational speakers, let the past go. Now, Laird seemed to relentlessly pursue me, so possessive that he kept asking me to move in with him.

Wasn’t that good? Yes! But I still wasn’t ready.

“Well, then I’ll pick up the laundry later. When can I pick it up?” I asked, grabbing a slice of apple.

“It’ll be done this weekend, but I’m off because I have to go out of town from Friday to Saturday. Dave and I have a presentation in Los Angeles.”

“Really? You’re starting the presentation this weekend for the client? The game about the model that Dave mentioned will be one of those promoted?” I asked, my eyes widening at the news.

“Yes, wish us luck,” he grinned broadly.

“Oh, of course, honey. I hope the game gets approved and succeeds.” I kissed Laird’s lips.

“Thank you, babe,” he smiled broadly.

“Oh, wait a minute! I’m also going to Mexico City this weekend.” I suddenly remembered the schedule Jessy informed me of earlier today.

“Why so sudden?” he asked, furrowing his brow.

“Oh, yeah, Jessy forgot to put it on my agenda. This afternoon, he suddenly gave me the plane ticket, and I could only stare at it,” I exclaimed, shrugging.

“Since when did he become forgetful like you?” he asked with a crooked smile.

“Yeah, very funny, Laird. But your surprise is quite understandable. He has never been this messy at work. I think these are tough times for him,” I chewed on my sweet apple.

“Is he in trouble?”

“Yeah, a huge problem. Mike keeps messing up at work, and Jessy can’t do anything about it because of their personal relationship,” I quickly told Laird.

“Oof, I guess that can be quite confusing for some people. At least he didn’t forget to give you the plane ticket and remind you of the schedule. Problem solved,” he nodded.

“Uh huh,” I murmured as I finished my apple slice.

We fell silent for a moment, lost in thought, while enjoying the sweet apple slices in our hands. I pondered all the new information in my mind, and suddenly an idea sparked in my mind.

“Hey, Laird. Isn’t LA close to Mexico?” I asked.

“Your geography knowledge has always been poor, from school until now. Los Angeles is 4 hours away from Mexico City by plane.”

“What if you follow me to Mexico after your presentation? You said your schedule ends on Saturday, right? My schedule also ends on Saturday,” I invited him enthusiastically.

“Wouldn’t I be messing up your schedule?” He asked uncertainly.

“No! Think of it as our first holiday as a couple. We can return to New York on Sunday night. What do you think?” I asked, sitting up straight on the couch again.

Oh yes! That’s a great idea! I hope Laird thinks the same as me.

“I don’t know; I’m not sure if our schedules will align. I don’t want to disturb your time,” he said, still looking hesitant, as if calculating the time in his mind.

“Of course it won’t. If you arrive late or if I’m too busy on Saturday, we can still go sightseeing on Sunday. Come on, Laird,” I persuaded him, squeezing his shoulder.

“So we’re only vacationing for a day?” He asked, still with a tone of uncertainty in his voice.

“Yes, just a brief staycation. It’ll be getting colder here next week, but I’m sure Mexico City will feel warmer and more fun. One day off won’t suddenly ruin our schedules. What do you say?” I urged him again.

“Come on, Laird, baby.” I persuaded him once more with small kisses on his cheek.

“I’m not promising to book a flight to Mexico City, but I promise to consider it later,” he replied softly.

“Do I need to improve my persuasion skills?” I asked as I took off my shirt, exposing my breasts openly.

“Do you think I will be swayed by your charms?” he asked with bright eyes and a low voice.

“Oh, of course.” I picked up a grape and bit it in half.