Continental Breakfast by Ella Dominguez Read Free Book Online

dedication and work ethic, wanting to be more like him in that regard. When and if I ever become a physician, I hope I can perform as well at my job as he does. He really is a man to behold and cherish. It’s unfortunate he’s so closed-off and distant. Most women won’t put up with it. Well, not a woman who truly loves him. I’m sure there are plenty of women lined up to get at his money and into his pants, but I sincerely hope he finds true love.
    I’m sitting at a local coffee shop across from Mr. Pettifor’s building and sipping on a latte, thinking about the last two years and trying to convince myself that I’m doing the right thing when I feel a tap on my shoulder.
    “ Hiya, sexy.”
    It’s Justin, my neighbor. I look around, trying to plot my escape.
    “What are you doing in this part of town?” I ask him.
    “Slu mming,” he laughs. “No, really I’m just delivering something up the street. I saw you in here and thought I’d say hi.”
    “Oh, well, hi,” I say nonchalantly.
    “You look really hot in your work clothes. Have I ever told you that?” he says cloyingly sweet.
    “Yes, you have. More than once, but thank you,” I say, trying to be polite but short.
    “So how about that invitation?” Justin asks, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
    He’s referring to asking me out to a dance club. I lower my eyes to my coffee, avoiding making eye contact with the over-persistent Justin.
    “Yes, what about that invitation, Ms. Darcy?”
    I look up, startled to see Mr. Pettifor standing behind Justin. Justin spins around and looks Mr. Pettifor up and down, sizing him up.
    “Who the hell are you?” Justin asks, straightening up and puffing his chest out like a rooster ready for a cock fight.
    “I’m her boss.”
    Mr. Pettifor’s look is fierce. His chest is also pushed out and his stance is pussy dripping sexy. I’ve never seen him look quite so… protective . He pushes past Justin and holds his hand out to me.
    “T here are some things we need to discuss, Bella,” he says, his eyes burning.
    I place my hand in his and excuse myself from Justin who just stands staring, gape-jawed at Mr. Pettifor.  I grab my coffee and we walk over a secluded table. He politely pulls my chair out for me to sit in and then pushes it back in. This is just another of the many things I’ll miss; being treated like a proper lady.
    Mr. Pettifor seats himself across from me and watches me silently for several minutes.
    “What is it, Mr. Pettifor?” I ask, exasperated of the quietness.
    “I want to apologize for my outburst earlier. My behavior was unforgivable. You deserve better than to be shoved and to have a door slammed in your face, especially after everything you done for me over the past two years. I hope you never allow another man to treat you so atrociously.”
    I’m stunned into silence.
    “Who was that boy?” he asks, referring to Justin.
    “My neighbor.”
    “I see. So he’s interested in you?”
    I shrug my shoulders and take a drink of latte.
    He sighs loudly, but continues on. “I received your request for a letter of recommendation. I’ve written it up and will send it to whomever you request.”
    My cheeks flush thinking about what harsh words must be written. I look down at my coffee and sip nervously at it.
    “I can assure you that the letter contains nothing but praises, Ms. Darcy,” he says, as if he’s read my thoughts.
    “Thank you, Sir,” I whisper.
    “It’s not too late, Bella…” he says softly.
    When our eyes meet, his eyes are glassy and heart wrenching.
    “You can still back out of this absurd idea of yours.”
    “No, Sir, I can’t. You’ll be fine without me. There are women lining up to take my place, not just for my job, but for…”
    “Stop, Bella. I won’t be fine,” he croaks out. “You never answered my question.”
    “ Which one? The one about Svetlana or the one about Amelie servicing you?” I ask, trying to suppress my tears from the look on my