THE WAY TO A MAN'S HEART - CHAPTER 5&6

💌Louisa💌
Did I hear right? Jesse said I was beautiful?

“uhmm I…. Thank… Thank you” I stammered then began to fiddle with my fingers.

“you can sit down and eat now” he said and sat down himself.

I nodded and sat opposite him. He had served two slices each and I knew two wasn’t enough for him

“aren’t you going to take more slices. I know you can finish the whole pizza” I said and he looked up at me and chuckled

“actually, I’m going to finish everything. I haven’t had margherita in a very long time and this is like the best one I’ve had” he said and took a decent bite

I smiled and bent my head. Jesse keeps flattering me in every meal I prepare. It makes me want to cook differs meals for him.

I looked up and caught him staring at me.

“uhmm…” I muttered
“I’m just imagining what you’d look like in a ball gown” he said

“I’m not a princess and I certainly won’t be needing a ball gown” I said and he chuckled

“let’s see about that then” he said and took two more slices of pizza. I took my lower lip into my mouth and kept looking at him. How can someone like food this much? Or rather how can someone like good food this much? His every action fascinates me. Except the action he put up in the kitchen earlier

💌Jesse💌
“Alyson I have plans for the evening.” I said over the phone
“yes. I know. But not tonight okay?” I said as I brushed my hair in front of the mirror

“okay okay. You can come over. But it should be by 9pm. And make sure you have your dinner before coming” I said and dropped my hair brush

“my chef is not preparing dinner tonight because I have an appointment and I’m gonna have dinner outside”

“Alyson, you’re disturbing me. Bye I’m hanging up” I said and hung up.

I sighed and dropped the phone on the bed
What a troublesome lady. Why does she even want me tonight after the drama she put on earlier today? Too bad I can’t say no. I pay her for this $h|t we do.

I took one last look at the mirror and licked my lips to make them moist. Then I took my phone and wallet and car keys. I headed out of my room and as I closed my door, Louisa was coming out from her own hallway.

She was wearing an orange shirt with her name on it in black italics. She wore a black flayed high waist skirt and orange sneakers. Her hair was in a neat ponytail.
Who knew a native Roman girl could have a beautiful fashion sense like this?

“hey” she said
“hey” I replied.

She scratched her head with her index finger and I chuckled

“are you nervous? Don’t worry I’m not taking you on a first-time rollercoaster ride” I said and she laughed

“come on, let’s go” I said and walked to her. Something in me said I should take her hand but I rejected that. What message would I pass out to her if I do that?

She walked before me as we climbed down the stairs. I remembered how Alyson described her. Tall and segzy.
I smirked. That was true. She is tall and segzy.

We got outside and I led her to my car. The one I don’t normally use.

She was about to open the door but I quickly held the handle first and looked at her “I should be the one opening the door for you”

“but..”
“hop in” I said as I opened the door for her. She smiled lightly and entered the car
I closed it and went through the other side. I started the car and drove to a five star restaurant.

“I’m opening the door for you. Don’t try opening it” I said as I parked the car.

“are you always a gentleman?” she asked
“it depends on the lady” I replied and got out of the car. I opened the door for her and actually pulled her out gently

“thank you” she said as she stepped out. I closed the door and stupidly put my hand around her waist. She looked at me and I winked.

“I hope you’re not cold?” I asked
“it’s a pretty warm night actually” she answered and I nodded
“it is” I said and we walked into the restaurant

💌Louisa💌
I knew nothing about the meals I was staring at on the menu because I was not conversant with them. But J managed to pick out something. I liked the picture of it so I took it. And thank God I didn’t make a mistake. It takes just like I imagined. Delicious!

“cauliflower and cheese and mushrooms and eggs” Jesse said, reading out the content of my dish

“why are you reading them out?” I asked and took a little into my mouth

“it’s because I wish I could eat it with you” he replied

“well, I can give you mine” I said and he chuckled

“I’m allergic to cauliflower” he said and took a spoon of his meal

“oh. I’m allergic to rabbits” I said
“those cute animals?”
“those cute animals turn my face pink with rashes all over in two minutes” I cooed and he smiled and licked his lips

“cauliflower gives me a very very sore throat whenever I inhale or eat them” he said

“do you have any other allergies?” I asked
“nope” he replied

“what do you want to study in the University again?” he asked

“Gastronomy” I replied and he looked at me with surprise

“are you for real? Wow. I might have to make you a permanent position in my house” he said and I laughed
“just because I wanna study something that has to do with food?” I asked and he nodded

“oh Jesse” I cooed
“that’s like the first time you’re calling my name”
“what? No. I always call your name” I defended

“you do? Then why don’t I hear it?” he asked but I didn’t answer

Well, it’s because I always call his name in my mind.

The rest of the night was fun. He took me to an ice-cream shop after dinner and I got chocolate flavor, my favorite. He got orange flavor.

Every minute I spent with him was fun. Except of course the awkward moments when he does something I don’t expect.

After the ice-cream, we got burgers and fries and headed home.

“that was when I was 15 years” he said and I laughed. He had stolen a sausage roll with great effort and risk from a neighbors house, even got injured with a broken glass. Only for him to get home and find out it was stocked with cauliflower.

“that serves you right” I joked and he laughed and nodded.

“what’s your favorite ice-cream flavor?” he asked as he took a turn down another road

“chocolate. How about you?”

He looked at me “orange”
I smiled

The rest of the drive home was silent. I kept looking out the window throughout.

When we got home, he opened the door for me and as I got out, I stepped on his leg. I lost my balance and almost fell but he held me. Thank God he did. I don’t wanna loose my ice-cream.

“be careful okay” he said gently
“thanks. And sorry for stepping on your feet” I apologized and he chuckled and wrapped his arm around my waist. Another awkward position.

“let’s go in” he said and we began to walk inside. As we got to the door, he was going to bring out his key but I quickly brought out mine and opened the door.

“seriously? You had the key and you made me stress myself trying to bring mine out”

“haha. I guess it was fun” I said and entered the house first. He shook his head and entered.

“tonight was fun. Wasn’t it?” he asked as he sunk into the couch

“yes it was. Thanks for taking me out”

“we should do this some other time, right?”

“I… I don’t know. Should we?”
He stared intently at me then chuckled

“you should go get a shower. Then come watch TV with me” he said and I scratched my head. I don’t want to watch TV with him. Things are getting too awkward already.

“okay” I said and turned. I went upstairs and showered. I was still with my ice-cream and the fries and burgers. I just finished up with the ice-cream as I lay on my bed.
I was about taking one of the fries when I remembered that Jesse said I should come and watch TV with him.

“well, here goes nothing” I said as I arranged my pyjamas. I took the ice-cream can and headed downstairs. When I got to the bottom of the staircase, about three steps away from the floor, my eyes met a scene that made me wish I had stayed upstairs in my room. Jesse and Alyson were on the couch, making out. Alyson was almost naked with her B??@š?s totally bare before Jesse. Her right leg was on the top of the couch while the other was on the floor with Jesse doing God-knows-what between them.

“oh my God” I mumbled under my breath. I decided to stealthily go back upstairs but the ice-cream can fell down and made a terrible noise. I gasped as the two of them looked at me

“oh my God! Louisa” Jesse said

“what is wrong with you? Why barge in on us like that? Are you stalking me or what?” Alyson blurted out. But with the look on her face, she was happy I saw them.

“I’m sorry” I said and began to race up the stairs

“Louisa! Louisa wait!” that was Jesse’s voice

“come back here and finish what you started baby. Come on” Alyson said and I scoffed and entered my hallway which led to my room

💌Jesse💌
Immediately Louisa went upstairs, the doorbell rang. I wasn’t expecting anybody so I had no idea who it was. I stood up and opened the door.

Oh great! Alyson

“hey babe” she said and then catwalk inside. She stood behind me and pressed her body against mine then rubs her hands all over me from my chest down

“hey” I said and closed the door
“I forgot you were supposed to come over” I said and she chuckled and began to kiss me.

“hey why aren’t you responding?” she asked after kissing me for awhile and I didn’t kiss back

“tired” I replied and began to move away from her

She threw something at me and I turned to look at her. She smirked. I looked at the floor and saw what it was. Her pantie and a packet of sheaths.

“seriously?” I asked and she smirked
“yeah seriously” she said and walked to me. She began to kiss me again. This time I kissed back.

I carried her to the couch and dropped her, still kissing her. She unzipped the zipper in front of her dress and I removed her bra.

“I’ve missed you so much Jesse” she said, rubbing her hands on my face

I rolled my eyes
“like that’s true”
“Jesse among my boys, you have the magic touch. I love you most” she said

The next thing we heard was something falling. We quickly looked at the direction of the sound and Louisa was standing on the stairs like a sheep drenched by the rain

“oh my God! Louisa” I said with remorse. I forgot she was supposed to come watch TV with me

“what is wrong with you? Why barge in on us like that? Are you stalking me or what?” Alyson yelled

“I’m sorry” Louisa said and began to run up the stairs

“Louisa! Louisa wait!” I called after her and ran off the couch.

“come back here and finish what you started baby. Come on” Alyson said and tried pulling me back

I looked at her with disgust

“?îtçh” I muttered and left
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💌Louisa💌
I strolled to the kitchen and saw Alyson pouring tea into a teacup from a teakettle. I didn’t know if I should enter the kitchen or just go back.
But I have to get breakfast ready before Jesse gets ready for work in about an hour

As I stood contemplating, she turned and looked at me then smirked

“hey” she said and sipped the tea

“good morning” I said and moved to the water filter to get water. It was too early to drink cold water so I didn’t go to the fridge

“how do you like London?” she asked

“I love the fresh air” I replied without looking at her

“and how do you like Jesse?” she asked again

“I love the way he appreciates my food. Makes me feel very lucky that I can cook” I replied, this time I faced her and looked her straight in the eyes
I think she got my message because her face showed a little bit of anger.

“well… Cooking isn’t even a virtue” she said and twirled her hair with her index finger

“I guess it was your dad that did the cooking in your home” I replied and went to the fridge. I brought out cream and dropped it on the counter. I’m going to make doughnuts and yoghurt for breakfast and I’ll need cream to add to it

“he didn’t because we had a cook in our house”

“then I guess you can never be a good cook cause you never had a role model”

“oh please stop making cooking look like such a hard thing. It’s just what someone can get up and do” she said and scoffed

“oh really? Great! Then make breakfast” I said and returned the cream to the fridge

“what?”
“you heard me. Make breakfast. It’s not hard. Come on”

“but…”
“I’m sure Jesse would be thrilled you made breakfast for him”
“okay. I’ll make breakfast not because you said I should but because I want to thrill Jesse and I will” she said and smirked at me

**
“wow” Jesse said as he stared at the octopus looking sandwich covered with butter and jelly. It looked so odd and I covered my mouth, trying hard not to laugh. Alyson looked at me and frowned

“what is this?” Jesse asked
“it’s a sandwich” she replied
“why did you have to make a sandwich? We’re not ten year olds” I said and she rolled her eyes at me

“I don’t have a problem with her making a sandwich but this… This isn’t a sandwich. It looks like a jellyfish that swam into yellow and red algae” Jesse blurted out and I laughed

“it looks more like an octopus. See, it has… One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight legs. How did you make the legs” I asked and Jesse looked at it

“did you use your fingers to press the slices of bread together?” Jesse asked

“don’t blame me, they kept scattering and wouldn’t stick together” Alyson defended

“oh God!” Jesse said and palmed his face

“you know what, just take cereals” she said and left the dining table

“why didn’t you just make breakfast for me?”
“because she wanted to thrill you and I’m sure you’re quite thrilled right now” I said and he chuckled

“trust me, I am” he said and I smiled

“I’ll get you some crackers and coffee. You’ll just have to manage. I promise I’ll make something better for dinner” I said and stood up

“thank you” he said and I moved away only to be pulled back by him. His hand was gripping softly unto my own hand

I looked at his face and it was quite soft and apologetic. Why would he put on such an expression

“Louisa” he gently called me

“what?” I asked. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it. Then he opened it again

“I… I… I’m… I’m sorry” he stammered

“sorry? What happened? Why are you sorry? What for?” I asked
I had noticed he was quite dull since morning. And now he’s telling me he’s sorry? Oh no! My dad! I hope it’s not what I’m thinking. I hope nothing happened to my dad

“I’m sorry about yesterday. I mean last night. What you saw” he said and my mind came down

“oh” I said
“and I’m sorry if Alyson had put up a stupid act with you cause she’s fond of that” he said

“it’s… It’s nothing. I don’t see that as a bad thing. I was the one who got up at an odd hour. It’s totally my fault. And I’m sorry I barged in on you guys like that” I apologized too

He nodded and gently and slowly let go of my hand. He heaved a deep sigh and began to look at the table

I placed my hand on his shoulder
“Jesse are you okay?” I asked and he looked up at me and faked a smile
“I’m fine” he said. I felt he wasn’t fine but I just left him and went into the kitchen. I brewed coffee and microwaved the crackers from the fridge. I put them into a plate and poured the coffee in a mug then took it to him.
He looked like somebody in deep thought as I approached him. Something tells me Jesse is not okay

“here. Manage this” I said as I dropped it in front of him. He heaved a sigh and looked at me
“thank you” he said

“Jesse, are you sure you’re okay?” I asked and sat on the chair adjacent him

“I’m fine. Just feeling weak. Couldn’t sleep well last night” he said and I understood. He was probably busy with Alyson throughout

“okay. I think the coffee would help. So drink before it gets cold” I said and stood up.

“uhm Louisa wait… I was thinking maybe you and I can go take a look at about three universities around here this weekend. So you’d choose the one you want. Classes would begin in about few weeks time and I can actually help you enrol in one easily”

“oh really? That would be great. Thank you Jesse”

“you want the one closest to the house I guess”

“well, till we see them” I said with a smile and he smiled back. I left him and went back to the kitchen to get my own breakfast.

Jesse
During the weekend, I took Louisa to go and look at the three universities that I liked best. She was pleased with the one farthest from the house. I didn’t like that idea but she seemed in love with the school so I let her enrol. After the day, I wanted to take her out for dinner but she wouldn’t let me. She said she was going to cook for me instead. We however went shopping together and I found out a very shocking discovery.

I was falling for her.

That night Alyson spent the night with me, even after I went to my room angry she had caught Alyson and I, I still had segz with Alyson but the funny thing was that I kept seeing Louisa instead of her. I kept hearing Louisa’s voice and I kept reminiscing on the time we spent together earlier that day.
She had been with me for just two weeks and I was already falling.
Though it’s quite unusual I haven’t touched her at all. It’s so strange she hasn’t slept in my bed yet. The me I know would have had segz with her multiple times but one didn’t even happen.

I guess there’s something different about Louisa. I like her. I like her laugh. Her cooking. Her perfect cooking that can mesmerize a man into swimming in her cooking pots. Since Louisa came I look fresher, even my colleagues at work tell me that.
I know it’s good food. Perfect food.
And what I love more is that she diversifies her dishes. Bringing different tantalizing meals everyday. She only repeats a meal when I ask her to.

“how about we make our own barbecue tonight?” she asked as we entered the house

“outside?”
“yeah. Your courtyard” she replied

“sure. We already got the chicken and spices”

“and enough drinks are in your fridge”

“and we’ve got music”
She chuckled to that. I opened the door to the kitchen and she entered.

I exhaled and soothed my forehead with my index finger

“are you okay, Jesse?” she asked

“yeah, I’m good” I replied

“you should go and take a cold shower. I’ll make some popcorn and get some fresh oranges from the tree for orange juice”

“okay then. I’ll see you” I said and left the kitchen

As I undressed and got under the shower, I placed my hands on my waist and let the water fall on me and wet all my body.
My eyes were closed and I began to see Louisa flashing me that beautiful smile of hers.

I palmed my face with my hands.

What in the world is happening to me? I’m losing focus. I’m getting myself into trouble already.
I wish I could make advances towards her but it would only scare her away from me. She’s quite timid and shy so I wouldn’t want to create a bad impression on her.

I hurried up with my shower so I could go back to her. As I was entering my room, I wasn’t walking carefully and the water dripping from my body and also my wet feet made me slip and hit my hip badly on the floor

I laid down there for some time, this hasn’t happened before. Louisa, see how you made me loose focus

I smiled and stood up then walked to my bed. I sat down and pressed my hip. I cleaned myself, applied lotion and wore an orange trouser with a white shirt

I headed downstairs and hurriedly went to the kitchen but Louisa wasn’t there. I came outside and met her sitting on the couch

“hey when did you come here?” I asked and sat beside her

“I’ve been here. Just that you didn’t seem to see me when you passed” she replied

“wait, you mean I passed you while going to the kitchen?”
“yeah”
“gosh. And I was looking for you” I said and she laughed

“the popcorn’s popping. And I just finished squeezing the orange” she said and laid back on the couch while she crossed her legs on top of it too. The couch is very wide, two people can lay side by side on it like a bed.

I began to stare at Louisa, suddenly wishing that she could just lean on me while watching TV and I’d just wrap my arms around her and cuddle her. Then she’ll just turn her face to me and tell me she likes me then I’d kiss her lips and tell her I like her too. Then she’d chuckle and place her head on my shoulder and I’d just tint my head and lovingly place gentle kisses on her neck, her cheek, her eyes and finally her lips.

“gosh!!” I said out loud and palmed my face

“what’s wrong? Did you forget something?” she asked

“I’m in trouble” I mumbled
“trouble? What kind of trouble? I h@?? trouble” she said and I looked at her

“can you help me please?” I asked and she moved closer

“what’s wrong with you Jesse? You’ve been like this since this week. Always in thoughts” she said. I kept staring at her to the extent that I felt like just leaning forward and placing a light kiss on her lips then tell her she’s the reason.

“I…. I have a position in the company and I wish I could be promoted. You see, the CEO wants to create new departments and there’s one I want. Actually I’m not the only one contending for it. Three other people are. And it’s almost like I’m no match for them. I really need that position but I’m stuck. It feels like I can’t do anything to help myself” I said. It was true though I didn’t have to tell her that. It’s just so she could think that’s why I’m acting this way

“if you’re meant to be in that position, you will. What will be will be” she assured and I smiled. I pulled her and hugged her. Her body was stiff, which means she didn’t expect that.

“thank you.” I whispered. She chuckled and then hugged me back, gently patting and stroking my back.

“no problem Jesse” she said. I smiled because I had no plans of letting go of this hug

“oh no! The popcorn!” she said and quickly disengaged from me and ran off to the kitchen

“bloody popcorn!”
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To Be Continued
Written by Hossy