A deal? That was the least thing she expected to hear from Austin Whyte. Why would he want to make a deal with her? No! What made him think she would want to make a deal with him? It was already enough trouble having him as a partner for an assignment. Not to mention, he knew her secret. Now why would she want more trouble for herself?

Rosa’s head turned in what was the beginning of a shake. However, before she showed her disapproval, he was quick to add. “This involves me doing anything you want, so long as you get rid of that picture.”

So Austin was making this proposal because of the picture. He really did not want anyone seeing it so bad that he was willing to do anything. This only meant no one knew about this job of his, not even his friends. Now why would he be keep something like that away from his buddies? Unless, there was something wrong here.

Rosa would have loved to play detective, but none of this concerned her. And she liked not poking her nose into other people’s business. Just as she liked it when people did not poke their noses in hers.

Rosa was not sure about making a deal with Austin. As of now, he was already too much in her business. The last thing she wanted now was to get more involved with him. No! She would rather die than let him get any more close to her. However, his deal was tempting. Having someone do anything you want, sounds good. She could make him pick up her laundry, pick her to school, make him do her assignments. The list was endless. But she knew she could ask for something more important than whatever she listed, and that’s exactly what she was going to do.

“So? What do you say?”

Rosa glanced at Lily, who gave her the ‘what are you going to do’ look and then looked to Mark. Finally, her gaze returned to Austin and she replied.

“Fine, but this picture is only leaving my phone as soon as you help me find a new place.”

“Great. Let’s find you a new place.” Austin held out his hand.

“Now?” Rosa was surprised.

“Yes. The sooner you get rid of that picture the better.” He stated.

Rosa looked back at Lily, who now folded her arms, while giving her a questioning look. “Lily,” She started but her friend cut her short.

“Go,” and then she lowered her voice so only Rosa could hear. “But you’ve got a lot of explaining to do later, Missy.”

Rosa nodded, reaching for her bag next to Lily. She stood aside for Mark to close the door and then watched as he jogged to the driver’s side of the car. He slipped in, started the car and drove them out of the compound. As she watched the car slip away down the street, she wondered if she had made the right decision. Would it have been better if she had refused to go with him and let him do all the work? Well, only time would tell.

“Are you ready?” Austin asked, to which she nodded.

He led her to his Range Rover and was gentleman enough to open the door for her. Austin jogged to the other side of the car, ruffling the sleek push-back hairstyle he wore in the restaurant. Rosa watched his dark curls came undone, watched how the tendrils fell over his face and temples and then he pushed them away from his eyes, shaping them into his signature hairstyle. She watched him through the windscreen and thought to herself, damn the guy is hot!

Austin got into the driver’s seat and looked at himself in the rear-view mirror, fixing his hair. When he was satisfied with his look, he turned to Rosa in the passenger seat. “So, what type of apartment are you looking for?”

It took Rosa a minute to find her tongue. “Uh…” she started. “I want a small place.”

Austin nodded. “Okay. How small?” He asked.

Rosa averted her gaze to the windscreen before replying. “I want a place just for me. It should have a bedroom, bathroom and a small kitchen.” She explained, to which Austin nodded. “Yes, and it should be close to campus.”

“Is that all?” Austin asked.

“Yes, that’s about it.” She replied.

Austin twisted the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life. “Okay, I know just the place for you.” He said, while driving out of the compound. “Though, it is not exactly close to campus.” He stated, throwing her a quick glance. Although, his eyes did not stay on her for long, it lingered long enough to make Rosa feel uncomfortable.

Clearing her throat, she lowered the glass at her side and smiled as fresh air blew over her face. Good, this was exactly what she needed to calm herself down. Austin’s eyes had been hot and steamy. In fact the way his gaze lingered over her, made her feel self-conscious about her clothing. Dressing up in provocative clothes has never been difficult for her, not that what she was wearing was provocative in anyway. It all depends on what one called provocative. However, she did not see the little red dress as provocative. In fact, it was a confidence booster. It clung to her in all the right places, showing all her feminine curves. What, made her feel slightly uncomfortable however, was the plunging neckline. Lily was someone who loved showing her girls, but she was not a big fan of that.

In order not to avoid an awkward silence, Rosa decided to keep their conversation going by asking. “Where exactly is this place?” At that instant, Austin turned the car into the highway leading to the capital city. “Um, why are you heading further away from campus?”

“We are going to my parents’ house.”

“What!” It was a scream.

Austin grinned. “Don’t worry, they are having a party and…”

“What!” Another panicked scream.

He chuckled. “… Calm down Rosa. The owner of the place I would be taking you to will be attending the party.” Austin threw a quick glance at Rosa and the pale look on her face made him laugh. “Why are you looking like you’ve seen a ghost, Rosa? Calm down, my parents are cool. The only person who might nag you is my big sister. She might not even be there. She has a lot of work on her hands. Oops, I almost forgot about Nana. Now, she would definitely nag you.”

“WHAT!” Rosa felt the blood draw from her face. She wanted to scream, yell, but could not find the voice to do so. In her chest, her heart pounded so rapidly she could hear it beating in her ears. It was beating so fast, she was afraid it would explode.

No.

No.

No.

What the hell did Austin just say? They were going to his parents’ house. Why was he taking her there? What was she going to do over there? Why did he just get up and decide to take her to his parents’. They were supposed to be searching for a place right now, not going to his parent’s house party! No, she was not going. There was no way, she was going to step her foot in his parents’ house.

“Stop the car!” Rosa raised her voice, grappling for the door handle. “I am getting off.”

“Come on Rosa. Don’t tell me you are scared.” Austin asked, a smile playing on his lips.

“Huh,” she gasped. “Scared?” She asked, throwing him a shocked look, which he did not even see because he was looking at the road in front of him. “I am not scared?” She stated. “I am terrified!” She shifted in her seat.

“You shouldn’t be. My family is cool.” He told her.

F… fa… family? She was going to meet his family. Oh goodness! Who asked her to do this? Who freaking asked her to come with him? If she had just left it to him to look for the apartment, she would not be in this situation. Rosa looked at him and was surprised at how calm he was. He had probably taken so many girls to his parents' that he was used to it. But she wasn't! She wanted out. Now!

“Look,” Austin held the steering wheel with one hand and extended the other to take Rosa’s hand. His touch was surprising calming and tingled her skin at the same time. He took his eyes off the road to look at her. “Don’t worry. I will be with you throughout the party. Okay?”

Rosa found herself nodding to his words, much because his blue eyes mesmerized her. He smiled and then returned his gaze to the road before them. Rosa threw her hand to her forehead, where she felt a minor headache coming on. Austin would take her to an early grave that was for sure.

For the remainder of the ride, she sat mortified. Her mind played to her all the worst possible scenarios of what could go wrong at his parents’ house. What if, she does something embarrassing like hold the glass wrongly, or even say something inappropriate? Even worse, what if she makes a fool of herself? Austin’s words played on her mind again and asked herself if she could take his words for it. Would he really be with her throughout the party? Well, only time would tell. Rosa only wished nothing terrible happens there.

After what seemed like forever, Austin pulled up in the compound of what looked like the largest house she had ever laid her eyes upon. The huge mansion sat among a vast emerald green field, which stretched for miles into the horizon. The mansion was an impressive L – shape building, which stood at three storeys. The exterior design of the mansion was of the classic eighteenth century. Rosa found herself watching the building without blinking, entranced by its impressive designs. She did not noticed when Austin got out of the car until he was knocking on the window at her side. She hesitantly opened the door and stepped out, squeezing her small bag in her hand. Austin shut the door behind her and smile encouragingly at her. She noticed the wide range of expensive cars parked around them and started to feel nervous all over again.

“Can’t we go back?” Rosa asked wishing he would say yes even though she knew that possibility was low.

“We are already here.” Austin said, taking her hand and pulling her with him.

Why was he being handsy with her today? Rosa thought, trying to pull her hand away. However, Austin fastened his hold on her, leading her towards the large glass door, which she guessed must be the front door. Her stomach started flipping and she prayed her lunch does not come running out of her at that moment.

“Austin,” she tired pulling her hand away, but it was no use. “Austin, wait. I have not even looked myself in the mirror. What if my hair is messed up?” He stopped, letting go of her hand.

Finally!

He scanned her from head to toe; taking in her ponytail, to her naturally made up face and then went lower. His gaze lingered on her cleavage for a second and then he skipped to her feet. Rosa felt stripped after that intense scan. Even though she was a dancer who wore almost nothing while performing, but at that moment, she felt naked.

“You look fine. Great even.” He said, taking her hand again. “Don’t worry everything will be fine.” He assured her.

“Is this what you say to every other girl you bring over to your parents’ house?” Rosa did not realize she said that aloud until he raised a brow at her. She almost slapped herself in the face.

Austin pushed the doorbell and they heard it resonate through the mansion. Then he giggled, tapping his foot. “For your information, I have never brought any girl to my parents’. You are the first.”