Chapter Eight:
(Edited by: Lightinside. Thank you sweets :D)
Arran's POV:
(Couple of hours before the business meeting)
I was planning to go home straight away but I left a file for the new project in the office so I headed that way. I made it inside my office and I saw her sitting cross-legged on the floor with lots of red files around her. She had earphones plugged in. First I thought of letting her do the work, just get the file and go home. But then again what's the fun in that? For some reason I felt like playing with her. I bit down a smirk and stood in front of her.
"Miss Rae." My voice was louder than intended.
As I assumed she screamed, then got up way too fast and bumped her head on the near bookshelves making few files drop on her head. She quickly tugged the earphones out and rubbed her head. I felt a little bad for hurting her unintentionally but it was damn funny at the same time. I had to stifle a laugh.
"What were you doing?" I was having a hard time keeping my voice stern.
"Organising the files like you told me to do so!" She placed her hand on chest probably trying to calm down.
"It didn't look like it. What did I tell you earlier about the behaviour I expect from you."
Wait... what? What am I... a head teacher?
"I am sorry, I will make sure to not repeat it." She muttered.
"Good, now be ready by seven tonight. We have a dinner meeting to attend."
As soon as I said those words her mouth hung open and her blue eyes widened. I raise my eyebrow and she quickly composed herself.
"I can't..." She said looking down.
"Well tough luck, you can tell your lover boy to warm someone else's bed tonight but you have to attend this meeting at any cost." I added sarcastically.
Her head shot up in surprise as a rosy scarlet colour spread over cheeks.
"I have other things to do." She managed to say between her clenched jaws and emphasise the word 'other'.
"Well I don't care, cancel it and be there by sharp seven." I ordered her and dismissing her
The hurt and pained look on her face did not go unnoticed by me and it made me confused. Shaking it off, I went home and changed into another suit after having a shower. So here I am. 7 o'clock, waiting at the best Italian restaurant with my friends.
There was Julienne, my mother's favourite. She is quite a thing. Heir to her mother's fashion company she was someone who I would see myself with in 10 years time. No kidding, she had long blonde hair, smouldering blue eyes, full red lips and she was drop dead sexy with her hourglass body plus she isn't the stereotypical blonde, she was actually very clever and very likeable. The way she talks, walk and dress catches everyone's attention. Married or not. Everyone knows I infatuated her and I did not mind at all. Why should I though? Every guy I know was desperate to spend some time with her and she is willing to give her all time just for me.
Then there were her minions including Bethany who had this bitchy attitude. Bethany and me have a really weird relationship. Ever since I rejected her proposal to be her boyfriend in college, let's just say she is secretly praying I would die in the worst way possible and she gets to witness it.
Followed by Emma and Kim who keeps throwing their selves at me, completely aware of the fact their best friend likes me and made sure everyone knew.
However, there were also my two best friends Luke and Stacy. Luke and Stacy have a thing for each other but they will never admit it. Where Stacy was a real life version of angry bird, Luke knew how to tame her. We grew up together, went same school, college and university. It was easier to be myself with them. Even now they are giving me suspicious looks.
My parents are Stacy's godparents, which makes me his brother in some way. That's what she tells everyone else. She is in her father's business like ours. In fact we own 40% of their company. Since I always wanted a little sister so Stacy and me made a deal in school. She allowed me to act like her big brother and I wasn't allowed to hit on any of her sisters at all. It was kind of unfair because the Mckinley sisters used to be the reason of my wet dreams in teenage years.
Without waiting for her I started the meeting. Kim quickly shared her company's quote. Any idiot would know not to share the quotes on the first meeting. No wonder I would rather have their parents dealing with this. However, the others were pretty cautious which showed they weren't airheads as described by many. I ended the meeting quickly knowing she was about to come any moment.
Sipping on the champagne, I checked the time again. She should be here any minute and that's when I saw her approaching us. To say I was stunned would be an understatement, I was gob smacked.
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Emberly's POV:
When he told me to be ready by seven I panicked. I was supposed to meet the doctor today on mom's progress. I quickly called my dad and told him I wont be able to come. I really wanted to be there to support him.
When I went home I was faced with another problem. Not knowing what to do I call my best friend Cherry for help. Till date Cherry was the only one I could consider as my best friend. Growing up I was pretty shy person but Cherry break the walls and made a special place in my heart.
"So let me get this straight, after telling you to sort out that shit he asked you to 'accompany' him." She asked studying me carefully. I hate when people do that.
"Yeah, and I don't know what to wear." I let out a shaky breath.
"I know what you will. Hey, I'm going off topic now but how's your mom now?" I could see the concern in her eyes.
"She is stable. Thank god for Mr Raymond but curse my luck to be stuck with his son. You are coming with me tomorrow right?" I smiled softly at her. I only had few friends but I made sure to cherish them.
"Yeah, wait are you working with Arran Raymond? As in the ARRAN RAYMOND?" She questioned me with wide eyes. I just shrugged in response.
"Is he really that rich?" She whispers disbelievingly.
"It's Arran Raymond we are talking about." I added sarcastically.
Which was true, only one week working with him and I know everything he wore was branded and I booked his suits fitting with top designers whose name I only heard in movies and magazines. This made me uneasy, as I know without a doubt the restaurant he chose tonight would be a famous one too.
"Well in that case, I've got a perfect dress for you. It's formal yet sexy. Less formal more sexy" She beamed in happiness.
"I don't know... I've this bad feeling. Maybe I should cancel it? Tell him I've got paper cut and somehow I got infection from it."
"Why?" She asked me as if I was out of my mind.
"Because Cherry you don't know him. I know I've just worked 5 days with him and everything about him screams trouble. He didn't even tell me to bring anything. I mean if it was a business meeting how come he didn't tell me to prepare the files or print something out? I'm sure he planning something." I told her all the doubts I was getting.
"You are just thinking too much. He might just want you to be there for him... you know as moral support? I would kill someone to be in your place so shut up and let's get ready." She clapped her hands together and started roaming her wardrobe. She helped me with the dress and my hair. In half an hour time I was ready and beyond nervous.
"Don't forget to give my number to the second most handsome bastard in there." She pushed me out of the door.
With help of my dad I bought this house when I turned 18, as it was closer to my university.... well it was. Also, It was high time to give a little privacy to my parents. Being the only child can be pretty boring. You have no one to share clothes with or fight. But Cherry gladly ticked that box for me. Also there were certain things you can't share with your mother. No matter how much they say 'we are not your parents we are your best friend.' Yeah I don't think so. It was only me and Cherry living in a three-bedroom house. Since Cherry found a better place near where she works, she doesn't live here that much. She still had her stuff here and I doubt if she wants to move it.
After getting a taxi to this place I tried not to think too deeply. So here I was, standing outside Italian restaurant in a black sleek dress, which stops just an inch above my knees and hugged my curves perfectly. The black and red high heels were the only thing that stood out. However, it made my dress look short than it should have been. Also, it made my skin look paler, which, made me, recall of all the time I took tanning for granted.
My hair was done in a side messy bun followed by minimal make up and I've just got small diamond shape studs in my ear. I took a deep breath and told the waiter my name and Arran. I pursed my lips when the waiter threw me a lustful look. It took a hell lot of self-control for not punch him in the face.
Nevertheless, he led me to the table where I presume he was. If I was shocked seeing the lavishing restaurant from inside I controlled it. Wait till I tell Cherry about this. She will go crazy. I suppressed the grin forming on my lips.
The waiter stopped and that's when I saw him, my heart beat wildly when our eyes met. His green eyes darkened when they connected to mine and I felt like I missed a heartbeat. He gazed at me intently and roaming my body shamelessly, making me feel very nervous but also sparks erupt in my body. I took a moment to praise what I was seeing. His tux was exquisitely cut and a perfect match for his suave manners.
My eyes stopped on his lips. I had a strong urge to touch his lips to see if they were as soft as they appeared. Realising what I just thought my eyes widened in shock. He might have realised something is wrong with me because he shifted uncomfortably in his chair and cleared his throat.
Forcefully, I moved my eyes to meet the others and I was surprise to see how good looking and classy they all were. However, one girl stood up amongst all and I could sense her studying me carefully. When her eyes met mine she smirked slyly.
It's going to be one hell of a night.
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Side pic of Cherry; click the external link for an insight of Emberly's dress.