The sun was high up in the sky on the bright afternoon. After the confrontation of the job, Raine had insisted on going back to the cafe to resume her shift. However, Xavier had convinced her to stay for lunch and then go soon after.
The air was cool yet it was the perfect whether to be outside, enjoying the last few days before snow would begin to fall from the sky, covering the ground in a blanket of shimmering white crystals.
Raine sat down on the chair that rested on top of Xavier's deck. Just like his house, his backyard was massive and grand. Equip with a full outdoor kitchen, pool, bonfire, pond, and a gorgeous garden that stretched across the vast landscape that was a part of Xavier's property.
"It's so nice out here." Raine said, looking out at the gorgeous landscaping that was maintained to perfection. The sound of water flowing from the fountain was music to Raine's ears, creating a soothing atmosphere. "It's so quiet and peaceful. Just the way I like it!" She smiled, taking a deep breath of the fresh air that flowed by through the breeze.
"It is..." Xavier said, following Raine's eyes. "Unfortunately this is my first time sitting out here in two months."
Raine snapped her head back towards Xavier who was pouring out a cut of tea for both Raine and himself. "You're joking right?" Raine asked in disbelief.
"I wish."
"Why?" Raine asked, confused. "I mean this....this paradise is in your backyard and you come here after two months?! What's wrong with you?" She said, earning an amused look from Xavier.
"Time." He spoke, that edges of his lips curling up as he noticed Raine's cute expression. "I'm usually never here. And when I am, I have a pile of files to go through or a long list of meetings to attend. And finally in the evening when I manage to take out a couple hours for myself, some governor decided to hold a party or the mayor hosts a ball."
"But still." Raine whined. "I think you should start taking a little bit of time out for yourself."
"I am now." Xavier said, his crystal blue eyes trained on Raine as she took a sip of the tea. Without knowing how, a smile crept onto his face.
* * *
"Well thank you for lunch Xavier. And everything else you've done for me today too." Raine said as she grabbed her bag off the sofa where she had left it upon arriving. Lunch had been a blast and Raine couldn't help but feel happy that everything between the two was back to normal. She would never be able to forgive herself if Axel had caused harm to their newly formed friendship.
Xavier smiled at her, a mysterious glow appearing in his bright blue eyes. "Raine, stop saying thanks and it was a pleasure to have lunch with you." Like always, his voice held something that was quite rare these days. It held truth. "I don't know how, but you managed to drag me out there and it really felt good."
"No problemo Mr. Thorn. However, now that I've had lunch, I really need to go back to that cafe." Raine said in a teasing tone."I only have one job and I prefer to keep that one going strong."
"Sure. I have to head back to the office too." Xavier said as he picked up his phone and called Jordon to get the car ready. "I can drop you." He said to which Raine nodded.
It wasn't long before Raine and Xavier were in the back seat of his black sedan, with Jordan driving them to work. He parked the car on curl besides Cathy's Cakes and Coffee, allowing Xavier and Raine to step out and have a moment.
Xavier opened the door, getting out and holding out a hand for Raine. Just as their skin made contract, tingles erupted through their bodies, something that often happened when they were together. Xavier shut the door, leaning back on his car as Raine stood in front of him.
"Don't do anything crazy Raine." Xavier said, his hand reaching out and pushing a strand of her hair that had flown out of place by the wind. He tucked it behind her ears, his eyes concentrated on her coffee brown one's.
Her breath hitched for a minute before she could respond. "No guarantees Mr. Thorn." She said playfully.
"In that case, I better be prepared to fight off more men." Xavier laughed.
Shaking her head, Raine took a step back. "Bye Xav." Raine waved.
Xavier smiled as he waved back at her, waiting for her to disappear behind the glass doors of the cafe before he sat back into his car, speeding off.
* * *
"Mr. Thorn, I've gotten several calls from Mr. Amberton. He wants to set a meeting with you for this week."
Xavier lifted his head from the computer screen to face Cindy who was standing in the doorway in an iPad in her hands. "Well then fix it at an open time in my schedule. I'm sure I can fit it in." Xavier stated before diverting his attention back to the current project that he was working on.
"Mr. Thorn, he intends for you to meet him in Toronto for the meeting. There are a lot of decisions that need to be finalized in regards to the new hotel and your critique is vital to the project." Cindy informed.
"I have to go to Toronto again?" Xavier said, letting out a breath. The last thing that Xavier wanted to do was leave.
Everything time he had gone out of the city, something epic would end up happening in Raine's life and he detested the fact that he couldn't be close to her and help her.
"Yes sir. And in addition, the design engineer has a couple of architectural questions that he needs your opinion on. Also Mr. Amberton wanted to discuss some of his own idea and he needed to personally go over some clauses of the contract in regards to your partnership." Cindy said as she reread her notes from the phone calls earlier this morning.
"This is really becoming a hassle." Xavier said, running is fingers through his hair in frustration. Â "What do I have to do now? Go to Toronto even week." Xavier was beyond irritated. For the longest time, traveling had never been a problem for him, but for the first time in forever, Xavier had found a reason to stay.
"I'm sorry Sir, but you've had no problems in the past with traveling." Cindy said, removing her reading glasses. "With that assumption, I've been planning out your schedules.
"It's not your fault Cindy. You don't have to apologize." Xavier said, loosening the tie on his neck. He pushed his chair and leaned back. "I just....Due to personal reasons, I cannot travel out of the city at the moment. Just tell Amberton to email me whatever details he needs to go over and I'll try my best to help him from here."
"Of course Mr. Thorn. I'll run that by him."
"Great. But that still doesn't solve the problem does it?" Xavier looked out the window at the skyline of New York. The city that he once begged to escape was now slowed turning into his paradise.
"Maybe you could appoint someone to become the manager of the Toronto division." Cindy suggested, her voice breaking Xavier out of his momentary trance. "We have members all over the world managing our hotels. I mean Toronto isn't far from here and that is why the company agreed to manage that hotel from the headquarters directly, but I'm sure you might be able to do something." Cindy said, offering her best opinion.
"I'd have to find someone trust worthy to do this work." Xavier said, pondering the option. "Call in for an interview. I need all available applicants for this manager position."
A smile grew on Cindy's face at Xavier's reaction to her option. "Of course Mr. Thorn. I will notify the employment sector of the company and give you a list of all qualified candidates."
"Thank you Cindy." Xavier stated, appreciative of her wise suggestion.
"You're welcome Mr. Thorn. Is there anything else I can assist you will?"
"No. Just get me that list as soon as possible."
With that being said, Cindy was out of the office, leaving Xavier to himself. Her suggestion was really something that had eased the trouble out of Xavier's life. Appointing a manager for Toronto's project would not only make his life easier but also reduce the chances of him being away from Raine.
With that satisfaction in his mind, Xavier resumed his work, editing the new project guidelines that he had to present to the new shareholders for the company.
* * *
"Raine?!" Mike and Daisy cheered as soon as she walked inside. There were a couple of customers lingering in the cafe but for the most part, Â it was empty. Raine smiled at the two, who were sitting behind the counter.
"Hey guys!"
"Oh my gosh! I've been waiting for your call all morning!" Daisy said in an enthusiastic voice, as she rushed over to Raine, with Mike following closely behind.
"How was it!?" He asked, smiling at Raine.
"Is Axel hot?!" Daisy gushed, a reaction similar to that of a teenage girl talking about her celebrity crush.
"When do you start working?" Mike asked, impatiently.
"What color were his eyes?" Daisy questioned, putting her hands together with a dreamy looking in her eyes.
"What's the office like?" Mike asked, curious to his friend's new working conditions.
"Did he have any sexy tattoos?" Daisy asked with excitement.
Mike was about to ask Raine another question but he closed his mouth and turned to Daisy with a questioning looking. "Sexy tattoos? Seriously Daisy?" He said, rolling his eyes.
"Oh shut up Mike! You wouldn't know sexy if it hit you in the face like a ton of bricks." Daisy snickered, glaring at Mike.
"Guys! Guys! Guys!" Raine said laughing. "Calm down."
"Ok fine. Now please stop building up this suspense and tell us how it went." Daisy said, putting up her best serious face but epically failing.
Raine took a deep breath before breaking the news. "I got the job but I rejected it."
"What!?" They both shouted in unison.
"But you told me you would give it a shot! Come on Raine! Is this because of what Xavier said?" Mike said, irritated at Raine's discussions. All he wanted was what was best for her. He'd been caring for her like a sister and to see her success was all he needed.
"No. It's not Xavier's fault ." Raine said shaking her head. "Don't blame him."
"Then what happened?" Daisy asked, her voice unusually soft.
"I went to his office thinking that he wouldn't be anything like what Xavier had said. But I was wrong. " Raine said playing with her fingers. "Axel was everything Xavier said he would be. And.....and much worse in fact." She said, sighing.
"Please don't tell me he tried anything on you." Mike pleaded, guilt surging through his body.
"Almost."
"Let me guess. Xavier saved the day?" Daisy smirked, a victorious look appearing on her face.
"How did you know?" Raine asked.
"He came by this morning Raine. When he saw you weren't here he began to panic. I told him that you went to the interview and the look on his face was unforgetable. He looked like he was on the verge of knocking down a building!" Daisy said excitedly. "And damn is he hot! Gosh those biceps and that tight fitted shirt he wears." Daisy said fanning herself with her hands dramatically.
"Focus Daisy." Mike reminded.
"Sorry. Anyways, after that, Xavier stormed out of here. He didn't even wait for his coffee." Daisy explained.
"That makes sense." Raine nodded, thinking back to everything Xavier had said.
"I'm still confused." Mike said, with a frown. "What happened at Axel's?"
"First of all, the vibes that that man gives off aren't the best. He wanted me to sign a contract, basically selling three years of my life off to him. Not only did he want me to be his PA, but he also wanted me to live with him."
"What?!" They both shouted together once more.
"Yeah. You heard me. Not only that but he tired to touch me. Thankfully Xavier got there before he could do anything."
"Wow. I can't believe he ran all the way to his worst enemy's office just to get you. He must truly care for you Raine." Daisy said, a rare seriousness in her voice.
"Yeah." Raine said in a prideful tone. "He does. And what did I do? I didn't believe the one guy that's done nothing but help me." She couldn't help but feel guilty for everything that had happened. Despite her resistance to his words, he had run all the way to face a person he hated, just to make sure that she was alright.
"God." Mike said, running his fingers through his hair. "This is all my fault."
Raine's eyes shot up to Mike, who had been quiet for the longest time. "No it's not Mike. You can't blame yourself." Raine said shaking her head.
"I was the one that convinced you to go Raine! You were hesitant but I concvinced you!" He said, his facial expressions dropping and guilt taking over.
"But you had no idea that any of this would happen." Raine reassured. Never would she ever allow Mike to hold himself accountable for this. It was her decision and though Mike may have influenced her, it didn't change the fact that Raine herself wanted to go to that interview.
"But----"
"If anything, all of this is my fault. Xavier had warned me and I should have believed him and if I couldn't do that, I should have tried to find the truth another way before running off to his office."
"I can't believe I'm saying this but I guess he's not a bad guy after all." Mike said, letting out a low chuckle.
"Did you seriously have doubts Mike?" Daisy asked in disbelief. "Didn't you watched the footage from the night at the cafe? How could you have any doubts about that man after everything? The only reason Raine is here with us today, is because of him." Daisy said, putting her hand on Mike's. "And plus, from the moment I saw him staring at Raine with this warm emotion in his eyes, I knew that he'd do anything for her."
Raine smiled recalled his past words and their first meeting.
"How romantic! Your night in shining armor!" Daisy gushed.
"Oh please!" Raine said, denying the fact. However, the blush that was creeping up on her cheeks wasn't unnoticed by her two best friends.
"How I wish I could have the same fate as you" Daisy said in a dramatic voice. "Oh gosh! I wish I slipped and fell in front of that CEO instead of you!"
"Why don't you slip and fall in front of me Daisy Doll. I might just catch you too!" Mike said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"I'd rather have the ground catch me." Daisy said in a teasing voice, laughing at Mike's attempt to flirt with her.
Their conversation was cut short when a group of businessmen entered the cafe, lining up at the register. Mike straighten up and made his way to the counter, ready to take their orders. Daisy winked at Raine who laughed, before heading back to the kitchen, leaving Raine to do her work.
The trio worked all day as the sky changed colors from bright blue to orange. Closing time was approaching and like always, Mike was the first to head out.
"Ok ladies, I gotta hit the road." Mike said, shoving his arms into the thick coat. "And Raine, I was actually planning on going out with some friends after my shift tonight. You cool with that?" Mike asked. "I can stay home with you if you want me too. I don't mind at all."
Raine shook her head with certainty. "You should definitely go out. I'll be fine Mike.
"Promise?" He asked, still doubting his decisions. The last time he left Raine alone, she was left in a life threatening situations and Mike couldn't bare to do that again.
"Promise." Raine said smiling brightly. "When will you be back?"
"Tomorrow at noon."
"Ok. Don't worry about me. You guys have fun." She stood up, giving Mike a warm hug to which he reciprocated quickly.
"Let me know if you need anything." He said as he walked towards the door. "Bye Daisy."
"Have fun Mike and come back all in one piece." She said, teasing him as always. Mike rolled his eyes before walking out of the cafe.
"I'll finish locking up in the kitchen Raine. Can you make sure all the tables are good?" Diasy asked, fishing the keys out of her pocket.
"Yup! I'm on it." Raine said as she quickly glanced over all the tables to make sure they were spotless and ready for tomorrow morning's epic rush hour. Once she made sure the cafe was spotless, a lightbulb flashed in her mind, recalling Mike's previous words. Quickly she pulled out her phone, dialing the one number that was always on her mind.
After a couple of seconds, the ringing stopped, and a Xavier's velvety voice filled the silence.
"Hello?"
"Hey Xavier." Raine said, a cheerfulness laced within her words.
"Hi Raine. Everything ok?" He asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Yeah I just......I wanted to.....actually." Raine mumbled, playing with the hem of her shirt.
Xavier waited patiently yet eagerly for Raine to continue. "You can ask me anything Raine. Without any hesitations." The sincerity in his voice, that always took Raine's breath away, was back. A smile graced upon Raine's lips, as her confidence rose.
"Would you come over tonight? I mean I wanted to invite you for dinner. Actually Mike is going out with some friends and I was all alone. And I.....well I thought maybe we could get together. You know? And I....I wanted to make it up to you." Raine let out all together in a mix of emotions. Although Raine was accustomed to Xavier and his intimidating aura, talking to him always made butterflies erupt in her stomach.
Her heart beat calmed down when she heard a manly chuckle on the other end. "Make up for what?" Xavier asked, clearly amused.
"You know, for this morning. Yet again, you kinda save me." Raine said, her cheeks turned red from the utter embarrassment. "You had to waste your morning on me. I know how busy you are and I....."
"Any time spent with you is anything but a waste." Xavier interrupted, not wanting Raine to continue. "More like a blessing you could say. And Raine, you seriously don't have to do all this to make up for anything. Mistakes happen and the last thing I want you to feel, is guilt."
"Humm...." Raine whispered, her head subconsciously nodding.
There was a silence for a brief period before Xavier interrupted it with his strong voice. "But with that being said, I'd love to come over for dinner."
"Really?" Raine asked, as excitement rushed throughout her body. It had been ages since she cooked for someone other then herself and she couldn't wait for that person to be Xavier.
"I'll be there tonight." Xavier said, a smile spread wide on his face, so much that Raine could feel it in his voice. "How does 6:30 sound?"
"It sounds perfect!" Raine said, excited for the evening that was yet to come.
"Then I'll see you tonight Raine." Xavier said, his voice softening as he said her name. It was the little things that made Raine's heart flutter. And the way Xavier took time saying her fragile name in his powerful yet protective voice was something that got Raine feeling warmth in her heart.
"Bye Xav." Raine said before hanging up to phone, quickly, she tossing it in her bag.
Just as she hung up the phone, Daisy came out of the kitchen, swinging the keys around her fingers.
"Ready to go?" She asked, shutting off the main lights.
* * *
The stew was simmering in the clay pot under to fire while the chicken was roasting in the oven. Raine was just applying the finishing touches on the desert and checking up on the appetizers. The sound of sizzling filled the room from the sautéed mushrooms that were cooked to perfection in a drizzle of olive oil and a touch of salt and pepper.
Raine hummed softly as she glided through the kitchen, tasting each component of her meal to make sure it was cooked to perfection. Her soft melodies and the warm smell of the devine delicacies, filled the apartment.
The only thing left was the one whom this was all for.
Xavier.
Just as the thought passed through her mind, Raine found herself craving the ocean that lived within Xavier's eyes. His bright, Caribbean blue orbs had become an addiction for Raine and she couldn't wait until she could meet them once more.
And to her luck, Raine didn't have to wait a second longer. Her humming was interrupted when a soft, gentle knock echoed through the apartment. Raine was just about to rush to the door when something stopped her.
Her eyes fell on the mirror that Mike had hung besides the coat hanger near the door. Raine's eyes widened in shock when she saw her reflection in the mirror. The messy apron was still hanging off her neck and her hair was put up in loose bun. There was a dash of flour on her right cheek and her feet were covered in fluffy slippers that Raine usually wore around the house.
The knocking on the door, followed by the doorbell going off broke Raine out of her trace. Without wasting another millisecond, Raine threw the apron off her body, tossing it into the closet besides the door. She kicked her slippers off, shoving them under the counter, and undid her bun, allowing her long hair to flow down her back. Lastly she rubbed off the flour that was covering her cheeks and took one last look at herself in the mirror before finally opening the door.
Just as the door opened, Raine met the pair of cerulean blue eyes that made the typical waters of Hawaii look dull. Immediately, she was lured into his orbs, completely overtaken by the beauty of his eyes.
While Raine stayed mesmerized by Xavier's eyes, Xavier found himself in the same state.
They both stared at each other for a couple of moments before Xavier cleared his throat, snapping Raine out of her daze.
"Xavier!" She said, almost breathless. Her eyes followed Xavier from top to bottom. Unlike earlier today, he wasn't dressed in a formal business suit. Instead, Xavier had on a pair of dark blue jeans, and white t-shirt, paired with the typical bad boy leather jacket.
"Raine." Xavier stated, smiling at Raine who was looking as pretty as always. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't find a single flaw in the girl that stood before his eyes. "You look beautiful."
A blus crept on Raine's cheeks as she felt Xavier's gaze. She looked up at him, smiling. Only then did she notice the single pink rose that rested within Xavier's figures.
Xavier realize that he hadn't even given the flower he had spent all afternoon trying to find. Even in the high winter, Xavier managed to get ahold of the pink rose that reminded him much of Raine's rosy lips or her blushed cheeks. Even if it sounded as cliche as can me, Xavier decided to go with it.
"A rose for Miss. Rose." Xavier said, his voice soft and gentle, yet passionate and intense, as he offered Raine the sole rose, making her heart go wild.
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