Chapter Fourteen:
(Edited by: hannah_wise10. Thank you so much :D)
Emberly's POV:
As we stepped out of the car, I adjusted my dress once again. Arran had told me Mrs Johnson-- Grace -- is a hotel owner. His company had helped her construct this building according to her preference. Standing outside the building, I gawked at the perfection in front of my eyes.
"You, my Sir, are a genius." I whispered, stunned by the building's spectacular appearance.
"Why thank you, kind lady." He chuckled as he motioned me to follow him inside.
My jaw dropped when I saw the interior of the hotel. There wasn't even a single word to describe how beautiful the hotel was from the inside. Before I could fully absorb my surroundings, a stunning woman in her late forties greeted Arran.
"Ah, my favourite Raymond. How are you, darling?" She hugged him and kissed both of his cheeks.
I assumed she was Mrs Johnson. Her slim body was in a short black and white striped Dolce & Gabbana dress, with red Gucci heels on. Her hair was done in a neat bun making her neck look longer.
"Grace, lovely to see you again. Meet my assistant, Emberly Rae." He introduced me.
I mentally thanked my instinct for choosing this dress to look more professional. I smiled at her softly, debating whether to shake hands or hug her as Arran did. I doubted she wanted to hug me. Proving me right, she simply nodded her head in my direction.
"What happened to your previous assistant?" She asked him as she led us to a private part of the hotel.
She brought us to an outdoor lounge area, with carefully landscaped flowers blossoming around the entrance and pathway. In the middle of the lounge was an oval shaped pool. It was a lovely place to discuss about the contract and to have a friendly gathering.
"The same thing as the rest." He said as he pulled a seat for Grace to sit down.
He sat on her left of the round table and I sat opposite her.
"They will never learn, will they? What would you like Arran?" She asked him in an overly sweet tone.
"White wine would be enough. What about you Em?" He turned his attention to me and gazed at me softly. He seemed to be doing that a lot today.
I paused, realising he had just called me 'Em' in front of Mrs Johnson. I gave him a surprised look.
"Same." I replied.
"Okay Vosne Romanée Cros Parantoux it is." She ordered.
Rosman Cro... What?
"Shall we talk about renewing your contract? Where is Gabriella?" Arran asked her.
"Oh there she is." Grace said in a high-pitched voice. My eardrum may or may not have been damaged.
My gaze diverted to Gabriella whose hair was dishevelled and her shirt seemed ruffled as she smoothed her skirt several times. Her face was flustered and she was having a hard time walking straight in her heels. I held back a smile from forming on my face. It was obvious she had just hooked up with someone.
"Sorry Ma'am. I was a little preoccupied." She apologised quickly before passing a lingering look at Arran, who was as amused as I was. We both passed each other a knowing look and suppressed a smile.
They soon started discussing business whilst having wine. I gave him all the documents he asked for and instead of writing it; I saved time and effort by recording it with a tape recorder.
I took a small sip from the wine and immediately scrunched my nose in disgust. It was too strong for my liking. Gingerly, I bent over my chair a little, pretending to stretch a bit and dumped my glass of wine in a flowerpot. I mentally apologised to the poor flowerpot. As I turned to reassume my posture, my eyes caught on something that caused me to let out a soft gasp. I saw Grace's hand rubbing Arran's inner thigh under the table.
Once they finished discussing the contract renewal, Grace kindly invited us to join her for lunch. The waiter came back with menus, and much to my horror it was in Spanish. What is wrong with the English language these days? All I know in Spanish is 'mi casa es tu casa', which I'm positive I've said wrong. I look at Arran's side sullenly and he smirked.
He leaned over and lowered his head closer to mine. My heart rate sped up at the proximity as he whispered huskily, "Why don't you let me order it?"
"Sure." I managed to utter.
Soon the waiter came in with the appetisers and placed a mouth-watering tortilla in front of me. The waiter asked me if I wanted a refill and I refused politely. I took a small bite from the tortilla and had stopped myself from letting out a moan -- it was really that delicious. While Grace and Arran were talking about god knows what, Gabriella took an opportunity to make conversation with me. Shifting her weight in her chair and turning towards me, she smiled wickedly at me.
"So how is he in bed? I heard a lot about him." She whispers, although it was loud enough for everyone else to hear it.
"Pardon?" I choked out as I struggled to keep my food down.
"Is he rough or gentle?" She winked at me and I peered over to Arran, hoping he was not listening.
"Actually it's nothing like that. Strictly business." I explained and her face fell instantly.
"I really want to know. He does seem like the type who screws around a lot." She said in a mock tone. I was sure everyone was able to hear her 'whispers'.
"You know what? You are so wrong. He is actually a really nice guy." I replied to her harshly, not appreciating her tone at all.
"What's wrong, Gabriella?" Grace asked her sternly.
"Nothing Ma'am." She replied smoothly with a fake smile plastered on her face.
I shifted in my chair a bit to Arran's side, and continued a stare down with the empty flute. I am sure a scowl was planted on my face. I felt stupid to be so angry over the small quarrel for no reason. However, as I replayed the conversation in my head, I realised I did have a reason to feel angry; no one can mock Arran, except me. The guts of that woman for saying those things right in front of his face.
Wait... what?
The waiter came with the main course, but by now I had lost my appetite.
"Calm down and eat." He whispered quietly just for me to hear.
I generally did what I was told, but, frankly speaking, I really couldn't eat anymore.
"So Arran, what are you doing tonight?" Grace asked Arran, a mysterious smile forming on her features. I instantly became interested in the conversation.
This should be good.
As I assumed, he shifted uncomfortably in his chair, and cleared his throat numerous times.
"Why Grace, any special occasion tonight?" He asked her smoothly.
Well played. I picked the fork up and tasted the chicken. Damn, the chef over here is good.
"You know my husband won't be home tonight." She purred with locked eyes on Arran.
Oh no, she didn't!
I suddenly felt myself inhale a piece of food into my windpipe. I choked on my food as tears were brimming in my eyes and I coughed wildly.
Damn you, windpipe.
Arran rubbed my back, and with some effort I stopped coughing. I apologised to all of them, especially to Arran who had concern written on his face.
"You okay?" He asked me still rubbing my back in circular motion.
"Yeah." I replied to him gratefully, and he removed his hand from my back.
I peeked over at Grace who was red-faced. I refused to believe my ears on what I had heard. This woman was joking right? This is wrong on so many levels. First of all, she is married which only concludes that she is willing to cheat on her husband. Secondly, Arran is probably twenty years younger than she is. Damn, cougar alert! I glanced away awkwardly. She didn't stop, and it took a lot of self-control to suppress the urge to say something to her.
After a while, a man in his twenties came to our table. He had dark brown curly hair with tanned skin. He was wearing a red and white chequered shirt over faded blue jeans. For some reason, he reminded me of Ken the Barbie doll. I reasoned that he must be Grace's son. He kissed her cheek softly, and winked at Gabriella, who flushed in response. Oh, so this is the guy who hooked up with her. Grace kept her face straight.
He shook hands with Arran, and looked at me. Something about this guy isn't right; he shamelessly checked me out and grinned.
"Who have we got here?" His gaze seemed to be studying my chest.
I mentally slapped him hard on his face. It's one thing when Arran checks me out, but this guy is a creep.
"My assistant." Arran replied, trying to keep his temper at bay.
"It keeps getting better, man." He chuckled at his own private joke while I kept my face straight.
"I'm Rob."
And I'm Tinker Bell.
He extended his hand to me and I extended mine apprehensively. Instead of shaking it, he planted a kiss on my hand. If he was someone else, I would've blushed, but he gave me deleterious vibes. Pressing my lips together tightly to contain my thoughts, I pulled my hand back rather hostilely.
Thankfully, he sat down between Gabriella and Grace. Grace carried on with her conversation with Arran, oblivious to her son's behaviour, while he kept glaring at me.
"What can I do to get a beautiful woman like you on a date?" He asked me, lust lacing his voice.
How about, 'shut the hell up and keep dreaming'. I gave him an 'are-you-out-of-your-mind' look before turning away.
"Come on, there must be something." He pestered.
Sure, for you to disappear into thin air. Didn't he just hook up with Gabriella an hour ago?
"Nothing." I replied sternly.
"Man this one is feisty, I like her." He chuckled and tried leaning closer.
I was about to do something, which I'm sure would regret later, but a strong hand on top of mine stopped me. I looked over at Arran who was glaring at Rob with so much intimidation, that it actually made me feel scared for him.
He clasped my hand delicately and grazed my knuckles with his thumb, assuring me. My heart hammered loudly as it's pace quickened. Does he know the effect he has on me? His hand was so strong, yet so soft. I was baffled by my own thoughts.
Pleasantly, Rob didn't utter a single word after that. Must have been Arran's intense glare, it could make anyone shut. Fortunately, it was time to say goodbye to Mrs Johnson, who kept clinging on to Arran. Poor guy. I greeted Gabriella rather stiffly. When Rob was about to bid me goodbye, Arran stood in front of me protectively. He shook hands with him forcefully, causing Rob to wince in pain. That will teach him something.
I looked at his blank face, his jaws clenched and his perfectly sculptured lips in a straight line. He looked at me and his face softened. I was shocked when Grace engulfed me in a hug.
"Sweetie, if you want to last long, either change your attitude or christen his bed." She whispered in my ear.
What a bitch.
As I sat in the car, I couldn't help but frown at what she said. She didn't mean it, right? That's so messed up. She could have played the role of his mother, being at her age.
"You haven't..." I hesitated asking him.
"God, no Emberly. Is that what you were thinking?" He replied to my unsaid, but understood question.
"Well she said it." I risked embarrassment to reply.
"When?" He asked me, a confused look etched on his features.
"Okay she might not have said it, but she was... expressing it." I explained.
"Expressing? How so?" He was amused by now. He ignited the engine of the car, and slowly began to advance forward.
"She kept stroking your thigh like my grandmother strokes her cat. Slowly and repeatedly." I snapped in annoyance and I mocked the gesture.
What I didn't expect was for him to laugh loudly. I realised what I had accused Mrs Johnson of, and felt heat rise to my cheeks.
Earth, swallow me please.
"Jesus, Emberly. She is a very good friend of mine. Strictly business, that's it." He said by way of explanation.
"I just found it weird." I replied honestly.
"I used to also." He agreed. There was a ghost of a smile playing on his lips, and his eyes were alight with humour, as if he was enjoying some private joke.
See, I'm not crazy. It is weird.
"Then tell her to back off." I exclaimed. He laughed again and I felt heat creeping in my ears.
Calm down, Emberly.
"Emberly, I can't risk my business relationship over here." He said casually.
"Isn't she married?" I frowned.
"She is." He replied, I stared at him blankly and blinked numerous times.
"What about her husband?" I whispered in disbelief.
"What about her husband?" He questioned me.
"Does he... know about this?"
"There is no 'this'. Emberly, this happens everyday. I am sure you've heard of old guys hitting on young girls? It's the same thing for ladies." He said matter-of-factly.
It's true, I had heard about it, but I never saw it actually happening in front of my eyes. Maybe I should have stopped overreacting, but the nagging feeling inside of me would not go away.
"How old is her husband?" My voice was barely a hush.
"Same age as I am." He replied with a grin widening on his face. At least someone was finding it amusing.
"And how old is she?" I refused to look at his face.
"In her fifty's... I think. He was there, next to the assistant " He replied smirking.
Oh my god. I think I am going to puke. That guy who I thought was her son, was actually her husband? I gawked at his side, stunned.
"Now don't be like this, Emberly, age is just a number." He said quickly then smirked, and I had the uncanny feeling that he was laughing at me.
"Yeah, so is 999, paedophile." I nearly shouted, causing him to laugh again.
"Don't tell me you've never heard of this before." He briefly looked at my side, and then continued looking ahead.
I halted at his comment and thought about it.
"Well I have, once my French teacher was caught canoodling with two girls from our school when they went to Brazil. But little did he know, one of the girls snitched on him and told the principle. He got fired straightaway, and I had a very uncomfortable talk with my dad." I smiled cheekily.
"Which school was that? You are not thinking outside the box. It's a normal thing. If two people are in love then let it be." He stated like it wasn't a big deal.
"I agree, and I am not against it, but I am positive that was not love. That Alberto De Rio look alike was definitely not a one woman type." I replied bitterly.
"They might be a very happy couple." He acknowledged, and his lips bent up in a half smile.
I bet he was doing this on purpose, to aggravate me. Grace was busy flirting with Arran, and Rob hooked up with her assistant, Gabriella. I doubted they were a happy couple.
"I doubt your answer now, whether you have or you haven't done it with her." I huffed.
"What can a man do to defend his principles?" he murmured, his green eyes cool but amused.
"Nothing." I rolled my eyes.
"Go back to your land, Dora. Enough of the exploring."
"Dora the explorer? Seriously?" I arched my brow at him.
"I thought that's what you watch." He winked.
I scoffed, yeah right.
"What makes you think I don't watch that.... stuff?" I ask him boldly, looking at his side confidently when the car stopped at a red light.
"Because every time I do this," He leaned dangerously closer to my face, and my heart started pounding frantically. For some reason, I blushed furiously under his steady gaze. I was thrown off guard by his sudden advance, and my brain seemed to be lost. I shook my head to gather my wits, and jerked back swiftly. "You do that." He smirked and straightened himself, accelerating the car as the signal changed from red to green.
"That's because you are invading my personal space." My voice came out squeaky.
Damn my voice.
"You never fail to surprise me, Emberly." His gaze was unwavering and intense.
Crap. I quickly looked away. Why was this drive is so long? Where are we going anyway, Narnia?
"Whatever that's supposed to mean." I muttered.
"I mean it. You are... different." He replied, non-committal.
Okay, this got my attention.
"Different as in I've got two heads, or I am a total weirdo?" I asked him, not sure if I should take it as an insult or a compliment.
"Unquestionably a total weird." He smiled.
"Why thank you. How am I a weirdo?" I frowned.
"First of all, you ask a lot of questions. Second, your name has ember in it, even though your eyes are the brightest shade of blue I've ever seen. Thirdly, you have a big mouth and you don't know when to shut it. I could go on and on." His face was deadpanned, which was hard to figure out if he meant it or if he was joking.
"The list is that long?" I asked him in a small voice.
He just shrugged his shoulders, but I felt a hint of playfulness in his eyes.
Oh, don't give me that shrug, eyes on the road, mister. After what seemed ages, we finally managed to reach near the office and he parked his car at the usual space. I got out of the car, and stared at it dreamingly.
It was a smooth ride. I sighed loudly before turning back on my heel. Quickly remembering something, I began to speak.
"By the way, I don't have a big mouth; second, my name is not weird. It's a combination of two names -- Emily and Ember -- and thirdly, I only ask so many questions, because you are so confusing." I said in one breath, trailing off at the end.
"I am confusing? Yeah, right." He stopped, looked at my side briefly and shook his head.
"More like mysterious." I muttered.
And annoying.
And arrogant.
And irritating
And infuriating
And frustrating.
"Mysterious?" He asked me bemused.
"I've never met anyone like you." The words were out before I could stop myself.
I seriously need to learn how to keep my mouth shut. Embarrassed, I struggled to keep a straight face.
"What can I say? I am limited edition." He said huskily, holding my gaze steadily and impassively. My heartbeat quickened, and my face flushed again. Damn, does he have any idea what he does to me?
Yes, you are.
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