Chapter 1
Chapter One
Upper Eastside, NY
Chris Lannister Apartment
It's not often that Chris Lannister visits the busy city. But the meetings have piled up over the past couple of months, forcing him out of quarantine and toward the helm of Lannister Industries.
His sister was always better at talking to clients and investors. Chris thrived in the background as an honorary board member, he preferred it that way.
But now that Camille had her own projects to work on, he was pretty much left to handle all aspects of Lannister Industries on his own.
C. Lannister Senior retired a few years ago and turned the company over to his children. Camille wanted fame and opportunity, while CJ preferred a quiet, private life.
Granted, people still recognized him wherever he went, not as many as Camille, but some people could still spot his green eyes, handsome face and unique sleeve of tattoos anywhere.
Room service rung the bell outside his door. He bought the apartment over two years ago as a vacation spot. He made a deal with the restaurant owner downstairs. They agreed to provide him with food whenever he visits, and he would endorse their restaurant on all his social media.
The doorbell didn't wake him up though. He was already awake, barely able to close his eyes knowing Reece was sleeping just an arm's length away.
He spent half the night worried he would cuddle her accidentally, and the other half fighting down an erection brought on by the soft little moans she made in her sleep.
He scrambled out of bed and tiptoed to the living room. After giving the attendant a tip, he quickly uncovered the food trays and snapped several pictures for his social media profiles.
#superbservice
He attached a hashtag, knowing it would be trending in just a matter of minutes.
He recovered all the trays, dropped his phone in the sofa and walked back to the bedroom.
He wasn't expecting her to be awake. But to his surprise, she had already gotten up and went to the bathroom.
"You okay in there?" He called out to ensure she was fine.
"Yeah, just brushing my teeth.!" Reece spoke loud enough for him to hear her.
Chris took the opportunity to smell his own breath. He never understood why he could spend ten minutes brushing his teeth every night before bed, and still wake up to questionable breath in the morning. It was a mystery. But he felt a bit better knowing it happened to everyone.
He reached into his bedside table, pulled out an extra toothbrush and knocked on the bathroom door.
The apartment only has one bathroom and one bedroom. The living room and kitchen are quite spacious, but the furniture in them wasn't comfortable enough to host sleepovers. Luckily, she didn't mind sleeping next to him on the bed.
When he invited Reece to accompany him to New York, he didn't stop to account for the accommodation. Hell, maybe he secretly wanted it this way.
When she agreed, he was hopeful. Hopeful even though he shouldn't be. Nothing can ever happen with her. It wouldn't work out. He had only one person in his heart and he didn't want to drag an innocent person into his messy reality. He respects her too much to do that.
"Can I come in?" He asked after knocking.
The sound of the lock clicked and the door was immediately pulled open.
"Thanks." He told her as he entered the bathroom.
She stood at one of the sinks brushing her teeth. The nightgown she wore clung to her body, the hem resting at her ankles and the material hugged her pierced nipples. He tried to keep his eyes down so he wouldn't stare at them too hungrily.
CJ used the other sink. He brushed his teeth a little bit longer this morning. The occasional stare into the mirror at the beautiful woman getting ready next to him, he noticed he had brushed too long when she suddenly appeared fully dressed and ready for the day.
Shit.
Reece began eating breakfast while Chris showered. He managed to spend an even longer time doing that. It's as if he had zoned out every time he remembered she was in his private space.
The trip to Paris a couple of months ago was a senseless decision. Last minute and pointless. He had no business there other than to see her. See what she was doing and to check that she was okay. He wondered if she knew he wasn't there for work.
No.
Room service rung the bell outside his door. He bought the apartment over two years ago as a vacation spot. He made a deal with the restaurant owner downstairs. They agreed to provide him with food whenever he visits, and he would endorse their restaurant on all his social media.
The doorbell didn't wake him up though. He was already awake, barely able to close his eyes knowing Reece was sleeping just an arm's length away.
He spent half the night worried he would cuddle her accidentally, and the other half fighting down an erection brought on by the soft little moans she made in her sleep.
He scrambled out of bed and tiptoed to the living room. After giving the attendant a tip, he quickly uncovered the food trays and snapped several pictures for his social media profiles.
#superbservice
He attached a hashtag, knowing it would be trending in just a matter of minutes.
He recovered all the trays, dropped his phone in the sofa and walked back to the bedroom.
He wasn't expecting her to be awake. But to his surprise, she had already gotten up and went to the bathroom.
"You okay in there?" He called out to ensure she was fine.
"Yeah, just brushing my teeth.!" Reece spoke loud enough for him to hear her.
Chris took the opportunity to smell his own breath. He never understood why he could spend ten minutes brushing his teeth every night before bed, and still wake up to questionable breath in the morning. It was a mystery. But he felt a bit better knowing it happened to everyone.
He reached into his bedside table, pulled out an extra toothbrush and knocked on the bathroom door.
The apartment only has one bathroom and one bedroom. The living room and kitchen are quite spacious, but the furniture in them wasn't comfortable enough to host sleepovers. Luckily, she didn't mind sleeping next to him on the bed.
When he invited Reece to accompany him to New York, he didn't stop to account for the accommodation. Hell, maybe he secretly wanted it this way.
When she agreed, he was hopeful. Hopeful even though he shouldn't be. Nothing can ever happen with her. It wouldn't work out. He had only one person in his heart and he didn't want to drag an innocent person into his messy reality. He respects her too much to do that.
"Can I come in?" He asked after knocking.
The sound of the lock clicked and the door was immediately pulled open.
"Thanks." He told her as he entered the bathroom.
She stood at one of the sinks brushing her teeth. The nightgown she wore clung to her body, the hem resting at her ankles and the material hugged her pierced nipples. He tried to keep his eyes down so he wouldn't stare at them too hungrily.
CJ used the other sink. He brushed his teeth a little bit longer this morning. The occasional stare into the mirror at the beautiful woman getting ready next to him, he noticed he had brushed too long when she suddenly appeared fully dressed and ready for the day.
Shit.
Reece began eating breakfast while Chris showered. He managed to spend an even longer time doing that. It's as if he had zoned out every time he remembered she was in his private space.
The trip to Paris a couple of months ago was a senseless decision. Last minute and pointless. He had no business there other than to see her. See what she was doing and to check that she was okay. He wondered if she knew he wasn't there for work.
No.
She couldn't have figured it out, she was so preoccupied with getting the merchandise for the store back then.
On that thought, he exhaled.
Finally dressed in a suit, which he hates wearing; he joined her at the breakfast table.
Reece had finished eating and took out her phone to respond to emails. She sat quietly going through all the new online orders one by one. A bright, proud smile spreading out across her face.
Chris would never admit the jealousy he felt knowing her attention was held elsewhere. Since when did he even care about a woman's job duties and responsibilities? Let alone feel the urge to demand her attention? Ludicrous didn't even begin to cover this sort of behavior.
“Do I really want to fuck her that bad? Why is the attraction not wearing off already?” His own thoughts echoed loudly in his mind.
Frustration was beginning to feel like the only emotion he could muster these days. He tried to think of the last time he had sex with someone, and was embarrassed to admit that he didn't even remember who or when it was.
Over the past couple of months he's been consumed with the goal of the store opening. It's had its successes and very little failures thus far, but mostly successes. So much money had been made that Reece already wrote him a check to buy his portion of the business. A portion he had already secretly signed over to her months in advance, but was still unable to form the words to tell her that.
He owned the street the store was built on, the area had other buildings, shops, even a fancy restaurant, but none was as profitable as Reece's store.
She looked so proud of herself when she wrote the check to pay him back. So happy to be successful on her first try at something like this. Proud to do it all on her own.
Instead of telling her the truth, he stuffed the check into his pocket and signed the documents again. She seemed happy to be the full owner all on her own merit. He didn't have the heart to tell her he had already given her his share with no strings attached.
Maybe this was the best way. He had given her his share, but she unknowingly returned it. Somehow he thought things might have ended this way regardless of his admissions.
"Can I ask you something?" He built the courage to strike up a conversation.
Reece turned her eyes away from her phone to look at him.
"What if I were to tear up the check you gave me and just give you my share of the business, no string attached? Would you be okay with that?" He asked because he really wanted to know.
Helping her is something he never set out to do in the first place, but somehow he got caught in the eye of things and just couldn't avoid it anymore. Or maybe he just really turned into the kind of Lannister that hands money over to people he hardly knew.
No.
Finally dressed in a suit, which he hates wearing; he joined her at the breakfast table.
Reece had finished eating and took out her phone to respond to emails. She sat quietly going through all the new online orders one by one. A bright, proud smile spreading out across her face.
Chris would never admit the jealousy he felt knowing her attention was held elsewhere. Since when did he even care about a woman's job duties and responsibilities? Let alone feel the urge to demand her attention? Ludicrous didn't even begin to cover this sort of behavior.
“Do I really want to fuck her that bad? Why is the attraction not wearing off already?” His own thoughts echoed loudly in his mind.
Frustration was beginning to feel like the only emotion he could muster these days. He tried to think of the last time he had sex with someone, and was embarrassed to admit that he didn't even remember who or when it was.
Over the past couple of months he's been consumed with the goal of the store opening. It's had its successes and very little failures thus far, but mostly successes. So much money had been made that Reece already wrote him a check to buy his portion of the business. A portion he had already secretly signed over to her months in advance, but was still unable to form the words to tell her that.
He owned the street the store was built on, the area had other buildings, shops, even a fancy restaurant, but none was as profitable as Reece's store.
She looked so proud of herself when she wrote the check to pay him back. So happy to be successful on her first try at something like this. Proud to do it all on her own.
Instead of telling her the truth, he stuffed the check into his pocket and signed the documents again. She seemed happy to be the full owner all on her own merit. He didn't have the heart to tell her he had already given her his share with no strings attached.
Maybe this was the best way. He had given her his share, but she unknowingly returned it. Somehow he thought things might have ended this way regardless of his admissions.
"Can I ask you something?" He built the courage to strike up a conversation.
Reece turned her eyes away from her phone to look at him.
"What if I were to tear up the check you gave me and just give you my share of the business, no string attached? Would you be okay with that?" He asked because he really wanted to know.
Helping her is something he never set out to do in the first place, but somehow he got caught in the eye of things and just couldn't avoid it anymore. Or maybe he just really turned into the kind of Lannister that hands money over to people he hardly knew.
No.
He wasn't that type at all. So many charity auctions were held each year and he avoided every single one of them. So he knew for a fact that he didn't help her just because it's the norm for him, or the right thing to do. The reason behind his choice to pitch in millions of dollars is still unknown.
Reece stared at him. No, more like glared at him.
"I don't want you to do anything for me. I worked hard for this all on my own. Paying you back with interest was the plan all along. Why would you even ask me some stupid shit like that?" And there it is. Her blatant honesty.
Reece stared at him. No, more like glared at him.
"I don't want you to do anything for me. I worked hard for this all on my own. Paying you back with interest was the plan all along. Why would you even ask me some stupid shit like that?" And there it is. Her blatant honesty.
Sometimes he wished she could lie, just once.
"Maybe I thought you'd appreciate not having to pay me back. I would've still signed the documents so you'd have full ownership anyway. It's not a big deal." The minute the last word left his lips was the exact minute he regretted it.
"It's a big fucking deal to me!" She shouted.
"You have no idea what I've been through to get here, what I sacrificed, all the shit I had to put up with and all the things I had to do to save the money I needed for the store, and the merchandise to go in it. You have no idea where I'm coming from or what I had to endure to make this dream into a reality. Connections don't just fall from the fucking sky. You were born into luxury and automatic success. I had to claw my way from the dumpsters to where I am today." She was panting heavily when she finished.
CJ stared at her in shock, she's never yelled at him before. He didn't understand what was so wrong about helping a friend?
Even in his mind the word friend sounded odd when referring to Reece. He had friends plenty. Rich friends he grew up with, guys and girls. His best friend Charlotte is a supermodel and an heiress to her family's fortune. He had friends with connections and friends with so much money that even their children's children would never experience a life of poverty.
But where did Reece fit in? Describing her as a friend, seemed _ untruthful.
He had no idea who she was outside of being Draya's best friend and a luxury store owner.
But to be fair, she had no idea who he was either. He had secrets of his own that not many people knew about. Secrets he hoped never to share with the rest of the world.
But why was he so adamant about being something to her? Even after their business deal had ended with the check and documents being exchanged, he still insisted she join him here in New York, still wanted her company, still wanted to be close to her, even for a little while.
"Look.." She spoke first and cut him off from his incessant inner monologue.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you." She apologized sincerely.
"It's just that I get really sensitive about things like this. There are two topics to set me off faster than any bullet Chris. Draya and my businesses. I don't want anyone messing with my best friend or my money. I can't accept free money from you, I already paid you back with interest so just cash the check and let's move the fuck on already. I bought a house cash a couple of weeks ago to use as an investment property, are you going to ask me to sell it to you so you can give it back to me for free too?"
Her sarcasm should be offensive but he laughed to lighten the mood.
After listening to what she had to say, he discovered the semi-insanity in handing over millions of dollars to someone, having them pay back with interest then return the money, and still sign over the investment just for the heck of it. If his father or even his sister knew he even thought of doing that they'd never let him live it down.
Maybe for a husband and wife swapping assets it wouldn't be a big deal, or siblings trading off, but Reece wasn't his sister or his wife or even his girlfriend, he was beginning to see the brow raising decision he almost made.
He didn't feel regret though, even after listening to all she said, he still wanted to give the money back to her. He still wanted to help her, even if he didn't understand why.
Whatever he smoked over the past couple of months must still be in effect.
Deciding on agreeing with her, he reluctantly cut into his omelette and chewed in silence.
The first three meetings ran longer than he thought they would. The men in the conference room spent half the time drooling over Reece. Her magazine covers were published nationwide; Sports Illustrated was the main attraction, but she also got a three page spread in a fashion magazine. The business women at the table spent the other half of the time asking for exclusive release dates on Reece's heels.
Chris mostly rolled his eyes at the men.
But to be fair, she had no idea who he was either. He had secrets of his own that not many people knew about. Secrets he hoped never to share with the rest of the world.
But why was he so adamant about being something to her? Even after their business deal had ended with the check and documents being exchanged, he still insisted she join him here in New York, still wanted her company, still wanted to be close to her, even for a little while.
"Look.." She spoke first and cut him off from his incessant inner monologue.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you." She apologized sincerely.
"It's just that I get really sensitive about things like this. There are two topics to set me off faster than any bullet Chris. Draya and my businesses. I don't want anyone messing with my best friend or my money. I can't accept free money from you, I already paid you back with interest so just cash the check and let's move the fuck on already. I bought a house cash a couple of weeks ago to use as an investment property, are you going to ask me to sell it to you so you can give it back to me for free too?"
Her sarcasm should be offensive but he laughed to lighten the mood.
After listening to what she had to say, he discovered the semi-insanity in handing over millions of dollars to someone, having them pay back with interest then return the money, and still sign over the investment just for the heck of it. If his father or even his sister knew he even thought of doing that they'd never let him live it down.
Maybe for a husband and wife swapping assets it wouldn't be a big deal, or siblings trading off, but Reece wasn't his sister or his wife or even his girlfriend, he was beginning to see the brow raising decision he almost made.
He didn't feel regret though, even after listening to all she said, he still wanted to give the money back to her. He still wanted to help her, even if he didn't understand why.
Whatever he smoked over the past couple of months must still be in effect.
Deciding on agreeing with her, he reluctantly cut into his omelette and chewed in silence.
The first three meetings ran longer than he thought they would. The men in the conference room spent half the time drooling over Reece. Her magazine covers were published nationwide; Sports Illustrated was the main attraction, but she also got a three page spread in a fashion magazine. The business women at the table spent the other half of the time asking for exclusive release dates on Reece's heels.
Chris mostly rolled his eyes at the men.
“This is a place of fucking work, not a damn speed dating party!" His outburst snapped everyone back into place.
This was one of the reasons why they all preferred to meet with Camille instead. Chris's temper was_ less tolerated than hers.
Reece pushed all the business cards and numbers she received into her purse.
She didn't find Chris's outburst frightening. Instead her nipples seemed to instantly push out like hungry little tongues at the sound of his voice.
She pulled her jacket closed and rose from her seat. Several men stood along with her to show respect before she excused herself.
"Where are you going?" CJ all but growled possessively. Even though his subconscious cursed him to stop, he was beyond that at this point.
"The bathroom Mr. Caveman. Relax." She laughed on her way to the door. "Finish up here I'll wait for you downstairs." She told him with a happy smile.
In the marble tiled bathroom, she pressed her back against the wall and a hand over her chest.
The pounding seemed like it would never settle. “Calm the fuck down Reece! He's only annoyed because the workers aren't focusing, and he wants to wrap up and finish the rest of his schedule. He's not jealous, nor does he give two shits who asks for your number!”
After the most aggressive pep talk she's ever given herself, she washed her hands and returned to the lobby to wait for him.
She would've guessed the wait would be about thirty minutes or more, but he was already there when she arrived.
"Is it over already?" She asked with a frown.
He held her purse out to her without a response.
Reece accepted her Chanel clutch and followed him through the revolving doors.
"So this is what your day is usually like?" Reece asked when they reached the sidewalk.
Chris sent her the same glare she gave him this morning. The look on his face forced her to burst out laughing.
"It's not funny Reece. I can't take you anywhere. If they're acting like this now, what will it be like at the award ceremony next week?" Chris complained with a pout.
"It's not everyday a girl who doesn't even know her birth parents and grew up in a foster home sells a 100 million dollars in luxury heels in less than 6 months." Reece announced proudly.
Her store became quite popular over the past couple of months, and her name was being mentioned in magazines and articles across the country. News travels fast in the fashion world, and Reece was also nominated for multiple awards at different upcoming events.
Chris let her slide into the backseat of the town car, and he slid in beside her.
His assigned driver closed the door and returned to the driver's seat. He awaited instructions on where to drive next.
Chris wasn't the type to ask anyone to accompany him during business related situations. He preferred a woman's company in the bedroom. Boardrooms weren't exactly his first choice for dates.
Not that this was a date.
"I... uh. I have about two more people to meet. But one is at a hotel restaurant , the other at a bar. You don't have to come to those if you don't want to. I just think it would be more convenient for you to sit those two out." He suggested and she giggled softly.
Her laughter didn't come to the surface very often, not a genuine one anyway. He loved hearing it and seeing the light kid-like expression on her beautiful face.
"You're scared I'll get all the attention again aren't you?" She asked between bursts of laughter.
Chris watched in awe as she stared out the window with a bright expression. He wondered what she was like before they met. Before she met Draya, before she found a reason to smile in the first place.
He's never struggled financially in his life, everything he's ever wanted has been given to him by his father. After graduating university abroad, he received his inheritance which he invested in his father's company as well as other companies he believed in. He gained the respect of the right people and ended up with the high authority of decision making when it comes to certain streets, which he later profited from the businesses who set their roots there. His wealth only keeps growing, he's never had to beg or wonder when or how he could get something.
This woman on the other hand, was different. She had struggled and tried over and over to get to where she is today. Apart of him didn't want to even know the events that took place in the past because he wasn't sure it even mattered now.
But one thing nagged him the most; her parents. Who the fuck would abandon Reece? She's everything.
A wave of anger washed over him. He didn't know her very well, but he knew her enough. She didn't deserve that. No innocent child does.
"Were they poor? Were they dying? Was it a choice they regret?" He wondered these things as he sent an email to the Lannister Private Investigator.
Cornwall could dig up dinosaur bones nobody even knew existed. He could locate criminals on islands in the middle of the ocean with no cellphones and no internet. He could backtrack money transactions from twenty years ago. The man could find Waldo in a stack of random people. He could find anyone, and Chris was about to tell him to find Reece's birth parents immediately.
Reece pushed all the business cards and numbers she received into her purse.
She didn't find Chris's outburst frightening. Instead her nipples seemed to instantly push out like hungry little tongues at the sound of his voice.
She pulled her jacket closed and rose from her seat. Several men stood along with her to show respect before she excused herself.
"Where are you going?" CJ all but growled possessively. Even though his subconscious cursed him to stop, he was beyond that at this point.
"The bathroom Mr. Caveman. Relax." She laughed on her way to the door. "Finish up here I'll wait for you downstairs." She told him with a happy smile.
In the marble tiled bathroom, she pressed her back against the wall and a hand over her chest.
The pounding seemed like it would never settle. “Calm the fuck down Reece! He's only annoyed because the workers aren't focusing, and he wants to wrap up and finish the rest of his schedule. He's not jealous, nor does he give two shits who asks for your number!”
After the most aggressive pep talk she's ever given herself, she washed her hands and returned to the lobby to wait for him.
She would've guessed the wait would be about thirty minutes or more, but he was already there when she arrived.
"Is it over already?" She asked with a frown.
He held her purse out to her without a response.
Reece accepted her Chanel clutch and followed him through the revolving doors.
"So this is what your day is usually like?" Reece asked when they reached the sidewalk.
Chris sent her the same glare she gave him this morning. The look on his face forced her to burst out laughing.
"It's not funny Reece. I can't take you anywhere. If they're acting like this now, what will it be like at the award ceremony next week?" Chris complained with a pout.
"It's not everyday a girl who doesn't even know her birth parents and grew up in a foster home sells a 100 million dollars in luxury heels in less than 6 months." Reece announced proudly.
Her store became quite popular over the past couple of months, and her name was being mentioned in magazines and articles across the country. News travels fast in the fashion world, and Reece was also nominated for multiple awards at different upcoming events.
Chris let her slide into the backseat of the town car, and he slid in beside her.
His assigned driver closed the door and returned to the driver's seat. He awaited instructions on where to drive next.
Chris wasn't the type to ask anyone to accompany him during business related situations. He preferred a woman's company in the bedroom. Boardrooms weren't exactly his first choice for dates.
Not that this was a date.
"I... uh. I have about two more people to meet. But one is at a hotel restaurant , the other at a bar. You don't have to come to those if you don't want to. I just think it would be more convenient for you to sit those two out." He suggested and she giggled softly.
Her laughter didn't come to the surface very often, not a genuine one anyway. He loved hearing it and seeing the light kid-like expression on her beautiful face.
"You're scared I'll get all the attention again aren't you?" She asked between bursts of laughter.
Chris watched in awe as she stared out the window with a bright expression. He wondered what she was like before they met. Before she met Draya, before she found a reason to smile in the first place.
He's never struggled financially in his life, everything he's ever wanted has been given to him by his father. After graduating university abroad, he received his inheritance which he invested in his father's company as well as other companies he believed in. He gained the respect of the right people and ended up with the high authority of decision making when it comes to certain streets, which he later profited from the businesses who set their roots there. His wealth only keeps growing, he's never had to beg or wonder when or how he could get something.
This woman on the other hand, was different. She had struggled and tried over and over to get to where she is today. Apart of him didn't want to even know the events that took place in the past because he wasn't sure it even mattered now.
But one thing nagged him the most; her parents. Who the fuck would abandon Reece? She's everything.
A wave of anger washed over him. He didn't know her very well, but he knew her enough. She didn't deserve that. No innocent child does.
"Were they poor? Were they dying? Was it a choice they regret?" He wondered these things as he sent an email to the Lannister Private Investigator.
Cornwall could dig up dinosaur bones nobody even knew existed. He could locate criminals on islands in the middle of the ocean with no cellphones and no internet. He could backtrack money transactions from twenty years ago. The man could find Waldo in a stack of random people. He could find anyone, and Chris was about to tell him to find Reece's birth parents immediately.
To: [email protected]
Fr: lanister.cjr@lanisterindustries
Subject: Missing People
Cornwall I need you to do some digging for me quietly. Leave my family and associates out of it.
Christopher researched Reece before getting into business with her. He found out all the textbook stuff like; name, birthdate, he knew brief notes about her life in foster care. He even knew that her adopted parents had died before she was tossed around in group homes before getting emancipated at 16.
He dug up unnecessary partners who had been linked to her at the time of their meeting and shortly before.
He knew of her attachment to Draya and the length of their friendship. He knew her social security number, her credit score, the assets she owned as well as ones she was interested in. He couldn't take the risk of handing over millions of dollars to someone who would never pay him back. At the time he had to be sure she wasn't a high risk investment.
He attached all the information from his own standard check and sent it to Cornwall with a recent photo.
It wasn't even ten minutes and Cornwall responded promptly.
He attached all the information from his own standard check and sent it to Cornwall with a recent photo.
It wasn't even ten minutes and Cornwall responded promptly.
From: Cornwall
To:CJ Lanister
Subject: I'm on it!
Give me a few days and I'll send my findings back to you.
Christopher figured he could either meet Reece's birth parents, and yell at them, or punch them in the face. He wasn't sure which one he would do first.
But just for today, he'd enjoy New York with her. It wasn't often that they hung out like this, even though he was currently working.
Back in Paris he glimpsed her at a fashion show while she was crowded by designers wanting to sell their shoes in her store. Some would say he was there to support Charlotte while she modeled for Vera Wang. But he felt proud of Reece as she made her own debut at the event.
"What's next for you?" He asked when they arrived at the next location.
The driver parked in front of the Golden Hotel and the doorman approached to open the car door.
"What do you mean?" Reece asked with a brow raised.
"I mean what do you want to do after this. The store is going to be open soon, the online sales are through the roof, you're an ambassador for multiple luxury brands. What do you want to do next?" He was curious. He's never seen someone work as hard as she has and accomplished their dreams in such a short amount of time.
"Can we get out of the car first before you start asking me about future life choices?" Reece giggled and shoved him playfully.
Cj ignored the goosebumps that appeared the instant her soft palm connected with his shirt.
"I'm being serious." He pressed.
"Serious about what? Let's get out of the car already. I don't know if you know this, but hanging out with guys in backseats isn't exactly my bread and butter anymore." Leave it to Reece to make a serious joke.
He sighed heavily. She noticed the deflated expression on his face, so she caved.
"Fine. I'm designing my own line of shoes with a feminine luxury brand for women, and another male luxury brand for the men. Happy?" She told him the plans she has for the near future.
He seemed stunned.
"If it's successful I want my own luxury brand with my own name. Well maybe not my first name, because Shareece sounds ghetto and my last name isn't even my real last name either. I have no idea what my real last name is. So I might make something up for the brand. Something profound. British or French sounding." She smiled at the thought.
“How the fuck can anyone abandon you?” Chris wondered as he looked into her beautiful eyes.
She noticed he was staring at her. He stared so long that she raised her brows at him.
"What? I'm pretty right?" She grinned from ear to ear.
He did not hesitate to agree with that fact. "Yeah" he answered immediately. "Yeah. You're very pretty."
Reece waited at a separate table while CJ met with yet another client.
Email orders poured in and finally the approval of the building codes by Miami-Dade inspectors finally passed. Finally she's allowed to open her doors to the public.
Waving a hand to a waiter, she ordered a bottle of their best champagne. With pride filling her chest, she sent a text to her best friend.
Reece:
It's finally happening. The building passed the inspection. I'm so happy. The official opening can happen soon.
She didn't have to wait long for a reply.
Draya:
I'm so proud of you. Make sure you visit me in the Hampton's before summer ends. I feel like a whale with this baby in me. I need my best friend to tell me I'm still skinny.
Reece smiled at the reply.
Reece:
I have some photo shoots next week, but I promise to visit you after that. I need a break from all this running around.
By the way, you'll always be my perfect princess, baby on board or not.
Draya:
You need an assistant or someone you can trust to help. The business is now a global phenomenon. You can't continue to do it alone.
Please tell me you plan to hire workers for the store and you won't do that alone too?
Reece:
You sound like Chris. He keeps asking me what's next. It’s not like I ship and process the orders on my own now. I have help from various companies. He keeps asking me next step questions, but I just started this company. I don’t have to rush into anything. I know his head is in the right place though.
I'll hire professionals when I get back to Miami.
I don't know about trusting them though.
I only trust you.
Draya:
When the holy shit did you see Chris? I thought the last time you saw him was a couple of months ago with a girl at a Paris fashion show.
Reece:
Um..yes but he called me last week and invited me to New York. I'm staying with him for the weekend.
I also bought him out of the store.
Draya:
I'm sorry....WHAT!!!!!!
When the shit did you plan to tell me?
Reece:
That I bought him out of the store?
Draya:
No! That you're fucking him!
Reece burst out laughing.
Reece:
Lol. Calm down pregnant lady. Jeez. Nothing happened, absolutely nothing. He doesn't see me that way. Which is fine. We're__ um networking.
I've been meeting new people, as in his business people. Funny enough everyone I met so far recognized me. How freaking cool is that?
Draya:
I'm proud of you with the work stuff. But let's not just skip over Chris. I thought you sort of, you know_ liked him?
Reece:
I do.
I do like him.
But he doesn't like me in that way and that's fine. I'm focused on working right now anyway.
Let's just stop talking about him.
Just congratulate me and keep my god baby safe in that womb of yours. I know you're getting close to your due date.
Are you nervous?
Just congratulate me and keep my god baby safe in that womb of yours. I know you're getting close to your due date.
Are you nervous?
Draya:
Nervous?
No. I'm Terrified!
But Dani has been sweet and supportive. He wants us to move back to the house in Miami so the baby isn't cold during winters in NY.
Reece:
I don't blame him. I'd love to have you all closer to me. I don't think I'll ever leave Miami. I love it there.
New York is cool and all, but it's no South Beach.
Draya:
Agreed. Anyways I gotta go. Daniel limits my phone privileges each day. He's worried the radiation might hurt the baby.
Don't Ask! He’s nuts! I know.
Bye babe. I love you.
Reece shook her head at the ridiculousness of her best friend's husband.
Reece:
I love you too. ❤️
CJ frowned as he walked over to Reece's table. The first thing he noticed was the smile on her face.
She's never smiled at me like that.
"Boyfriend?" He asked, holding his breath.
Reece rolled her eyes at him. "It's Draya."
He visibly relaxed. "Oh, I hope you said hi to Fuzzy for me?"
Reece laughed. "Will you call her that forever?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Hey those slippers are permanently burned into my memory. I still can't believe she wore pajamas and bed slippers in public."
Reece reached across the table to shove him lightly. "Leave my best friend alone. She finally found her footing in the world of fashion."
"You never know, after that kid drops she might revert back to fuzzy slippers and pajamas again." He meant it as a joke. But Reece zoned out.
Thinking of Draya reverting back to her old self wouldn't raise any alarm. Especially to Daniel. He's completely and irrevocably in love with her. He'd see her as the most important person in his life no matter what clothes she wears.
"Boyfriend?" He asked, holding his breath.
Reece rolled her eyes at him. "It's Draya."
He visibly relaxed. "Oh, I hope you said hi to Fuzzy for me?"
Reece laughed. "Will you call her that forever?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Hey those slippers are permanently burned into my memory. I still can't believe she wore pajamas and bed slippers in public."
Reece reached across the table to shove him lightly. "Leave my best friend alone. She finally found her footing in the world of fashion."
"You never know, after that kid drops she might revert back to fuzzy slippers and pajamas again." He meant it as a joke. But Reece zoned out.
Thinking of Draya reverting back to her old self wouldn't raise any alarm. Especially to Daniel. He's completely and irrevocably in love with her. He'd see her as the most important person in his life no matter what clothes she wears.
But still her own thoughts chimed in with a helpless jingle, just like a bell making music as it blows in the wind.
“I'll never have that.” She thought quietly.
“Ever!”
“Getting attached to someone will only lead to disappointment. . .I've reached my quota for disappointments.”
Reece let her thoughts dampen the mood.
It happened more often these days.- Depression. Though she managed to keep busy and shake off any and every form of negativity before it manifests into something she couldn't control.
Lost in his own thoughts, Chris struggled to find new reasons why he couldn't ask her out. But nothing he came up with made much sense.
They had spent two nights together already in his apartment, and would spend tonight there as well. He wouldn't call them friends but she's an ish. Friend-ish. Can't you go out with an ish? Aren't they out now? At a restaurant of all places? Why can't this keep happening? What's the big deal?
"Er..... I wanna ask you something." Chris fidgeted with his hands nervously.
He was happy for the white table cloth that hid the trembling of his fingers.
Reece emptied her glass and poured a refill.
"What's up?" She gestured for him to continue.
He took a deep breath.
Against every warning in his head. He had to ask. There'll never be any successes without taking chances. And this chance is worth it. He only hoped she'd see it the same way. Getting to know each other, hanging out more, being in more business deals together, he wanted all of it.
He coached himself. “It's not like I'm asking her to marry me or have sex with me right here in the restaurant. So it's not a big deal.”
"I'm being honored at the bachelor banquet next week." He began.
"I know." She said dryly.
She didn't want to talk about the fucking bachelor event.
Lost in his own thoughts, Chris struggled to find new reasons why he couldn't ask her out. But nothing he came up with made much sense.
They had spent two nights together already in his apartment, and would spend tonight there as well. He wouldn't call them friends but she's an ish. Friend-ish. Can't you go out with an ish? Aren't they out now? At a restaurant of all places? Why can't this keep happening? What's the big deal?
"Er..... I wanna ask you something." Chris fidgeted with his hands nervously.
He was happy for the white table cloth that hid the trembling of his fingers.
Reece emptied her glass and poured a refill.
"What's up?" She gestured for him to continue.
He took a deep breath.
Against every warning in his head. He had to ask. There'll never be any successes without taking chances. And this chance is worth it. He only hoped she'd see it the same way. Getting to know each other, hanging out more, being in more business deals together, he wanted all of it.
He coached himself. “It's not like I'm asking her to marry me or have sex with me right here in the restaurant. So it's not a big deal.”
"I'm being honored at the bachelor banquet next week." He began.
"I know." She said dryly.
She didn't want to talk about the fucking bachelor event.
Yay, he's being honored for his ability to remain single. Big fucking deal!
Annoyed, she drank another full glass to completion.
Annoyed, she drank another full glass to completion.
When she didn’t say anything audibly after “I know” he cleared his throat and continued.
"Anyways, I um, I wanted to ask you to go with me." He managed to say what he wanted to say.
"Go with you?" She asked, confused.
"Yeah. I um, I usually don't win these things. But since Daniel is a married man now. I finally get the award this year." He seemed excited.
When Reece didn't reply, he continued.
"It's not only about the unmarried status, they don't just honor anyone off the streets. It's given to only the most elite men. I've never won since Daniel held the position for several years. I always wondered what it would be like to win and have women fall all over me for a night. Haha." His chuckle sounded creepy. The nervousness in his voice, along with her silence didn't help the awkwardness of the situation either. It was as if someone farted in a crowded room and everyone heard as well as smelled the unwelcome intrusion.
He should've stopped there, but the idiot kept going. "Not that girls don't do that regularly, fall all over me I mean. Haha. But this time it's an event well known to the US 1%. I mean who would turn that down. You can network again. A lot of rich folks will be there." At this point he wished for someone to stuff a dinner roll in his mouth, just to shut him up.
Reece waited for him to be finished. Her expression was unreadable. He wanted more than anything to see even a hint of annoyance or even humor on her face. But there was nothing to interpret, nothing to go on. Nothing at all.
"So....what do you say? Will you go? With me?" He asked again.
"I can't go. I'll be busy. I have photo shoots next week." She replied dryly.
"Your photo shoots are on Monday. The event is next weekend. C'mon it'll be fun." He tried to convince her.
"I just found out that the state cleared the store for the opening, so I'll be busy planning that. I have to hire store workers and I'd like to train them personally before I let them anywhere near my company." She found an excuse she knew he'd accept. The truth was tied into it as well as the subtle "fuck you and your stupid bachelor award" that she wanted to say.
"Why didn't you tell me it got sorted out? I know I don't own any of it anymore but you could've at least told me anyway." Pouting wasn't an expression that looked good on a man over 6 feet, but she found him annoyingly adorable when he did it.
"I just found out a couple of minutes ago. I told Draya first and now you."
He continued to pout until she smiled at him. The bastard knew how to get under her skin as well as cool her heated temper.
"You're such a child." She complained with a giggle.
A waiter approached them and left menus at their table. He parked the liquor cart nearby while he cleared the other tables.
"You can make it up to me by going with me to this thing next weekend. I'll find the staff you need for the store, and I'll help you with the hiring process." He tried once more to convince her.
The idea of going to this event wasn't the point, going to it with her could be an opportunity to test the waters of the ish. The ish part of their relationship is what he wanted to explore. Friends could hang out anywhere and it wouldn't be weird. He wouldn't be nervous if she was just a friend, and she'd drop everything to run to her friend if she considered him one.
"Do you think it'll be weird or something? Going with me?" He asked straight forwardly.
"Look, I'm all about women empowerment, not praising men to be assholes for the rest of their lives." She didn't even try to be subtle about her disdain towards the award.
Chris gasped dramatically. "That's not what it is about and you know it."
"Do we have time for this right now? Don't you have another client to see?" She tried to change the subject.
"I sorted it out through an email while I was with the other client. It's already dinner time, I'm tired. I'm not seeing anyone else today. I don't know how CEO's do this boring shit every day." He reached his hand across, grabbing a bottle of scotch from the liquor cart. He opened it, and filled his glass.
Reece's eyes bulged open.
"Are you allowed to do that?" She asked in a low voice, looking around to ensure no one saw him.
"I'm a Lannister. I can do whatever I want. What's a hundred and ninety dollar bottle of scotch compared to the money I'll spend on dinner?" He finished the liquor in his glass and poured more.
"There's that arrogance I was beginning to miss this weekend. The good guy routine didn't suit you at all." Her sarcasm made him smirk.
"You like my arrogance just a little bit." He stared into her eyes until she lowered her gaze.
Her cheeks reacted to the blush as the color pink flushed her skin.
"I don't like you at all." She said with her eyes on her empty plate.
"Are you going to come to the event with me or not? I'm almost begging here, and I don't beg." He tried one last time.
Reece didn't see the point in agreeing to go to an event just to watch women flirt with the man she liked, and she couldn't even tell him how she felt.
But he asked. He didn't have to. He could go with anyone, and for some reason he wants to go with her. She smiled at the thought of showing up with him. Some people wouldn't approve, especially his sister. The troublemaker in her head, liked this possibility of pissing off Miss Popularity.
"I think..." She was about to agree, but he held up a hand to stop her when his phone rang.
He quickly fished it from his pocket. The ringtone was different from the usual reflection tune he used for everyone else.
She frowned at the romantic ringtone.
Chris smiled as he swiped the screen.
"Hey." He continued to smile as he listened to the person on the other line.
Was it fair to call it eavesdropping if the conversation was being had less than a feet away?
"I miss you too." He said to whoever it was.
By now Reece had her nails dug deep into the table cloth. She didn't realize how hard she gripped it until it tore.
"I'm sitting in a restaurant. What are you doing?" He asked the person.
"When will you be back?" He asked a follow up question.
"I'm getting awarded next weekend at the event we go to every year."
Reece’s eyes widened. “Every year?”
In that moment, she knew he wasn't talking to a man. And the person he was talking to didn't sound like a friend either. Reece seethed uncomfortably.
“Why the fuck am I jealous? We're not together. He can do whatever he wants.” She reminded herself.
But hearing the words in her mind didn't help the anger in her heart.
His laughter traveled into her ears. The happier he seemed, the more she knew she had to stay away from him. Liking someone who likes someone else never works out well for anybody. She knew this from experience.
"Call me later. . .I love you too." Chris hung up and put his phone away.
He poured more scotch into his glass and sipped it slowly. The smile on his face stretched even wider.
"So, are you going to go with me? I don't want to go alone." He revisited their previous conversation.
“I won't be your fucking space holder until Miss I love you comes back.” Is what she should’ve said.
"Anyways, I um, I wanted to ask you to go with me." He managed to say what he wanted to say.
"Go with you?" She asked, confused.
"Yeah. I um, I usually don't win these things. But since Daniel is a married man now. I finally get the award this year." He seemed excited.
When Reece didn't reply, he continued.
"It's not only about the unmarried status, they don't just honor anyone off the streets. It's given to only the most elite men. I've never won since Daniel held the position for several years. I always wondered what it would be like to win and have women fall all over me for a night. Haha." His chuckle sounded creepy. The nervousness in his voice, along with her silence didn't help the awkwardness of the situation either. It was as if someone farted in a crowded room and everyone heard as well as smelled the unwelcome intrusion.
He should've stopped there, but the idiot kept going. "Not that girls don't do that regularly, fall all over me I mean. Haha. But this time it's an event well known to the US 1%. I mean who would turn that down. You can network again. A lot of rich folks will be there." At this point he wished for someone to stuff a dinner roll in his mouth, just to shut him up.
Reece waited for him to be finished. Her expression was unreadable. He wanted more than anything to see even a hint of annoyance or even humor on her face. But there was nothing to interpret, nothing to go on. Nothing at all.
"So....what do you say? Will you go? With me?" He asked again.
"I can't go. I'll be busy. I have photo shoots next week." She replied dryly.
"Your photo shoots are on Monday. The event is next weekend. C'mon it'll be fun." He tried to convince her.
"I just found out that the state cleared the store for the opening, so I'll be busy planning that. I have to hire store workers and I'd like to train them personally before I let them anywhere near my company." She found an excuse she knew he'd accept. The truth was tied into it as well as the subtle "fuck you and your stupid bachelor award" that she wanted to say.
"Why didn't you tell me it got sorted out? I know I don't own any of it anymore but you could've at least told me anyway." Pouting wasn't an expression that looked good on a man over 6 feet, but she found him annoyingly adorable when he did it.
"I just found out a couple of minutes ago. I told Draya first and now you."
He continued to pout until she smiled at him. The bastard knew how to get under her skin as well as cool her heated temper.
"You're such a child." She complained with a giggle.
A waiter approached them and left menus at their table. He parked the liquor cart nearby while he cleared the other tables.
"You can make it up to me by going with me to this thing next weekend. I'll find the staff you need for the store, and I'll help you with the hiring process." He tried once more to convince her.
The idea of going to this event wasn't the point, going to it with her could be an opportunity to test the waters of the ish. The ish part of their relationship is what he wanted to explore. Friends could hang out anywhere and it wouldn't be weird. He wouldn't be nervous if she was just a friend, and she'd drop everything to run to her friend if she considered him one.
"Do you think it'll be weird or something? Going with me?" He asked straight forwardly.
"Look, I'm all about women empowerment, not praising men to be assholes for the rest of their lives." She didn't even try to be subtle about her disdain towards the award.
Chris gasped dramatically. "That's not what it is about and you know it."
"Do we have time for this right now? Don't you have another client to see?" She tried to change the subject.
"I sorted it out through an email while I was with the other client. It's already dinner time, I'm tired. I'm not seeing anyone else today. I don't know how CEO's do this boring shit every day." He reached his hand across, grabbing a bottle of scotch from the liquor cart. He opened it, and filled his glass.
Reece's eyes bulged open.
"Are you allowed to do that?" She asked in a low voice, looking around to ensure no one saw him.
"I'm a Lannister. I can do whatever I want. What's a hundred and ninety dollar bottle of scotch compared to the money I'll spend on dinner?" He finished the liquor in his glass and poured more.
"There's that arrogance I was beginning to miss this weekend. The good guy routine didn't suit you at all." Her sarcasm made him smirk.
"You like my arrogance just a little bit." He stared into her eyes until she lowered her gaze.
Her cheeks reacted to the blush as the color pink flushed her skin.
"I don't like you at all." She said with her eyes on her empty plate.
"Are you going to come to the event with me or not? I'm almost begging here, and I don't beg." He tried one last time.
Reece didn't see the point in agreeing to go to an event just to watch women flirt with the man she liked, and she couldn't even tell him how she felt.
But he asked. He didn't have to. He could go with anyone, and for some reason he wants to go with her. She smiled at the thought of showing up with him. Some people wouldn't approve, especially his sister. The troublemaker in her head, liked this possibility of pissing off Miss Popularity.
"I think..." She was about to agree, but he held up a hand to stop her when his phone rang.
He quickly fished it from his pocket. The ringtone was different from the usual reflection tune he used for everyone else.
She frowned at the romantic ringtone.
Chris smiled as he swiped the screen.
"Hey." He continued to smile as he listened to the person on the other line.
Was it fair to call it eavesdropping if the conversation was being had less than a feet away?
"I miss you too." He said to whoever it was.
By now Reece had her nails dug deep into the table cloth. She didn't realize how hard she gripped it until it tore.
"I'm sitting in a restaurant. What are you doing?" He asked the person.
"When will you be back?" He asked a follow up question.
"I'm getting awarded next weekend at the event we go to every year."
Reece’s eyes widened. “Every year?”
In that moment, she knew he wasn't talking to a man. And the person he was talking to didn't sound like a friend either. Reece seethed uncomfortably.
“Why the fuck am I jealous? We're not together. He can do whatever he wants.” She reminded herself.
But hearing the words in her mind didn't help the anger in her heart.
His laughter traveled into her ears. The happier he seemed, the more she knew she had to stay away from him. Liking someone who likes someone else never works out well for anybody. She knew this from experience.
"Call me later. . .I love you too." Chris hung up and put his phone away.
He poured more scotch into his glass and sipped it slowly. The smile on his face stretched even wider.
"So, are you going to go with me? I don't want to go alone." He revisited their previous conversation.
“I won't be your fucking space holder until Miss I love you comes back.” Is what she should’ve said.
But instead…
"Let's just finish what we came here to do and go back to our jobs and our lives. I don't want to mix business with anything else. I’m too busy for parties. I honestly have better things to do with my time." Her harsh words left a silence at the table.
Even ordering dinner was quiet since they both decided to point at the menu instead of using words to say what they wanted to eat.
Chris snuck a glance at the human headache in front of him.
In his mind he said four words and decided to give it a rest.
"Fuck it! I tried."
One week later
"Let's just finish what we came here to do and go back to our jobs and our lives. I don't want to mix business with anything else. I’m too busy for parties. I honestly have better things to do with my time." Her harsh words left a silence at the table.
Even ordering dinner was quiet since they both decided to point at the menu instead of using words to say what they wanted to eat.
Chris snuck a glance at the human headache in front of him.
In his mind he said four words and decided to give it a rest.
"Fuck it! I tried."
One week later
New York's upper east side most eligible bachelor's banquet is just about the most extravagant event of the year. CEO's, heirs, billionaires, millionaires and sometimes male models from all over the world were invited and honored at this event.
The committee responsible were sponsored by Pepsi, tidal, apple and Budweiser. The five star hotels on this side of town had been filling up over the weekend, in preparation for this big night. The penthouses of just about every hotel were booked a week in advance.
Chris Lanister is one of this year's honorees and he decided to check into a hotel closer to the event, rather than use his apartment.
"How come we're staying in a hotel?" His best friend Charlotte; and date for the event tonight asked as she dropped her bags in the pristine suite.
-Because my apartment smells like her and I'd rather not go there and think about her, when I'm with you of all people.-
"It's dirty." He said after some time passed.
Chris peeled off his jacket, followed by his shirt, then his shoes, and jeans, leaving only his socks, tattooed sculpted body, and Calvin Klein boxers.
The suite he selected had all the makings of a bachelor pad; black walls, modern kitchenette, leather sectional with cup holders, smart tv, king sized bed with a leather upholstered headboard, master bathroom with his and her sinks, walk in shower, bath tub with pulsating jets, a safe, several towel racks and a private space for the toilet.
Charlotte looked around in disappointment. She's never been in a hotel with Chris except for their trips outside the country. It seemed odd that he picked a hotel instead of his apartment, an apartment she helped him decorate.
"How was your flight?" He asked from behind her. His cool breath brushing lightly against her skin.
"Long." Is all she said.
Charlotte has big brown eyes, dark curly hair, a beautiful body and skin as smooth as cream. Her special tan is a result of her Indian mixed mother and Russian father. Their union was frowned upon for some time by her father's parents, but they didn't let anyone control their lives. Charlotte experienced some weird looks and comments from stuck up rich kids about her skin color when she was younger, but, never from Chris. He accepted her the moment they met and never treated her differently, protected her and loved her for as long as she could remember.
"I could've helped you clean the apartment C. I like it there. Why can't we go over there instead? You know I hate change." Charlotte whined in a soft voice he could hardly say no to.
Pushing her long, curly hair away from her neck, he placed a kiss to her bare shoulder.
"You just got back. I wouldn't let you clean my place." He spoke in a voice she loved to hear. Deep and husky.
He placed another kiss beside the first and continued up. Dragging his tongue up to the side of her ear.
A soft moan slipped from her lips.
"I've seen it dirty. What are you hiding over there?" She wanted to know, even though her words came out in a breathy whisper instead of an accusatory tone.
He bent to scoop her up and throw her over his shoulder. "Kiss first, questions later." Is all he said as he threw her on the bed.
Charlotte giggled happily. Her body sunk into the duvet as he climbed over her.
She wrapped her hands around his neck, and her legs around his waist.
He bent to kiss her neck again, peppering feathered kisses along her shoulder, making a new path of kisses to her ear.
"You're really sweet when you want to be." She told him as he undressed her. Her light brown nipples puckered, ready to receive all the kisses and licks he would soon shower them with.
"I'm sweet to you all the time." He said with a growl. Latching on to a nipple, she cried out from the intensity of his wet lips, warm tongue and the pool of wetness in her underwear.
He spun them so she'd be straddling him. With this angle he could suck her nipples and peel his boxers down at the same time.
Thankfully she wore a dress and all he had to do was rip the undies away.
His erection rubbed against her entrance and she slapped his chest in protest. "Condom." She insisted.
He rolled to the side of the bed. He grabbed his discarded pants without letting her escape from her position on top of him. He rolled one on and didn't warn her before thrusting inside.
Chris stayed in bed making business calls that afternoon. He hated the needy bastards, but until Camille was free to return to the family business, he had a job to do.
His Balmain suit for the special night arrived an hour early and it's hanging in a garment bag in the middle of the suite. There's not much for him to do as far as getting ready.
His short, dark brown hair looks sexy even if it's ruffled, its impossible for him to have a bad hair day...or a bad any body part day for that matter.
After his last email was sent, he tapped the twitter icon to log in.
He scrolled the notifications until he reached...hers.
Reece posted a topless picture at the pool side of a mansion in the Hampton's. She had returned to Florida after their mini work trip last week, and immediately after wrapping up her photo shoots and other business there, she was on a jet to the Hampton's for a celebrity pool party.
He rolled his eyes at how perfect her breasts looked even with her nipples covered with ice cream emojis.
Inane jealousy and hidden rage coursed through his veins. CJ noticed something important after their week together ended. He was far too interested in her, not just her perfect eyes, beautiful smile, lovely laugh, sexy body. No, not just that. He was interested in her. As a person. Maybe that would've been fine to experiment in the past. Maybe it would've been okay to give it a try. If Cornwall didn't fucking ruin everything with his last email.
Half truths stormed his brain after opening that dreadful thing. Nothing was confirmed for sure or set in stone but the information he received had shocked him. Shocked him to the point of despair. He didn't know if he wanted Reece to be the woman Cornwall said she was. Her parents, her real parents just couldn't be who he said they'd be. What were the fucking odds?
He closed his phone and turned over to the brunette lying next to him. Charlotte Muir. High school sweetheart and best friend forever. It wouldn't be possible to put into words, or even attempt to describe what Charlotte meant to him. But why the fuck was he never jealous of her? No matter how many years he's known her, or how many trials they've faced as individuals, or together. He's never been jealous. Not once.
Not until till Reece. She was his first choice for a date to the bachelor's banquet this year. Hell, she was his only choice. Even if nothing could ever happen. He selfishly wanted every kind of moment he could have with her.
But she said no. Busy is the word she used.
“Clearly she doesn't give a shit, since she hasn't even made an attempt to call me or even send a text after our work trip had ended. It was as if I didn't exist. And here I am thinking of her. And missing her. I must be fucking crazy!” He could run from many things, but he couldn’t escape his own thoughts.
CJ grabbed his phone and peeled the covers back. He's lying in bed, sheets ruffled and he pulled the hem to his hips showing that sexy v.
He snapped a photo with his iPhone and posted it to his timeline on Twitter. Knowing she followed him, he hoped like hell she would see it.
He added a caption with appropriate hashtags.
Taking over the city for the weekend. #BachelorsBanquetTonight #NYC #EveryoneWhosAnyoneWillBeThere!
He hit send and a devilish smirk played on his lips.
