I actually enjoyed the day very much.
The tasting was perfect. We talked about everything, and I felt normal. I felt as if we were a normal couple spending the day together.
He seemed different. Something wasn’t right. I just don’t know what.
He made me feel giddy. And a part of me didn’t like it.
He then drove us back to the mansion. We were both a little tipsy, so the way up the stairs took some time for me.
“Why don’t you shower here, and I can shower in the guest bedroom?” he suggested.
“Okay.”
He left, and I took a long and relaxing shower.
When I was done, I wore my silk pajama set. Opening the bathroom door, I could see there was someone in the room. Xavier was lying on the bed without a care in the world.
“Great, you’re done. Come here.”
I slowly approached and when I was in arm’s reach he pulled me onto the bed. He kissed my neck and made me lie down. He grabbed my waist and pulled me toward him.
Putting his head into my neck, he whispered, “I had an amazing day, love. I hope you did too.”
“I did as well.”
He didn’t say anything after that. We just lay there, with him cuddling me till I fell asleep.
The next morning, I was awakened by Xavier. He was kissing my eyelids, my eyebrows, my temple, my cheeks, and when he neared my lips, I opened my eyes.
“What are you doing?” I questioned.
“Waking you up. It worked.” He smiled.
“It did.” I pushed him off me and I made my way into the bathroom to get ready for work. It was Monday after all.
The weekend passed far too quickly. I need to call the girls. It feels like I haven’t seen them in ages.
“Kat?” He called after me.
“What?”
“Mr. Yoshima called, and he wants to have the meeting today if you are up for it. Do you have the designs ready?”
“I do, but how did he know I finished them so fast?”
“Well, I might have mentioned that my amazing girlfriend might have done them and that you finished them in record time.
“Also, if this deal goes right, there might be a contract for you. It’s a huge deal.” He smiled.
“Okay. Sure, I can do the meeting today. Text me the details and time.”
“Great. I have to run to make sure everything is ready. See you then.” He gave me a quick peck on the lips and left.
I got dressed in a skin-tight dress with killer black heels. I completed my look with red lipstick and a red coat. My hair was let down, and I was ready to go.
At work, I took the time to Google Mr. Yoshima. He was a big deal in Tokyo. A contract with him would definitely be worth millions.
Was I really ready to destroy this deal?
I had to take a few minutes to think about this, but in the end, I realized screwing Xavier was worth more than the bloody millions.
But I have never ever failed at a project before. And this time I was doing it on purpose.
My phone pinged, and I looked at the message.
“Love, the meeting will be at six pm, and my driver will pick you up after work. Okay?”
“Ok.” I texted back.
“What, no 'have a nice day' or something?” he texted back. Of course, he wants to see if I care for him or not.
“No, now leave me alone, so I can work.”
“Miss you too, love.”
Fucking idiot.
I threw myself into my work, so the time could pass quicker.
By the time the clock hit five pm, I was a shaking, sweating mess.
Was I really doing this? YES, my subconscious yelled back.
I grabbed my things and made my way down. In the lift, I ran into some coworkers, and they invited me out for drinks. I sadly had to decline.
The driver was already waiting for me. He held the door of the black Audi open for me.
“Good evening, Mrs. Lexington.”
“Evening, it’s Miss Carlone!” I argued back.
“Yes, Mrs. Lexington,” he just replied.
Oh, he is definitely getting on my nerves. I am certain Xavier is behind this. That prick.
The drive to Xavier’s office took a while. But when we finally arrived after forty-five minutes, I realized this wasn’t his office.
Who names a hotel with a name like that?
Why does he do this? Fuck.
I stepped inside, and I was greeted by the hotel manager by the looks of it.
“Mrs. Lexington, please follow me. Mister is waiting for you by the bar.”
Again with the Mrs. God, I really have to have a talk with him.
I followed the man into the bar area. The bar was made of black marble, and the theme of the room was modern chic. It made the whole atmosphere relaxed and expensive.
When Xavier turned, I could see that he was wearing a black suit with a black dress shirt with the top two buttons undone. He looked delicious, like always.
I shook my head to rid myself of these thoughts.
“Hello, love. You made it.” He took the covered sketches from me and hugged me.
“I missed you.” He kissed my cheek and guided me to the bar seat.
“A glass of chardonnay,” he ordered. Taking his seat next to me, he took a long swing of his whiskey.
“Why did you name the hotel like that?” I couldn’t hold the question back. I was fuming on the inside. How dare he.
“I wanted to remember you every time I had to come here and deal with business. And it doesn’t hurt that everyone knows now that a special woman named Katherine owns my heart.”
I laughed. “Really? Well, that’s the shittiest excuse I have ever heard. You don’t know me. Remember that. And it is an awful name for a top-notch hotel,” I noted.
“Well, I think it is perfect. I’m starting a chain of hotels with the name Katherine.” He winked at me.
Bastard.
“And what is it with everyone calling me Mrs. Lexington ?” I took a huge sip of my wine.
“Well, I thought people should start getting accustomed to the name. They will be calling you that in a short while.” He explained.
I almost choked with my wine.
“What? Are you crazy? You think I would marry you. Ha ha! That’s the best joke I heard all year.” I laughed.
But his face stayed the same, with that little smirk playing on his lips.
“Love, don’t say never. You never know what will happen. You are already starting to like me, slowly. So who is to say you won’t fall for me as well?”
I was speechless. I needed to think of a good comeback, but before I could say something the manager came and informed us that the meeting was to start.
We both got up, and Xavier held my hand and in the other my sketches.
“You will be great. I am sure the designs are amazing.” He kissed my temple and led me into the meeting room.
I was scared. I was about to ruin everything, and I could feel the guilt I would feel after.
When we stepped into the room, I could see a huge table surrounded by chairs. There were already two men waiting inside. One had to be Mr. Yoshima. The other an assistant, probably.
The men stood up and approached us.
Xavier was the first to speak.
“Mr. Yoshima, this is my love, Katherine.” Really, he could have just said this is Katherine.
He held his hand out to me to shake.
“A pleasure,” I responded
“Likewise.” He smiled at me and then turned to the other man.
“This is my assistant, Gabriel.” The man only nodded in acknowledgment.
“Well, let’s start.” Xavier pulled my chair out, and we all sat down.
“We have already discussed everything about the deal, so we are here to only look at the designs. The designs were made by Katherine here.” He smiled when he looked at me.
He pulled the sketches toward him and opened the cover.
When he pulled the designs out, his face turned white.
This was the first time I actually saw Xavier speechless. He looked toward me, and he was still in shock.
Mr. Yoshima grew impatient and pulled the designs out of Xavier’s hand and took a look. I looked down at the table. I couldn’t witness the face he was to make when he saw the horrid designs.
“Is this a joke?” Mr. Yoshima asked.
