CHAPTER SIX

Claire's POV. 

I swallowed hard, not knowing how to answer that question. If I said yes, my ego would scream at me from the pain. Saying no sounded more convenient. 

So what if I was in trouble? 

He didn't need to know that. I accepted his proposal and that was all. 

“No sir. I just think the idea is profitable,” I managed, clutching tightly to the phone. 

I heard him breath sharply, almost like he was irritated. Then his voice came, low and dominating. Even through a damn call. 

“You're a terrible liar, Minnie Mouse,” His voice reverberated through the other end.

Oh God. Why was it so damn hard for him to believe me? 

I quickly shook my head, as if he was standing right in front of me, “No sir. You–I honestly just told you–”

“Meet at my apartment by seven p.m, Mouse. Don't be late.” He cut me off with the order.

I lowered my hand from my ears, my brows twitching with confusion. Now what the hell just happened?

He was in Newark on business. And suddenly he wanted to come down to the city for me? Really?

No, that couldn't be possible. 

Scott was arrogant, overbearing and definitely far from nice. He had to be coming home because of other reasons. 

But what if…

“Did you hear me?” Scott's voice came again, reminding me that I was still on the call. 

I quickly returned the phone to my ears, racking my head for the next words to say. 

“Sir, you're coming home because of me?” The words escaped my mouth before I could stop them, making me bite hard on my lips.

I heard him breath a smirk, “well, you're my girlfriend now. And that means you're now my responsibility. I hope that answers your question.”

My eyes widened after hearing that. I thought we were playing pretend? So how come he cared enough to put his business on hold?

“No–no sir. I–there’s no need for you to. This isn't a real–”

“No buts Mouse. Meet me at seven. And wear something nice.” He shunned me once more, the beeping sounds of the call disconnecting rang in my ears. 

My heart fluttered with a strangely good feeling. Sometimes I hated that he threw orders around and I had to obey every one to the letter. And other times, I kind of liked it. 

I sighed, turning my gaze towards the brown polished wardrobe with some clothes peeking out. Despite having so many options to pick from, I now felt limited. 

I stalked over, pulling out dresses and checking them out on the teddy bear shaped mirror opposite the wardrobe. 

My dresses were either too modest or too revealing. I ended up settling for a purple dress with a sweetheart cut that stopped just before my knees. It seemed nice enough to fit into the “girlfriend” vibe. 

After styling my hair, and applying some make up, I walked out of the house. In a couple of minutes, I arrived at the mansion. The sunset cast over the mansion in a beautiful golden light, giving it a somewhat dreamy look. 

But something about tonight was different. On other nights, I'd come here as his secretary, but tonight I was coming here as his “girl”. That was the last thing I wanted to be anyway. 

He was too arrogant to have a woman around. Too nonchalant too. 

But since I needed money, I had no choice. 

I plopped out of the taxi, and then I walked towards the tall black rods that joined to form a gate. I opened the small part and headed for the mansion. 

The moment I pushed the front door open, I met the furious glare of an elderly woman. My heart stopped for a second as the atmosphere grew tense. 

Shit. 

Scott's grandmother. 

I'd totally forgotten she was going to be at his place. She eyed me from head to toe, displeasure clearly written all over her face. 

Then she clasped her hands behind her, her brows arching tighter. 

“Young lady, shouldn't you be at work? What are you doing here?” She questioned. 

Dear Lord, help me find the right excuse. 

I slowly walked in, keeping my head facing down. 

“Files. He'd sent me to get files,” I lied smoothly, hoping that she'd buy the lie. 

“Files? Are you going to deliver the files telepathically? Isn't he in Newark anymore?” She interrogated me, immediately making me feel stupid for my first response. 

I bit hard on my tongue, the sounds of my racing heart echoing through my ears. Now what was I going to say?

If I said one more word, she'd probably come up with more questions. But if I kept quiet, she'd still question me. 

Not knowing what to do, I parted my lips, hoping that whatever came out of my mouth was going to help the situation. 

“Well, I–”

“Hey baby,” A familiar voice cut me off, making me spin around. 

There he was. 

My annoying boss clad in a white shirt and black slacks. He was holding a bouquet of roses and a small pink gift bag. His lips had the perfect smile I'd ever seen.

Wait, a smile? That was actually the first time I'd seen him smile!

I'd never have thought that he was capable of it. 

My mouth was half-opened, no words coming out due to the shock I was feeling. But then he started approaching, and his musky scent hit my nostrils, making me feel a strange sense of safety. 

He wrapped a hand around my waist, pressing his lips against mine so fast that I didn't have time to resist. His lips were soft and so hot at the same time. The tender kiss sent literal sparks down my core. 

When he broke the kiss, I could see the brightness in his eyes. My cheeks burned so hard under his gaze. I attempted to look away but he tilted my chin upwards. 

“Tell me, did you miss me?” He asked.