CHAPTER SIX

Claire's POV. 

I swallow hard, not knowing how to answer that question. 

If I say yes, my ego will scream at me from the pain. Saying no sounded more convenient. 

So what if I am in trouble? 

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

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

I hear him breath sharply, almost like he’s irritated. Then his voice came, low and dominating, even through the call. 

“You're a terrible liar, Minnie Mouse,” His voice reverberates through the device.

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

I quickly shake my head, as if he is 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 lower my hand from my ears, my brows twitching with confusion. Now what the hell just happened?

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

No, that can't be possible. 

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

But what if…

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

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

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

I hear 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 widen after hearing that. I thought we are playing pretend? So how come he cares 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 Minnie Mouse. Meet me at seven. And wear something nice.” He shuns me once more, the beeping sounds of the call disconnecting ringing in my ears. 

My heart flutters with a strangely good feeling. Sometimes I hate that he threw orders around and I have to obey every one to the letter. And other times, I kind of like it. 

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

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

My dresses are 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 seems nice enough to fit into the “girlfriend” vibe. 

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

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

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

But since I need money, I have no choice. 

I plop out of the cab, and then walked towards the tall black rods that joined to form a gate. I opened the small part with my spare keys and headed for the mansion. 

The moment I push the front door open, I meet the furious glare of an elderly woman. My heart stops for a second as the atmosphere grows tense. 

Shit. 

Scott's grandmother. 

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

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

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

Dear Lord, help me find the right excuse. 

I slowly walk in, keeping my head facing down. 

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

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

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

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

Not knowing what to do, I part 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 is. 

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

Wait, a smile? That is actually the first time I've seen him smile!

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

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

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

When he breaks the kiss, I can see the brightness in his eyes. My cheeks burn so hard under his gaze. I attempt to look away but he tilts my chin upwards. 

“Tell me, did you miss me?” He asks.