You look attractive

I made sure I wasn’t late this time as I walked into Pierce Enterprises, my heels clicking against the polished floor. Being late wasn’t in my work ethic, and after making my point by arriving late to my last meeting with him, I had no intention of repeating it. This time, I was here early and ready to face the man waiting in his office.

His assistant made my presence known to him as usual. I walked into his office “Hello, Mr Pierce”

“You're early. That's surprising” he wasn't looking at me.

I had sent him the soft copy of the concepts of the resort before coming. That's probably what he is looking at

“I'm not usually late for meetings” he looks up at me.

“Have a seat” he pointed out and I did “I had asked you to change this. I want the main building positioned closer to the entrance.”

I brought out hard copies of the plan. I looked through it. Then I pointed out at the spot he was complaining about

“I took a closer look at it and I don't think that will work” he frowned “if the main building is too close to the entrance, guests will see the parking and service areas before they see the resort’s best feature” he didn't say a word so I continued “The arrival experience needs to be designed deliberately. When the guest enters, the first thing they’ll see is the landscaped path, then the glimpse of the pool. They enter the lobby and they're welcomed with a panoramic view”

“You’re asking me to sacrifice usable land for aesthetics.”

“No. I’m asking you to use the land to sell the experience.” I said “People don’t book luxury resorts because they want four walls and a bed. They pay for the experience. If the first thing they see when they arrive is a parking lot, you’ve already lost part of that experience.”

“And your solution?”

“Leave the arrival court here. Hide the service entrance behind the landscaping. Open the lobby toward the pool. The moment guests walk in, this is what they see.” I turned the plan around. Alexander studies it for a while. Then I continued “You’ll actually be able to justify a higher room rate because you’re selling the view from the moment they arrive.”

“That might work” he finally admitted. How hard was that? “That would be all”

“So that’s it?” I asked with a smile “Mr Pierce, you should be lucky, you have me as your architect. If it were someone else, they would have been scared to correct you.”

“Lucky!” he didn't say much but that alone held sarcasm

“So since we're done with this. Why don't we talk about you?” he didn't say anything “Has anyone told you, you look really attractive when working?”

He looked up at me. For a moment we didn't say anything and just stared at each other. “You know that day at the meeting, I just couldn't stop staring at you. You looked so hot”

“Miss Sinclair” he didn't look angry. Just irritated. “The meeting is done. Tomorrow, we’ll go to the site together. Now leave my office”

I rested my chin in both hands, my elbows propped on the table as I gazed at him with a soft, loving smile. “What if I don’t want to leave?” he stared at me leaning forward.

“Then, I'll throw you out of my office, myself” he wasn't joking or at least he didn't look as if he was joking.

“I've never seen someone so unromantic” I stood up to leave. I stopped and turned “Just so you know, I'm not scared of you. I'm not leaving because of your threats. I'm leaving because I have another meeting which I don't want to be late for”

***

Alexander’s POV

The door closed behind her. I remained still for a moment, staring at it. Arielle Sinclair, the woman had a remarkable talent for getting under my skin.

“What if I don’t want to leave?” I stared at her. She couldn’t possibly be serious.

I told her that I'll throw her out of here. She knew I wasn't joking yet she didn't even flinch instead she had looked me straight in the eyes and told me she wasn’t scared of me.

Most people couldn’t hold my gaze for more than a few seconds. She had done it as though she had nothing to lose. And then she’d casually told me she had another meeting and needed to leave. Just like that.

My jaw tightened. Then there was the flirting. The shameless, deliberate flirting, the lingering looks, and the little smiles. The way she seemed to enjoy watching my reaction whenever she crossed a line.

It didn’t feel accidental. Arielle knew exactly what she was doing. And that was what bothered me. I leaned back in my chair, my fingers tapping once against the desk before becoming completely still.

There was always a reason. And I intended to find out those reasons. I reached for the phone on my desk.

“Send Daniel in.” A few minutes later, the door opened.

“Sir?”

Daniel stepped inside with an iPad in hand. I looked at him. “Close the door.” He did.

“I want a background check on Arielle Sinclair”

“ On Ms. Sinclair.”

“Did I stutter?”

“No sir”

I leaned back in my chair. “I want everything you can find on her.” Daniel’s expression shifted slightly.

“Everything?”

“Everything” He waited and I continued “Education, Family, Previous employment, Business associations, where she’s lived, and who she’s worked with.”

Daniel nodded, typing rapidly. “Anything specific you’re looking for?” I held his gaze “I’ll look into her.” He turned toward the door.

“And, Daniel?” He stopped.

“Yes, sir?”

I picked up the pen on my desk and rolled it between my fingers. “Keep it discreet.”

“Understood. “He gave a short nod and left.

I stared at the closed door. Arielle Sinclair wanted to play games with me. Fine. But before I played, I wanted to know exactly who I was playing with.