Chapter 6

Ethan

The noise from downstairs interrupted my beautiful morning sleep. The morning light crawled across the floor of the room like an intruder, unapologetically bright.

Sounds of blenders and pots falling kept coming from downstairs. I wonder who was playing with the kitchen utensils and interrupting my sleep.

I stormed downstairs murmuring with so much fury. Is it so difficult to keep the noise down this early,I need my… I paused mid sentence.

Standing by the kitchen island draped in crimson lace nightwear wasn't the cook but my beautiful contract girlfriend who for some reason seemed confused around the kitchen. The lacey fabric sat perfectly on her skin revealing her alluring curves.

I switched off the blender and with a startled look she turned around. Her cleavage left me stunned. It was the perfect amount of round,it looked delicate,soft and luscious. My imagination began running wild, I could picture the tip of my tongue stroking the nipples and making it hard while my fingers grabbed onto them like they were a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Did I wake you up Ethan? She questioned and without waiting for a response she quickly added. I couldn't sleep and I was super hungry so I thought to prepare something for myself but your kitchen is way too difficult to navigate. I mean who stacks pots in the upper cabinets?

My anger and frustration seemed to have died completely as I couldn't take my eyes off her bosom, they had an effect on me. I've never seen such perfect boobs in my life.

Well the kitchen is off limits to guests, we have cooks and staff waiting for a call. I finally found my voice to respond.

Are you trying to seduce me right now Kourtney?

Seduce you? She laughed hysterically. I'm not even trying yet I feel I've managed to.

Hey Ethan! My face is up here.

I walked over to the counter where she stood smirking, I guess it wasn't intentional but now that I've been seduced I'm not gonna let you go that easily.

Oh really Ethan, remember how hungry I left you last time don't test me now.

By this time my hands were tracing the lace on her shoulder up to her neck which seemed to send shivers down her spine.

Your staff are gonna see us Ethan

I don't really mind I responded

Well I do, she said in an authoritative tone

Let's go upstairs then

She walked with so much grace making sure her hips swayed in rhythms to entice me. My plan was to get revenge for the balcony escapades

I'm gonna leave her hanging and begging for more.

We got to the room and with swift motions she pinned me against the door.

Feisty I whispered, I love it.

Her hands traced the lines of my jaw down to my chest as she planted a kiss on my neck down to my chest and slowly kissed me while stroking my cock with one hand.she whispered in soft tones congratulations we're officially the IT couple, isn't that what you wanted? She began retreating as if she was done.

Hell no I'm not gonna get played like this

My dick was so hard I just wanted to get them in between those soft boobs and breast fuck her till I cum all over it.

I leaned in, my lips slightly brushing hers I could feel her heart begin to thud against my chest, a frantic rhythm as I grabbed her waist, pulling her close to me.I kissed her,lifted her up to the bed and in a blink of an eye her robe was torn in twos my mouth found its way to the nipples as I suckled on them giving each one the same amount of attention and care when suddenly her phone buzzed. She got up immediately, oh my goodness it's 9:55.

5 minutes till the meeting commences.

Ethan we're late! The board members would be pissed.

I watched her make a run for the shower as I left reluctantly to go get ready as well.

The drive from the pent house to the office was just an 8 minutes drive without traffic and thank God there wasn't any traffic to hinder us from getting to work on time.

My staff kept gawking at us as we stepped inside, most of them whispering in low tones while others pretended to be on their computer. I know they were probably talking before we arrived.

I watched Kourtney run to her desk to grab her files and jotter to take notes of points in the board room.

‎ The atmosphere in the boardroom was a bit tense. Fifteen men and 8 women in dark, expensive tailored suits sat round a mahogany table.

‎

‎ Finally Ethan, Darla stood up abruptly. We don't have time for a vanity project at the moment, pointing towards the projector she continued in a harsh tone lorel by Vance are launching their couple line in two weeks time, only a week away from ours and we know they stole the idea from us. They’re posing as threats to our market share in the under-thirty demographic. We need to start working on a masterpiece, introduce new designs and get new faces and most famous faces for the new issue. By the way, congratulations to both of you. Your IT couple's blogs and articles have raised the publicity of the company by a 75 percent figure and with that visibility it'll be easier to sell out pages in a week. you both need to attend every possible show throughout this week and next week. Congratulations once more. We've gotten all our previous investors back and two new ones. I hope we keep the same pace till this issue is completely sold out.

Ahem I cleared my throat as I stood up. Hello everyone thank you very much for your support and with due time I hope the company will reach the level we aim for. For the couple line, I'd love to introduce fresh new designs from one of our very own, the love of my life, Kourtney.

We don't have time for a vanity project,Ethan. Michael, one of the board members, barked.We need a masterpiece not a romantic gesture for your girlfriend.

Michael was never a fan of mine, he felt I got my position because of my father's status in the company and since then despised me.

This isn't a gesture Micheal, we need fresh new ideas and I'm presenting one,if you've got some ideas please do well to share with the room thank you very much.

Kourtney honey, please show your designs to the board.

Kourtney

I looked up at Ethan as he was speaking,he looked magical, I couldn't tear my away. His lips moved in a beautiful yet seducing way as he spoke to the board members. My favorite part of the meeting however was when he shut Michael down, I felt like he was defending me.

Kourtney honey, please show your designs to the board… he said in a soft tone.

My heart was in my throat as I stood up opening the digital files I had prepared earlier on. My designs,I began, my voice gaining confidence, aren't just conventional pieces, they're abstract pieces with different stories and emotions told through fabrics.The lines,the architectural patterns,the textures and colours all speak stories of their own.

I gestured to the screen, as we all know normal is boring. Why design something casual when we can give couples around the world a nostalgic feeling when they purchase outfits.Take this piece,imagine a couple who has finally conceived after years of trying. This flowing dress features intertwined stems that bloom into a flower at the center, signifying birth.

I paused to take a quick look at the audience, everyone was so intrigued and invested. I looked at Ethan ,he gave me a nod of approval and I continued showcasing my designs.

These designs aren't mere patterns on fabrics,I want couples all around the world to have a backstory when getting these pieces and also hope my designs are featured on this issue. Thank you very much.

The room erupted with applause as I walked back to my seat.

That was a beautiful presentation, Kourtney, Darla said, rising from her chair to address the room. Her praise felt like a seal of approval. I couldn't be more happy. I looked at Ethan as he sat there looking handsome. I owe my thanks to this man who knows if I didn't get into this contract I would never have been able to showcase my designs. We’ve reached the end of this meeting, Darla continued.Everyone, let's get started on the conceptual layouts and draft the initial spreads. We'll reconvene in an hour to formally assign roles and duties for this issue,all hands must be on deck to ensure the success of this issue.

Great job today Kourtney,Ethan rubbed my shoulder as he headed towards his office. I stood there blushing like I had just lost my virginity just by a single touch from him.I watched him walk towards his desk as the heavy glass door shut behind him.

The walk back to my desk was a very long judgemental one, I didn't have to raise my head to notice my coworkers staring into my soul. I wonder what they must have been saying all these while. Oh well that's their business cause I don't really care as long as I'm living the life.

I began stacking folders and returning missed calls. The calls were endless, while returning one another call was incoming.

Ethan's office,how may I help you? Sure no problem, I'll fix a date for the meeting. Hello Ethan's office, Kourtney Smith on the line,how may I help you? Alright please send in the files I'll get back to you tomorrow. The calls kept coming in. At some point I was handling two calls at a time so I could get every piece of information. Most of the calls that came in were interviewers who wanted to schedule meetings to interview the IT couple and trust me it was exhausting. A magazine called to have us on the cover of their magazine, I mean we basically run a magazine company too.

Hey K! Three figures stood in front of my desk as I wrapped up the last call. They were Matt, my work bestie whom I can't recall apologizing after our last argument, Maya from finance and Jack, the only gay guy in the company who's got a big crush on Ethan for months now.

Honestly I've never seen someone juggle a very stressful job and still maintain a very stressful contract relationship like you hun, Matt spoke as I tried arranging folders. Well I honestly don't think it's an arranged relationship, Maya said. Kourtney is really beautiful and I think any guy would find her attractive and even break his rules for her. If y'all want to meet with Ethan you'd have to come back tomorrow I said without looking up at them. Oh honey we're not here for Ethan, we just need the secret formula. Come on K don't gatekeep, spill the tea, how did you do it? What's the trick to transition from an assistant to an official girlfriend? Come on, tell us. Jack kept asking.

My hand tightened on a pen as I tried to maintain my composure. Well I don't have any secrets to tell you all. We just fell in love like two grown adults do and decided to make it formal.

But you didn't even like this guy, Matt said while laughing. Remember when you'd always call him a lazy nepo baby who had nothing to do but womanize. Kourtney I never thought I'd hear you say the word Ethan and love in the same sentence.

If I start bringing him his morning coffee with a little more... flair... Do I get to be his girlfriend too? Or do I need to start wearing shorter skirts to the Friday briefings?Jack teased as he leaned in closer.

I'm fascinated you guys took out time from your busy schedule to inquire about my personal life. I do have to go drop these files to the live of my life in there and maybe get a little kiss or something I winked at Jack as I walked towards Ethan's office.

You go girl, make sure you don't leave without a kiss. Oh I won't honey I said blowing jack a kiss.

I swung the heavy glass door open, Ethan leaning on his chair lifted his eyes up as I walked towards his desk, placing a single signed memo in front of him. Instead of pulling away, I lingered, leaning one hip against the mahogany.

Good job handling the board today,he said as he adjusted himself on his seat.I should be thanking you for the opportunity. You know Ethan,most assistants don't get to showcase personal designs or go to their boss's penthouse for dinner.It was part of the contract to keep the relationship alive in the office to ensure the workers had something to gossip about and outsiders who walk in for consultation or business meetings have something to tell once they leave and with the view of Ethan's office no one would miss anything happening in there except he puts the blinds down.

He stood up and grabbed me by the waist as I pulled closer towards him. I thought this was just an act to keep you in check but I'm starting to think you're actually developing some feelings Mr.

Just then his office door swung open, his Father Mr Jones walked in looking like the finest elderly man on earth.At seventy-seven, he possessed the kind of rugged, cinematic handsomeness that made age look like an upgrade. His grey hair was the right amount of grey, one would think he's an anime character. Ethan looked just like his father. Each time I look at Mr Jones I see Ethan in him.

My boy, you’ve finally shown some backbone. Your name and the company's name is all over the news, articles and blogs. All my friends and business associates have been talking non stop about you. I'm proud of you my boy. I see you've finally decided to be a man. Good Job. Get back to work and keep up the good work.

I followed him out of the door back to my table. In 15 minutes we'll reconvene for another meeting. I had to finish up the calls and attend to pending emails before the time.

At exactly 1pm everyone rushed to the general meeting room to get seated, the room was packed with staff from various departments and I must say they all understood the concept of all hands must be on deck, everyone came prepared, notes, iPads and laptops all lay on the desk.

Welcome everyone, we all know what's going on at hand and why this meeting is important, Ethan stood at the head of the table addressing everyone.

Lorel by Vance will be publishing their couple magazines a week away from ours, A ripple of panicked murmurs broke out. Ahem, Ethan cleared his throat. There's no need to panic everyone.we just need to publish ours as soon as possible, especially now that the company is getting so many pages in the newspaper, articles and blogs. We need to seize this opportunity as best as we can. I believe before next week we'll be ready to launch our idea. With that being said, let's get into business.

Roles were assigned to each department and in less than an hour we were up and doing. The sprawling glass boardroom was littered with half-empty espresso cups as everyone needed caffeine to keep them active, fabric swatches all over the floor making the room look like a gathering of fallen stars.

In one corner of the room, the Communications Team was glued to their headsets. They were confirming last-minute flights for external models and haggling with model managements.I don't care if the female model you're pushing is the President’s daughter, the Face of the Decade, or the actual Model of the Year,I know exactly what I picked, understand carefully that I am building a narrative of physical chemistry for a couple line and not a social media most famous model award issue. The PR head hissed into her phone, while another PR personnel waved a frantic thumbs up to Ethan across the room. For the next hours it was one dramatic calm to another one would think the magazine belonged to the PR head as she was violently responding to calls that came in. The Marketing Team huddled around a glowing terminal, their faces ghostly in the blue light as they finalized the digital look-book. They spent the evening reaching out to clients who were interested in buying pages and by 8:00PM they had sold out a good number of pages to high end boutiques and global buyers. The Cleaning Staff moved like ghosts, sweeping up threads,unused fabrics, stray pins and half empty espresso cups ensuring that the workspace remained as sharp and polished as the models who began trooping in for measurements.

In the middle of all the ups and downs going on, I was hunched over a pair of mannequins,my fingers trembling slightly from all the caffeine I've been taking.I was adjusting the female silhouette that was meant to perfectly mirror the sharp tailoring of the male counterpart. The designs are meant to represent a deep connection and reflect a story where one garment ended, the other seemed to begin, a visual conversation in silk and structure. I felt something was still missing but couldn't figure it out.

It's coming out perfectly, I turned towards the direction of the voice and it was Ethan. I just need it to be outstanding Ethan. He stepped closer, not minding the number of persons in the room, turned me to face the mannequins while wrapping his arms around me from behind. Just look at the chemistry the mannequins have with the fabric on and you're not done yet. He kissed my shoulder blade as he whispered,these are gonna come out perfectly. By this time the whole office gaze was on us. I could feel their sharp piercing eyes and could hear their nasty comments from their thoughts.

I looked away from the mannequins and caught Matt's gaze. He looked like he was watching his favourite romance movie and beside him was Maya who for some reason was mouthing You go girl to me as if I was performing for the crowd.

I turned to face Ethan, gave him a light kiss on the lips. The office shouldn't think I'm not reciprocating the love. I'm a perfectionist so I have to make it more magical.