FIVE: Kindness and Babe?

Maren's pov

I placed my bag into the back seat of the car and slid in. I greeted the driver that Gideon had sent to pick me up. And I am so nervous, I don't want to do too much so he won't have the wrong idea again.

I leaned my head against the window, I watched as rain splashed against the window . The weather in Seattle is unpredictable in Autumn, rain falling now and no rain in the next minute.

When Gideon called me last night, I was surprised, I wasn't expecting him to call regarding his attitude on the day we met. I really hoped he would apologise but he just called to tell me he wants to follow me on I*******m and he hired a stylist ?.

Hiring a stylist was a little insultive to me because I saw how he looked at my dress the other day. The car came to a halt and I didn't even notice that we were in an underground parking lot.

“Ma’am we have arrived” The driver said as he stepped out of the car before I could open the door to the back seat.

“Oh, Thank you” I was taken back when he opened the door. I grabbed my bag and stepped out of it. I was about to text Gideon when I noticed a tall figure coming towards me.

“Hey” he greeted me as he reached me, he slid an arm around me and took my bag from me.

My eyes widened in shock, do we have to do this in front of the chauffeur? “Hi..Hi” I chuckled nervously.

“Mr Harris” Gideon tilted his head to greet the man.

“Good morning boss” The older man smiled.

“Good morning” Gideon greeted the man.

“Let go babe” Gideon placed his hand on the small of back and led me towards an elevator.

‘Babe’ that new. Heat crept up my neck when his hand slid around my waist. “Is it okay if I hold you here” he whispered, his hot breath fanning my face.

I nodded, I didn't trust my voice, I might stutter, I need to get myself together and stop blushing. You have seen a lot of handsome men in your days, Maren.

‘But no handsome man had called you babe’ My inner conscience mocked.

‘Does Dylan count?’ I thoughted. No way am I about to compare these two. well Gideon is handsome but out of my league.

“This Elevator leads to my penthouse, so when ever you are coming over, you use it” he said as soon as we entered the elevator, he pulled away from me when thelevator door closed

Coming over? Will I be coming over a lot, I thought we just have to make an appearance at parties and date?. I need to read the contract again.

“So the stylist will be here twenty minutes” he glanced at his watch.

“Okay” I replied. My voice came out small as my mind had run miles.

I thought about quitting my job at the gallery to stop thinking about Gideon's arm which has been around me. Maybe I should renovate my apartment, rent another one or even buy one. Maybe paint more… I haven't thought about what to do with three thousand dollars a month.

The elevator stopped and we stepped into a hallway, Gideon led the way and opened the door to his penthouse.

When I walked I was amazed by the decor of his living room, the window was large and was facing the south lake union.

I stood where I was in bewilderment as I studied the living room, he had a few expensive paintings. I was so drawn to them that I didn't know when I moved closer to it.

“Wow it's an oil painting.” I touched the painting of a young girl on a swing. I didn't hear Gideon walk up to me.

“You seem to like the paintings” he said behind, I stumbled around almost falling but he quickly caught me. His face was closer to mine. So close that i could feel his breath on my face, he pulled me up and stood up straight.

He cleared his throat and turned away, I put my hair out of my face and spoke.

“I don't mean to touch your paintings, I worked in a gallery so…..”

“It's alright, you can always take a look at it” he assured and turned to me.

“Oh, thanks” I said, an awkward silence stretched between us. None of us spoke for a few minutes.

“Do you want me to show you around the penthouse?” He asked, breaking the silence.

“Yeah..yeah…I will like that” I rubbed my palms on my jeans.

“This way” he said, and walked towards the stairs.

A few minutes later, we are back at the living area and he is showing me his kitchen. “Do you cook a lot?” I asked before realizing what I had said and slapped my hand on my mouth.

“I am sorry, I don't mean to..” I am getting too comfortable. He laughed, it was deep and soft.

“Yes I do” he replies, I was grateful he didn't snap at me. Looks like he is trying to be nice.

The door bell chimed, “I think the stylists are here” he said and walked out the kitchen and I followed. Again I was nervous and I had never used a stylist, well I can't afford them.

Gideon opens the door and a man steps into the apartment, followed by a lady and another man who are pushing a clothing rack.

“ Gideon” The man called as he stepped closer to Gideon, kissing on both cheeks.

The man is slender and tall, but not as tall as Gideon. He had feminine vibe and he was elegant.

“Hi Antoine” Gideon smiled cheerfully, Antoine glanced at me and smiled stepping closer to me.

“You are the woman who had the entire internet talking, You are so gorgeous. No wonder Gideon had been with you for months without steering the other way” he gushed, his french accent slipping.

Internet? Rylee told me that Gideon went out with a woman and someone took a picture of them and they had to release a statement that he is in a relationship. So everyone will think that I am that woman.

I glanced at Gideon who was smiling at the both of us and I forced a smile.

“Gideon tell me, where did you meet this angel?” Antoine said, his hand hovering softly on my face. He tilted my face side to side as if inspecting an antique.

“That will be a story for another day, Antoine,” Gideon said.

“Oh pardon me, I am Antoine Sullivan” Antoine finally introduced himself, I chuckled softly at how gasped saying pardon.

“Maren Leander,” I smiled.

“Hmmm” Antoine touched my hair, “you have such nice hair”.

I could only smile back because I don't know how to reply.

“With no further ado, let go upstairs and get you dressed” Antoine grabbed my hand softly, “and when Gideon will see you again, he would have his breath taken away”.

After what felt days, I was now wearing a flowing yellow sequin halter neck gown, my hair was in an updo, I look at my self in the mirror and I was wowed. Turns out golden hoops suits me, I smiled at myself, I looked different.

“You look gorgeous, My dear. that smoky eyeline looks good on you” Antoine placed his hand on my shoulder, he passed me a clutched purse. “With those heels, you look beautiful”.

“Thank you” I smiled still looking at the mirror, I can't take my eyes away.

“You welcome but you can say that to your man too, he paid me well for this”. Antoine stepped away from me, “Now let go take away Gideon's breath”

I chuckled. only if he is into me, He made it clear I am not his type. Antoine leads the way down stairs and I followed about one meter from him.

When I stepped down the stairs, my eyes met with grey ones, I took a deep breath as I watched his face, he had did expression on his that I couldn't make out but quickly schooled his face.

What was that?.