TWO : Reputation and a brunette

Gideon's pov

I glared at my best friend, Jaxon as I drove into the underground parking lot of our headquarters. He laughed loudly when he noticed my stare. He knew I was annoyed about the idea of hiring a fake girlfriend . But I hate the fact that Jaxon, Rylee and Mr Eamon, the General manager of my team, are right, I need to do this if I want to have the sponsorship.

“You won't have to do this if you have not put your dick in someone else's wife” he laughed.

“Shut up” I hit the brake as I packed my car in an empty spot. “I didn't sleep with her”

“Really? Does it matter and now you are expected to have a girlfriend. You should be grateful, her face wasn't exposed” He teased, and we stepped out of my car.

“Fuck off”.

He guffawed loudly, then suddenly stopped and I looked at the direction he was staring at. It was a familiar White BMW and there the owner steps out of the car, “Oh shit, it is Riley Hugo” Jaxon faked awed.

As if she heard him, she turned and sneered “look who decided to show up” she placed her hand on her right hip, slapping the file in her left hand against her thigh.

Despite the fact she works for us, she doesn't hesitate to show her displeasure with us. “ Are you not just arriving too?” I asked, knowing it will rile her up.

“I have been here since an hour ago, dick. Everyone else has been” she turned, ignoring Jaxon’s presence.

“Hello to you too, Miss Rylee” Jaxon greeted even though he knew she wouldn't reply to him.

“Does she remember she works for us?” Jaxon sighed, sliding his hands into his pockets.

“She does and she knows she is good at what she does” I said and followed in her direction. When Rylee suggested that we tell the public that I have a girlfriend to make me look responsible as she always claims I am irresponsible, I disagree at first I don't want to, because of one picture of me and Shirley on the social media but I am stamped as the play boy of our team.

I entered the meeting room, Jaxon trailed behind me. My eyes fell on a wavy haired brunette, just like shirley. Golden eyes locked with mine. I stood there and stared into those eyes, something in me turned.

I only broke from the trance as Jaxon brushed past me. “ You must be the savior and the girlfriend” Jaxon’s voice echoed through the room as he reached the woman that Rylee had talked about.

She laughed softly and flushed as Jaxon pulled her from her seat. “I am Jaxon Merrick, Mi Lady” He kissed her right hand.

“I know who you are” she spoke, her voice was oddly calm and soft. And of course she knows who he is. I am sure she agreed to this because of Fame and to brag to her friends that she is dating Gideon Patton.

“Maren Leander” She introduced herself to Jaxon. Rylee walked up to them and pulled Maren from Jaxon but not before throwing him a look.

“Maren, please don't believe whatever she says about me just so you know she didn't like me that much and I am a very good person” Jaxon called after them, making Maren turn and laugh at him then turn her head to look at me, I frowned and she looked away.

I moved near the table and settled down beside Mr Eamon, he was furiously typing on his phone “Good morning Sir” I greeted, my eyes on Maren watching her every move.

“Good morning Patton” he slides his phone inside his suit jacket pocket. “Have you introduced yourself to Miss Maren?"

“No,” I replied shortly.

“I know that look, Gideon but you know it for your own sake and you should be grateful, she is doing it” Mr Eamon said.

“She is getting paid and gets to act like my girlfriend, she should be the one grateful” I grumbled.

“If you have only listened to Rylee and started away from the woman we won't be here today” he said and stood up, “c’mon let go say hi to the ladies”.

I wanted to argue but stood up and followed him. Jaxon had sat beside Maren, they were engrossed in a conversation. “Miss Maren” Mr Eamon called her, she stood up noticing me. Her perfume was soft, not choking like any other woman's. It carried a soft trance of lavender and floral.

“This is Gideon Patton,” Mr Eamon introduced.

“Maren Leander” she smiled and put her hand forward for a handshake. But I was busy judging her sense of fashion. A flower printed dress and jean jacket really, definitely not my type.

I stared at her hand before taking it. “Nice to meet you” I gave a tight smile.

“Nice to meet you too, Mr Patton”

I held her hand a little longer before releasing it, She gave me an awkward smile.

I and Mr Eamon sat near Jaxon, Maren and Rylee as the meeting started.

“Miss Maren, I hope all conditions are okay with you, I can email you the contract so you can make your own adjustments or point out anything that you don't want” Our team legal advisor, Mr Ridge asked.

Me and Maren hadn't said much since the meeting started, I just stared ahead of me to avoid looking at her but my eyes had minds of their own. They landed on hers.

“Okay. Everything is okay so far but I will do as you just said” she said softly, she looked away and stared at her hands which were on her thighs.

Why is she acting all good and calm? I frowned. Is she trying to pretend to be nice where Rylee gets her from?

“Mr Patton?” Mr Ridge called, cutting me from my thoughts.

“Do you want to make any adjustments, anything that doesn't sit well with you?” He asked.

“Hmm. I just want to make sure Miss Maren won't do anything uncomfortable to me, you know?” I blurted, glancing at her. Her eyes widened.

“Motherf**ker” I heard Rylee cursed under her breath.

“No…No..I won't..” Maren stuttered, tears welled in her eyes as if I had said something wrong.

“She should be asking that question, Mr Patton” Rylee glared at me, I could hear venom seeping in her voice.

I smirked, “Okay then, it is settled then” I stood up.

“I will email you both the contract” Mr Ridge said awkwardly, clearing his throat.