• Ilsa Morgan •
"I thought you were going to call me last night," Caleb said through the phone.
I felt my insides tighten with unease. I don't even know how o forgot to do it. "I fell asleep. I was exhausted."
"You didn't even text," he added. "Do you have any idea how jealous I was?"
"I guess this is why I want you for dinner." I said in my defense.
"Hmm. Trying to bribe me, are we?" he asked.
"Of course I am," I wanted to laugh.
"I really hate to say this, but I'll catch you as soon as you arrive at the office. I've got some sketches to finish," he said with a growl. "I hate this part of my job."
"Makes me wish I was born a millionaire. Maybe that way, we wouldn't have to waste time going to work," I said with a chuckle.
Caleb purred, "That'd mean we wouldn't have had the chance to meet then."
"And who said anything about us not meeting?" I smirked. "Maybe you were gonna bump into me in one of those fashion shows.....or I could have made you my designer."
"Or vice versa...." His voice was deep, "I would have been your boss, and you'd be my assistant."
I rolled my eyes. "How typical of you. Afraid of submitting to me, are we?"
"I'm just used to being at the top, that's all." he said.
"Oh great," I wanted to say something mean but then I realized it wasn't worth it. "Too bad, you're already under my spell. Catch you later."
"Sure, can't wait to see your pretty face."
I ended my call with Caleb, the last words trailing into a sigh as I placed my phone on the dresser. The conversation had been pleasant enough, but my mind was already halfway out the door. Dressing in a crisp blouse and tailored pants, I glanced at myself in the mirror, smoothing down the fabric, mentally ticking off everything I had to do today.
Once I was fully dressed, I opened my bedroom door and froze over what met my eyes.
Eric was standing there, leaning casually against the wall in a simple pair of jeans and a fitted t-shirt. My eyes traveled over him, taking in the effortless way he wore the outfit, and I couldn't help but raise a brow.
Oh gods, he was so tall.
"Do you… have something much better to wear?" I asked, the edge in my voice softening with curiosity. "Something a little more professional?"
He cocked a brow, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips. "Professional? Didn't bring anything like that. Maybe if my father hadn't left me in your care, I would've thought to pack something."
I let out a small, exasperated sigh. "Sorry… I guess I'm just used to paying attention to everything at work. Even the tiniest details."
Eric stepped closer, tilting his head with a playful grin. "So… are we ever going to have breakfast, or are you just going to rush me straight into your world of fashion chaos?"
I shook my head, picking up my bag. "Along the way, maybe we'll grab coffee or something. I'm already running late."
He raised his hands mockingly in surrender. "Fine… lead the way, boss."
I rolled my eyes, but a small, knowing smile escaped me. Today wasn't going to be easy… but it was going to be interesting.
I had so many things that needed my attention and a grown man who needed to always be under my surveillance. At least with one night down, it meant Mr Bolton was most probably coming back tomorrow or so forth.
I couldn't help the relief that washed over me.
Freedom was knocking at my door.
*
The doors of Vérité Fashion House opened, letting in the morning light that bounced off the sleek glass and polished floors. My insides tightened immediately, a mix of nerves and focus flooding through me. Coffee in hand, I stepped inside, brushing past a few familiar faces, all offering quick smiles and nods of recognition.
Kelly was the first to approach, clipboard in hand, eyes bright. "Ilsa! Signature, please?"
I let out a small sigh, raising my brows. "What's this?"
"Raw materials we're looking to acquire," she said, glancing at the papers.
I took the pen she offered, signing quickly, still balancing my coffee. "Anything else?"
She shook her head. "This should be enough for now… though James has been looking for you."
I let out a heavier sigh, slipping the papers into my bag. James, what the hell did he want so early in the morning? "Tell him I'll be at the top floor."
Eric, standing a little behind me, tilted his head, curiosity lacing his voice. "Hmm? Didn't think my dad would make you his junior."
"It all takes a lot of hard work," I replied, keeping my tone neutral, professional.
He exhaled slowly, eyes sweeping over the modern interiors. "This place… kinda looks incredible, really."
"Don't tell me you haven't been here before," I said, eyebrow quirked.
In his defense, he shrugged lightly. "I grew up in LA… what did you expect?"
I let the comment slide, pretending everything was completely normal, and guided him toward the elevator. The doors slid shut behind us, and the quiet hum of the ascent filled the space.
When we reached the 10th floor, the doors opened to reveal a stunning office with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Sunlight poured in, hitting a mounted TV on the wall and a sleek couch that looked as if it belonged in a luxury hotel lounge rather than an office.
Eric's gaze widened. "Uhm… what is this?"
"You're going to spend the day here while I work," I explained evenly, stepping aside. "Find something to do. Watch TV, look at the city… keep yourself occupied."
He smirked, folding his arms. "Do I look like a baby to you?"
"No," I said, keeping my tone clipped. "You look exactly like my boss's son… hence why I'm giving you special treatment."
Before he could respond, someone else approached us.
The elevator doors dinged open, revealing a brown haired man, with large blue eyes and a few stubble on his chin. He wasn't taller than me, but he was a firm muscular, wearing his dark pants and long sleeved shirt. Right.
He came a bit earlier than I expected.
"Ilsa, have you reviewed my proposal?" James asked.
Proposal? I froze in my tracks, realization slapping me. I had completely forgotten about the proposal I had asked James to send last week. I was supposed to go through it over the weekend. Damn me? My eyes flicked to Eric, who was watching the exchange with mild curiosity.
I needed a distraction, something that could buy me time to go through this whole proposal thing again. I simply hoped it wasn't too big, otherwise I'd be wasting my time.
"Eric…" I said, gesturing politely. "This is James. And James… this is Eric."
He offered his hand, a small, courteous smile on his lips. "Nice to meet you."
Eric shook it casually, his gaze flicking briefly toward the city view, curiosity still alive in his eyes. But one thing I was sure of, he wasn't really interested in any of this.
This might be his father's company, but I doubted his heart was into it.
"James, I have a task for you," I said.
James cocked a brow. "What task now?"
"I want you to take care of Eric, for the rest of the day." I said.
Eric frowned. "Excuse me!? I never asked for a babysitter!"
James growled. "I don't have times for your little games, Ilsa. I have a lot on my plate right now."
"I know. But I also have a lot on my plate too." I brushed a few loose strands behind my ear, my eyes staring at both of them. Eric was still frowning, the lines disrupting his smooth skin like he wanted to scare me. But the only problem was, I wasn't threatened. I looked back at James.. "I need time to go through your proposal. I didn't get the chance to read it over the weekend."
"What!?" James screamed.
"Yes." I said, noticing how pale his face was. "You're gonna get me fired!"
I smirked. "You're only going to get fired if I don't finish your proposal in the next two hours."
"C'mon Sophie!!!!" James screamed. "Can you be serious for once!? What were you even doing over the weekend? "
I looked at Eric, whose eyes were still glued to mine. "I was babysitting this overgrown teenager."
"You've got to be kidding me," James said.
"You guys are boring," Eric said, walking towards the couch. I could see he was looking for attention, but I didn't have the time to give it to him. "I need something interesting to watch."
Good. At least he was complying.
"Let's make a deal, James," I said softly.
James crossed his arms across his chest. "What sort of deal?"
"I'll go through your proposal as quickly as I can and submit it to Mr Bolton. But, I need you to do something for me in exchange." I said.
James narrowed his eyes. "What!?"
"I want you to stay with Eric," I intentionally raised my voice when I mentioned his name. And I noticed him looking at us for a second. "Make sure to keep him entertained and not bored.... otherwise, I won't have the chance to even go through your proposal."
James pouted his lips. "Uh? Why's he so important? Is he your brother or something?"
"No. He's Mr Bolton's son."
James widened his eyes in disbelief. "Seriously?"
"Yes." I said, nonchalant. "Which is why you must make him your top priority. If he is pleased with you, you might end up getting a raise."
"I don't think I can do it," James said.
"Too bad, I don't really care about your opinion in this, " I said. "Do what needs to be done, and I'll also do what needs to be done."