Xavier's POV I kick a tiny sea shell and watch as it lands a few feet away from me. I immediately regret it aftwewards when a huge pile of sand fill my flip-flops. Great. This is just what I needed. I sigh feeling quite exasperated at the hot weather cooking my flesh, even the sand that crunches under my slippers is pissing me off. I dig my hands in the shorts pocket in hopes of it keeping me a bit grounded. Remind me never to listen to my PA again. "Why are we out here walking on the beach?" I ask looking over at a beaming Cassandra. Her long dull red hair flies wildly in her face but she makes no attempt to tie it away. We are finally in the Golden State after another tedious day spent in Chicago."Because the beach is fun and you're always cooped up in meetings and whatnot," she carefully step over a wash down sandcastle probably left there by a child earlier today. "by the way this is not only for you. I haven't been to the beach in a long time." "Look Cassandra," I stop walk
Zoey's POV I gulp down more water hoping the painkillers will kick in soon. Hissing at the sharp pain that sporadically jabs at the side of my head, I rub my temples in a soothing fashion in an attempt to alleviate some of the pain. I swear this is one of the worse day, having and experiencing a migraine is no small feat. Slowly shutting my eyes, I block out some of the harsh brightness in the well-lit room. Its so bright in here, I don't recall it ever being so. Heaving a low sigh, I prop a foot up to try and get comfortable on the swivel chair. The family doctor I saw two days ago had told me it would be normal to experience minor headaches here and there. However, if I feel it is something more, I should come in for a second exam. Might as well. I swear my head is going to damn explode!Calming my breathing and thoughts, I block out the noises around me. I lay like this position for God knows how long before my phone suddenly goes off in the silent room. Perfect. I take my f
Xavier's POV I curse under my breath as I look down at the vibrating iPhone in my palm. Getting a little irritated, I finally glance at the screen. "We're not done here," I say sternly to Zoey before accepting the call when it rings for the third time. "Hey baby," I sliently chaiste myself after realizing what slipped from my mouth. I really don't want to give this girl the wrong idea especially now since... Forget it. I shake my head in disbelief as I mindlessly caress my chin. I never thought seeing Zoey would be this hard. All my old feelings came rushing back to the surface, trying to suffocate me with so many buried emotions. It had gnash at my loosely bandaged wounds, effectively re-infecting my old scars. It seems like no time even passed between us. I'll be a fool to think otherwise though. If only I was just more open minded, things probably would have turned out differently. I can't erased what I did and I just ha
Zoey's POVThis wasn't a part of the fucking plan. Tears stream down my face as I recall that night when he told me he did not want a kid. Fast forward eight years later when I run into the same bastard and earlier than I actually anticipated. My body trembles as a new wave of fresh tears blur my vision. All those feelings from that night rushes back to me ten fold. My eyes water even more and goosebumps slowly dot my skin at the crippling memory. I lean my head back on the soft sofa, enjoying the sound of crackling charcoal. There's no need to cry. I repeat the small mantra to myself in hopes that these horrible feeling would go away. "Thought you might need this," I look up to see my sister with a wine glass and a bottle in her hands. She hands me the glass of what seem to be ruby coloured red wine. "Couldn't find anything stronger," "T-thank you," I reply hoarsely as I take the glass. I wipe the streaming tears from unde
Zoey's POV I really thought I could do this but I am so wrong. Dead wrong. I am only seated for a few minutes and I already want to bolt. The man who fucked up my life is sitting directly across from me. His expensive cologne is which is already infused with the cool AC drift to tease my nostrils ever so often. I subtly press my thighs together shamefully ignoring the heat that is there. Goosebumps slow erect on my exposed skin and I can feel my mouth starting to go dry. I frown when my hard nipples brush against my bra. No, you hate this man! You're just slightly aroused because you can't find dem damn batteries for your vibrator. Satisfied with that I exhale softly and slowly as I gain back control over my body. I can feel his eyes drilling into the side of my face but when I glance over at him he is looking up front. Prolly, it's just me. I swallow painfully blinking back the memories that slowly flood my brain once agaon. I tremble slightly hating the sudden temperature dr
Xavier's POV I watch silently as she removes the sleek phone from her ear. Rolling her eyes, she stuff it in her bag then swing it on her arm in one swift motion. I bite my tongue harshly trying to not recall what almost transpired between us a few seconds ago. I'm very grateful for that phonecall; even though I have some sort of self-control another second and there's no telling what could have happened. My neck and face feels flushed as fuck just thinking about it; I can feel beads of sweat roll from my neck down my Armani suit. I wanted to kiss her badly but I ain't touching her until she begs me to. "I have to go and I am resigning," Zoey's clipped tone snaps me out of my thoughts. I plop back down on the chair watching as she slip on her other shoe. Without another word she sashays out the door leaving me by myself in her office. Groaning in defeat, I rest my face in my hot hands. "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!" I breath out as I contract every muscle in my body to try and refrain from
Zoey's POV "Yeah, I'll be there tomorrow," I say to Tracy who is on the other end of the call. Realizing how stupid I was being ealier I called her a few minutes ago to explain my abrupt absence today. I told her that I had preferred to work from home, which is not entirely a lie plus I'm not ready to disclose my planned resignation just yet. I have to find a whole other job first. "Thanks, goodbye." "So?" Jaz ask as she sip water from the huge plastic cup. We're currently sitting at a small quiet coffee shop not too far from the hospital Ethan works at. "According to her she had no idea the company was even sold until he came in this morning. Apparently some shareholder twin whatnot sold their part of the company to Xavier," I say before munching on my cheese sandwich. I moan lowly, enjoying the spicy cheese and crunchy bread that melts in my mouth. She makes a stank face at the mention of Xavier before fanning me off, "Per favore. I'm not talking about Mr. Big Bucks, I'm taking
Xavier's POV The next day "I think this concludes the meeting for today." Tracy announce gaining everyone's attention at the table. Her shiny black straight hair bounce off her small shoulders as she stands. "Our lawyers will read through so we'll get back to you on that. In the meantime I'll call a meeting today to correctly inform the staff and give them a heads up," she sticks out a manicured hand towards me. "Xavier," "Tracy," I briefly shake her hand giving her a small smile which she returns. The rest of the board rises from their seats talking amongst themselves. "Good to see you again," "Same here," "I guess we'll be partners soon enough, huh?" "Can't wait for that," she lets out a awkward laugh before moving on to shake my lawyer's hand. Excusing herself Tracy joins the other men and women who are talking amongst themselves. She's obviously not too thrilled about the possible partnership but that's something she'll just have to deal with. I tuck my hands in my suit poc